“Why didn’t you tell me you are the mother of my kids, Emma?” His countenance is soft but stern. “It was a contract.” My voice falters. He didn’t choose fatherhood. She didn’t choose him. But destiny and betrayal leave them with no choice at all. Billionaire Alexander Willoughby built his empire on control. Then his grandparents stole his DNA to create the heir he never asked for. Betrayed and furious, Alexander vowed never to be manipulated again. Emma Johnson thought the surrogacy contract was simple: carry a baby, save her mother, keep her sister in school, and walk away. She never planned to meet the children she birthed. She never planned to fall in love with them—or with their father. Now, as the nanny to twins Bernard and Bernice, Emma’s secret has exploded. Alexander feels deceived. Emma feels cornered. And circling them both is Sophia, Alexander’s ex and Emma’s stepsister, who is determined to tear them apart and claim the life she thinks she deserves. Neither planned this bond. Neither wanted these stakes. But the twins they share will tie them together in ways neither can escape. When secrets ignite, pride shatters, and desire grows impossible to resist, walking away may no longer be an option. A story of power, betrayal, sacrifice and a love neither of them saw coming.
View MoreALEXANDER'S POV
There are lots of things to be unaware of but having your sperm stolen?
I stride through the polished halls of my penthouse suite, exuding confidence with every step. This penthouse has been part of my life since I was born. As an older son, my demands were always met and I liked taking charge to ensure things always move in the right direction. One thing I can say about myself is that I'm used to being in control, both in the boardroom and the bedroom. My reputation as a playboy precedes me, and I've grown accustomed to the admiring glances and knowing smiles from women who seek a taste of the lavish lifestyle I can provide.
Today, however, my customary confidence is rattled when my grandparents summon me to their opulent estate. My mind races with possibilities—what could this sudden meeting be about? I push open the massive double doors that lead to their lavishly decorated sitting room. There they are, seated on their ornate thrones of plush upholstery, looking every bit as formidable as I remember from my childhood.
"Alexander," my grandmother says, her voice regal and unwavering. "Sit down, dear."
My heart rate quickens. Something is off. They exchange a glance, and my suspicions are confirmed. This isn't just a routine family gathering.
"What is it, Grandmother? Grandfather?" I ask, attempting to maintain my composure.
"We've decided it's time for you to settle down," Grandfather says, his voice gruff but sincere.
"Settle down?" I chuckle, trying to mask my discomfort. "I've built an empire, conquered the business world, and enjoyed every pleasure life has to offer. I'm not ready to be tied down to one woman."
Grandmother sighs, her gaze unwavering. "Alexander, you can't continue on this way forever. It's time for you to consider the legacy you'll leave behind."
"I am building a legacy, one that will last for generations," I counter.
"Your empire is impressive, no doubt," Grandfather replies, "but there's more to life than just business success. We want to see you happy, with a family of your own."
The room falls silent as their words hang heavily in the air. A family of my own? The idea seems preposterous. I've never let anyone get close enough to threaten the walls I've carefully erected around my heart. Love is a weakness—a vulnerability that I cannot afford.
"And that's why," Grandmother continues, "we've taken matters into our own hands with a surrogate."
My mind reels, struggling to comprehend their audacious plan. A surrogate? For me? The anger surges within me, and I stand, my voice laden with frustration. "Absolutely not! I won't be manipulated into this farce. I make my own decisions, in business and in my personal life."
Their faces remain impassive, knowing full well that my temper would flare. It's the one aspect of myself that I've never been able to rein in, and they exploit it now.
"We understand your reservations, Alexander," Grandmother says calmly. "But hear us out. This isn't about manipulation; it's about love and family."
I clench my fists, torn between my love and respect for my grandparents and my determination to stand firm in my beliefs. But no matter how I struggle to fight it, a seed of doubt has been planted.
As I storm out of the room, the unresolved tension hangs in the air, and the future feels more uncertain than ever. My heart races, torn between anger and curiosity. I never expected my grandparents to orchestrate my romantic life, and yet, as much as I want to reject their plan, a part of me wonders if children are what I need right now.
I vow to myself that I won't easily give in to their proposal, but deep down, I know that this battle has just begun.
I pace forward then, backward, looking into their old faces and grey hair. I come to a halt right in front of them.
"Grandfather, Grandmother. I appreciate your effort but, I do not want a complicated life. I have had enough to deal with already."
"My dear, we understand you but we have no other choice than to make you a father through surrogacy. We considered the fact that you might not want a woman now."
"We love you, Alexander. And so do we know what is best for you."
I shake my head. How lovely they are but their decision is just the opposite. My eyes shuffles between Grandmother’s pearl earrings and Grandfather’s grey hair although, my mind reel with a lot of clips from a messed up past and how it is never possible to become vulnerable anymore.
"You do not need to worry yourself, Son. We will take care of everything. You are just the father and I am sure you will do great, Grandmother stands up, reaching for my arms with her hands. Her sharp and sweet cologne meets with my nose. It seems to calm all the anger flowing through my veins.
I clear my throat, not wanting to sound grumpy, "So, I guess my only role here is to be the father."
"Hmm." Grandfather nods his head in affirmation.
"Being a father comes with roles and responsibilities. Do not fret, it is within your power." Grandmother adds, slowly seating back into the plush chair.
I sigh with my eyeballs rolled up. When she speaks this way, I know it is a hectic chore.
"Honestly, I can not afford…," I break off in frustration. "It's alright."
There is a silence that speaks volume. I find discomfort in the silence as I imagine briefly what it would be like to have children all over the house.
I blurt, "It is quite embarrassing that I would have to give you my sperm."
Grandmother chuckled, "Of course not. We are your parents. You do not have to feel that way. Besides, you won't have to feel embarrassed because we have it already."
