Elena was in Alexander's fancy car, watching the city go by. The contract she signed was in her lap, and it felt super heavy. Each page was like a piece of her soul she just traded away.
It was 47 pages long. She read every single word twice before signing her name, Elena Martinez, at the end. Her hand shook a little. Alexander's signature was big and confident next to hers—like he always gets what he wants.
Mrs. Chen will take care of everything, Alexander said after they got the contract sealed. Where you'll live, doctors' visits, changes to when you work. You don't have to worry about all that.
Don't have to worry. Yeah right. Like having his kid while pretending to be just another worker won't make her stressed all the time.
Elena's phone beeped with a text from her sister, Carmen: How did the job interview go? Still hoping for good news!
It felt wrong to lie. A job interview—that's what she told Carmen and what she'll tell everyone else. The real deal—that she signed a contract to carry Alexander Stone's kid for a million bucks—will stay hidden beneath a bunch of lies.
The driver will take you home, Alexander said, his voice all business again, making Elena feel like just another thing to be bought. Dr. Williams will see Sofia tomorrow morning at eight. Her surgery is set for Friday.
Friday. Sofia will get the operation she needs in three days, paid for by the guy up in his high-rise. Elena should just feel grateful that her daughter gets to live a happy life.
But instead, she felt empty.
The car stopped outside Elena's small house, and she was surprised when the driver opened the door for her. She wasn't used to that kind of thing and didn't think she ever would be.
Thanks, she said quietly, grabbing her bag and the contract as she stepped onto the sidewalk.
Going from Alexander's fancy world back to her normal one was a shock. Would she even remember how to live like this in nine months, after she's done what she promised? Or will Alexander's money change her forever?
Elena went inside, happy that Sofia wouldn't be home from school for another hour. She needed time to pull herself together and figure out how to face her daughter without feeling like she sold her soul to save her.
The quiet house felt heavy as Elena sat on the couch, still holding the contract. She should put it away somewhere safe where Sofia won't find it. But for now, she just held it, trying to get her head around what she did.
Her phone rang, making her jump. It was Alexander. Elena's heart did something weird in her chest.
Hello?
Elena. His voice sounded different on the phone—warmer, not as formal as it was in his office. I wanted to make sure you got home okay.
That caught her off guard. I'm fine. Thanks for asking.
And I wanted to say... Alexander paused, and Elena could hear him moving around. What you're doing for Sofia, what you're giving up—I want you to know I appreciate it.
Elena closed her eyes, surprised by how kind he sounded. In his office, he seemed cold and calculating. But hearing him sound worried, she remembered when he saw Sofia's picture and said she was beautiful.
She's my daughter, Elena said quietly. I'd do anything for her.
I know. That's what makes you... He paused again. That's what makes you right for this.
Something in his voice made Elena's chest feel tight. He wasn't just talking about her being a good surrogate, she realized. There was something more to it.
Alexander, she started, then stopped. What could she even say? That she was scared? That she already regretted it? That she felt drawn to him, even though their deal was all business?
The first appointment is Monday at ten, Alexander said, breaking the silence. Dr. Peterson is one of the best. I'll pick you up at nine-thirty.
You don't have to—
I do. His voice was firm again. This is my kid too, Elena. I want to be there for everything.
My kid too. That gave Elena chills. Technically, the baby she was carrying wasn't hers at all. The contract made that clear. But hearing Alexander say he wanted to be involved made it all feel real.
I should go, Elena said, hearing Sofia's bus pull up. Sofia will be home soon.
Of course. Elena? Alexander's voice softened again. Thank you. For everything.
He hung up before she could say anything. Elena stared at her phone, wondering how thanks could sound so much like sorry.
Sofia burst in the door a few minutes later, throwing her backpack down and running to Elena.
Mama! Mrs. Rodriguez said I did the best butterfly presentation in class! And Tommy Martinez gave me half his cookie because I helped him with math!
Elena hugged her daughter, breathing in that strawberry shampoo smell. Sofia felt so small and delicate. It was hard to believe her heart could just stop working.
