Chapter One

ALEXANDER'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?