It feels like my ears were mishearing. My eyes widen in utter shock as I wrap my head around Grandmother's last sentence. How on earth?
"How?!"
"Be calm." Her soothing words sink into my ears.
"How can I be, Grandmother? How can I be calm? We are talking about a long process of release, so how did you get my sperm?" Furious, I place my hands into my hair.
"You don't have to know, son. All you should care about is the safety, wellbeing and the future of your seed," For a moment, Grandfather sounds like a tyrant.
The only question in my head is, how the hell did they get my sperm?
ALEXANDER'S POVI toss restlessly on my bed. Sleep is now my enemy, afraid of enveloping my eyes even for a minute. I stretch to put on the lamp.Its soft glow encircles my bedroom, making the curtains look like the hanging skirts of ancient men. I move forward to shifting the thick curtains aside, leaving the curtain linens untouched.The faint rays of the full moon tears through them. My room feels dark and at the same time, lightened. I lay back, covered in moonlight and lamp light.For weeks, my mind feeds on unease. My pride has been injured. Everything tastes meaningless. I barely eat breakfast and dinner with my family.Few days ago, Grandmother's voice made me stop right in my track. I had no idea she was there. She probably waited in the dark, waiting patiently for me."Alex honey, why have you become so distant?"I bet she hadn't washed her mouth.I turn to find her face."Don't bother searching for me, speak.""Nothing. I need my space.""I'd assume you are working towards
EMMA’S POV"Is there a problem, Emma?" Nurse Stella raises her head from the computer, with that warm smile always stuck on her face.The urge to ask her becomes stronger, maybe it is because I find her endearing smile comforting.Torn between professionalism and my crazy inquisitive mind, in hesitation, I nod my head in the negative."Not at all." I give a curt smile."Alright. Give me few minutes and I'll print out something for you." She stands up from her chair and made for the door.As soon as the door closes, I check for any camera. I am not sure but I feel I am being watched. I almost reach for the computer in an attempt to search through the files for any name attached to mine—it could be the intended parents—and then, I hear footsteps.I withdraw my hands, acting as though I just cleaned a speck from the computer.Phew. I gasp, grateful I did not do more than that.Nurse Stella walks in gracefully to her seat."I'm back. I hope I'm punctual." She smiles."Of course." I retur
EMMA’S POV"Mum, how are you feeling?" I sit beside her on the plush couch, hanging her a bowl of chicken soup spiced with vegetables."I feel better," She says, letting out a small smile, "thank you, Emma." She scoops some soup into her mouth.I heave a sign of relief knowing that we no longer live in that tight house with a kitchenette. After the first installment, I paid for mum's complete health care, paid for the spacious house we now live in,—a three bedroom bungalow, furnished with nice couches, springy beds, ventilators and a large kitchen—started a personal saving plan, stocked the storage and refrigerator with food supplies.For a moment, I feel alive. Being able to take care of our needs is a relief but the price—surrogacy journey—is one I have to face alone. I haven't had the courage to tell my mother about this deal."Work is paying off well." Mum asks in between thick coughs.I scratch the sudden itch in my hair, "Yes. Plus savings. It was tough but we did it." I end wit
ALEXANDER’S POVMy phone rings continuously.Who the hell would call me by this time? I doubt if it is work calls because I made it an announcement: "No calls at 10 pm."I stretch my hands to the bedside drawer, the thick grey duvet falls off, exposing my hairy chest and briefs as I shuffle my fingers in search of my phone."Oh, Stephan." I grunt. Maybe he's around. I dial his number, hoping he does not take his call."Man, this is past 10 pm." I say as soon as I hear his voice over the phone."Yeah, I know. I'm at your place.""Are you mad at your bed? Do you ever sleep?" "I do. Not just as early as you do." He chuckles."Oh, heavens!""I'm downstairs. Either you meet me here or I come in there."I throw the phone alongside my body, yawning. I am extremely tired. Not because of today’s endless supervision. I am exhausted because of the situation I find myself in.I drift off to sleep only to hear series of banging on my door, each bang getting louder. Enraged, I get up from the bed,
ALEXANDER’S POVThe magnificently carved doors swing open at the gentle push on its handle. The lightning from the room makes the gloom in my eyes fade off.Gold. The new theme for the dining room. It looks like royalty, seeing the heavy gold curtains slightly spread apart, revealing the darkening sky and misty floating clouds; the chandelier hanging beautifully atop, the scented candles on every candle stand and the chairs emitting sparkles at the reflection of the light.The huge table in the middle of the room seems smaller with all kinds of dishes and desserts laid on it. It has always been this way for as long as I can remember except for the change of colors every forth-night: purple, gold, silver, green, white and rarely, black. They seem like a pattern of circle, going round and changing with the use of servants and helps.The sound of busy cutleries, delightful conversations and laughters fill my ears. I feel no bubble as I use to because nothing has been exciting for me this
EMMA’S POVReally. It would be nice to be in attendance. I can only grin at the handwritten note at the back of the flier.My eyebrows lift up in realization as I turn to the front page. My eyes widen at every detail, ideas lighting up in my mind.I could not help but pace up and down my room, thinking of taking up this chance. The money is huge even when paid in installments. This could mean a whole lot of change for mum's health and Hilda's fees.I take my phone and do a quick research. I breathe in, my face pressed to the wall. Thoughts of what Mother would say envelopes me but, this decision is for her wellbeing too.I jump on my bed with my hands reaching for my phone. I copy the email address and commence with the main application. My hands wobble as I type, wiping off and making corrections.Eventually my text reads,Willoughby Clinic, I am writing to express my heartfelt interest in becoming a gestational surrogate, providing the precious gift of parenthood to intended parent
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