Chapter 3: A Desperate Deal

Cecilia's pov

The tension was heightened by the faint buzzing of the police station's fluorescent lights.

Tears streamed down my face as I pleaded with the man who had brought me here as I sat in the hard metal chair. Across from me Benjamin McCarthy sat with an unreadable expression.

"Please." I begged to put my hands together. "I didn't intentionally cause the mishap. I have nothing—no money, no way to pay for this and my father is in the hospital. Please pardon me, I beg you."

Benjamin narrowed his eyes and leaned back in his chair. "Do you know how much that car costs? Do you think that tears will solve this? You expect me to forget about it because you're poor?"

 The icy tone of his voice made me wince but I persisted.

 I will do anything to put things right. I beg you not to press charges, my father needs me."

He raked a hand through his well-combed hair and scoffed. "Anything? You're already in debt aren't you? How will you pay me back?

When I realized I had nothing to say I shut my mouth again after opening it to respond.

He shook his head .

" Exactly, you are just wasting my time."

I took out my phone in desperation and called Max. In a groggy voice he answered on the third ring.

I tried to speak steadily as I whispered "Max I need your help. I'm at the police station. An accident had happened and I—. "

With an impatient tone he interrupted me .

" Cecilia, I told you that I can't keep saving you.Im dealing with my own issues. "

“Please Maxi pleated, my eyes threatening to swell up with more tears. "It is my father. I'm at a loss for what to do while he's in the hospital. "

"No." he angrily said. "Work it out on your own."

And before I could even say a word, he ended the call.

Disbelief washed over me as I gazed at the phone. I never imagined Max would leave me in such a manner even though he had never been the perfect boyfriend.

 "You have a great support system. “Benjamin said sarcastically and dryly

I scowled at him, my embarrassment blazing. "Why are you being so mean? I've apologized and told you what's going on and pleaded with you for forgiveness. What else do you want from me?"

 Benjamin clenched his jaw and flashed something I couldn't quite read in his eyes. At last with a measured yet cold tone he leaned forward.

"You are correct. Yes I am looking for something. I need a surrogate for me and my wife."

"A surrogate?" I blinked in confusion

“Yes,” he said, his eyes sharp. "We've been unsuccessfully trying for another child for years. She has at last consented to use a surrogate and you. . ." He pointed to me. “You appear to be desperate enough to think about it."

 Stunned, I reclined. "Are you serious right now?"

" Totally." he replied. "I'll pay for your father's treatment, pay his medical bills and give you a generous reward. But you will bear my child in exchange."

 Like a weight, the words pressed down on me as they hung in the air.

 Shock, fear and an indisputable sense of relief that there might be a way out of this nightmare were among the conflicting emotions racing through my head.

I stuttered "I… I don't know."

His voice was firm as he continued .

"Think carefully. This is your opportunity to get out of poverty .Your father will receive the care he requires and you will have financial stability. Or you can decline and work it out for yourself."

I kept thinking of what the nurse had said earlier: *Your fathers condition has gotten worse. * I had no options, no money and no support.

 “All right,” I said in a barely audible whisper. " I will do it."

 Benjamin stood up suddenly and gave a small nod.

" All right. Come with me to the hospital. I will cover the expenses and see to it that your father receives the care he needs. I will withdraw the case."

With shaky legs but a determined mind, I followed him out of the station.

 I was amazed at Benjamin's efficiency in handling everything at the hospital. He made the required paperwork, He talked to the doctors and even made arrangements for my father to be transferred to a private room.

I was so overwhelmed that I turned to him when it was all over, my facing beaming with happiness.

"I'm grateful.” I said softly. "I don't know how to pay you back." I said stupidly, forgetting that we had discussed something at the police station.

"You will.” he stated plainly. " Follow me." There was a noticeable tension between us as we drove silently to his house. Anxiety and uncertainty were racing through my head.

What sort of man would make such a deal and how would his wife feel about me?

He lived in a huge, imposing mansion with expansive gardens and high iron gates. As my shabby dressing stood in sharp contrast to the immaculate, luxury surrounding me, I felt totally out of place as soon as I entered.

 Benjamin showed me to a woman in a sitting room. Her sleek, dark hair and piercing gaze instantly fixed me in place. She was stunning.

"This is Stella ,my wife ." Benjamin said. "Her?" Stella looked me up and down, her voice brimming with contempt.

" You think I'll accept this?."

"She's willing and desperate." Benjamin stated in a cool but firm tone ."We urgently need someone."

 With a smirk curling her lips, Stella crossed her arms. "It doesn't seem like she's desperate like you say. Do you think she's healthy enough to bear our child?"

Stella tilted her head. “ And did you tell her that we already have a child so she doesn't fell like she is our savior.”

" Everything has been taken care of by me, “Benjamin said. "In order to verify that she is a suitable candidate, the doctor's will perform the required tests."

I stood there staring at both of them, feeling like a bug under a microscope.

"I can do this." I managed to say it but I sounded stupid. “I’ll agree to whatever conditions you set and I need the money. "

Clearly skeptical Stella arched an eyebrow.

"Alright. But let's be clear: you are merely a vessel. Please don't make any assumptions about joining this family or becoming close to my husband. We already have a child so don't feel too special.”

*I understand." I hurriedly said so as not to aggravate her any more.

She sat back on the couch and sipped from a wine flute.

"Good. Let's now talk about the terms. "

Negotiations filled the next hour. Benjamin and Stella went into great detail about everything. I would stay in their house while I was pregnant under close supervision.

Along with a lump sum payment at the end , I would receive monthly payments that would fully cover my father's medical expenses.

" You'll have access to the best doctors and anything else you need." Benjamin stated." But you will abide by our regulations. No smoking, no alcohol and no careless conduct."

 “Perfectly understood.” I nodded rapidly.

With an icy tone Stella continued .

"And no sex with your boyfriend. Any silly drama is not necessary."

 I nodded again after hesitating." All right."

Staring straight ahead Stella leaned forward.

" The deal is off if you violate any of these guidelines. Are you understanding what I'm saying."

I swallowed deeply ." I understand." I said.

 Benjamin stood up ." Good." He said." I assume that we have an agreement now." He held out his hand and I shook it concluding the deal that would forever alter my life.

The decision weighed heavily on my shoulders as I left their mansion that evening.

 It was my only chance to save my father and get out of the crippling grip of poverty so I had agreed to something I never thought I'd think about.

A new chapter had begun, one that would put me to the test in ways I had not yet expected. I would carry the billionaire's baby if it meant my financial freedom.