[ Madeline ]“What! A surrogate!”Jason’s exclaim made both I and Damien flinch. Damien shot me a glare. I broke a rule of our agreement.“Guys, what’s going on? Why are you standing like a statue? Please, explain me.” Jason looked between us.“Jason, it must not leak to anyone from you. Do you understand?” Damien spoke, he seemed to struggle with words and I was enjoying his situation.“Come on, Damien. I am your best friend and when I share our secret with a third person.” Jason sounded offended.“This is something which can’t be spread, so I am requesting you to keep it to yourself.” Damien said and sighed deeply, “When I and Ava failed to conceive a baby naturally, we chose the option of surrogacy. I don’t know how but she ended up becoming the surrogate.” Damien told him signalling at me.“Holy Goodness! This is like a scene from a daily soap. Your ex-wife is back in your life as your surrogate. The woman you abandoned because she couldn’t give you a child, is actually pregnant w
[ Madeline ]After having a sour encounter with Damien, I presented myself to the head of department where I would be working as long as I can keep up with my resolution or the Rosewood family doesn’t create hurdles for me. Sooner or later, my pregnancy will be showing. Damien has only given me three months until I start showing my belly.“Are you coming for lunch?” I heard a female voice and I raised my eyes from my computer screen to the girl who was standing at my cubicle.“It’s already lunch time. I didn’t realize.” I sighed stretching my arms. I had been engrossed in preparing the catalogue of Mrs. Vance’s meetings for next three months. She is a bearable lady unlike others whom I have met in last few hours.“Let’s go, I’ll introduce you to our other co-workers. They all are curious to meet the girl who passed Mrs. Vance’s test. You know fifteen other candidates in last two months failed to pass her review. She is very strict and you are the first one who is personally selected b
[ Madeline ]“Sir, Mr. Ludwig wants your signature on these papers before he can negotiate with the company who is giving us the latest security system.” Liam, who is unaware of Damien’s wrath, approached him and placed the file at his desk.“Go and review it again, I don’t want any loopholes in this contract. You know I hate when people come threatening us with lawsuit. I want an upper hand on them.” Damien said even without looking at the file.“But Sir, we have reviewed it multiple times before taking it to you.” Liam said and Damien shot him a glare and he gulped hard.“Are you questioning me? Review it again before coming here or pack your stuffs if I find the slightest loophole.” Damien yelled at him and poor Liam scurried out of there.I felt bad for him. Damien is always like this, unpredictable. I sighed and prepared for my turn.“Mrs. Vance wants your sign on these papers, Sir.” I said in a professional tone and avoided looking at him because I could feel his angry stare on
[ Madeline ]After finishing my leftover work, I went to Damien’s house. I was about to hire a cab but I received a text from Damien stating that I must use his car and guards to keep me out of danger and paparazzi. His guards and driver know their job well.I was exhausted after working tirelessly for hours but I was happy that I was learning new things to help me in my future. I want to give my baby the best life which my parents couldn’t give me and I was always looked down for being poor and uneducated because I couldn’t go to a good school.“Madeline, stop!”An intimidating, venomous voice asked me to stop and I took a deep breath to prepare myself for another around of torture.Mrs. Lydia Rosewood was standing in the middle of the living room with crossed arms and red face. She looked super angry and I know the reason.“Good evening, Mrs. Rosewood but I want to rest so excuse me.” I said in a disinterested tone but she smelled disrespect in my words and she strode towards me.“I
[ Damien ]Why is she bothering me?Since Madeline came back into my life, my life has stirred up. Her presence is giving me complex feelings. On first hand, I feel she is a scammer who played with my heart and trust two years ago, on the other hand, her outburst, her tears and how bitterly she stand against me, it forces me to think if I had made mistake.Did I trust my mother and Rachel blindly?“I am going to be mad soon.” I pressed my temple as my headache grew.Undoubtedly, Madeline has grown into a more mature and beautiful woman in past couple of years. The way men lurk around her, praise her and try to impress her, those feelings of possessiveness stir in my heart. I can’t see another man close to her.I must put a leash on myself or I’ll be falling in this dangerous game.“Sir, you don’t have any schedule for today, most of the employees have left. May I wrap your work for today?” Leila asked me.I tiredly looked at the time, it showed seven-thirty in the evening.“Yes, you m
[ Madeline ]I wouldn’t lie, Lydia Rosewood’s words scratched my old wounds which took two years to heal and this time, she stabbed me deeper by calling my baby a sin. After she left telling me that the biggest villain of my life is back and I should be prepared to deal with her.Rachel Parker ruined my marriage. Now, she is back with another wicked agenda. I must be more careful than before.“Madeline, dear. Damien and Ava are waiting for you at the dinner table.” Nancy’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts and I looked at her who entered in the balcony where I had been sitting since the evening.I composed myself. Nancy is an observing woman. She’ll sense my disturbed mood.“Nancy, I’ll have my dinner in my room tonight.” I told her and a frown itched on her face. She walked close to me.“Madeline, you look off today, I can see it on your face. Are you upset by Mrs. Rosewood’s harsh words?” She asked softly touching my face.I shook my head, “Nancy, I am fine. She doesn’t affect me a
