CHAPTER 1

"Sebastian, please!"

My heart was racing as I saw Sebastian angrily yank my suitcase out of the house, his face twisted with rage. "Sebastian, please, just calm down and listen to me," I begged, my voice trembling with desperation. But it was like he couldn't hear a word I was saying. His anger had completely taken over.

Why did he never listen to me? He was always so quick to anger, so quick to judge me…so quick to judge situations before getting to the bottom of what happened.

Outside, Ethan was just standing there, watching everything unfold in front of him. He claimed he deeply loved me yet he always caused so much enmity between Sebastian and I just because of that "love."

Lady Victoria, with her creepy smile, was standing off to the side, and it seemed like they were both enjoying seeing me suffer. It suddenly dawned on me - they were working together, planning to break us apart

Sebastian's words stung like daggers to my heart. "I never want to see you again," he spat, the venom in his voice piercing my soul. "I was a very big fool for ever loving you."

The door slammed in my face, leaving me feeling broken and all by myself. Tears were streaming down my cheeks as I stared at the closed door, overwhelmed by the feeling of being rejected

How did it all come to this?

~~~~~~~~~

The sterile white walls of the agency's office closed in on me as Mrs Smith continued her monologue. My mind, however, was a million miles away, barely registering her words. All I could think about was the mounting pile of bills waiting for me at home, taunting me with their unpaid status.

As a surrogate, I had always prided myself on being emotionally detached from the pregnancies I carried. But this time was different. This time, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, that this job was about more than just money.

Mrs Smith's voice droned on, but I barely heard her. My thoughts were consumed by the financial burden I carried, the desperation that had led me to this point. I had always been strong, independent, but now I was drowning, suffocating under the weight of my debts.

The couple she spoke of wanted "absolute secrecy." No meeting, no connection. It was as if they were hiding something, and I couldn't help but wonder what it was. I didn't have the luxury of questioning my clients before, but this time, I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to know more.

Still, I tried to push those thoughts aside. I needed this job, this money, to keep my head above water. My mind screamed at me to take it, to agree without question, but a small voice inside urged me to be cautious.

"Amelia?" Mrs Smith's voice finally broke through my thoughts, pulling me back to the present. "So, are you in?"

I hesitated, my heart torn between the need for money and the gnawing suspicion that something wasn't right. But in the end, desperation won over caution.

"Yes," I said, my voice sounding small and uncertain even to my own ears. "I'm in."

After giving me a look, she continued by saying, "You will have your checkup later today and you will sign the contract before leaving the building. Is there anything you would like to ask?" She already anticipated what my question would be.

"Do I get a down payment? Like usual?" The purpose of the down payment is to demonstrate the financial capability of the intended parents and their commitment to the surrogacy. It also serves as a guarantee that the intended parents will not abandon the surrogate or the baby. The contract includes a clause to address this situation.

"Certainly. Once you sign the contract, you will receive the payment at the cashier's. This time, the amount is quite substantial and should help address any difficulties you may be facing. However, this is only a temporary solution for now." The staff, including Mrs. Smith, are well aware of my living situation.

I was raised in poverty in the slums, and that's where I still live. Sadly, my parents have passed away, leaving me with nothing. I had to work low-paying jobs just to make ends meet and keep our rented house. Thankfully, there is a nearby school that provides free education until high school.

However, I couldn't pursue further education after high school because I had to work full-time to cover expenses. I am grateful for the support my neighbors have provided, but there is only so much they can do for me.

A friend told me about surrogacy, so I decided to search for a job in that field. Initially, they were hesitant due to my age and recent graduation, but I assured them that I chose this path willingly.

They eventually gave me a chance because I met the legal requirements. Being young and healthy, I quickly found my first job through artificial insemination. Many clients prefer this method over natural means, which suits my preference as well. I do not desire to engage with multiple men, regardless of their wealth.

Five years ago, I had a client who wanted a natural process, which was unpleasant but well-compensated. However, I felt morally compromised and asked the client, Mrs. Smith, to not assign me any more jobs involving the natural process. She has respected my request since then, and we are both content with this arrangement.

After completing the test at the mini hospital within the organization and waiting for the results, I returned to sign the contract. While I was passing by the cashier's office, I overheard Mrs. Smith engaged in a conversation with someone. Since her office was located along the route back to the cashier's office, I had to pass by it.

"It is unfortunate that this will be her final job with us. She has contributed a lot, but due to the influx of new, younger employees, we cannot afford to keep her. However, we have increased her fees as a gesture of appreciation." It is unclear who they are referring to, as there are multiple people who fit the description.

I was about to continue walking towards the cashier's area, not wanting to get involved, when I suddenly stopped. I overheard someone saying, "Amelia is a diligent worker, I'm sure she'll find a place to belong soon." I knew it was one of the nurses from the hospital. It made sense since she is Mrs. Smith's close friend.

I was surprised and concerned when I heard my name mentioned, as there is no one else with my name here. I couldn't think of anything I had done to upset someone, as I don't stay here long enough to make friends. I am also dedicated to my job and do everything I can to protect the baby I am carrying. I wonder what could be wrong.

I started crying when I entered the office and saw the surprised expressions on their faces as I walked in with tears on my face.

"What did I do to deserve that, Mrs Smith?" I asked, trying to hold back my tears because showing desperation is frowned upon here. However, I couldn't stop the tears from falling.

"How long were you standing there for, Amelia? How much did you hear?" She asked me, after being shocked to see me in her office right after talking about me.

"Enough to know you're disposing me after this last job. What did I do? Was there any complication with any of my jobs? Did I do anything to offend you? You know this is my only job and hope, ma'am. Please." I knew asking questions will not get me anywhere so I took to pleading. Maybe if I try to reason with her, she might reconsider her decision and let me stay. 

"Apologies, Amelia, but I cannot allow you to continue staying here. We are letting go of any surrogates who have been with us for five years or longer. Our business has slowed down, so we don't require as many people.

Additionally, we believe that if potential clients see new faces, it may attract them to choose surrogacy. Please understand that this decision is not personal and I hold no animosity towards you."

At that moment, I realized that I had lost all hope. This also means that I won't be able to pay my rent next month since I was relying on the monthly payment from the family who hired me to carry their baby.

However, I have decided that I can't continue with this arrangement because I don't want to develop hatred towards the baby. It is important for me to have a neutral feeling towards the children I carry, so that I don't become too attached or start hating them. Hating a child during pregnancy can have negative effects on the baby's development.

"I guess you're going to have to get someone else to do this particular job then, ma'am. I have to save my strength so I can start looking for a job elsewhere without wasting my time at home after childbirth resting and recovering. I'm sorry about that and thank you for all you've done. I really appreciate it". I said and turned my back to go home. I was beginning to get an headache. 

"Amelia, wait. I understand and I'll let you go. But, still meet with the cashier and collect the money you were supposed to pick up. Consider it my parting gift to you". Mrs Smith said, giving me a sad smile. "I really am sad to see you go. I wish you the best, Amelia". 

I quietly expressed gratitude and departed from the office. Although I didn't feel entitled to the money as I hadn't earned it, I am currently in a financial bind and it is my only means of getting some cash.

I went home after picking it up.

