"Give birth to a child for me, and I will reward you with one million dollars."
Bella was startled. Her eyes widened upon hearing the offer she had just received.
Bella Stone was a young accountant recently laid off from a multinational company. Pressed for funds, especially for her mother's weekly dialysis, she sought help from a friend to find a job.
Renata Venya, a renowned makeup artist and a close friend of Bella's, presented an incredibly tempting offer.
"Come on, Bella. Just meet Julia. She is in desperate need of someone intelligent like you. I'm sure you'll be interested in the offer she will make."
Renata mentioned that Julia Estelle, a top model, was looking for a single, intelligent, and attractive woman to collaborate with her.
Bella thought that Julia wanted a partner for collaboration or, at the very least, an assistant. However, after making an appointment and meeting with Julia, she was shocked by the unconventional offer and request Julia presented to her.
"W-what? Giving birth to a baby for you?"
Julia grinned. The woman nodded confidently, confirming Bella's bewildered question.
"Yes, you heard it right. I will also cover all the expenses and care when you are pregnant."
Bella looked at her in disbelief. She was faced with a ridiculous and unreasonable offer for the first time.
“Why? Are you still confused?” Julia asked as if reading the confusion in Bella's expression. "Well..." Julia continued. "My husband, Edward Darkwood, and I have been married for three years. And my husband feels that it's time for us to have a child this year."
"So, why don't you just get pregnant and give birth?" Bella interrupted hastily.
She asked in amazement. After all, from Bella's eyes, Julia and her husband seemed perfect and healthy.
Bella knew that Julia and Edward were an attractive couple and came from an upper-class background. Moreover, the man was widely known as a successful businessman. But why did it sound funny and absurd when they sought someone else to bear their child?
"I'm sure you know who I am. As a famous model, I am required to maintain an attractive appearance. I'm sure you know that pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding can ruin one's appearance. That's why I'm looking for a woman with a clear background to give birth to our child."
Besides Julia, her husband, a handsome man, looked coldly at Bella. Since then, not a single word came out of his lips. Just a penetrating gaze. Just like a lion ready to pounce on its prey at any moment.
"B-but why me?"
"Because, according to Renata, you are the right person. Besides, I have also investigated your background. That's why Edward and I are confident you are the right woman to bear our child."
Julia smiled. She stared intently at Bella, who remained motionless. Julia knew that Bella must still be confused and unable to accept her crazy offer.
"Don't worry..." Julia said casually. Once again, she tried to convince her, hoping that the persuasion she gave would make Bella melt and agree. "The two of us will give you considerable money."
"How do I give birth to your child?" Bella immediately responded.
Julia then smiled smugly. Looking at her intently, she answered casually, "Of course, through the process of in vitro fertilization. Let's say Edward and I are renting your womb to nurture our future baby until it's time to be born."
Bella fell silent. She knew that the in vitro fertilization process required considerable money.
From Julia's explanation, Bella grasped the crucial point that she had to lend her womb to accommodate the future baby of the two people before her.
"How?" Julia pursued impatiently. "I know from Renata that you need a large sum of money. Again, don't be afraid; I will give you two hundred thousand dollars as a down payment right now. The rest will be paid in two installments. Certainly, during our collaboration, I assure you that you will not lack anything."
Bella became more conflicted. On one hand, she desperately needed the money Julia offered. But on the other hand, her heart was still hesitant to accept such a crazy offer.
Imagine she, a young, unmarried woman who didn't even have a partner, had to get pregnant and bear a child for someone else.
However, her mother's health was much more critical. After all, she had been working tirelessly to find a job to cover all the expenses for her mother's treatment, which were not insignificant.
"How about it, Bella? Do you want to accept my offer? And... during the pregnancy process, I ask that you stay at my house."
"Julia!"
In the end, Edward spoke up. The man turned and looked at Julia while shaking his head repeatedly. "You're going too far. Why bring her to our house?"
"Oh, come on, Honey." Julia smiled. She gently stroked Edward's cheek while trying to persuade him. "By bringing her home, I can easily control her condition. I must ensure she is in good health and everything is guaranteed."