That's great, sweetheart, Elena said, her voice a little shaky. I have good news, too. Remember Dr. Williams?
Sofia pulled back, her dark eyes serious. Is she going to fix my heart?
She is. Soon. This Friday, actually.
Sofia's face lit up. Really? This Friday? And then I won't get tired when we walk to the park? And I can play soccer?
Really, Elena said, forcing a smile. You'll be able to do everything.
Sofia hugged Elena tight. You're the best mama ever! I knew you'd fix my heart!
Elena held her close, fighting back tears. Sofia trusted her completely. Her daughter thought she could solve anything.
If only Sofia knew what it cost.
I love you, mija, Elena whispered. More than anything.
I love you too, Mama. Are you crying?
Elena pulled back, wiping her eyes. Happy tears, baby. Just happy tears because you're going to be healthy.
Sofia looked at her. You look different today. Did something good happen?
Kids say the darndest things. Something good did happen—Sofia would live. But something else happened, too.
Yes, Elena said. Something very good.
Later that night, after Sofia was asleep, Elena sat at the kitchen table with the contract. She read it again, especially the parts about where they'd live and what was expected of her.
The fancy apartment Alexander mentioned was everything Sofia could want—safe, good schools, room to play. Elena looked up the school online and was shocked at the price. It was where rich kids went, kids who summered in fancy places.
Would Sofia be happy there? Would she fit in?
Elena's phone beeped. It was a text from a number she didn't know: This is Mrs. Chen, Mr. Stone's assistant. The apartment will be ready this weekend. Movers will be there Monday at 9 AM. Please list what Sofia needs for her room.
Monday. Elena stared at the text. Everything was changing fast. Soon, she and Sofia would be living in Alexander Stone's world, pretending to be something they're not.
Elena texted back: Sofia loves purple and butterflies. She needs space for art stuff and books. Thanks.
The reply came right away: Noted. Mr. Stone says don't worry about costs. Sofia's room will have everything she needs.
Sofia's room will have everything she needs. Elena could imagine it—a princess room in a palace, with every toy. Sofia would think it was a dream.
If only dreams didn't come with contracts.
Elena's computer beeped. Alexander had sent an email. The subject was: For Sofia.
She opened it to find one paragraph:
Elena—Dr. Williams just told me Sofia's surgery is moved to Thursday at 7 AM. The best doctors will be there, and she'll have a private room with nurses. It's sooner than we thought, but Dr. Williams said it's better not to wait. I'll pick you both up at 5 AM Thursday. —Alexander
Thursday. Wednesday was tomorrow. Elena's hands shook. Moved up because it's important not to wait meant Sofia was worse than she knew.
Elena grabbed her phone and called Alexander. He picked up right away.
Elena? Is everything okay?
The surgery, Elena said. You moved it. Is Sofia... She couldn't finish.
Sofia is going to be fine, Alexander said calmly. Dr. Williams just wants to be safe, that's all. It's better to operate now.
Are you sure? Or are you just saying that?
I don't lie to make people feel better, Alexander said, honestly. Dr. Williams is confident. Sofia is young and healthy, so she's a good candidate. The date change is just to be safe.
Elena sighed, relieved. Okay. I trust you.
Elena. Alexander's voice softened. I want you to know I'm watching out for Sofia. She'll have the best of everything—doctors, care, everything. I promise.
Why? Elena blurted out. I mean, I get you want a healthy baby, but Sofia...she's not part of our deal. Why do you care about her?
Alexander was quiet for a moment.
Because she's yours, he said quietly. And because...I've seen how she looks at you. You light up when you talk about her. She's the best part of you.
Elena's breath caught. There was something in Alexander's voice that made her chest tight.
Alexander...
I should let you rest, he said, his voice all business again. Thursday will be a long day. I'll see you at five AM.
After he hung up, Elena sat in her kitchen, staring at her phone and trying to figure out what was going on with Alexander. Was that loneliness she heard?
What exactly had she gotten herself into with Alexander Stone?
And why did that thought make her excited?