LEONARDOS POV “That’s impossible! Are you insane? A surrogate, Isabella?”“Come of it Leonardo, that could be our only way out. We've been married for what? A year now. Don’t you think we need to expand our options?”“I am not going to have my child through someone I know nothing about and not having this conversation with you as well I stormed off”What was her problem, what had come over her? Last I remember she was nonchalant about this whole child thing, so what has changed? She was always the one to set family and friends straight about not appreciating the pressure to have a child. So what has come over her now? This wasn’t how I wanted to start my Monday morning. I had tons of meetings today and I had to be in the right mind space to discuss with investors. But clearly, she has managed to get me in a cranky mood. “Good Morning Mr Russo, Barr. Josh is in your office” My receptionist, Angela greeted me as I walked past her without saying a word “Yo! Look who finally showed u
As I approached the Russo mansion my heart fluttered with a nervous anticipation. I had agreed to become a surrogate for a billionaire couple that despises my guts. A Part of me wondered what living with them for the next few months would be like. Stepping out of the vehicle. I hesitated at the intimidating mansion entrance that looked before me. I was unsure of whether to ask the guards if anyone was coming to usher me in or if I should just say where I was till someone came to get me. I took a deep breath while clinging to my handbag and the door finally swung open revealing Mrs Russo. I smoothed down my dress, a floral dress with hues of pastel colors such as baby pink, lilac, and more of baby blue. It was a simple dress with a squared neckline. And the little act of smoothing it helped me summon courage and prepare myself as Mrs Russo got closer to where I stood. Her eyes scanned my two suitcases and moved her gaze back to my appearance. “What are you? 10? What’s with all the
The soft glow of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle light into the room. Today was the day. Anxiety made my stomach twist and turn. Dragging myself out of bed, I tried to shake off the heaviness I felt in my chest. I got dressed in silence, hallowing in my thoughts. Thankfully I had laid down my clothes the night before, It made it easy for me to get ready. I wish my story was different. I wish I didn’t have to go through all the ordeals life keeps bringing my way. But I guess I should still be grateful for having a means to get out of this particular ordeal. At least there was the opportunity to do this to help Mom. A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts, as I brushed my hair. With a heavy sigh, she opened the door to find Penelope standing on the other side “Good Morning Ms Jasmine” she greeted while slightly bowing “Penelope?” I asked “Please don’t bow. And also Jasmine is fine” I corrected her “I’m sorry ma,” she said bowing again “I mean, Jasmine.
Two weeks had whooshed by since I stepped into the Russo mansion. At first, it felt weird living with strangers. But things were starting to get better. The grumpy security guard, Thomas, finally started nodding at me in the mornings, which was a huge improvement from his scary first stare.Penelope had now become more than an acquaintance to me, were friends already. She spends her free time with me talking and playing card games. She has been like a burst of sunshine and I sense a flicker of genuine care and friendship from her.She informed me that all the staff were aware of the purpose of my stay. They had also been duly instructed to keep the secret with them, not discussing the matter with anyone. Which made me. Wonder if they also signed any agreement.With time, Penelope introduced me to the other staff, inviting me for dinner at the staff quarters every night to dine with them. Which is something l always look forward to, the laughter that roared from every conversation and
A day had passed since my encounter with Mr Russo. I had encouraged myself to move on from how low he taught me. How he saw me shouldn't matter to me. I would be out of his air soon.As I tried to forget him, his child rumbled for food in my belly. And I was craving my stir-fried potatoes. I made it for lunch and just had lunch with the exact ingredients I use every time I make it for Mom and Jenna. The burst of flavor from the garlic and ginger made my stir-fried potatoes top-notch! Chefs kiss. If I could I would own my restaurant someday. Everyone who has tasted my food has pushed me to kickstart the idea. However, I was reluctant because of the funds needed. However I could now once the baby is born.As I finished doing the dishes, I decided to take a stroll till I found myself at the same spot where I was made feel less of myself by Mr Russo. A familiar rustle in the bushes startled me. Penelope emerged, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.“Caught you red-handed, Jasm
As I sat by my desk at the office, surrounded by my to-dos for the day and paperwork that needed to be attended to, all my mind could do was be consumed with thoughts of the weekend when Mom was rushed to the hospital. Since it happened, my mind has refused to stop replaying the events. The doctor informed my sister Jenna and me that Mom was suffering from an acute myocardial infarction. I wanted to be mad at her for not carrying anyone along with what she was dealing with, but remembering how weak and lifeless she looked lying on the hospital bed, I couldn't bring myself to do such a thing. Why, why, mom? I remember questioning her silently as tears poured down my face while the doctor spoke. She could have died, and we would have all been clueless as to the cause of her death. "What's the way out now?" my sister's husband, Devin, asked the doctor. "Well, just like I said earlier, myocardial infarction can be treated if handled well. In your mother's case, she would need surgery
