Sophia's POV
It was noon in City B, and the sun hung overhead, casting its reflection on the glass doors and windows of the lecture hall. The room buzzed with a low hum as students exchanged whispers and shuffled papers. Today was just another day at City B University for me. I occupied my usual seat, attempting to concentrate on the lecture, but my thoughts persistently strayed to my father's deteriorating condition.
Ever since my father collapsed in class and fell into a vegetative state, my life has been upended. The mounting medical expenses weigh heavily on my family's finances, seemingly insurmountable. My mother, previously vibrant and smiling, now wears a constant look of concern, overwhelmed by worry. She has attempted to take on additional jobs, but finding employment has proven challenging.
Desperation clouds my mind as I seek ways to save my father. The weight of responsibility bears down on my shoulders, leaving me determined to find a solution and help my family.
During a break in the lecture, my seatmate, Lily, scrolls through a website on her laptop, catching my curiosity. Leaning in, I try to catch a glimpse of what has captivated Lily's attention. My eyes widen as I read the words displayed on the screen—an advertisement for surrogacy.
Noticing my interest, Lily questions, "Are you interested in this? It seems to pay well."
Intrigued, I move closer, eager to learn more. "How do you know about it?"
Lily chuckles, a glint in her eyes. "I've come across the ad a few times. Perhaps they're being selective and haven't found the right candidate." She gives me a knowing look. "Are you considering something like this? You've never shown interest in faculty parties..."
Caught off guard, I cough, embarrassed and mortified that I have even considered it as an option. I force a small smile and deny, "Oh, I'm just curious about it."
As the lecture resumes, I redirect my focus, disregarding the suspicious glance Lily gives me. Yet, an ember of hope ignites within me. Surrogacy, the act of carrying a child for someone else in exchange for a substantial fee, appears to offer a potential solution to my problems. It could provide immediate financial relief, considering the sums mentioned in the advertisement.
That evening, I return home and settle into my room. With a racing heart, I open my laptop and begin researching the surrogacy program I came across earlier. The website contains detailed information, which I absorb meticulously. It becomes evident that the surrogate selection process is thorough and professional.
My eyes widen as I read through the application questions I would have to answer. They delve into personal details, with an emphasis on physical attributes. Questions like "Do you have abundant hair?" and "When was your last sexual encounter?" are among the inquiries that will determine my eligibility. The intimate nature of these questions makes me blush, but I understand the necessity for such scrutiny to ensure a successful surrogacy arrangement.
As I review the requirements, my fingers tremble nervously. The prospect of becoming a surrogate leads me into uncharted territory, both intriguing and unnerving. It feels like a clandestine secret I can't share with my family or friends. I have always been a highly educated student with a strong sense of self-esteem, and the idea of engaging in such an unconventional endeavor stirs a mix of emotions within me.
Lost in my thoughts, I don't notice my two roommates, Jake and Tyler, entering my room. Startled, I swiftly close my laptop, hoping they haven't glimpsed what I have been researching. However, they can't resist teasing me.
"Sophia, what are you watching? Some rated-18 stuff?" Jake smirks mischievously, waggling his eyebrows.
Tyler chimes in, "Yeah, Sophia, we need to know if you're getting any action in here!"
Blushing furiously, I scold them, "Can't you guys give me some privacy? I'm just researching something important."
Jake, the younger of the two brothers, playfully nudges Tyler and declares, "Alright, alright. Leave her be. But hey, Sophia, while you're out, could you grab some condoms for me?"
Tyler's eyes widen in disbelief at his brother's audacity. "Jake, seriously? Stop bothering her."
With a laugh, Jake replies, "Hey, I'm just preparing for all possibilities. You never know when I might need them."
As the brothers banter back and forth, I can't help but smile at their antics as I watch them leave the room. They have been my roommates for a year, and I feel most at ease with them.
When my family faced overwhelming debts, Tyler graciously offered me a place to stay for a nominal fee. Since then, I have resided in the same dorm as them, and although Jake, the younger one, occasionally likes to give me orders, our relationship remains harmonious.
After they leave, I reopen my laptop. I stare at the screen for a moment before resolving to make a decision. The idea seems promising; I could earn enough money to cover the hospital bills and more in one go.
With steely determination, I begin filling out the application form, my hands still trembling. Once completed, I submit it and receive a confirmation that my submission has been received. Now, all I have to do is wait for a response.
Hardly have I settled in when my ringtone suddenly blares at a high volume, startling me to the point of nearly losing my balance. I reach for my phone and, upon seeing the caller's name on the screen, flustered realization hits me—I am late for work.
It's my boss at the store, Mr. Johnson.
Apologizing hurriedly, I answer the call, "I'm so sorry..."
"Get to the store right now!" Mr. Johnson barks almost instantly and abruptly hangs up.
