Chapter 2

The more time samantha spent with the baby, the more attached she became. Just yesterday, she had toyed with the idea of running away, but Mr. Carter’s kind gesture, unlike his wife's, had shaken her resolve.

 

He hadn't returned to take the baby immediately, as if silently allowing her more time. She sighed, her emotions in turmoil.

 

“Am I greedy for having these thoughts of wanting to be around her?” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

 

Becca’s face softened. “No, sis. It’s the mother hormones kicking in. You weren’t prepped properly for this. It’s only natural that you feel this way.”

 

Her words made Samantha more sad. She clutched the baby closer, her voice breaking as she whispered, “I don’t want to let her go,” she admitted in a broken whisper.

 

Becca’s heart twisted at the sight. She had watched her sister endure months of morning sickness, backaches, and exhaustion. Every moment of the pregnancy had weighed on her, and now, even after giving birth, she was still battling emotions she hadn’t prepared for.

 

She stood up, stepping forward to wrap her arms around her sister.

 

“I’ll never forget what you did for me,” she murmured, her voice thick with gratitude. “I’ll forever be grateful, Sam.”

 

Samantha let out a small chuckle despite her tears. “You sound like an adult,” she teased, shaking her head at her sixteen-year-old sister’s maturity.

 

But the reality remained, Samantha had been paid, and soon, Becca would be returning to school, the very reason she had taken this surrogacy job in the first place. Her gaze flickered toward the wall clock, it was already past ten in the morning.

 

When were they coming to take the baby from her?

 

As if on cue, the door creaked open.

 

Liam stepped inside, his towering figure casting a shadow over the dimly lit hospital room. His sharp features set in a deep frown. The tension in the room thickened, his presence alone commanding silence.

 

Samantha shot a quick glance at Becca, silently signaling her to leave. Becca hesitated, her gaze flickering between them before nodding weakly. She greeted Liam softly, but he didn’t acknowledge her. Without another word, she slipped out of the room, leaving Samantha alone with him.

 

“Are you… are you here for her, sir?” she asked cautiously, her fingers trembling slightly as she adjusted the blanket around the baby. She felt stupid asking this, it was glaringly obvious.

 

Liam simply exhaled, running a hand down his face before stepping forward. His expression softened just enough as he reached out. Samantha hesitated but handed the baby over.

 

The moment the warmth of the baby left her, a deep ache settled in her chest. Her throat tightened, and despite her efforts to stay composed, tears welled up in her eyes.

 

Wiping at them quickly, she forced herself to speak. “I just finished feeding her,” she murmured, her voice unsteady. “Please… be careful with how you hold her.”

 

Liam gave a small nod, his gaze dropping to the tiny bundle in his arms. He studied his daughter’s delicate features before his eyes flickered back to Samantha.

 

She was fidgeting, struggling to hold back her emotions. A single tear slipped down her cheek. Liam’s gaze briefly drifted lower, stopping at her chest. Her body was still adjusting, her breasts full, evidence of her role in his daughter’s first moments.

 

A thought struck him.

 

He had read about the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, the immune system boost, and the nutrients. Formula wouldn’t provide the same benefits, and he had no experience raising a baby, let alone feeding one.

 

“Would you consider signing another contract?” He asked after hesitating for a fraction of a second.

 

Samantha blinked as she raised her head up.  “Another… contract?”

 

Her mind raced. Was he asking her to be a surrogate again? There was no way she was going through this all over again.

 

Before she could protest, Liam clarified, “Not for surrogacy.” He took a deep breath, adjusting Beatrice in his arms. “My wife will be unavailable for a few months, and this is my first time being a father. I need help.” He exhaled slowly. “Would you be willing to become her nanny?”

 

Samantha froze.

 

Did she hear him correctly?

 

The weight of his words sank in, and suddenly, she shot up from the bed, her heart pounding.

 

“What? Oh my God, yes, sir! I would love to!” She exclaimed, unable to contain her excitement. “I promise you won’t regret it. I’ll take the best care of her, I swear! Thank you so much—”

 

A sharp pain shot through her abdomen as she bowed deeply, trying to express her gratitude but it turned out to be a mistake. She winced, clutching her stomach as she sat back down.

 

“Are you okay?” Liam frowned.

 

She waved a hand dismissively. “It’s just the labor pains,” she admitted with a strained chuckle. “The doctor said they’ll fade soon.”

 

He watched her for a moment, something unknown flickering in his eyes. Perhaps this was why Gianna was so against giving birth.

 

"So… have you thought of a name for her?" Samantha asked, her voice gentle as she looked up at him.

 

Her question caught him off guard. A name? He hadn’t even considered it.

 

Seeing his hesitation, she smiled softly. “How about Beatrice?” she suggested. Liam’s gaze shifted to her, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

 

“It means ‘bringer of joy or happiness,’” she explained, her tone warm.

 

Happiness. That was exactly what this little girl had unknowingly brought into both of their lives. Samantha already knew it, and as Liam looked down at his daughter, he realized he felt the same way.

 

He gave a small nod. “Beatrice Carter,” he murmured, testing the name out loud. Samantha chuckled, before standing up and leaned in to stroke the baby’s soft cheek.

 

“Beatrice,” she cooed, her affection evident.

 

As she stood close to him, Liam caught the scent lingering on her. Powder, milk, and that unmistakable newborn smell. It was comforting in a way he couldn’t quite explain.

 

But reality soon crept back in. His mood darkened as he recalled the reason behind his earlier frustration. Gianna had found out about his involvement in her contract nullification. He had underestimated her.

 

She had her own ways of handling things, and instead of confronting him, she made her stance clear by leaving before he even woke up this morning.

 

All she left behind was a short note: "See you in six months.”

 

And just like that, she was gone. He exhaled sharply before turning back to Samantha. “Has the doctor discharged you?”

 

She nodded. “Yeah… I was only staying because of Beatrice.” She smiled softly, dimples appearing on her pale face.

 

He noticed.

 

“Let’s go, then.” He handed Beatrice back to her, and together, they walked out of the hospital. Becca trailed behind them, trying to suppress a grin as Samantha whispered about her new job offer.

 

Liam drove Samantha to her apartment so she could gather her things. Meanwhile, Becca stayed behind with Samantha promising to visit before she left for school the following week.