003

GLORIA 

I could hear the monitor beating steadily as I forced my eyes open. The bright atmosphere humbled my sight immediately, and I shut my eyes, breathing heavily as my chest pounded rapidly.

I opened my eyes again and I looked around. I was the only one in the room, a cannula was connected to my veins causing me pain. Since I got pregnant, my body has become extremely sensitive to motion. 

I couldn't move for a moment and I tried to breathe. “Where am I?” I asked myself—but it was obvious that I was in a hospital. My head banged, I tried to recall what had happened.

I passed out in the middle of the streets when I almost had an accident. I was definitely brought to the hospital by the driver.

My chest aches, recalling what had caused me to face such an incident. Steven had cheated and deceived me for four years. I was such a fool for trusting a man so much.

I touched my stomach as I recalled that I was pregnant. My child was the only one I had in my life now. Being a struggling orphan in this cruel world, I only had this baby with me. And I wasn't thinking of finding its father.

I waited on the doctor to come , I wanted to know of my condition and about my pregnancy. It was my first baby so I was so curious to know.

I picked up my mobile phone, it was inside my purse beside the bed. I called Liana's number. My best friend and the only woman who'd stood by me all these years.

We left the orphanage together when we were sixteen and we worked hard to finish school. Liana has been on my side for years but recently, she'd cut me off because I'd chosen Steven over her.

Steven wanted us to end our friendship and I stupidly agreed to stay away from Liana. He told me she was a bad influence, she never supported our union. I'd thought that she was jealous because I had a more settled life than hers, I never thought that she was right all along.

Steven was a total jerk and not worthy of my love.

As soon as I finished my phone call with her, the door opened and the doctor walked inside, followed by a familiar man. 

His well chiseled jaw was clenched, his eyes were as dark as his hair and his tanned face was cold. His handsomeness was godly. He was built in the image of a Greek god. I couldn't stop staring at him while I recalled I'd met him earlier at the fertility hospital.

I couldn't understand why he was here but the doctor introduced us to each other.

“Mrs Hartford” the doctor called out calmly.

I stared at him in shock because we weren't familiar. But he already knew my name. “W.. who are you? How do you know my name?”

“I had you investigated, Gloria.” The strange man standing next to the doctor spoke, moving closer as he took a seat beside me. 

I moved a bit.. 

“ Doctor, is my baby okay?” I asked, turning away from him while I placed my hands over my stomach. 

“Yes, the baby is fine. If you do not mind Mrs Hartford, we'll like to speak with you regarding the pregnancy…” he said calmly.

“W.. what about it? I hope I'm not going to lose my baby?”

“No, of course not. In fact…”

“The baby is mine!” The man's husky voice interrupted the doctor's speech. “You were inseminated in place of my surrogate at the fertility hospital. You're carrying my child Gloria Hartford. And I just found out that you're married…” he stated, gritting his teeth hard as if he was angry.

I stared silently at him. Hoping that he wouldn't insist I terminate the child. My heart pounded heavily inside me.

“Please let me keep the baby.. please sir” I begged, still using my hands to shield my stomach. Even though it was a so-called mistake, the baby was inside me and it's mine now. I didn't want to lose it.

He squinted his eyes, glaring at me suspiciously.

“I promise I won't ask you for money or anything. Just let me keep it” 

“Why do you want to keep my child, woman? Do you know who I am?” he asked calmly. 

I shook my head not knowing what else to say.

From his tone, he might not let me keep the pregnancy. His aura exuded power and dominance. His finely tailored suit was definitely not something I can afford if I worked my ass off for years.

“I'm sorry…” I apologized calmly.

“I'm Dylan Walter. From the Walter family.” He finally introduced himself. 

I was dumbstruck for a moment. He was the famous Dylan Walter whom Steven spoke about. 

For years, I'd helped Steven work on projects which he'd sold to the Walter Tech Company. New York's largest technology company. Now, I'm accidentally carrying his child. The same man Steven worshipped.

“I guess you know who you're messing with now,” he said. “If I let you keep my child, how do you intend to raise him? The last time I checked, your husband is sterile and cannot get you pregnant which is why you've been kicked out.” He explained.

“Wow..” I said. “You surely have a thing for investigating someone's private life, Mr Walter.” 

“Do you have a job?” He asked.

“No, I don't. But with my skills, I can easily get one. I promise, the baby won't suffer..”

“That's not an option, Miss. I'd advise you to sign these so we can proceed to talk about the wellness of my child. I assume your marriage has ended?” 

I stared silently at him and wondered if he'd done this on purpose. Investigating me and ruining my marriage with the insemination. He must've known me before now.

