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Chapter 80
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The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 81
Ophelia and Emily have stayed huddled into a corner of the courtyard all this time. Now, they’re inching a bit closer to where Steve’s sitting. He starts wriggling around while I tip the chair at an angle, “Come on man. Please don’t do this.” “Are you ready to tell us why you’re here?” I ask. “You know I can’t do that. What if you just let me go? I promise I won’t come back,” he pleads. “It’s too late for that. Heck, it’s even too late to call the cops,” I say. “I have a family; two kids at home and a dog waiting for me,” he says, darting his eyes from Thaddeus to me. So, I was right about the dog. “You should have thought about that before taking the job,” I say. “You got a wife, Steve? How old are your kids?” asks Thaddeus. “I’m divorced. My kids are eight and ten,” he adds. “What’s their names?” I ask. “Katey and, ummmm, Mark,” he blurts out. “Took you a bit long there, Steve. Can’t remember your own kids’ names, huh?” I ask. “I’m just taking a wild guess here, but someth
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 82
Emily/Jocasta POV By the time the cops got around to Mellon Estate, I had been running on empty. My body was screaming for some sort of release, but my mind was tuned into everything that was happening around me. As agreed, we all rehearsed the same story when the police took our statements. Steve had broken into the home, expecting to ransack the place. What he didn’t count on was all of us being at home and wide awake. None of us made any mention of Charlotte or Nancy. That was a matter that we’d deal with on our own. When the cops marched him out there, handcuffed, he had a relieved look on his face, glad for the eventful evening to be done with. With the sun making its way across the horizon, a new day is dawning, leaving us with the conundrum of how to solve the Charlotte problem. Thaddeus returns to the courtyard with a fresh pot of coffee. “I know we can all do with this,” he says and hands out mugs of the aromatic elixir of life. Jacob offers me a mug but I decline. With
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 83
Jacob POV Two hours of shut eye, that’s all we’ve had. The lack of sleep is starting to take its toll as Jocasta and I fall out of bed. With my eyes swollen shut, I take a quick cold shower to invigorate my tired limbs. It works momentarily, but by the time we make it downstairs, my body moves with a sluggish gait. “Morning, sleep heads,” chirps Ophelia at the breakfast table. Jocasta and I look at her and take our seats. Breakfast is an array of deliciously divine fruit and yogurt. Somehow, I can’t stomach eating anything right now. My head feels like someone’s taken a power drill to it. This feels worse than a hangover. Jocasta, on the other hand, is tucking in like a hungry lion, uncertain of when she’ll eat again. “I take it you slept well,” Ophelia winks at us. “Yes, thanks for putting up with us,” I say. Jocasta pays her no attention and is reaching for the bowl of strawberries. “Thaddeus should be down momentarily; he’s just making arrangements for Clarisse,” she says.
