~After A week~ While Aurora slept, she perceived the strong smell of pancake in her nostrils. She shook her head, furrowing her brows while her eyes were still closed. “Aurora.” She heard her name in a whisper, and this was when she slightly opened her eyes. Very close to her face was Arthur’s face, which had a large smile on it. “Good morning beautiful.” He uttered, and she smiled faintly, rubbing her eyes with her hands. “Good morning.” She mumbled, her eyes falling shut again. “I made you breakfast.” He added, and her eyes opened again. She looked down at his hands and saw a tray with him. He wore an apron on his singlet and black pants.“You did? I can smell pancakes.” She answered with a smile, and he nodded. “These are the fastest things I can make.” He responded, and she broke into laughter. “Baby, you didn’t have to. You shouldn’t stress your leg, remember?” She answered, sitting up and collecting the tray of pancakes from him. “My leg has gotten better, okay? I don’t
With his thin, weak hand in her hands, Aurora shed silent tears as she watched her father sleep. He had been lying sick on the hospital bed for over six months due to Kidney disease, and it didn’t seem like he was getting any better. Aurora is a twenty-two year old lady, who has always been known for her strength and bravery. She graduated from business school with an excellent grade but wasn’t able to use this grade because she had to take care of her father who fell ill a month after she graduated. She was at the coffee shop where she worked part time when she received a call from the hospital that her father had another attack and almost lost his life, which made her run down to see him. Aurora loved her father more than anything else in the world. He was so good and sweet to her, and she wasn’t going to let him die. After her father had his first attack and she was told he had a kidney disease, she began to work relentlessly to pay his hospital bills. She had up to four jobs
Aurora swallowed hard and nodded, letting the words that wanted to proceed out of her mouth hang in her throat. “I hate interruptions when I speak.” He warned. “I’m sorry.” Aurora responded. “Good. You’ll be locked up for your own good. I don’t want anyone else to know about this contract, so it’s best you stay put. After you give birth to my child, you can do whatever you want. But signing this contract, means you’re going to obey every instructions I give you.” “If you agree to this first condition, then you get to receive the total amount of $200,000.” He added, and took a pause, letting Aurora respond. “And other terms and conditions?” She asked, making him shrug. “Nothing much. Just stay out of my way throughout the pregnancy period, if you need anything, talk to my butler in the house, we don’t need to talk. And lastly, you’re not allowed to develop any kind of relationship or feeling whatsoever with the baby. “You’re just a surrogate. All these are written in the contrac
“I bet you’re ready to take the offer now, right?” Arthur uttered with a smirk. “Yes, I am. But I have my condition too.” Aurora responded with a straight face, making Arthur raise his brows. “Really?” “Really. You need my help, I need yours. I get to have my condition too, don’t I?” She further asked in desperation. “Fine. Let’s hear what you have.” Arthur answered with a smirk, resting his back on his office chair and folding his arms. “I want you to pay me upfront.” Aurora answered. “What? Why would I do that?” “Because I need the money as soon as possible, okay? If you give me the $200,000 right now, I’ll sign the contract, and move into your house. I’ll do whatever you want. I just need you to pay upfront. That shouldn’t be a problem, right? Given that you are a rich man.” “You are the desperate one here, not me. I can decide to find another healthy woman to be my surrogate. Why does it have to be you?” “Because I’m here right now, ready to carry your baby, and you know
~After two hours~ The driver opened the door so that Aurora could step out of the car. Throughout the ride home, she couldn’t still believe it took only some minutes to get Arthur’s sperm inside her. She kept rubbing her belly and staring at it like she was already feeling the fetus develop. ‘Being locked up in an arrogant rich man’s house sounds so hectic, and now I have his sperm lying happily inside me. What have you brought upon yourself, Aurora.’ She thought as she raised her eyes to look at the house. Her eyes slowly widened and her thoughts vanished immediately her eyes fell on Arthur’s large, expensive and extremely beautiful house. It was a two thousand yard Spanish Villa. About seven to ten cars were parked in front of the Perron that extended down from the large doors. “Wow.” This word fell out of her mouth unconsciously. She knew he was rich, but she wasn’t expecting his house to be that huge. ‘I would definitely get lost in this house if I’m not careful.’ She thoug
The birds chirping in the tree not so far from Aurora’s window pulled her back to her consciousness from her very deep sleep. It was the first time in months she actually did have a goodnight sleep. She had a very comfortable bed to lay on, her father was probably given the best care he had ever been given. There was no reason to cry herself to sleep this time. For these reasons, she felt a little bit relaxed about everything in her life. With a hearty smile, she yanked the duvet off her lower body and dragged her feet to the window. She pulled the curtains apart with her two hands, letting her eyes feast on the beautiful morning sight from her window. “Woah.” She uttered as soon as she saw the blue radiant swimming pool just behind her window. This wasn’t the only thing that wowed her, but also Arthur who was swimming in the water. His whole body was in the water and he moved so smoothly like a fish. “He isn’t going to work today?” She muttered to herself, totally forgetting it