~~~~~~~~~

Every of the organizations I went to in search of a job stated that they needed to see my CV or that I at least have to have finished college. I tried to explain that I'd do anything, even jobs like being the cleaner or messenger but they were all adamant and asked me to leave, some quite rudely. It's been so long since I had to look for a job so I hadn't realized how stressful and draining it can be.

After going to about twelve organizations in a day, all of varying job forms, I was beginning to get tired and discouraged. I knew if I called it a day, it means I'm giving up for today and who knows if the company that's going to employ me is just four to five steps away?

That gave me the courage to forge on despite everything. The courage didn't last too long though because I was beginning to get weak from the hunger and the sun. It was already high afternoon and I've been about for hours without doing anything productive.

I didn't leave home with a lot of money because I didn't realize I was going to search this far since I didn't know you'd need college qualifications to get the work of a cleaner. I was extremely hungry and I don't want to spend what I have in my hand in the case of any emergency.

I wouldn't want to be stranded in a place where I know no one or where no one is nice enough to talk to you with respect, with no money in hand. It would be an absolute nightmare.

I resolved to get something to eat, even if it wouldn't fill me, but just to have something in my stomach before I faint from exhaustion and hunger.

The neighborhood I'm in is one of those ones with extremely rich people so you can't see any vendor for snacks just about which meant that I had to walk more before getting to where I could have gotten something to eat.

The prices attached to the menu of the first one I saw was enough to give me a headache. One small piece of snack is priced at the amount that would get me food for a week. I looked around and saw people eating all around me.

I shook my head and left before I start to salivate over something that I can't eat because it actually looks very tasty. Most of the places I saw things that are edible are like the first one, small overpriced snacks and food. I was really beginning to blame myself for not leaving home with something to eat or at the very least, snack on. 

I hadn't walked too far when I saw a familiar scene. A guy was trying to break into an expensive car with some tools. To people passing by, he could pass as the owner of the car who is having trouble with opening his car since he was richly dressed, but I can see through his act. I've seen a lot of carjacking in my lifetime. 

I wanted to act like other people and mind my business but my good-naturedness took over and I found myself walking towards the thief.