A surrogate for my ex's uncle のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 1 - チャプター 10

CHAPTER 2. IVY. --- When I got home around 6:56pm, I was surprised to find that Leon wasn’t there. He was supposed to be back by now; he usually returned from work before that time. I pulled out my phone and dialed his number for what felt like the umpteenth time, but there was still no reply. With my keys locked inside, I had no choice but to sit on the balcony and wait for him like a beggar. I needed to talk to him about two things: I wanted him to at least try to defend himself—maybe say that Hailey had seduced him, which might make it easier for me to take him back. The next morning, my phone alarm jolted me awake at 5:30 AM. My heart sank when I realized I had slept outside. I walked over to the door and turned the doorknob; it swung wide open, and a gasp almost escaped my lips. Leon had come home last night and hadn’t bothered to let me in. He was seated on the plush couch in the living room when I walked in. When he saw me, he frowned. “I didn’t get dinner last night. Wh

CHAPTER 4. IVY It was around 10 a.m. when the cab dropped me off in front of Sky Investments. This was only my second visit to this part of Seattle; the first was for a rather ridiculous party at the home of a tech mogul whose name I can’t remember. But this time, it was for something much more important. I took a bite of my freshly baked chocolate cake as I gazed up at the gigantic building before me. There’s something comforting about the flavor of chocolate cake, even if my predicament was anything but exquisite. Jenny always recommended freshly baked cakes when someone was feeling down, saying they uplift your spirit. Perhaps she was right, but it was hard to enjoy the cake given my current situation—especially with a loan I had to repay in forty-eight hours. I’m not one for a pity party; I take pride in my dignity and am content with what little I have. Looking at the building, which resembled a tourist center in Dubai rather than just an office, sent chills down my spine.

CHAPTER 6 IVY I finally woke up from a dreamless sleep and squinted at the brightness of the room. Yawning and stretching, I felt more relaxed than I had in a long time. A smile tugged at my lips as I remembered the dream I just had. In it, I had collided with a handsome stranger after meeting that arrogant director at Sky Investments. I didn’t recall every detail, but I remembered saying, “I’m sorry, it was an accident,” as I fell into his arms. He had responded with a charming smile and a grace that made me feel awkward. “I’m not complaining. If it was an accident, then it was a pleasant one.” But that was no dream. The last thing I remembered was accidentally kissing him, and I could still swear he tasted like sweet apple juice. The nostalgia of that moment lingered in my mind until I spun around, and my breath caught in my throat. The sense of calm vanished as I took in my surroundings—the chandeliers, and the luxurious bed. This place was unfamiliar. Where was I? Panic

CHAPTER 8 IVY. This isn’t the life I envisioned. I dreamed of having kids with my husband and living happily together. But now, here comes this strange man asking me to sell my eggs. I rolled my eyes and started to walk away from him quickly. “No!” he called after me. “I don’t have a partner; I just need someone to bear my child, and that’s it.” I turned to him, incredulous. “Oh, you mean your wife, then?” I had no time for this jerk, especially not today. I know it's common here in Seattle for women to sell their eggs for money, but I can’t do that. I refuse to be one of those women without dignity. “Look, I don’t have time for this. I need to get to work,” I said, trying to dismiss him. “Just let me go!” I knew that making him see me as jobless and hopeless would only worsen my predicament, so I chose to lie and pretend I had a mountain of orders to fulfil. “But you need the money,” he insisted, catching up to me. “Sky Investments could get you arrested and dumped in jail fo

CHAPTER 10. IVY This situation is becoming increasingly surreal. How on earth did he know I was staying at this hotel? I know this might not be the best decision, but who’s to say I’m not having the time of my life? Back at the hospital for generic tests, I was treated like royalty. As soon as I walked in, everyone greeted me warmly, and I couldn’t help but wonder about the identity of my baby’s father to be. I shifted uncomfortably as he stopped the car, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks in embarrassment. I quickly avoided eye contact and pushed the door open to get out. Then, the shrill ring of my phone drew my attention. I turned to see who it was, praying he wasn’t looking in my direction. “Block him!” he commanded, his authoritative tone should have sparked my inner feminist, but oddly enough, it was soothing. I quickly picked up my phone and followed his advice. Why was Leon calling me, anyways ….. That jerk put me in this situation, and he still has the nerve to call