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 84
Nancy POV“You stupid girl.” Those words repeat themselves over and over again in my head. They offer little comfort and are just a reminder of how fucked up my life has become.I’m shit scared. I suppose staring down the barrel of a gun can do that to you, give you perspective on how bad things can really go.It’s not like I stood in front of the class as a kid on Career Day and said, “I want to hustle people out of their money when I grow up”. I can’t even say I’m a product of my circumstances. Yes, I had a shitty mom and a dad who abandoned me, but all of this was my doing. I realize that while standing in a room with Antonia Hernández and his goons.After the whole fuck up with Steve and Catherie, my recklessness drove me to seek refuge in the only place I could think of - Jacob’s hotel suit.The second I walked through the door, I knew something was off. But it was too late; I felt a knock to the back of my head and fell to the floor.I don’t know how long I was out for, but when
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 85
I know the only way to keep Ophelia safe is to pretend she means nothing to me, but it’s hard to prove it to Hernández. When it comes to her, I’m like an open book, and now it could mean that she dies as well.“Well, Nancy, what will it be?” he asks and takes his phone away from me.My purse starts vibrating and one of the heavies hands it to me. Hernández snatches it from me and locates the buzzing sound; it’s my phone. Holding it up, he shows me the caller ID, “How’s that for timing? I’d suggest you answer it and put it on speaker.”I look at the phone but don’t take it. He presses the “answer” button and forces it into my hand.“Hello, Astrid. Are you there?” her voice comes out loud and clear for everyone in the room to hear.“Hey, yes, I’m here,” I say.“Where are you? I’ve been trying to get hold of you for the past day. Sooooo much has happened, it’s been crazy,” she says. The sound of her voice calms me down and I concentrate on it.“Tell me about it,” I say.“No, this is some
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 86
Emily/Jocasta POVJacob hasn’t done much talking since we left Collin Estate. His contemplative mood tells me he’s thinking about how to deal with the Charlotte situation.He was taken aback with Matthew’s dramatic exit; we all were. I don’t even think Charlotte expected such a strong reaction from her own son.“Have you decided on what you’re going to do about Charlotte?” I ask.He thinks a bit before answering, “I’ve left that up to my dad. He gets to decide her fate, and I told him I’d be on board with whatever decision he makes.”“I know this must be really hard for you,” I add. “Just remember that I’m here for you.”“How can you act so selfless after all she’s done to you? Even now, you’re putting your feelings aside just to make sure I’m okay,” he says and kisses my hand.“Because I love you and I need you to know that we’re in this together,” I say.He smiles, “I love you too. We’ve all been through a lot. All I want to do is get home to our son and give him the biggest hug. Le
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 87
They’re still glowing from that post-wedding high, holding onto each other like two lovestruck puppies.“Awwww, you’re so cute,” I say and Olivia shows me the middle finger.Jacob and Mason hug each other awkwardly. I sense some tension between them but ignore it.“I thought you guys would have been in the Bahamas by now?” I ask.“So did I, but this man right here insisted on coming around before we left,” she says and looks at Mason.There’s an uncomfortable silence that stretches for a few minutes, until Mason says, “I couldn’t leave until I put things right with Jacob.”“Okay, let’s leave them to it,” says Olivia and waves me into the kitchen.“What was that about?” I ask her and start clearing up the dishes.“Let’s just say Mason didn’t take too kindly to Jacob sending his wife to the hotel to check up on a certain someone,” she says. “Words were said in anger and now my man has come to apologize.”“If there’s anyone that should be apologizing, it’s Jacob,” I tell her. “He basical
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 88
Emily/Jocasta POV“Welcome to the third trimester, Mom and Dad,” says Dr. Goodmann. “Your baby is growing bigger every day. Soon, you’ll welcome him or her into the world.”Jacob and I smile at each other. I’m almost eight months pregnant and uncomfortably huge. Just like with Liam’s pregnancy, it took some getting used to my new body. But this time, I’m embracing it because we’re experiencing this journey as a family.At both Jacob and my insistence, we asked that Dr. not tell us the baby’s gender - we want it to be a surprise.The baby’s regular heartbeat tells us our little munchkin is healthy and strong.“Have you decided on a birthing plan yet? I don’t see any reason why you can’t have a natural birth,” she says.Every time she brings it up, Jacob diverts to another topic. Whether he likes it or not, this baby’s coming out either way.“Will any complications arise if we choose natural birth?” he asks.“I don’t see why not,” she says. “Emily is perfectly healthy. Even after enduri