Dylan Walter, a wealthy billionaire becoming my baby daddy by chance. This was certainly unbelievable!

He tossed a file to me as he stood up, sheltering his hands into his pockets.

“Surrogacy contract” I read out loudly. 

He was paying me $1million to keep the child..

“W.. what is this? No! I can't accept it! I'm not selling my child to you, Dylan!” I flared in rage.

A cold silence followed and then I spoke again. “I'd rather raise my child without your help. Besides, you said it yourself, my marriage with Steven has ended. I do not intend to be held back by another man!”

“No child of the Walters would be raised outside the family, Gloria. I'd advise you to accept my terms and move in with me as soon as possible. You know my status in the city and what I'd cause for you if anyone finds out you're carrying my child. As the mother of my heir, I advise you to consider the image of my child and protect him.” Dylan explained..

I couldn't help but think about it. I knew I wanted the child as much as he does. But it stated in the contract that I wouldn't have any contact with my baby after he's been born. How can I accept that? 

“I need time to think about my decision, please” I said. 

“Fine! You just have twenty-four hours to make a decision. My contact card is on the file, you can call me when you finally decide and my assistant will come get you!” He said, and I watched him leave without sparing me a glance.

***************

The night ended quickly and soon it was another day. I'd spent all night reading the contract and understanding its terms. 

Dylan was only giving me an opportunity to become a mother for money which I couldn't accept. I received a phone call from Liana and I told her to come get me. I couldn't stay in the hospital anymore and I didn't want Dylan to force me into signing the contract.

The nurse had just finished a round of check up when the door opened and Liana rushed inside. “Gloria, oh my goodness. What happened?” She asked me 

I couldn't help but burst into tears as I had a lot to tell her. I'd lost my marriage just as she predicted and I was pregnant for another.

Fate played a cruel one on me and I regret it. She hugged me tightly as I narrated everything to her. I could feel her rage as she clenched her fists. “Steven is such a coward! I swear I'd make him pay if he ever comes close to you!” She declared.

“I'm so sorry for not believing you..” I continued to sob into her arms…

After Liana and I spoke, the doctor soon announced my discharge and we packed up the remaining of the breakfast she brought me. 

I was going to stay in her apartment for a while to settle. I didn't think I'd want to sign the surrogacy contract but she insisted we took it..

We made our way outside the hospital as Liana already ordered a taxi to pick us up.

Just as we reached the exit, I heard a familiar voice call out my name.

“Gloria, what the hell are you doing here? Did you already get rid of that bastard?” Steven yelled out angrily as he made his way towards me, ignoring Lily who was standing by him. 

He grabbed my arms, pulling me away.

“Let go of me, Steven! You're such a jerk and a cheat. I regret ever getting married to you!” I screamed out…

Liana stood up for me as well. She hit Steven hard on his face, the slap resounded and he almost lost balance.

“Let go of her!” 

Steven stared at me coldly. “Gloria, I see you've grown wings. I already gave you a chance and I thought you'd do the right thing. It seems you're still keeping that bastard! It's only right that I divorce you! My lawyers would send you the documents! Sign them and get the hell out of my life for good!” Steven declared.

But I was ready for his charade.

“Make sure he sends the files now so I can sign. I cannot stand a cheating man!”

“Cheating? You cheated on me Gloria! Sleeping with another man just to quench your thirst for carrying my child. You've only been with me for my money so I'm not surprised!”

“Oh, if that's what you think about me, Steven! Then you're nothing but a jerk! I helped you behind closed doors for years, building your wealth. And you stand here to accuse me of infidelity? You lied to me! You are nothing but a sterile jerk who plunge his dick into his so-called secretary!” I screamed out in rage. 

Steven got provoked, he raised his hands to hit me. “How dare you speak to me that way!” He declared.

There was a brief silence and when I opened my eyes, Steven's hands were hung up in the air, in the hold of Dylan! “How dare you lay your hands on my woman!” He growled.

Steven's eyes widened in shock as he realized who his opposition was. “M.. Mr Walter? How do you know my wife?” He questioned.

“Ex-wife, Steven Hartford! She's no longer yours. Gloria is pregnant with my child! She's my woman now!” He pushed Stevens hands off as he moved closer to me

“Are you alright, Gloria?” He asked. Even though I felt a bit dizzy, I shook my head. “No, I'm fine. Please get me out of here” I begged him.

“Gloria, what's going on? How did you get preg

nant by my boss?” Steven questioned me but I was in no position to respond.

Dylan leaned down and carried me in bridal style into his car…