[ Madeline ]“Nancy, I am getting late for work. See you at night or tomorrow.” I bid my goodbye to Nancy who was insisting me to eat more of the healthy breakfast she made for me but I was already full.“Why won’t you come back today?” It was Ava who asked me this question and I turned around to find her standing at the last step of the staircase.“I will be staying with my friend tonight. I have already informed your husband and he doesn’t have any issue with this.” I told her while checking my purse if I forgot anything.“So, you’re fleeing from the battleground, I guess.” She said and this time I looked up at her.“I think my life is more like a circus for the Rosewood family that they find fun in making it difficult for me whereas I only mind my own business.” I said, it was an indirect taunt for her as well.She slowly stepped down.“Do you really think it just a friendly visit? Rachel Parker vanished from our lives since Damien married me because she saw no chance in winning hi
[ Madeline ]I was frozen.Damien Rosewood, my ex-husband kissed me. He only placed his lips over mine but it was enough to send electrifying waves through my body. My heartbeats accelerated to a dangerous pace. He slowly pulled away but still stood very close to me that I could feel his hot breath fawning on my face.“Dare calling me with formalities again and next time it will be more than this.” He said with a smug smile.The elevator door opened at the same time as he backed away.“Your floor is here, Miss Smith.” He said pointing his finger out of the elevator.I tightly clutched my bag and scurried out of there. As soon as the elevator closed, I released the breath I had been holding and placed my hand on my chest. My cheeks and ears were hot. It was the same feeling as the first time he kissed me.“Madeline, are you having fever? Oh My Gosh! Your face is red.” Emily’s voice snapped me out of my trance.I immediately composed myself and turned to face her, she was looking at me
[ Darius ]“Please, save our baby.”These words kept ringing into my ears as I anxiously tapped my feet on the tiled floor of the hospital corridor, continuously praying the Almighty to keep my babies and Madeline out of danger but her words pushed me in a web of confusion.Why did she refer the babied as ‘our’ babies?They are my babies, it’s true but they’re not blood related to her. The more I recall her words, the more I was desperate to seek my answers. Only Madeline can answer me.“Damien, she’ll be fine. You have to keep faith.” Giselle, who insisted to come to the hospital with me saying she is a local and she knows the place better than anyone else. Miguel also provided security and privacy for us so the news won’t leak in the public.I requested him to handle the guests who witnessed the whole scene. I don’t want this news to reach to my city and to my family or my enemies.Half an hour later, the team of doctors who were treating her, came out. I rushed to them. My heartbea
[ Madeline ]I was sulking with jealousy as I watched Damien and Ava dancing together on a romantic song played by the band. Ava insisted Damien in front of everyone for a dance and he couldn’t deny her continuous pestering. He had to give in and now, it was taking every ounce of self patience for me to not show my jealousy on my face but I failed eventually.“You can still fight back if you still love him, Madeline.” Mrs. Ramirez said to me and I turned my face to my left side.My host gave me wink and sipped her wine.“Giselle, it’s not easy. Two years ago, when we divorced, if I hadn’t left the city, the media, the rich families, they wouldn’t have let me live peacefully. Damien’s parents made my life a hell. I am not ready to go through the same trauma again.” I shook my head and sipped my apple juice.“I understand, dear but will you be able to live seeing your man with another woman? He doesn’t love her. It’s written all over his face, even a child can tell this. In fact, he can
[ Madeline ]I didn’t know how to react because the look on her face clearly told that she knew it for a long time. I threw a glance at Damien whose face was same as mine.“Don’t be frightened, I am not going to tell this to anyone since it’s your private matter but I advise you to take care of yourself and be more cautious if you don’t want anyone to know about your pregnancy.” She said.“Thank you, Mrs. Vance for understanding. I really appreciate your sincerity that you kept it to yourself. You are right, soon people will know eventually so I am planning to quit in a month.” I told her about my initial plans and immediately, Damien’s eyes shifted on me.“I would not advise you to quit, Madeline. You can continue working because you are very passionate and I have seen your potentials. There are hundreds of new recruits but they work for years to reach at your position. You earned it by your hard work and innovative ideas.” She advised me but I wish I could tell her that the baby’s f