"You are rarely at home. How can you control it?"
Julia smiled again. "There's you, Edward. Even if I travel and am not home, you can help control Bella's condition. After all, she's carrying our child. You must ensure that she is in good condition, right?"
Edward ran out of words, especially when Julia looked at him pleadingly to grant her request quickly.
Turning away from Edward, who had protested, Julia looked back at Bella. She signaled that she needed an answer right now.
"Opportunities don't come twice, Bella. If you agree, I will pay you immediately. So, make a favorable decision."
Bella was silent for a moment. As if racing against time, she tried to think realistically.
"All right, I accept your offer."
Bella thought, who else could give her so much money? Even though she had worked for a good company for years, her salary might reach hundreds of thousands and millions of dollars.
And now, just by being pregnant and giving birth, she could earn 1 million dollars. Julia was right; opportunities only come once.
"Great," Julia responded with a broad smile. "As promised, I will give you two hundred thousand dollars immediately. After that, I will take care of the agreement paperwork and arrange the schedule so we can go to the hospital together to meet the obstetrician I chose. But before that, I want you to start packing."
"Packing?" Bella furrowed her brow.
"Yes. Starting tonight, you must move and live in my and Edward's residence."
"Bella, what are you doing?"Jessica looked puzzled, carefully observing her daughter, who seemed hurried and busy packing clothes and other essential items into a large suitcase.Jessica was curious and wondered where Bella was going at this late hour. Moreover, her daughter had yet to mention or hint at any plans to travel shortly."I have to move, Mom.""W-what did you say? Move?"Bella then closed and fastened her suitcase. She turned, trying to maintain a calm expression so her mother wouldn't worry. On the way home earlier, Bella thought about what excuse to give her mother. That's why she tried to stay calm. A moment later, she smiled and replied, "I got a new job today, Mom.""You already got a job? Where, dear?"Jessica was increasingly curious. But, judging from her expression, she was also happy to hear that her daughter had finally found a new job after being unemployed for a while due to being laid off by the previous company."At one of Renata's friend's companies. She i
"Did you deliberately spy on me?"Bella froze. Whatever sins she had committed in the past, on the second day of staying at Julia's residence, it seemed she had once again made a mistake.Indeed, Bella had only intended to take in the morning air while strolling around the flower garden behind the house.While passing by the swimming pool, Bella paused to observe Edward, who had just emerged from the pool shirtless. For a moment, Bella's eyes were captivated. It would be a lie to say she didn't admire the athletic and proportional appearance of Edward's body.Unfortunately, due to being too engrossed, Bella lost track of herself. Before she knew it, Edward, who had been standing by the pool, was now right in front of her."Hey!" Edward's voice sounded again. "Are you deaf?""Ah, sorry, sir," Bella muttered when she realized."I think you deliberately stalked and spied on me."Bella shook her head. She wanted to protest, but she didn't dare. How could she, who was beautiful, innocent,
Bella received extra attention from Julia daily after the embryo transfer into her womb. The woman, who worked as a professional model, even went to great lengths to pay a considerable amount for a nutrition expert.Julia intentionally did this to determine and create a meal schedule for Bella—her effort aimed to support the embryo's growth in Bella's womb so it could develop nicely."Lilia, this is the meal schedule Bella should follow for the next few days. While I'm not at home, you should prepare and pay close attention to all of Bella's needs, no matter how small.Lilia nodded in understanding. After receiving the schedule from Julia, she briefly read it and agreed to the task. After all, she was paid to assist, fulfill, and ensure that all of Bella's needs were well cared for."All right, ma'am. I'll make sure Miss Bella consumes all the food you've specified.""Good," nodded Julia. "Also, don't forget to remind Bella to take the vitamins and medications prescribed by the doctor
