"Did you deliberately spy on me?"
Bella froze. Whatever sins she had committed in the past, on the second day of staying at Julia's residence, it seemed she had once again made a mistake.
Indeed, Bella had only intended to take in the morning air while strolling around the flower garden behind the house.
While passing by the swimming pool, Bella paused to observe Edward, who had just emerged from the pool shirtless. For a moment, Bella's eyes were captivated. It would be a lie to say she didn't admire the athletic and proportional appearance of Edward's body.
Unfortunately, due to being too engrossed, Bella lost track of herself. Before she knew it, Edward, who had been standing by the pool, was now right in front of her.
"Hey!" Edward's voice sounded again. "Are you deaf?"
"Ah, sorry, sir," Bella muttered when she realized.
"I think you deliberately stalked and spied on me."
Bella shook her head. She wanted to protest, but she didn't dare. How could she, who was beautiful, innocent, and kind, be considered a stalker and a spy by the master of the house?
"N-no, sir. How could I dare to do that? Originally, I was strolling around. But, accidentally—"
"Arghh!"
Edward sighed. Instead of listening, he chose to walk away as if reluctant to hear the explanation Bella would give. In reality, Bella wanted to clarify so that Edward wouldn't misunderstand.
Bella didn't know if she should be thankful or how to react. On the second day of staying at Julia's residence, she had already encountered many unusual events that made her highly awkward.
After the incident at the swimming pool, for the first time, Julia invited her to have breakfast together at the same table. Julia treated her so well as if she were an honored guest.
"You should eat nutritious food, Bella. I don't want you to lack nutrients when my child is conceived later."
Julia took a piece of meat and a salad, then poured mayonnaise onto Bella's plate. She then handed a glass of milk to Bella for later.
"Eat. After this, we're going to the hospital."
After breakfast together, Bella was finally taken to the hospital for a check-up. Edward chose St. Thomas Hospital among many health centers because his friend and colleague, Samuel Vinales, a renowned obstetrician, worked there.
"Samuel Vinales."
Julia greeted me warmly upon entering the room. Approaching the doctor, she extended her hand for a handshake, and Edward did the same. Afterward, they were all invited to sit.
"So, is this the woman who will undergo the Surrogacy process?"
Samuel stared closely for a moment and then cast a scanning gaze. He carefully observed Bella's appearance from head to toe, seemingly mesmerized by the woman before him.
"Yes, Sam. It is the woman I told you about the other day. What do you think?" Julia inquired.
Samuel smiled, leaning back in his chair, then turned his attention back to the beautiful woman before him.
"What is your name, Miss?" Samuel asked directly to Bella.
"Bella. My name is Bella Stone."
Samuel nodded. Then, he shifted his gaze to Julia, sitting beside Edward.
"The woman you brought is quite beautiful, Julia. Are you sure you chose her to be the surrogate mother?"
Julia reflexively laughed.
"Why not? Besides, I've checked her background."
"It's not her background that concerns me. I want to know, aren't you afraid that Edward might be attracted to her in the future?"
Then, Samuel glanced at Edward. He chuckled at seeing his friend shake his head disapprovingly.
"Stop your nonsense, Sam."
Whether Samuel's question was meant as a joke or serious, Julia responded casually. She was not offended or provoked in the slightest.
From the beginning, Julia had no worries about this. Being married for over three years, she knew Edward's loyalty well and knew he wasn't easily attracted to other women.
"Oh, come on, Sam. We both know Edward's preferences. Besides, my husband is a faithful man. Isn't that right, sweetheart?"
Edward sighed softly. Instead of responding extensively, he diverted the conversation.
"Do the examination soon, Sam. Please don't waste time. Besides, I have a lot of work after this."
Samuel chuckled. Rising from his seat, he directed Bella to follow him to the patient's bed. Then, with the help of his assistant, Samuel conducted a thorough and careful examination.
It took almost 60 minutes. When the examination results were ready, Samuel immediately read them to Julia and Edward, who were still patiently waiting.
"From the examination I conducted, it can be concluded that Bella's uterus is in excellent condition, fertile, and ready for fertilization."
Julia smiled radiantly.
"What did I say? From the beginning, I was sure I made the right choice."
"I need to repeat," Samuel interjected. "Because you chose Gestational Surrogacy, your eggs and sperm that I collected earlier will undergo fertilization first. And after successfully developing into a healthy embryo, the embryo will be implanted into Bella's uterus until it's time to give birth."
Julia nodded in understanding.
"I know that, Sam. So, when will the embryo transfer process be done?"
"Maybe tomorrow. Because today, I have to check again to see if there are any chromosomal abnormalities or specific diseases in the embryo. If not, the embryo can be injected immediately."