[ Madeline ]“It’s a deal, Mr. Rosewood.” Mr. Ramirez signed the contract agreement.“It’s a deal, Mr, Ramirez. We’re officially business partners now.” Damien signed the contract agreement and the men shook their hands.We all applauded for our successful meeting which fruited into a deal. I was feeling happier than anyone else because I did hard work of days and sleepless nights to make it work and it’ll be one of the mega projects done by Rosewoods.“This time is for celebration, Mr. Rosewood. Please, don’t deny me. I want to treat our hardworking teams and they deserve it.” Mr. Ramirez insisted. I observed one thing about him that he is totally a party man who knows how to enjoy his life.“Sure, Mr. Ramirez, I won’t deny this time.” Damien said.“We’re friends now Damien, you can call me Miguel.” Mr. Ramirez said.“Miguel, we’re your guests whenever you want to throw the party but make it fast because Mrs. Vance is leaving tomorrow and I’d be sad if I she misses the celebration be
[ Damien ]I couldn’t hold my happiness. Madeline finally agreed to give me another chance and it didn’t feel less than a dream.I made a promise to her that I’ll love her more than before and I will live to my words.“Damien, where the hell have you been with that woman?” Ava’s harsh voice rang into my ears and I was pulled back into the present from my exciting thoughts.I looked up from the ground only to find Ava standing in front of me with a red face, her eyes were shooting daggers at me.“I was at Mr. Ramirez’s party with Madeline which went on till midnight so we stayed at their house because it is quite dangerous at midnight for the tourists.She scoffed and marched towards me, “Stop lying! I know you were with that woman. What’s going on, Damien? I want to know the truth today.” She demanded and I know it was going to be hard for me to handle her.“Let’s talk in our room, Ava. Everyone is watching us so don’t create a scene here.” I whispered yelled at her as the passing by
[ Madeline ]The next day, awkwardness came back with the rays of the sun. The euphoria was gone. I had to live in the reality but I wouldn’t deny that he made me feel alive after years. I slept peacefully after uncountable sleepless nights which used to be filled with agony and anxiety.I wore the clothes which were sent by Mrs. Ramirez and I was thankful to her that she picked a full sleeved top and skirt which hid my hickeys that he gave on my cleavage.“Are you ready to leave? Mr. Ramirez and his wife asked me for a breakfast but I apologized to them saying our team is waiting for us.” Damien asked ushering his way into my room.“Hmm.” I glanced at him and wore my watch.“Are you mad at me?” He asked, a frown was itched on his face as he walked close to me and I collected all my stuffs back into my clutch.“No, why do you think like that?” I asked being unobvious of his expressions because I was too busy in applying my lipstick.“I thought you regretted what happened last night.”
[ Madeline ]I couldn’t decide if it was a dream or Damien was actually stripping his clothes in front of me while his eyes were locked with mine. He took his time. It was erotic and ignited the desire inside me.“Like what you see, Peach?” He raised his brow with a playful smirk and I looked away.In the next moment, he hovered above me, my breath got hitched. He was stark naked whereas I was still wearing my inner wears.“You’re the most beautiful girl in the world, Maddie.” He said stroking my cheeks softly by his fingers.I closed my eyes and felt his touch, it was touching something inside me and I vividly recalled all those moments when he used to make slow, sweet yet passionate love to me and I used to coil like a shy, virgin bride every time he said sweet words.“Don’t be shy. I’ll make love to you in every single second of this night.” He said kissing my forehead and my hands automatically went on his back. My hands were itching to touch him like this, so intimate and touching
[ Madeline ]The party was almost over. Somehow, I managed to convince everyone that I am on an alcohol free diet due to some medical conditions and they believed me but Damien couldn’t skip it. He was slightly drunk and it was the biggest challenge for me since I don’t drive much, definitely not in a foreign country.“Oh, I don’t think he can drive nor I would let him.” Mr. Ramirez said.“I am fine, Miguel. I can go back.” Damien said and I rolled my eyes.“You are not driving, Damien. I am going to call Jay. He will drive us back.” I said and about to dial Jay’s number when Mrs. Ramirez stopped me.“It’s one in the night, Madeline. We have spare rooms on the back house. You can go and rest there for the night. I’ll ask maids to prepare the room for you two.” She offered.“No, it’s fine, Mam. I can manage. The driver will come in no time.” I politely denied because they were already very kind to me despite knowing my past with Damien.“Madeline, it’s not a request. This is not your c
[ Madeline ]“I can’t believe I am doing this.” I huffed in annoyance as I applied mascara on my thick eyelashes.I had made my mind to not attend Ramirez’ party but I received a call from him an hour ago and he personally insisted me to come and I couldn’t decline his humble request. So, I got ready in the only dress I brought with me which could be worn for a party.I checked myself in the mirror. I wore a white midi dress which ended at my ankle and it was slightly loose so my slightly visible baby bump won’t display. I kept my hairs opened and applied minimal makeup to keep a natural look.A knock on the door broke my trance and I assumed it was my bodyguard.Yes, Damien brought Jay here as well because he doesn’t trust me.I picked my hand clutch and phone before heading out of my room but I was surprised to find Damien outside. He wore a black suit as always but he looked handsome, his hairs were styled back.“You’re looking beautiful and sexy, Peach.” He complimented me with th