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Hope starts clapping at the sound of her name, getting Charlotte’s attention. “Oh my gosh, she’s beautiful,” she gasps. “What are you doing here, Mother?” asks my dad. His agitation is a sign that he’s done playing a welcoming party. “I’ve missed so much, haven’t I? And I only have myself to blame,” she says. Hope clamors to get out of Jocasta’s arms and she puts her down on the grass. Slowly, she lifts herself up and her chubby legs begin the unsteady walk to Charlotte. Charlotte breaks her fall with outstretched arms as she comes crashing down. “There’s a good girl,” she says. “You’re a feisty one, just like your mother.” “You haven’t answered Matthew’s question, why are you here?” asks my wife. Charlotte looks at her, “I suppose I’ve come to make a mence and ask for your forgiveness.” “Don’t you think you’re a few years too late?” asks Matthew. “You’re right, I am. But I wanted to say sorry for all the horrible things I’ve done to all of you,” she coughs. “I know my words of
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 98
Epilogue (One year later) Jacob POV Jocasta cuts up paper-thin slices of watermelon, Liam’s favorite. “Thanks, Mommy,” he says, grabs the bowl from her and dashes outside. The house is quiet and I take advantage of having her to myself for a few seconds. Switching on the old kitchen radio, a slow song plays across the static. She’s clearing up the watermelon peels on the kitchen counter, and I take her by the hand and give her a twirl. She has a daisy in her long hair - a gift from Hope who insisted on putting it in her mouth instead of giving it to her mama. “What are you doing?” she smiles. “I’m serenading my wife,” I say and hold her close while we slow dance with the song. She giggles, “We’re going to be late.” “They can wait,” I say and inhale her sweet scent; she smells like the ocean and baby powder. While the soft male voice is singing about giving a little love this time, I dip her low and kiss her on the mouth. A moan escapes her lips and she kisses me back. Little
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 97
Jacob is stunned. It’s the first time he’s heard this too. We don’t say anything for a few seconds and wait for the heartbreaking news to settle in. “We have Liam and Hope,” I say. “They’re more than we could wish for.” He takes Hope from my arms and cradles her, whispering into her ear, “Yes, much more than we could wish for.” Liam wants a piece of the action and attaches himself to his dad’s leg, “My turn.” We laugh and Jacob bends down and grabs Liam by the scruff of his T-shirt, “Okay Buddy, your turn.” With both of them in arms, Jacob is finding it hard to balance them, “Yep, I think two are enough.” That night I dream of my mother, the dream as vivid as an oil painting. All my past memories are coming back. It’s as if being given a second lease on life had somehow unlocked a part of my brain I had buried for years. I remember playing in the courtyard garden at Mellon Estate and going on holidays with my folks. And then there’s the memory of that photo - it’s the very first
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 96
Emily/Jocasta POV Imagine a door opening between life and death. Which one would you choose? The answer’s not that simple, is it? Death would finally bring me peace, stilling the chaotic world around me. Life is for the living as Liam once told me. But where would that leave me? My fate has been assigned - I am to die from a disease that will ravage my body. Soon, my limbs won’t obey my commands, and I’ll slowly start to lose my mind. That is no way to live. The incessant wail of a baby is calling me, beckoning me to make a decision. It’s the sound of my little girl telling me time is running out - choose now or forever hold my peace. I’ve made up my mind - I choose love. --- I’m laying on a cold, steel table. There’s a commotion all around me. Someone shouts, “We’re losing her!” and I feel something hard putting pressure on my chest. The shock of an electric current jolts my body back to life. I’ve returned to the land of living. “She’s awake! She’s awake!” When I look around m
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 95