The Russo mansion was still the same as I remembered. Standing tall and proud, with its large pillars at its entrance posing as a grand complement for the white mansion, with its perfectly manicured lawns and red rose gardens surrounding the property. Its symmetrical design exuded a sense of opulence, grandeur, and wealth. "Boy oh boy," I hear Erica say as she gawped in awe while we walked in from the gigantic gates protecting the building. "I know, right? I remember my first time here as well. I felt like an absolute peasant," I say to her. “Wait till you get inside." I continue, knowing fully well that she was in for the shock of her life. The interior was just as breathtaking as the exterior. Entering the mansion, you are greeted by a spacious foyer with a magnificent chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The walls were adorned with ornate gold moldings and timeless artwork. Moving through the mansion, you find yourself in sumptuous living rooms with high ceilings and luxurious
LEONARDO’s POVLetting out a sigh, I release the button of my suit before settling on the black velvet couch. I needed to get comfortable, as it’s going to be another long conversation with mom reminding Isabella and myself of how she needs to have a grandchild just like her other friends.I knew the conversation would be inevitable on this day, seeing as we would be hosting family and friends for our wedding anniversary. Absconding from the house this morning before the arrival of anyone was a success."You weren’t supposed to be working today, Leonardo.” Mom twisted her lips.“Hello, Mother” I say to her with a smirk plastered on my face. I could tell just how much she wanted to remove that smirk from my face.I really needed her to speed this up so I could go lock myself up in my workspace. That was the plan after all—coming back home and locking myself up until the time of the event."If you are always working so much, when would you two be able to put in more effort to have a bab
A day had passed since my encounter with Mr Russo. I had encouraged myself to move on from how low he taught me. How he saw me shouldn't matter to me. I would be out of his air soon.As I tried to forget him, his child rumbled for food in my belly. And I was craving my stir-fried potatoes. I made it for lunch and just had lunch with the exact ingredients I use every time I make it for Mom and Jenna. The burst of flavor from the garlic and ginger made my stir-fried potatoes top-notch! Chefs kiss. If I could I would own my restaurant someday. Everyone who has tasted my food has pushed me to kickstart the idea. However, I was reluctant because of the funds needed. However I could now once the baby is born.As I finished doing the dishes, I decided to take a stroll till I found myself at the same spot where I was made feel less of myself by Mr Russo. A familiar rustle in the bushes startled me. Penelope emerged, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.“Caught you red-handed, Jasm
Two weeks had whooshed by since I stepped into the Russo mansion. At first, it felt weird living with strangers. But things were starting to get better. The grumpy security guard, Thomas, finally started nodding at me in the mornings, which was a huge improvement from his scary first stare.Penelope had now become more than an acquaintance to me, were friends already. She spends her free time with me talking and playing card games. She has been like a burst of sunshine and I sense a flicker of genuine care and friendship from her.She informed me that all the staff were aware of the purpose of my stay. They had also been duly instructed to keep the secret with them, not discussing the matter with anyone. Which made me. Wonder if they also signed any agreement.With time, Penelope introduced me to the other staff, inviting me for dinner at the staff quarters every night to dine with them. Which is something l always look forward to, the laughter that roared from every conversation and
The soft glow of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle light into the room. Today was the day. Anxiety made my stomach twist and turn. Dragging myself out of bed, I tried to shake off the heaviness I felt in my chest. I got dressed in silence, hallowing in my thoughts. Thankfully I had laid down my clothes the night before, It made it easy for me to get ready. I wish my story was different. I wish I didn’t have to go through all the ordeals life keeps bringing my way. But I guess I should still be grateful for having a means to get out of this particular ordeal. At least there was the opportunity to do this to help Mom. A knock on the door pulled me out of my thoughts, as I brushed my hair. With a heavy sigh, she opened the door to find Penelope standing on the other side “Good Morning Ms Jasmine” she greeted while slightly bowing “Penelope?” I asked “Please don’t bow. And also Jasmine is fine” I corrected her “I’m sorry ma,” she said bowing again “I mean, Jasmine.
