All Chapters of The Cruel Millionaire's Surrogate: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

SimoneTen Months Ago“Why?” he asked, face still and half shrouded by documents. His eyes roved over the packet in front of him that detailed every piece of me—the good, the bad, and the ugly. The interview process wasn’t too traumatic, but I was relieved that he only had one more question after nearly an hour and a half of questioning.I raised a brow. “I’m sorry?”He glanced up at me, his expression unchanging. “Why? You’re young, single, with no family, and an average job. Why do you want to do this?”“I mean…I want to make someone happy. Give them the gift of life.” I explained, trying to smile.“Since you’re giving the gift of life, then payment isn’t required. Is that what you’re telling me?”My mouth dropped in surprise. “I-I-I-”“Relax. I’m joking.”I breathed a sigh of relief. The $ 60,000 Mr. Powell was offering would be enough for me to travel and return to school.“I’m sorry. You’re difficult to read. I don’t know when you’re joking or serious.”He nodded. “Don’t worry. Y

SimoneIt was spring, and the heat was already sweltering. It was the type of heat that not even the shortest shorts and coldest ice cream could combat. I frantically waved a persistent mosquito away as I propped my bare feet on a folding lawn chair beside me.The sun was setting, and I took a moment to enjoy the enticing sunset with my daughter. It was just the two of us enjoying the heat, as it was meant to be.Nori sat on a musical playmat in front of me, holding a pufferfish water toy that squirted water when squeezed. Her chubby hands motioned the toy to her mouth. I pushed them down gently and stroked her black hair. I didn’t know anything about the other half of her—her mother’s side—but all I could see was her father when I looked at her. She looked up at me and grinned, putting her beaver teeth on full display. I smiled back and kissed her head as her hands flapped in excitement.“It was a beautiful day, Nori. Not as beautiful as you, of course, but a close second,” I said, p

Anthony“She’s heavier than I thought she’d be,” I joked, trying to hold back a sob as I stared into my daughter’s gray eyes that mirrored mine. She curiously reached out and patted my face.“Yeah…she’s a good eater.”“What does she like to eat?” I asked, nibbling on a finger Nori shoved in my mouth. She snatched it away and glared at me before rolling her eyes.I’m making a great first impression.“Most fruits, but lately, she’s discovered the joy of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.”That’s something we have in common. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and milk are the best snacks for restless nights.“She looks like me,” I said absentmindedly.“That she does. You’re basically twins.”“Can you tell me more about her?”The tears finally burst from Simone’s eyes as she wrung her hands in the middle of the nursery. “Y-you’re going to take my daughter away from me, aren’t you?”“Look…Simone…I appreciate everything you’ve done for me, from agreeing to be my surrogate and sacrificing yo

Simone“Kidnapping?” I repeated softly. “I waited two days. I didn’t touch, nurse, or name her. I didn’t even want to look at her. I waited for him to show up. I’m sympathetic, but what happened to him is not my fault. His time was up, and I stepped in.” I picked up the contract. “I took care of her and loved her. As I said, I’m sympathetic and will be happy to let him see his daughter and be in her life, but she’s not just some kid I gave birth to anymore.” I tore the contract in half and pushed the papers across the table. “Nori’s my child, and you’ll have to pry her from my cold, dead hands. I’ll never stop fighting for her.”Mr. Baker lost his air of nervousness and took his glasses off with a heavy sigh. “This is an extenuating circumstance, Ms. Livingston. Mr. Powell is grateful that you took such good care of Nori. But she was never yours. The time has come, Ms. Livingston. You have to return her to her biological parent. I hope you say your goodbyes.” He stood and gathered his

AnthonyI anxiously tapped my cane against the tile floor and stared at Judge Wallen. Her poker face was top-tier—she didn’t give the slightest hint of emotion as Simone expressed how she should retain parental rights of Nori.“Judge Wallen, I implore you to do the right thing. It’s regrettable what Mr. Powell went through, but I’ve been Nori’s everything since she was born. While he may be her biological father, he’s still a stranger.”“Do you have anything else to add before Mr. Powell speaks?”“I…I’ve loved Nori since I felt her first kick; however, I told myself not to get close to her because of my obligations and duty to Mr. Powell, but all bets were off when we left the hospital. It’s me and Nori against the world, and she’s mine. I’m not heartless, Judge Wallen. I propose joint custody if Mr. Powell is in agreement. It would only be fair.”“Thank you, Ms. Livingston. Please take your seat. Mr. Powell, will your lawyer speak on your behalf, or would you like to make a statement?