"Does that mean Bella has to stay in the hospital?"
Samuel confirmed that.
"Yes. To facilitate all the processes and monitoring, it would be best for Miss Bella to start staying in the hospital from today."
***
Bella tried to relax. While lying down and waiting, she chose to call Renata.
"Rena."
"Bella!"
The woman on the other end sounded excited. "Oh my God. Finally, you called me. I've been looking for you for days."
There was a hint of joy in Renata's words. She had been trying to contact Bella for the past few days, but her friend needed help.
"Sorry. For the past few days, I intentionally turned off my phone."
"But you're okay, right?" Renata inquired. Although it was Renata who led Bella to become a surrogate mother, she had no idea about Bella's condition after being taken by Julia to her residence.
"I'm fine. Now, I'm in the hospital to undergo the IVF process."
A slow exhale was heard from the other side. Shortly after, Renata spoke again.
"I pray that everything goes smoothly."
"Thank you, Renata. But, before ending this call, can I ask for your help?"
"Of course. What do you need, Bella?"
"Please visit my mother occasionally. If she looks for me, tell her I'm still in training, preventing me from visiting her for the next few months."
"Alright. I'll convey that to Aunt Jessica. Again, if you need help, don't hesitate to contact me."
Just as the call ended, a nurse picked up Bella and took her to the delivery room. There, Samuel was already waiting and ready to perform the procedure.
"Good morning, Miss Bella. How are you today?"
"Fine. But I'm a little nervous."
Samuel smiled. Putting on gloves, he invited Bella to chat.
"You don't need to be nervous. The embryo transfer process is not painful and won't take long. Just relax a bit."
Bella nodded. Surrendering herself, she let Samuel focus on his task. Once done, Samuel immediately approached Julia and Edward, who were waiting outside the room.
"How is it, Sam? Did everything go smoothly?"
Samuel nodded.
"I've completed all the processes well. After this, I'll give Bella synthetic progesterone hormones in pill form. Please remind Bella to use them for the next 8–10 days. These hormones are essential for supporting the growth and development of the embryo in her uterus."
"And when can I be sure the IVF process has succeeded?" Julia asked for the last time.
"Two weeks from today, please bring Bella back for a pregnancy check-up. If successful, Bella will undergo antenatal care."
Julia nodded in understanding and appeared delighted. She couldn't wait for good news in the coming two weeks.
Bella received extra attention from Julia daily after the embryo transfer into her womb. The woman, who worked as a professional model, even went to great lengths to pay a considerable amount for a nutrition expert.Julia intentionally did this to determine and create a meal schedule for Bella—her effort aimed to support the embryo's growth in Bella's womb so it could develop nicely."Lilia, this is the meal schedule Bella should follow for the next few days. While I'm not at home, you should prepare and pay close attention to all of Bella's needs, no matter how small.Lilia nodded in understanding. After receiving the schedule from Julia, she briefly read it and agreed to the task. After all, she was paid to assist, fulfill, and ensure that all of Bella's needs were well cared for."All right, ma'am. I'll make sure Miss Bella consumes all the food you've specified.""Good," nodded Julia. "Also, don't forget to remind Bella to take the vitamins and medications prescribed by the doctor
In the dining room, Lilia patiently attended to Bella, who was enjoying her dinner. Without missing a beat, the woman served and ensured that every need of Bella was met."After this, you should have fruit pudding, Miss. Then, take your vitamins and medication, and get ready for rest."Bella nodded. She couldn't argue, even if she wanted to. Despite a lifelong aversion to pudding, she had to comply with the orders while staying at Julia's house and learn to try the healthy snack."Has Mr. Edward not had dinner yet? I haven't seen him since earlier," Bella asked curiously. Usually, when it was time for dinner, she always crossed paths with the man. But tonight, Bella didn't see him at all."It seems Mr. Edward is working late. Perhaps he is having dinner outside as well."Bella nodded. After all, she had no right to interfere with his activities. After finishing Lilia's pudding, Bella hurried to her room to rest."Here are your vitamins and medication, Miss."Lilia then handed a glass
Bella remembered well that she fell asleep shortly after Clara left her room that night.Several hours later, she woke up feeling thirsty. Slowly getting up, Bella immediately glanced around. Squinting at the nightstand, she believed it was only two in the morning.However, Bella felt like she had been sleeping for a long time. But, upon closer inspection, she realized she had only been asleep for about four hours.For some reason, that night she really wanted to drink cold water. Walking quietly, Bella decided to go to the dining room and get a glass of cold water.However, after finishing and heading back to her room, Bella was surprised. She found Edward, who had apparently fallen, sprawled on the floor.Bella took the initiative to help. She approached and helped Edward by taking him to his room. But, an unexpected event occurred. As she was about to leave, Edward suddenly grabbed Bella's wrist, preventing her from going anywhere."Mr. Edward? Do you need something?"Edward didn't
