CHAPTER 3

Amelia

I had no idea who it could be, so I got a little curious and maybe a bit nervous as I headed towards the door.

As I opened it, I saw an elegantly dressed woman with her fancy assistant standing next to her. The lady's intense stare just made me completely focus on her because she seemed so important and classy.

"Miss Hartley, I suppose?" asked the woman, her voice confident and deliberate.

I nodded, my voice catching in my throat as I replied, "Yes, that's me. How may I help you?"

The woman's assistant came forward with a friendly smile. "Hello, Miss Hartley, I want you to meet Lady Victoria Ashford, the matriarch of the Ashford family," he said, speaking in a relaxed and comforting tone.

Lady Victoria Ashford? My heart totally skipped a beat. I had heard of the Ashford family and their prestigious legacy. That name held a ton of weight in society, and I couldn't help but feel super nervous about meeting the badass matriarch of the family.

Trust me. She really did look badass af.

“It is an ho...honor to meet you, Lady Victoria,” I stammered, trying to gather my composure.

Lady Victoria nodded and looked me over with interest. "I've heard commendable things about your surrogacy services," she said, sounding curious but confident. "Is this how you leave your visitors standing outside in the doorway?"

Absent mindedly, I stepped back and held my hand out, gesturing for them to enter, "Forgive my manners. You can come in, ma'am."

"No need. I was just testing to see if you had some decency…" She said and cleared her throat, obviously deciding my persona then and there. Well, that wasn't a good sign. "I won't stay long… as I was saying, I have heard good feedback about your surrogacy services."

I was caught off guard by what she said, and it made me feel proud of my lifetime of hardwork into this unlikely career of mine. "Thank you, Lady Victoria. I really take pride in helping families who need surrogacy," I answered, sounding more confident now.

"I am in need of a surrogate," Lady Victoria revealed, her gaze never leaving my face. "And I believe you could be an ideal candidate."

I couldn't believe it what she just said. To be chosen by the Ashford family for such an important role was beyond my wildest dreams. I knew that this opportunity could change my life forever. But why would she pick me?

Me of all other surrogates in the business, in this city? Was I dreaming or was the most richest lady in the city not standing in front of my door in my rusty apartment, offering me a deal to be a surrogate for her family?

I was dumbfounded. I thought about so many things at once. My bills, my dreams, my plans. It was as if this opportunity was asking me to throw them all away and go all in.

For fucksake! She's a fucking billionaire! And she wants me to be a surrogate for her family! Isn't this even too good to be true?

'I will be honored to help you, Lady Victoria,' I replied, my voice wavering a little. “But I need to think about-"

"I, Lady Victoria Ashford is offering you a deal of a lifetime and you want to "think about it?" Are you serious, child? You should know there's a reason I had to go through the hassle of finding your house and coming here in person."

My tongue hung in my throat. What she said did make so much sense and made me more nervous. But why me?

"I know you'd be wandering…Why you?" Great. She reads minds too. "I didn't call you an ideal candidate for no reason, Miss Hartley." Her every word was delivered with so much consonance that I felt littler as the seconds passed by in her presence.

Bills. Dreams. Goals. Responsibilities.

"What do you say, Miss Hartley?" Her eyes narrowed at me.

Goals. Bills. Duties. Money.

"I would be a fool to turn down this offer. I promise to do everything in my power to ensure a successful and healthy pregnancy.”

Mrs. Victoria nodded, seemingly satisfied with my reply. She said, "Good. My assistant will provide all the necessary details and contracts. Rest assured that you will be well compensated heavily for your services."

"Mrs. Victoria, it will be my pleasure to work for you," I answered heartily.

"I do hope my friends weren't giving me baseless feedbacks." She commented as if she was talking to herself.

I nodded nervously in response. "You won't regret this, Lady Victoria. I will dedicate my utmost commitment and professionalism to this opportunity.”

"We'll see." And with that, she left with her assistant.

After Lady Victoria and her assistant took off, I shut the door and my head was all over the place. The thought of becoming a surrogate for the Ashford family was super exciting and kinda scary at the same time. Little did I know, this meeting was only the start of a crazy adventure.

Then, I remembered I forgot to ask her.

Whose child am I actually going to be carrying in my womb??

~~~~~~~~

I was strolling down the peaceful path that snaked through the beautiful English countryside, mulling over Lady Victoria's surprise offer. Being a surrogate for the Ashford family could give me financial security and a better future, but it also meant dealing with the complexities of a powerful and prestigious family, and I was filled with nervousness. 

I hadn't noticed the figure headed my way until we were practically face to face. I looked up, and there was Ethan Bennett – someone from my past that I hadn't seen in years.

"Amelia," he said with a warm and gentle voice. "It's really you." 

"Ethan," I said, trying to hide my shock. "I didn't expect to see you here." 

He gave me a wistful smile. "I've been back in town for a while. I wanted to see you, to catch up." 

I became uncomfortable, feeling the tension in the air. We had been close friends in our youth, but our lives had gone in different directions. He had become a successful businessman, while I had focused on my surrogacy service and dreams of a better future. 

"I've heard about your success, Amelia," Ethan said, his eyes never leaving mine. "You've made quite a name for yourself as a surrogate." I blushed and averted my gaze, feeling proud but vulnerable.

"Thanks, Ethan. It's been a difficult but rewarding journey." He stepped closer and spoke in a low voice. 

"You know, Amelia, I've always admired your strength and determination. You've always been there for others, helping them create families of their own. But what about your own happiness?" 

My heart thudded in my chest. Ethan's words stirred up feelings I had kept down for a long time. He had been there for me when I needed him the most, a reliable and consistent presence in my life. But I had kept away any romantic ideas, believing that I should concentrate on my career and providing for my family.

Seeing him standing in front of me again, asking this question so upfront, I was not expecting this. 

And I certainly wasn't expecting what he did after.

"Ethan," I began, my voice trembling, "I've told you before. I have to consider what's best for me and my family."

His eyes bored into mine, "I get it, Amelia. But please, just think about what could be. I've been in love with you forever, and I can't stand the idea of losing you again." 

Before I could say anything he leaned in and kissed me. It was a gentle and sincere kiss, filled with emotions that had never been said out loud. At that moment, I felt completely torn between Lady Victoria's offer, which was safe and dependable, and Ethan which was passionate and risky. 

Tears started to well up in my eyes as I struggled with my heart and my head. I placed my hands on his chest and pushed him back, "Ethan, why are you here really? What have you come back for?"

"For you." His hazel eyes stared down my soul as those words came out his mouth and I could see the Ethan of 5 years ago, again. The passionate, and always-got-what-he-wanted Ethan I held so dear to me and also knew best to push away.

"I've come back for you, Amelia."

I stopped breathing.