~A week later~ With a face drowning in amusement and happiness, Aurora took a walk around the villa with Carter at her side to keep her company. “I’d love to ask you some questions, Carter… about Mr. Arthur.” She uttered, and Carter looked at her with a faint smile. “I hope they aren’t going to be personal questions. I wouldn’t be able to discuss his personal life with you Miss Aurora.” “Can you at least hear me first? I am a little curious, that’s all.” She insisted. “Okay, Ma’am.” He answered, slightly lowering his head as they continued walking into the large, beautiful ornamental garden in the backyard. “So, my first question is, has Mr Arthur ever been with any woman? I mean… since you’ve been here for years, you’ll know, right?” Aurora asked, looking at Carter’s face. “Yes. And since I’ve been in this mansion, I’ve never seen him with any woman.” Aurora raised her brows and nodded slowly. She wasn’t so surprised, given that she knew his attitude was unbearable. “Not eve
Arthur got to Doctor Alex’s office very early the next morning. He was bent on knowing what went wrong. “Mr. Arthur. You’re here early.” Alex uttered, as he walked into his office and met Arthur sitting on one of the chairs. “The appointment was set for 8 a.m., it’s 8:16 a.m. according to my wristwatch,” Arthur answered, before Alex took a glance at his wristwatch. “Oh yes… I’m sorry. I had some minor issues this morning. How can I help you, Mr. Arthur?” Alex asked as he settled down behind his desk. “Mr. Rivers. Aurora’s father. What happened to him? You reported that the transplant was successful. What the hell happened afterward?” Arthur asked with a straight face, while Alex creased his brows in confusion. “Sorry… but why does this matter to you?” “Does that matter? Tell me why you couldn’t save his life even after the transplant. She trusted you to help her father. What the hell happened?” Arthur further pressed. “I’m sorry, Mr. Arthur. But this is doctor-patient informatio
~After A week~ While Aurora slept, she perceived the strong smell of pancake in her nostrils. She shook her head, furrowing her brows while her eyes were still closed. “Aurora.” She heard her name in a whisper, and this was when she slightly opened her eyes. Very close to her face was Arthur’s face, which had a large smile on it. “Good morning beautiful.” He uttered, and she smiled faintly, rubbing her eyes with her hands. “Good morning.” She mumbled, her eyes falling shut again. “I made you breakfast.” He added, and her eyes opened again. She looked down at his hands and saw a tray with him. He wore an apron on his singlet and black pants.“You did? I can smell pancakes.” She answered with a smile, and he nodded. “These are the fastest things I can make.” He responded, and she broke into laughter. “Baby, you didn’t have to. You shouldn’t stress your leg, remember?” She answered, sitting up and collecting the tray of pancakes from him. “My leg has gotten better, okay? I don’t
After making love to Arthur, Aurora fell asleep in his arms. Arthur could hardly sleep because he kept staring at her, thinking of how far they had come. Without a doubt, he knew they were destined for each other. ‘I have to make this work again. And this time, without mistakes.’ He thought, slowly and carefully caressing her face in a way that wouldn’t wake her up, but unfortunately, she ended up waking up. She slowly opened her eyes and when she saw him staring at her, she smiled widely. “Hey.” She uttered in almost a whisper, and he responded with a smile. “You didn’t sleep?” She asked, and he shook his head. “I couldn’t. I couldn’t stop staring at you.” He answered, and she scoffed, looking away. “Stop teasing. How is your leg?” She asked as she sat up. She took a look at his leg and looked at his face again. “I wasn’t teasing. And for my leg, I don’t know. It feels numb.” He answered, causing her to furrow her brows. “Is that a good thing?” She asked, and he shrugged with
The same day, they all went back to Arthur’s house, including Derick and his husband. They helped Aurora bring him out of the car and place him on the wheelchair, while she pushed him into the house. “God, I’ve missed this place so much.” He mumbled and raised his head to look at Aurora, who had a faint smile on her face. “I do miss it too.” She answered, looking at his face. Then she recalled the doctor had told her to clean the scratches on his face which were plastered. “We should clean your scratches as soon as they are gone.” She added, and Arthur nodded. “Okay, Ma’am.” He responded teasingly, which made Aurora furrow her brows. “Ma’am?” She asked with a chuckle, and he nodded. “Why is that?” She further asked. “Because I’ll be doing whatever you ask of me without questioning your opinion.” He answered with their gazes locked. “Can somebody get these two a bed already? They've been so flirty since we left the hospital,” Carter muttered, rolling his eyes. “You know we can