"Where are you going?"Bella's steps abruptly halted. She had already prepared to hurriedly leave the dining room. Truly, Bella wanted to play it safe. She was afraid Edward might call her to discuss last night's incident."I'm going back to my room, Sir.""Back?" Edward's eyes nAaroned reflexively. He gazed at Bella, who at that moment looked down as if afraid to meet his gaze. "Didn't you finish your food?"Bella immediately looked up. In her heart, she cursed her own foolishness for not being able to give a convincing answer. After all, if she wanted to play it safe, why not just say she had a stomach ache or urgently needed to use the restroom? Surely Edward wouldn't ask or give a lengthy response."Y-yes. I, uh---""What's wrong? Is there something important that made you stop eating?"Furthermore, Edward wasn't blind. He could clearly see that there was still a lot of food left on Bella's plate. Even if she was full, why take an excessive portion from the beginning only to end u
"Miss Bella, what are you doing?"Clara sounded concerned. Her face looked worried upon seeing Bella entering the kitchen and searching for some ingredients in the fridge."I'm bored and I feel like cooking dinner for myself tonight."Clara's brow immediately furrowed."Cooking? What do you want to eat? Just tell me. Let me prepare it for you."Bella smiled. Instead of listening, she continued to search for something in the fridge. Shortly after, she took out some frozen meat from the freezer and various types of vegetables and fruits."No, Clara. Please allow me to cook it myself. I miss eating my own Lancashire and Roast Meat.""But, Miss....""Just this once."Bella looked at Clara pleadingly, hoping she would allow her to cook and prepare her dinner herself just this once."Please," Bella said again."Alright. But just this once. If Miss Julia finds out, she'll be angry."Bella smiled happily. After getting permission, she quickly started preparing the ingredients she had taken fr
Edward just parked his Jeep Mercy G Wagon in the shooting arena's parking lot at Picadelli Shooting Arena. As he entered, he was greeted by Shawn, Samuel, Kairos, and Raphael, who had arrived earlier and were already playing.After being away for a while due to his busy schedule, Edward rejoined his friends today for shooting practice. Besides, he also had some matters to discuss with Samuel immediately."Goodness, Edward. You took forever. I've been bored without a decent opponent all this time."Kairos Maxweel grumbled. Among the five of them, they all shared the same hobbies: horseback riding, archery, and shooting. However, it was Kairos and Edward who had above-average skills in using firearms.Edward himself had a strong interest in shooting sports since he was a child. Moreover, his father, Eduardo Darkwood, fully supported his hobby. He even went as far as enrolling him in Kairos's father's shooting school."There were many things I had to take care of. Besides, you could spar
"What? Pregnant?"Still lying on the patient's bed, Bella shook her head in disbelief. She tried to keep herself composed and calm."Could the doctor have made a mistake in the examination?"Yes, who knows, maybe Doctor Samuel misdiagnosed. Even though Bella had previously engaged in inappropriate activities with Edward, she was sure it wouldn't have led to pregnancy right away.Just imagine, Edward only slept with her once. Even that night's incident happened unintentionally and was over quickly. Or, let's just consider it a passing fancy. So, it seemed absurd to Bella that she could be pregnant."I am very sure that you are pregnant right now."Bella blinked. She seemed awkward, continuously trying to deny what Samuel was telling her."I don't even feel nauseous, vomit, or any of the common symptoms pregnant women experience. My appetite is still very normal."Samuel didn't deny that."Not all pregnant women experience the same symptoms, Bella. In fact, some only start feeling nause
For the past few days, Bella has been having trouble sleeping. Even though Doctor Samuel had agreed to her request to keep her pregnancy status hidden, Bella still feels anxious.Up to this moment, Bella still hasn't suspected that there's a fetus growing in her belly. Let alone being pregnant, the thought of being intimate with a wealthy man has never crossed Bella's mind."You should know, I even had to risk my status as a doctor to help you hide the truth about this pregnancy. You need to remember, Bella. Like it or not, Edward has to take responsibility for what he's done to you. However it may be, you are the biological mother of the baby in your belly."Bella remembers Doctor Samuel's words clearly from the other day at the hospital. The man insisted that Bella should tell Edward the truth about what happened.God. If only Edward were single, Bella wouldn't hesitate to tell him and demand accountability for impregnating her.But what she's experiencing is quite different. Edward