The Surrogate Contract: Nine Months to Betrayal

A'S

ingering ache reminded me of reality as I

ind, and it blew my hair side to sid

pital bills had swallowed every dollar I had, which I

had left. I had even pawned Mom's old locket, yet nothing worked as debt collectors called every

shop and, being tired from walking, I sat on the front porch. After a while, I opened my p

th high compensation. I copied the number without hesita

t thinking well about it, but what could I had done? This number sitting on my screen is likely my lifeli

umber. A professional voice sounded on

king questions; I j

me earlier. When I arrived, my thrift-store boots tapped nervously on the floor as I looked here and there, trying

who's going to be your client if you agree," a man in a dark su

rogate for your client. "Can you go over

fice. "Please read carefully,"

forward; I would carry a child for nine months, I wouldn't ask questions, nor would I spe

corrected. "Alright, Miss Cole, as I was saying, the most important information here is that you'

ndition felt like I was selling my soul. But when I thought about the eviction n

little belongings I had into a suitcase before its arrival, so I just got in when it pulled up at

e way to hills and trees. We ascended the twisting road throug

w Estate came into view a

open as we approached the estate. We drove through and passed trimme

to what I had seen before. I

cold but perfect. Not a light flickered in the windows, and n

he front steps. "This is

. The front door flung open when I was

e wore a sleek black suit. It shocked me th

Celeste, and I manage the estate. You

d the door open, and "sleek", the doo

e. Meals are served at eight, twelve, and six. Medical staff will check on yo

going for a walk or

answered with a smile. "

fore I coul

a canopy bed, and I could see a garden outside from

thes I had and put them in the closet

one doing this, I signed up for it myself, nobody made me

alked into something totally confusing. That mi

e staff walked past me like ghosts, not a single one said a word or acknowledged

ehaving strangely. I caught sight of a man when I

t of a window. He wore a dark suit, even a

llow?"

rp, ice-grey eyes. He foc

uced, offering him my

ollow the rules and everything will be

ing, wondering what plan

ht. In the distance, the gate ligh

footsteps near my room just after midnight.