My heart races as I hastily grab my bag and rush out of my dorm room. I know all too well the anger Mr. Johnson can unleash, but today, I can't afford to be any later. The consequences of losing my job would be dire, especially with my father's medical expenses looming over me.
As I arrive at the store, I can sense the tension in the air. Mr. Johnson stands near the entrance, his face flushed with anger. Our eyes meet as I approach, and without wasting a moment, he launches into a tirade.
"Finally, you worthless piece of trash!" Mr. Johnson spits, his voice dripping with venom. "I've had it with your constant tardiness! Do you think I pay you to waltz in whenever you please?"
Embarrassment flushes my cheeks as I apologize, "I'm really sorry, Mr. Johnson. It won't happen again. I lost track of time, and I—"
"Save your damn excuses!" he interrupts, his voice booming through the store. "You're lucky I even keep you around. But mark my words, one more slip-up and you're out!"
Turning away from me, Mr. Johnson storms back to his office. I release a sigh of relief, grateful that the public humiliation has ended, at least for now.
Determined to prove myself, I quickly compose myself and approach a customer who is browsing the aisles. The woman seems shifty, her eyes darting nervously as she pretends to examine the merchandise. Something about her behavior triggers alarm bells in my mind.
"Can I help you find something?" I ask, my tone polite but firm.
The woman glances at me, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "No, I'm just looking around. Mind your own business."
Maintaining my composure, I trust my instincts, sensing that something is amiss. "Of course, but I'm here to assist customers. If you need any help, feel free to ask."
Suddenly, the woman's expression turns aggressive, and she lunges at me, her hand connecting with my cheek in a stinging slap. Pain surges through my face, but I stand my ground, refusing to be intimidated.
Drawn by the commotion, Mr. Johnson rushes over to the scene. Without even listening to my side of the story, he immediately sides with the customer.
"What the hell is going on here? How dare you assault our customers!" Mr. Johnson shouts, his face turning crimson.
I wince, holding my stinging cheek, but my voice remains steady as I try to explain, "Mr. Johnson, she was—"
"I don't want to hear your pathetic excuses!" he bellows, cutting me off. "You're fired! Get your things and get out!"
Disbelief washes over me as I stand there, unable to comprehend what I have just heard. I have been slapped by a thief, and now I am losing my job without any opportunity to defend myself.
"Mr. Johnson, please, just review the CCTV footage. You'll see that I was only trying to—" I plead, my voice trembling.
But Mr. Johnson is already storming away, his back turned to me. "I don't have time for your lies. You're done here!"
My heart sinks as I watch my boss disappear into his office, his decision final. Anger and a sense of injustice well up inside me. It seems as though the world is conspiring against me, heaping on more obstacles just when I need a break.
With tears welling in my eyes, I gather my belongings, my mind filled with a mix of disappointment and frustration. However, as I step out of the store, I receive a notification in my email. It's regarding my surrogacy application.
I have been accepted for the first round!
Sophia's POV My heart skips a beat as I read the email notifying me of my acceptance into the first round of the surrogacy program. The timing can't be more perfect, given my recent job loss and my father's mounting medical expenses. Hope surges within me, overpowering the sting of the slap I received at work. I quickly compose myself, wiping away the tears that gather in my eyes, and hail a cab to embark on my journey to the luxurious estate. As the cab pulls up to the imposing gate, I can't help but marvel at the grandeur before me. The estate is like something out of a fairytale—a sprawling mansion surrounded by manicured gardens, tall hedges, and glistening fountains. It exudes an air of elegance and privilege that I have never experienced before. Exiting the cab, I smooth my clothes, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. This is uncharted territory for me, and I can't help but wonder what lies beyond those gates. Will I be able to fulfill the expectations of the client
Sophia's POV Descending the staircase with effortless grace, every movement exuding elegance and poise, he approaches me. I can't help but admire his commanding presence. His sharp features are framed by dark, tousled hair, and his eyes hold a glint of curiosity mixed with intrigue. "Good evening, Sophia," he greets, his voice smooth and commanding. "Good evening," I reply, my voice slightly shaky as I try to compose myself. "You must be Mr. Williams." He nods, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "That's correct. Please, call me Alexander." He takes a seat across from me, his eyes never leaving mine. "I must admit, I didn't expect to find you here today," he says, his voice smooth and velvety. I blink, momentarily lost in his gaze before finding my voice. "I apologize if I've caused any confusion. I received an email stating that today was the day of the meeting." A faint smile curves his lips as he leans back in his chair. "Ah, it seems there has been a miscommunic
