CHAPTER 1

MIA'S POV

As I walked into the tall building, I couldn't stop my imagination from running wild. I inhaled sharply trying to calm my racing heart. I pushed open the transparent glass door and  walked briskly towards the stairs, ignoring the elevator. I needed something to distract me. Something to scream at me and yell at me to go back home.

 Approaching Mrs Brooks' office,  I met two ladies in suits. 

"I thought boss was all about class and sexiness, judging from what just walked in, I'm beginning to doubt his taste" the blonde haired lady sitting next to me sneered.

I knew she was talking about me. Being a victim and survivor of being bullied all my life, her words had no effect on me.

"Shush girl, he could also be in need of a nanny you know" the other girl asserted and they both laughed.

Their voices sounded like a pack of hyenas howling for food.

I closed my eyes and let out a sigh. None of them mattered to me. The only thing that mattered was on the sick bed in the hospital.

The door to the office opened and a lady walked out. She smiled warmly at me, "come in Miss Mia".  

I stood up and followed her into the office where I found Mrs Brooks. She gave me a small smile.I found myself relaxing my tense shoulders and returning her smile.

"Come on in Mia, I never thought you would come" she exclaimed. Neither do I, I never thought I would be here. I was forced here by Mom and myself.

" You are perfect my darling. You will be the perfect companion for my nephew, you will give him an heir."she beamed as she took my hands into hers.

"Mrs Brooks! I sincerely appreciate your concern and I know you are looking out for me but I can't do this" I shook my head "I have a boyfriend, I can't betray him like this." I was overwhelmed by emotions.

" I suggest you think this through. You have a golden opportunity on your fingertips. Every woman would kill to be in your position" you are getting married to one of the richest billionaires" she advised. "Don't let this opportunity slip off your fingers" she pleaded desperately.

"Aren't any of those ladies outside eligible? Aren't they fit or good enough to be a gestational carrier? I quizzed. Compared to them, I didn't look presentable and classy enough.

"They work for Denver. For the task ahead, they will be of no good to him." She answered calmly. 

I sighed heavily.I came here for Riley, my twin sister. Since Mrs Brooks told me about the contract marriage to her wealthy nephew, it has been chaotic. Mom wanted me to agree to its terms. 

She said the money would save Riley's life from the heart disease that was slowly consuming her..

 Suffering from Coronary artery disease, the doctor advised Riley needed a percutaneous Artery surgery. Mother and I couldn't afford to pay for her surgery.

"Should I give you more time to think about it, dear? But it shouldn't be more than 24 hours though. Or I will be forced to look for someone else." Mrs Brooks muttered not looking pleased.

Mother would never forgive me if I rejected the contract. She still hasn't forgiven me for what happened 6 years ago. She hated me for it. The joy in our family was destroyed that night. If anything should happen to Riley because of my mistake again, it would completely ruin mom.

My mind drifted to Tyler. My decision would break Tyler and shatter his heart. Being in a relationship with him for two years has been the most beautiful precious years of my life. "Forgive me Ty" I mumbled under my breath. 

"I'm ready! I will sign the papers" I said to Mrs Brooks. As soon as the words left my mouth, I immediately regretted my decision. The worst decision I made in my entire life.

"Oh my darling, you can't imagine how pleased I am. You made the right choice" she beamed. "Here! Go through the papers carefully and put in your signature" she passed me a piece of paper containing the details. 

"As you can see Mr Denver's signature is already on the papers. Once you sign over there,the contract is sealed". She explained .

I could hear the thumping of my heart, tears in my eyes threatening to fall as I read through the content of the contract.

                MARRIAGE CONTRACT AGREEMENT

The contract is entered between DENVER ANGELO and —-------. The term of this agreement shall begin on 27th May 20** and shall continue through its termination date of 28th May 20**

* THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF THIS CONTRACT ARE AS FOLLOWS:

* The main objective of this contract is to birth a child. Birth control pills and contraceptive will lead to termination of contract 

* Submissive and reserved (wife)

*The financial needs and wants of the (wife) will be taken care of.

* The husband has full control over the affairs of the wife

* Only the father has the right and custody of the child after the contractual deadline 

* No meeting with the opposite sex (wife)

* Denial of sexual pleasure will not be tolerated

* Leaving the house without the consent of the husband will lead to being punished.

* The groom's needs and wants should be taken care of without hesitation

Monthly allowance during the course of the marriage will be paid duly without delay. 35% of the man's assets is given to the lady after the contractual deadline.

The contract may not be modified in any manner unless in writing and signed by both parties. This contract shall be enforced under the laws of the state. 

By signing this contract, you have agreed to become a surrogate to Mr Denver Angelo.

SIGNATURE: Angelo D.                SIGNATURE —---------

NAME: DENVER ANGELO.              NAME —-----------------

ADDRESS ******* ****** NYC           ADDRESS —-------------

DATE: *******************                    DATE —--------------------

My hands trembled as I tried to take hold of the pen given to me by Mrs Brooks PA. She gave me a pitiful smile. I tried to fight back the tears threatening to fall.

"Do you need a moment dear?" Mrs Brooks asked, waiting for my response. I shook my head and composed myself.

"I'm fine Mrs Brooks" I tried to force out a smile.

 My phone beeped, Tyler's name flashed across the screen. Immediately my heart clenched and was filled with dread and guilt. I felt like a freaking betrayer.

"Hey babes! Just scrolling through my phone gallery and bumped into this picture of ours. It reminds me how cute you are and how lucky I am to have you. Love you, talk to you later." I scrolled down to see a picture of us on our second date on the ice rink. I felt a tear cascade down my cheek.

A wave of anger and frustration bursting forth, my mind was swirling in a chaotic haze. I needed to put my happiness aside and put my family first. With that, I signed the contract, sealing my fate forever.

                   *****************************

I opened my eyes to see an unfamiliar bedroom. The room looked rich and beautiful despite its dull wall painting. I  jolted up, taking in the surroundings. 

Memories from earlier came crashing on me.I remembered crying myself to sleep on my way to my supposed spouse's house. Where was I? I began to panic when I heard someone chuckle softly from the far end of the room.

"Glad you're awake! Now, Let's get down to business shall we?" I jumped at the sound of the voice. It was intimidating and deep yet soothing and calm.

 I turned back to lock eyes with the most attractive man I have ever seen, my jaw dropped. He had a thick dark shade of glasses on, I couldn't see his eyes. "Now strip!" He growled. My eyes widened in shock. This was the beginning of the end of my fate.