In the dining room, Lilia patiently attended to Bella, who was enjoying her dinner. Without missing a beat, the woman served and ensured that every need of Bella was met."After this, you should have fruit pudding, Miss. Then, take your vitamins and medication, and get ready for rest."Bella nodded. She couldn't argue, even if she wanted to. Despite a lifelong aversion to pudding, she had to comply with the orders while staying at Julia's house and learn to try the healthy snack."Has Mr. Edward not had dinner yet? I haven't seen him since earlier," Bella asked curiously. Usually, when it was time for dinner, she always crossed paths with the man. But tonight, Bella didn't see him at all."It seems Mr. Edward is working late. Perhaps he is having dinner outside as well."Bella nodded. After all, she had no right to interfere with his activities. After finishing Lilia's pudding, Bella hurried to her room to rest."Here are your vitamins and medication, Miss."Lilia then handed a glass
Bella remembered well that she fell asleep shortly after Clara left her room that night.Several hours later, she woke up feeling thirsty. Slowly getting up, Bella immediately glanced around. Squinting at the nightstand, she believed it was only two in the morning.However, Bella felt like she had been sleeping for a long time. But, upon closer inspection, she realized she had only been asleep for about four hours.For some reason, that night she really wanted to drink cold water. Walking quietly, Bella decided to go to the dining room and get a glass of cold water.However, after finishing and heading back to her room, Bella was surprised. She found Edward, who had apparently fallen, sprawled on the floor.Bella took the initiative to help. She approached and helped Edward by taking him to his room. But, an unexpected event occurred. As she was about to leave, Edward suddenly grabbed Bella's wrist, preventing her from going anywhere."Mr. Edward? Do you need something?"Edward didn't
"Where are you going?"Bella's steps abruptly halted. She had already prepared to hurriedly leave the dining room. Truly, Bella wanted to play it safe. She was afraid Edward might call her to discuss last night's incident."I'm going back to my room, Sir.""Back?" Edward's eyes nAaroned reflexively. He gazed at Bella, who at that moment looked down as if afraid to meet his gaze. "Didn't you finish your food?"Bella immediately looked up. In her heart, she cursed her own foolishness for not being able to give a convincing answer. After all, if she wanted to play it safe, why not just say she had a stomach ache or urgently needed to use the restroom? Surely Edward wouldn't ask or give a lengthy response."Y-yes. I, uh---""What's wrong? Is there something important that made you stop eating?"Furthermore, Edward wasn't blind. He could clearly see that there was still a lot of food left on Bella's plate. Even if she was full, why take an excessive portion from the beginning only to end u
"Miss Bella, what are you doing?"Clara sounded concerned. Her face looked worried upon seeing Bella entering the kitchen and searching for some ingredients in the fridge."I'm bored and I feel like cooking dinner for myself tonight."Clara's brow immediately furrowed."Cooking? What do you want to eat? Just tell me. Let me prepare it for you."Bella smiled. Instead of listening, she continued to search for something in the fridge. Shortly after, she took out some frozen meat from the freezer and various types of vegetables and fruits."No, Clara. Please allow me to cook it myself. I miss eating my own Lancashire and Roast Meat.""But, Miss....""Just this once."Bella looked at Clara pleadingly, hoping she would allow her to cook and prepare her dinner herself just this once."Please," Bella said again."Alright. But just this once. If Miss Julia finds out, she'll be angry."Bella smiled happily. After getting permission, she quickly started preparing the ingredients she had taken fr
Edward just parked his Jeep Mercy G Wagon in the shooting arena's parking lot at Picadelli Shooting Arena. As he entered, he was greeted by Shawn, Samuel, Kairos, and Raphael, who had arrived earlier and were already playing.After being away for a while due to his busy schedule, Edward rejoined his friends today for shooting practice. Besides, he also had some matters to discuss with Samuel immediately."Goodness, Edward. You took forever. I've been bored without a decent opponent all this time."Kairos Maxweel grumbled. Among the five of them, they all shared the same hobbies: horseback riding, archery, and shooting. However, it was Kairos and Edward who had above-average skills in using firearms.Edward himself had a strong interest in shooting sports since he was a child. Moreover, his father, Eduardo Darkwood, fully supported his hobby. He even went as far as enrolling him in Kairos's father's shooting school."There were many things I had to take care of. Besides, you could spar