Sophia’s POV I scrub the kitchen counter with fervor, determined to rid it of every last speck of dirt. Cleaning has always been my way of finding solace amidst the chaos of my daily life. As the warm water cascades over the dishes in the sink, I can feel the stress slowly melting away. But just as I’m starting to find my inner calm, the sound of the front door swinging open interrupts my thoughts. “Hey, nerd! Cleaning up the messes of the world again?” Jake’s voice echoes through the apartment, laced with his trademark teasing tone. I roll my eyes and turn to face him, my expression a mix of amusement and annoyance. “Someone’s got to do it, and clearly, it won’t be you,” I retort, raising an eyebrow at his disheveled appearance. Jake is my roommate’s younger brother, a rugged rugby player who seems to thrive on chaos. He’s the complete opposite of me, always seeking adventure and pushing boundaries. Jake smirks, unfazed by my response. He leans against the doorway, a mischievous g
Sophia’s POV I turn my gaze to Tyler, who meets my eyes with a mixture of surprise and defensiveness. His face flushes slightly, and I can see his jaw tighten as he prepares to respond. However, before he can say anything, I raise my hand to stop him. “Wait, hold on a second,” I interject, my voice calm but firm. “Let’s not jump to conclusions here. Tyler, what’s going on?” Tyler takes a deep breath, his expression softening as he looks at me. “Sophia, I... I didn’t know he was your guest. I saw him snooping around, and I got suspicious. I thought he might be up to something.” I process his words, understanding his perspective. It’s true that Tyler is naturally protective, and he’s always been cautious about strangers. Moreover, Alexander was wrong for coming over without even as much as a call to inform me. How did he even know my address? Turning back to Alexander, I look at him with a mix of understanding and curiosity. “And you didn’t tell me you were coming. Why?” Alexander
Sophia’s POV As we step out of the doctor’s office, a wave of peculiar sensations washes over me. It’s as if I can feel a tiny presence inside me, even though it’s too early for any noticeable physical changes. I can’t help but share my mixed emotions with Alexander. “You know, it feels so strange. I mean, I know it’s just the beginning, but I have this sense that something is inside me now,” I confess, a hint of wonder in my voice. He chuckles warmly and places a hand on my shoulder, offering reassurance. “I can understand. It’s incredible, isn’t it? Don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal to have those feelings. Just remember to take good care of yourself and the baby.” I nod, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. “I didn’t expect it to be this simple and easy. I guess I worried too much.” Alexander grins, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I told you not to stress. We’ve got this.” I nod, feeling grateful by how he always tries to put me at ease. He looks at me and sudde
Alexander’s POV As Sophia speaks, her words wash over me like a gentle breeze, but my attention remains fixated on her. I listen intently, captivated by her presence and the subtle nuances of her voice. She seems at ease, sharing snippets of her day and assuring me that everything is fine. "That's good to hear," I reply, offering a reassuring smile. "I'm glad you're feeling okay and there are no complications." She nods, her expression serene. "Yes, everything seems to be going smoothly so far. I've been taking good care of myself, eating well, and following the doctor's advice. I've been feeling tired at times, but that's expected." Relief floods over me, knowing that she is taking the necessary steps to ensure a healthy pregnancy. "I'm glad to hear that. Your well-being and the baby's health are my top priorities." Sophia lowers her head a little and when she looks up, I notice the blush on her face as she responds, "Thank you for being there for me. I appreciate your concern an
Sophia’s POV As I return home, a wave of desolation washes over me. Alexander’s absence is palpable, and I find myself longing for his company. Surprisingly, his presence has grown on me, and I enjoy the moments we spend together. My hand instinctively rests on my stomach, where a ti⁵ny life may already be taking shape. The thought fills me with both excitement and a twinge of sadness, knowing that our paths will diverge once I give birth. I can’t help but question Alexander’s ability to care for our child. He’s a man who doesn’t even want to get married, and I wonder if he truly understands the responsibilities that come with parenthood. But then again, I remind myself that our arrangement is merely a contract. It is not my place to worry about his intentions or his capabilities as a father. I must focus on fulfilling my part of the agreement and providing a safe and healthy environment for our child. Deep down, though, I can’t help but wonder if there’s more to our connection tha
Sophia’s POV I stared at Alexander's face and panicked. How dare he appear here? The scene was chaotic for a while, and my mind went blank. Feeling exposed and vulnerable, I close the door behind me, creating a small barrier between us and the rest of the world. If I don't make some amends now, my roommates will find out about the surrogacy. “Sophia, open the door. We need to talk,” Tyler says, but I don’t respond, knowing full well they are about to barrage me with a tirade of questions. I quickly grab a rag and clean the floor with it. Then, I hid the test under my bed before walking to the closed door. Jake’s voice reaches me, “What exactly are you hiding, Sophia? Open the door or I’ll break in.” I was so nervous that I grabbed Alexander's clothes and said, "Listen, Alexander, this is not the place you should be. I will open the door later and you can get out immediately. Don't say anything. I will handle all this by myself." He stared at me and frowned, "How do you want to