Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Accidental Surrogate's Secret: Kabanata 131 - Kabanata 140

Candice’s POVThe moment I closed the door behind Dorian, I leaned against it like my life depended on it. My heart was still racing nonstop.Why was he here? Did he really come just to drop those gifts for my kids… or was there something else?And the most important question—how did he even know where I live?I pressed my palm against my forehead and groaned softly. “Oh God…”Why can’t he just give up and forget everything about me so I can live my life perfectly. Is that too much for him to do???Jace immediately stepped closer, his hand resting gently on my shoulder. His eyes were filled with worry.“Are you okay, Candice?” he asked softly.I forced a small smile, trying to steady my shaky breath. “Yeah… yeah, I’m fine.”But the truth was, I wasn’t fine. Not even close.Just then, the children came rushing out of the room where I had told them to stay.“Mommy, who were you talking to?” my daughter asked in her soft, sweet voice as she tugged on my hand.I bent down slightly and st

Dorian’s POVA sharp, blinding light hit my eyes the moment I tried to open them.I groaned and quickly shut them again.I stayed still, breathing slowly, then tried again — this time carefully, letting my eyelids open little by little until my vision adjusted.White ceiling. The steady beeping of machines.Where… am I?I turned my head weakly and saw wires running into my arm, a monitor flashing beside me.My chest tightened. How the hell did I get here?The last thing I remembered was drinking alone in my house. Glass after glass until the world spun. My stomach burning, my body heavy… and then nothing..I clenched my jaw. Who brought me here?When I slowly turned my head to the other side, I noticed someone slumped in a chair. My housekeeper. She looked exhausted, her head bobbing like she was fighting sleep.My voice came out hoarse, rough. “How long… have I been out?”Her head shot up instantly. She gasped, eyes wide as she scrambled to her feet.“Sir! You’re awake! Oh, thank the

Candice’s POVI read the last message Jace sent as I let out a long, shaky breath. My body felt heavy, like all the air had been sucked out of me. I tried to relax, leaning back against the seat, but no matter how much I adjusted or closed my eyes, sleep refused to come. My mind was far too restless.I tugged at my seatbelt, making sure it was fastened tightly, then smoothed my clothes. Before the plane even started moving, I pulled out my phone as I scrolled through my messages, double-checking the location Dorian’s assistant had sent me was still there. I swallowed hard and locked my phone, shoving it back into my bag before I could change my mind.⸻The flight felt endless. I kept glancing out the window, then back at the seatbelt. When we finally landed, I didn’t waste a second. I grabbed my bag and pushed my way out of the airport. Outside, I hailed a taxi.“Please—take me to this hospital.” I shoved the address at him.He looked at it, then back at me. “Alright, ma’am. Hop

Candice’s POVWe didn’t stop walking until we were completely out of Dorian’s sight.The moment we turned the corner and the hospital entrance was far behind us, I slowed down. My feet came to a full stop, and I put a good arm’s length of space between Lucien and me. I turned to face him with a frown.“Why did you say I came here with you when I clearly came alone?” I asked. Lucien’s eyes locked on mine. “Candice,” he said slowly, “aren’t you being a little ungrateful? “I crossed my arms. “That doesn’t answer my question.”He tilted his head, his lips quirking into that smug smile. “This is the first time we’ve seen each other in four years. Four long years. And instead of thanking me, you’re glaring at me like I’m your enemy. Is that really how you want to talk to your lifesaver?” “Aren’t you supposed to be kinder to the man who once risked himself for you and your kids? Maybe smile instead of scolding me? Or do you prefer giving warnings and angry looks to the person who helped

Candice’s POV“Since you’re so grateful to me for not abandoning you the way your beloved Dorian abandoned you… then isn’t it only fair that we make a deal?”His voice was smooth, but the smile on his face was sly. My heart skipped. I forced myself to clear my throat, pretending to look calm even though my palms had started sweating.“A deal?” I repeated, trying to sound casual. “What kind of deal are you talking about?”He leaned back in his chair. “It’s simple, Candice. I want you to leave London and move back to Europe. Once you return, you can start working in my company here. That’s all I’m asking.”“That’s all?” I blinked at him, my jaw almost dropping. He made it sound like it was an easy thing to do. He smiled wider. “This isn’t a big deal. This is just… a small thank you for saving you.”For a moment, I could only stare at him. Did he really think gratitude worked that way?“I’ll say this again,” I said carefully, trying to keep my voice steady. “I am grateful you saved me