CHAPTER FOUR — A LIFE CHANGING OFFER.

Chapter 04.

A LIFE CHANGING OFFER.

Brianna's POV.

Wrapping my fingers around the warm cup of coffee which I held close to my mouth, I brought back Mr Yang's words to mind. Could it be that he knew all along that I was a single mother? On a second thought, it couldn't have been that he knew all the while.

I mean, if he knew, then why didn't he say anything about it? He should have said something about it. Besides, he mentioned that he heard me call out the name a few times. That must have been the only way he got to know. But then again, what if he knew and was only trying to help me keep my secret?

I exhaled sharply, as I brought the cup closer, enough for it to make contact with my lips. Hayley had gone to pay for the cups of coffee. However, I wondered what was taking her so long to return.

If anything, whatever she'd to say to me better be worth it. Because I wouldn't decide to leave Jason all by himself at home and come out here just to while away time and catch up on the things we've missed from each other's life.

“I am so sorry I took so long.” she said, her voice broke in on my thoughts as she settled on the chair which was on the other side of the round table. “The card reader had some issues.”

“Oh, sorry about that.” I said, dropping the cup of coffee on the table. “Is it sorted now?”

“Yes, it is.” she said, with a smile. “A young man was able to help out with it. Oh, there he is.”

I turned around to see who she was talking about. However, all I saw was the back view of the man on a black hoodie leather jacket, leaving the coffee shop.

“I am glad he was able to help.” I said, returning my attention to her. “However, we should make it quick. Jason's alone by himself at home. So, I can't stay here for long. Why did you bring me out here? What offer do you have for me?”

“Alright, let's get straight down to it.” she said, scuffing her chair closer to the table as she leaned in. “There's this couple who need a surrogate mother.”

“What?” — the retort sprang out of my lips as I crinkled my face at the word.

“Hey, before you say anything, let me finish, alright?” she said, trying to get me not to create a scene. “Look, I know what you've been going through, Brianna. However, I'm just trying to help here. The wife is scared of childbirth and all. So, all you need to do is get pregnant for him and get your money; the pay is beyond your imagination.”

“Oh yeah?” I said, with a hint of sarcasm in my voice. “And you're still here? If the pay is beyond my imagination, then why haven't you done it yet?”

“Well, you know?” she said, with a shrug of her shoulder. “I am still single. Besides, I don't want to have anything to do with childbirth now. But you've gone through the process before. You've had the experience. So, it shouldn't be much of a big deal for you.”

“Is that what you really think?” I asked, narrowing my gaze at the words. “Have you forgotten so soon? Or need I remind you that I almost lost my life when I had Jason, huh? Have you forgotten? And you want me to go through that again? No, I'm good.”

“Look, I understand what—”

“No, you don't!” I yelled, as a flash of temper lighted my eyes. “You don't understand how I feel. You'd no idea what the experience was like for me. I saw my life flash before my very eyes. If I wasn't fortunate enough, then I would have died that very day.”

“Keep your voice down, Brianna.” she said, speaking through her teeth. “You are attracting unnecessary attention to us. Besides, you're still here. You might have come this close to losing your life, but you're still here. Alive. What does that tell you?”

“What does that tell you!” I shot back, my eyes glittering with anger. “I am not going to do that. Not again. I don't know what would happen this time if I attempt another childbirth. We can't be so sure. What if I lose my life in the process, huh? Have you thought about that yet? You're only going to mourn me for a few days and that's it. But who's going to take care of Jason, huh?”

“Brianna—”

“Yes, that's exactly what I thought.” I said, cutting her off with an edge to my voice. “I am not going to put my life on the line again. And neither am I going to gamble with the safety of my son. He's all I have right now.”

“You still don't get it, do you?” she said, shaking her head. “Think about it, Brianna. You've just been fired with little or no hopes of getting a new job because you're a what? Remind me again. Oh, a single mother. How long do you think the money Mr Yang gave to you would last for? How long do you think I'm going to continue giving you, huh? Think about it. The same Jason you're trying to protect right now would still blame you for bringing him into this world when you exhaust that money with you and there's nothing else to spend or no one to run to.”

“So, what are you trying to insinuate?” I asked, raising a brow. “That I become a surrogate mother just because I'm in need of money? I'm only in need, Hayley. I'm not desperate to have it. Besides, let me remind you that I went through a Cesarean Section just to have Jason. I'm not going through that again.”

“Think about it, Brianna.” she said, looking me in the eyes. “This is a life changing offer; one you can't afford to miss. We're talking about ten million dollars here.”

As she made mention of the amount, my heart shook. Even though I didn't want to harbor the thought in my mind. However, I found myself already thinking of a million and one ways which that money could be put to good use.

Well, she wasn't wrong when she said that the reward was beyond my imagination. But still, was it worth the pain of going through another delivery?

“Are you sure it's something you don't want to do?” she added, raising a brow. “I am sure that money would go a long way. In my opinion, it would even go a longer way than the one Mr Yang gave to you. Look at the big picture, Brianna. You won't have to suffer anymore; Jason will attend the best of the best schools, and you'll give him the life you've always wanted. Isn't it worth it?”

“It is, but can I get the night to think about it, please?”