Chapter 5

Serena’s POV

It was a Tuesday morning and I was helping Maria in the kitchen when my phone rang. I rinsed my hands and rushed to pick up the phone when I glanced at the screen and froze staring at Dr. Kane’s name. 

“Aren't you going to answer that?” She asked, and I slid the answer button. 

I took a deep breath before answering. “Hello?”

“Good morning, miss Serena,” he responded. “The client has gone through your file and he is ready for the surrogacy to commence. We can schedule the procedure this week if that's fine with you.”

I had completely forgotten about it. Somehow, there was a sting of regret resting in my heart, but there was no turning back. “This week?” I asked. 

“Yes,” he replied. “We need to start as early as possible. How does tomorrow sound?” 

I held my breath, and calmed my nerves. I already took the money. What more could I say? 

I looked around the kitchen, and smiled at Maria as she hummed softly while chopping the vegetables. 

“Yes,” I said finally. “Tomorrow is fine.”

“Good,” Dr. Kane said. “My driver will pick you up at nine.”

The line went dead and I returned to making breakfast with Maria.

~

The next morning, the driver arrived exactly on time. He was dressed in a black suit, silent except for the polite greeting he gave me. I got into the car, counting the time as we drove. 

At the hospital, Dr. Kane greeted me gently yet in the same composed way he always did. “You’re right on time. We’ll begin with a few standard tests before the insemination process.” 

I nodded like a fool and stayed quiet. The nurses helped me change into the hospital robe and I lay back in the chair, staring at the white ceiling lights. My hands felt cold, but I squeezed tighter to keep them warm. 

“This will be quick,” Dr. Kane said calmly. “Just relax and breathe normally.”

I obeyed Dr. Kane feeling no pain, only the sense of what was happening. 

Luckily I wasn't a virgin. I had my first boyfriend in college and he broke up with me on my graduation night. Worse, he cheated with my roommate.

It was over before I knew it. I sighed, holding back the tears. 

“You did well,” Dr. Kane said as I sat up. “Now, we wait.”

That was the problem. Waiting was harder than I thought and every flutter in my stomach made me wonder if I was already pregnant. I guessed at every small ache. I had to distract myself with books, cooking and cleaning anything I could find, but it didn't do anything to ease the thought. 

Two weeks later, I got the call from Dr. Kane. “Congratulations. The procedure was successful.”

My breath caught. “So I’m…”i couldn't finish the words. 

“Yes,” he interrupted gently. “You’re pregnant.”

The words didn’t feel real, but they sank in slowly. The call dropped and I was left staring at my hands. I had a life growing inside me.

My daydream was cut short with the doorbell ringing. Maria answered it and I heard her gasp loudly. 

I ran to her, scared for her when I saw him. Standing tall in my living room was the most handsome man I had ever seen. 

His dark wavy hair graces his chiseled face perfectly. The dark suit fitted on his olive skin, and those greenish blue eyes stared into my soul like they owed me. 

I froze, watching him walk forward. The few open buttons of his silky shirt revealed his toned chest and I gulped. 

Who. The. Hell. Was. He? 

My eyes traced the tattoo on his left chest and he caught my eyes wandering. 

“You must be Serena Vale,” he said, looking at me from top to bottom. 

“Y..yes,” I stuttered. I made a mental note to buy a bigger lock for the gate after he leaves. 

“Who are you?” I muttered, holding onto Maria. 

“I’m Adrian,” he said boldly. “Your child's father.”

My what? 

“Did he just say?…” Maria asked, looking at me. “Are you pregnant?”

I didn't know how to answer her. I hadn't told her about it yet. 

“Yes, she is. She's carrying my child,” he announced. How I wished he would shut the hell up!

“What do you want?” I hissed. “Wasn't there supposed to be confidentiality?”

“There is,” he answered, and looked at Maria. “Isn't there?” 

Maria kept quiet and he smiled coldly. “You’ll be moving into my home until the end of your pregnancy.”

My ears rang and I blinked. What did he just say? 

“You want me to move in?” I asked, shocked. “I…I don't understand. I was told I could…”

“It was stated in the contract. Did you not read it?” He asked, and I froze. I hadn't. I was in so much hurry that I signed whatever I was asked to.

“Are you ready to leave?” 

“No,” I spat. “I can take care of myself just fine. Please, leave.”

“Fiesty. I like that.” He smirked, and glanced at his watch then back at me. “It didn't say you could argue. You're carrying my child and you're now my responsibility. You leave with me and that's final.”

My heart thundered as he glared at me. It wasn't harsh but I felt the cold hit my body. Something told me I was talking to the devil. 

“So…” he said, his deep voice echoing in my head. “Will you come willingly? Or do I take you by force?”

I stared at him with my mouth open 

Oh lord. What sort of a man was he?