I’m in the conservatory with Liam. Dust motes are floating in the sun’s rays while we sit side by side, both of us with a notebook.He’s making squiggles on a page, round and round until the pencil pierces through to the next page. “Do you think Mom loves us?” he asks.“Why do you ask that?” I glance at him and stop drawing. I’m trying to sketch gladiolus flowers from memory but I keep on getting stuck on the intricate detail of the petals. This is my third attempt. I tear the page from the notebook and throw it onto the heap of pages collecting next to me.“Last night she told me I’m not a good boy after I wet the bed. I can’t help it, Emily. Sometimes, it just comes out,” he grimaces.“It’s not your fault, you do know that?” I add. “Mom just gets upset really fast.”“I know, it’s that when she gets like that, I get scared,” he says.I move closer to him, “Do you know, when I get scared, I just tell myself that soon it will be over. Mom doesn’t stay angry for long. You just have to w
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 94
Emily/Jocasta POVYou know when people describe their near-death experiences as walking towards a bright light? Mine was nothing like that.For me, it was falling into a vat of creamy liquid and being suspended between space and time. The protection of the womb-like state offered me comfort and reassurance that I would be fine.Why would I want to go back to a world of uncertainty and sorrow when everything I want is right here?Memories are flashing through my mind, firing off like sparks from a fire, But they are muddled up and confusing. I can’t tell which ones are Emily’s or Jocasta’s. It’s hard to concentrate on just one at a time.I close my eyes and focus on one in particular; it’s of a beautiful woman cradling a baby in her arms. She’s standing in a nursery, and there’s a quilted blanket in the crib.She starts singing a lullaby, and it’s the same one Ophelia sang months ago when I first discovered my real identity. I gasp in recognition - it’s my mother.She can’t see me, but
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 93
The parking garage is quiet and empty. None of the day shift staff have arrived yet. I stand against the cold wall and gather my skittled thoughts.I was wrong to get angry at Thaddeus. None of this is his fault. If there’s anyone to blame, it has to be me. I’m the only one that’s known about Jocasta’s diagnosis.“Jacob,” shouts Thaddeus from the emergency exit. He jogs towards me and tries to speak but struggles to catch his breath.“Look, I’m sorry. I was so desperate for her to get better, that I may have been too hasty to get her on the treatment,” he breathes. “I honestly thought it was going to work.”“I don’t blame you,” I say. “I was angry and lashed out at you.”“Blame me if you want, because I blame myself,” he says. There’s a dejected look in his eye.“No, I should have told her the truth,” I admit.“The truth about what?” he asks and strands upright.This lie is killing me, I can’t let it destroy my wife and baby as well. Maybe if I confess my sins, my punishment might not
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 92
Jacob POVI am woken up by the buzzing of my phone on the nightstand. When I answer, it’s Dr. Richards on the line, “Mr. Collin, you need to come to the hospital now.”My brain sends signals to my limbs to move into action. Like a robot, I mechanically get dressed in the dark and rush to Liam’s room. He’s fast asleep, but I need to get him into the car. I can’t afford to lose precious time by calling someone over to babysit, so I bundle him up and carry him into the elevator.While we’re on our way down to the parking garage, he opens his eyes, “Dad, what’s going on?”I shush him back to sleep and he’s back in dreamland.The drive to the hospital is excruciating. Dr. wouldn’t have called me at this hour if it wasn’t an emergency. My mind keeps on playing different scenarios, all of them leading to the same end results.Keeping my concentration on the road is proving difficult and I struggle to keep to the speed limit, scared that I may get there too late.When I get there, I leave the
The Billionaire's Surrogate Chapter 91
One evening I got a surprise visitor. There’s a knock behind the door and a wispy brunette peeks her head through the crack; it’s Ophelia.“Helloooo,” she smiles. She’s come bearing gifts, carrying a huge bunch of roses.“Wow, are those for me?” I ask.“Yes, she says. “But if you don’t like them, I can give them to the lady down the hall. I walked into her room by mistake thinking it was yours.”I respond by snatching the flowers from her, and joking, “Give them here!”“I’m glad to see you’re in good spirits,” she adds. “Thaddeus says you’ve been feeling very tired.”I sit upright and say, “That’s an understatement. Let’s just say I may fall asleep while you’re gossiping, so you better make it extra juicy.”Ophelia looks nervously around her, “Then I got nothing for you, I’m afraid.”She takes a seat opposite my bed. I can see something’s bothering her. “Hey, what’s up?” I ask her.“It’s Astrid, I haven’t heard from her for the past few months,” she says. “The last time I spoke to her