Getting back to the hospital, they met Rachel, Aurora’s mother sitting next to Arthur on the bed. The kids also sat in the bed with Arthur. Arthur sat up on the bed, his back resting against a pillow. “You’re back,” Rachel uttered with a large smile as they all walked into the ward. “Mom, when did you get here?” She asked, opening her hands so she could embrace her kids who eagerly climbed down the bed just to embrace her. “About an hour ago. I was finally told you were around today, and I couldn’t wait one minute longer to see you. I got here and saw that you and the others have headed out.” She responded, and Aurora nodded. “We went for Anita’s court hearing.” She uttered, moving closer to Arthur’s bed. She held his hand and smiled softly. “How are you feeling now?” She asked, taking a glance at his wrapped leg which now lay on the bed. “Better. I feel much better. Thank you.” He answered, and she nodded. “I’m glad.” “How was the hearing?” He asked, and Derick scoffed. “Th
~After A Week~“My Lord, the only evidence against my client is one provided by one man, who I am sure is not a friend of hers and is just looking for a way to complicate her. This may all just be a coincidence.”“Objection, My Lord!” “Objection overruled.”“Thank you, my Lord. Apart from this man who claims to be my client’s friend, there are no other witnesses to prove that my client is guilty. These were just words heard, and I must say that there are so many people who sound the same. It must have been someone else on the phone.” “Objection, My Lord!” “Objection sustained.” “Thank you, My Lord!” Arthur’s lawyer, Mr. Smith stood up to defend Arthur too. “My Lord, I bet my colleague here must have forgotten we also have a video of her on the phone with someone, saying this person should make it seem like an accident. I’ll play this tape now.” He said, giving a USB stick to one of the officers. Aurora looked at Alec, who sat beside her, with fear in her heart. She feared that A
Aurora left the police station with Derick, leaving Alec to do as he had promised. Getting back to the hospital, they met everyone where they had left them. “Aurora, welcome back.” Carter greeted, hugging her, before planting a peck on Derick’s lips. “How was it?” He asked, and Derick heaved a sigh. “It was Anita,” Derick uttered, and Theo scoffed. “I know it. That witch. When will she ever stop? After Mr. Arthur paid her to leave us the hell alone. She just wouldn’t listen.” Theo uttered in anger. “Paid her to leave? What are you talking about?” Aurora asked with her brows furrowed in confusion. “Yes. She came to the house after you left and Mr. Arthur was a total mess. She said he could give her a huge amount of money to make her disappear from our lives totally, and this included getting rid of the baby she claimed was his.” Theo explained, making Carter and Derick exchange looks. “How are we just knowing this? She probably used that money to fuel her next operation! Why wou
In the evening, Aurora and Derick visited the police station while Carter and Theo stayed with Arthur and the kids. Getting to the police station, Aurora walked behind Derick as she was unsure about where to go and what to do. Derick walked up to the cop behind the counter and said; “We are here for Arthur Howard. His wife is here.” Derick uttered, moving away so that the cop could see Aurora who was behind him. “His wife? I thought they never got the chance to be official.” The cop answered with a chuckle, and Derick raised his eyebrows in surprise. “What? It’s all over the internet. She ran away on her wedding day after another lady claimed to be pregnant for him.” He added, and this time, with laughter. Aurora scoffed and shook her head in disbelief. “Do you want to gossip? Or are you going to take us to your boss?” Derick answered with a stern look. “What exactly are you seeing him for?” The cop further asked. “He is just here to frustrate us, Derick. We should leave.” Aur
Aurora arrived at the hospital the next day. She ran into the ward, and when she saw the boys, she broke into tears, kissed them, and embraced them tightly. “Oh God. I was so scared it would be more than these. How are you feeling?” She asked them, and they hugged her again. “We have missed you so much, mummy. We are much better now. They keep giving us injections and drugs, and now it’s as if nothing happened.” Ryan said, and she nodded, tears still streaming down her eyes. “I’m so glad you’re okay now.” She answered and then looked up to see Theo, Carter, and Derick staring at her. She had almost forgotten they were there. “Hi.” She mumbled as she stood up to greet them. One after the other, they embraced her. She hugged Carter the tightest, burying her head in his shoulder. “Where is he? How is he?” She mumbled in tears, her eyes shut very tight in anticipation of the horrible response she could get. “He’s behind the curtain. Let me walk you there.” He said to her as he hel
While Alec was in Aurora’s house, sneakingly looking for clues about what her next evil agenda was, her landline rang. He furrowed his brows as he walked up to her bedside table and answered the phone. He remained quiet and waited for the person from the other end to speak. “Anita, it’s done. When do we come for the balance? He’s not going to survive it, that’s for sure.” Because he couldn’t answer, he hung up and hastily walked out of the room. “He is not going to survive it? What have you done, Anita!”He got out of the house and left, making sure he wasn’t seen. Driving to his house, he couldn’t help but wonder what had happened. He feared that Arthur was in great danger, and he wasn’t sure what to do if that was the case. Getting to his house, he turned on the television and drew his phone out of his pocket. He sat on the couch and began to search for news channels. He believed if it was Arthur, the news would carry it because of the influence he has in society. He passed