The Price for Love

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.