As I approached the Russo mansion my heart fluttered with a nervous anticipation. I had agreed to become a surrogate for a billionaire couple that despises my guts. A Part of me wondered what living with them for the next few months would be like. Stepping out of the vehicle. I hesitated at the intimidating mansion entrance that looked before me. I was unsure of whether to ask the guards if anyone was coming to usher me in or if I should just say where I was till someone came to get me. I took a deep breath while clinging to my handbag and the door finally swung open revealing Mrs Russo. I smoothed down my dress, a floral dress with hues of pastel colors such as baby pink, lilac, and more of baby blue. It was a simple dress with a squared neckline. And the little act of smoothing it helped me summon courage and prepare myself as Mrs Russo got closer to where I stood. Her eyes scanned my two suitcases and moved her gaze back to my appearance. “What are you? 10? What’s with all the
LEONARDOS POV “That’s impossible! Are you insane? A surrogate, Isabella?”“Come of it Leonardo, that could be our only way out. We've been married for what? A year now. Don’t you think we need to expand our options?”“I am not going to have my child through someone I know nothing about and not having this conversation with you as well I stormed off”What was her problem, what had come over her? Last I remember she was nonchalant about this whole child thing, so what has changed? She was always the one to set family and friends straight about not appreciating the pressure to have a child. So what has come over her now? This wasn’t how I wanted to start my Monday morning. I had tons of meetings today and I had to be in the right mind space to discuss with investors. But clearly, she has managed to get me in a cranky mood. “Good Morning Mr Russo, Barr. Josh is in your office” My receptionist, Angela greeted me as I walked past her without saying a word “Yo! Look who finally showed u
“You want me to move in with you?” I asked looking at both Mrs Russo and her husband “I can't do that” “Why not?” Mr. Russo finally spoke shooting me a daring look as though I was his enemy and his voice as cold as ice. “No reason, in particular, I just can't,” I said fumbling with my necklace “Or you expect us to pay you extra for moving in with us?” he responded with the most mocking voice ever. What exactly was his deal? He was acting like I was an enemy. I'm helping out their family. “This has nothing to do with your money,” I responded firmly“Of course it doesn’t” I caught him rolling his eyes at me “Leon” I noticed Mrs Russo gently touch his arm as though she was trying to tell him to behave “Moving in would put me at risk of losing my job. All staff are expected to live within proximity to the office” I say to Mrs Russo. Thinking she would speak to her husband on my behalf“Well actually Ms Jasmine, You’re expected to also quit your job while you're carrying the child.
“Jenna! You need to keep your voice down.” I whisper yell, turning around to make sure we are alone. This wasn’t the exact conversation I wanted anyone to eavesdrop on, especially Mom with her current condition, I had survived keeping this to myself for 3 whole days, and the only person I could think of telling was my sister. I didn’t want to drag my best friend Diana into any of this. She was preparing for her finals and we haven’t spoken to each other in some days. I made sure to give my sister every single detail of our conversation while almost whispering to avoid Mom hearing us. “What gave her the right to bring such a thing your way?” Jenna asked “What in the universe made her feel you were the right candidate for this offer? Bringing my sister to her house wasn’t my way of telling her to use her for her scheme.” Jenna expressed bitterly “It must be her husband’s idea. My brain is not comprehending how the same Mrs Russo I know could do such a thing. It must be that husband of
JASMINES POVAs the days went by, I realized how traumatizing it was for me to witness Mrs. Russo and her lover. Curious me, did a bit of digging and found out that the man I met with in the hallway was indeed the actual Mr. Russo. Which meant his wife was cheating on him. How I wish I had someone to share this heavy burden with. My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of my phone. I had forgotten to silence it while resuming my night shift at the library. The loud sound landed me in glares from random eyes that were irritated by the loud, distracting sound.I grabbed my phone and made my way to the hallway to receive my call. I had no idea who was calling."Hello, dear, Ms. Parkerton is on the line. I heard on the other side, "Hope you don’t mind; I got your line from the guest list you filled out at the gate the other day."Oh, hello, Ms. Parkerton, I hope everything is alright. I’m assuming you haven’t been able to get across to my sister; that’s why you reached out to me." I s
LEONARDO’s POVLetting out a sigh, I release the button of my suit before settling on the black velvet couch. I needed to get comfortable, as it’s going to be another long conversation with mom reminding Isabella and myself of how she needs to have a grandchild just like her other friends.I knew the conversation would be inevitable on this day, seeing as we would be hosting family and friends for our wedding anniversary. Absconding from the house this morning before the arrival of anyone was a success."You weren’t supposed to be working today, Leonardo.” Mom twisted her lips.“Hello, Mother” I say to her with a smirk plastered on my face. I could tell just how much she wanted to remove that smirk from my face.I really needed her to speed this up so I could go lock myself up in my workspace. That was the plan after all—coming back home and locking myself up until the time of the event."If you are always working so much, when would you two be able to put in more effort to have a bab