LYNN

I held the phone tighter and stared at the blank wall in front of me. My heart felt heavy. I hated every bit of this. But I had no other choice. If I refused, the Boon Group would crash and burn. My unborn babies would die too. I swallowed hard and told myself, This is the only way… at least the babies will live.

But my stomach twisted. That young master… I had never met him, but I already hated him. He set this trap and forced me to sign. He even made the hospital director obey him like a dog and threw millions at me like it was nothing. He had power… dangerous power. I could not afford to offend someone like him.

The butler must have seen my hesitation because he walked over and placed the contract in front of me without saying a word. My hands shook when I took it. I read every word, every line, for what felt like forever. My heart thudded against my ribs. At last, I pressed my lips together and said, “Fine. I’ll sign.”

Once I passed the signed contract back, the butler smiled like he had won. “You have made a wise decision, Ms. Boon. The young master will keep his word after the child is born. Until then, you will stay in this villa. We’ve arranged doctors and nurses to take good care of you.”

I nodded, but a strange feeling grew inside me. Something felt off. Then it hit me—the contract only mentioned one child. One. They had no idea I carried twins.

I stared at the paper, my mind racing. If they only want one baby… does that mean I can keep the other one? My chest tightened. Maybe… just maybe… I can make it work. I could bribe the doctors and nurses with the money they gave me… hide the truth. That man only asked for one child… they’re both mine anyway… I have every right to keep one!

The decision settled in my chest like a burning flame. I will do whatever it takes.

***

I was always easy to get along with, so it did not take long before I became friends with the doctors and nurses the butler hired. We talked often, and after a while, they promised to help me keep one of my babies. I felt shocked but thankful. They agreed without asking for anything in return.

The days felt slow but also quick. I could only walk around inside the big villa. I stayed locked in for months, and guards stood everywhere. There was no way for me to run away, especially with my big belly.

Sometimes, the butler came to check on me. He always looked proud like he owned me.

The man who made me pregnant never showed his face. I did not know who he was, but I was carrying his children. Every time I touched my stomach, I felt like I was trapped in a bad dream.

Nothing eventful happened throughout my stay here. And before you know it, time flew by quickly....

Crackle! Boom!

A loud thunder made me jump out of sleep. My chest felt tight, and I quickly turned on the light. Then a sharp pain hit my belly. I broke into sweat and felt water running down my legs. My water broke.

I felt scared… very scared. It was my first time having a baby, and I knew I had twins. I was afraid something bad would happen to me or the babies. But I had no choice except to trust the doctors and nurses who promised to help me.

I pressed my hand on my belly and stretched my arm to reach the bell. My fingers barely touched it, but the sound filled the room. In just a few minutes, doctors and nurses rushed to help me. I tried to stay awake, but the pain was too much. I fainted.

Later, I woke up to the sound of the nurses.

“They are here! A healthy boy and a healthy girl!”

I could hear my babies crying. My body felt so weak, but I wanted to see them. I opened my eyes, but the nurse had already carried my son away.

Another nurse stayed beside me and whispered, “Don’t worry. I’ll keep your daughter safe. When you leave here, I’ll give her back to you.”

My tears fell. I held her hand weakly and said, “Thank you… thank you so much.”

Soon, the butler came in. He looked very happy. My body still hurt, but I forced myself to speak, “Where is my baby?”

The butler placed an envelope on the table and smiled. “The young master took the boy. You have no right to him anymore,” he said. “Here’s six million dollars. Thank you for your hard work.”

I shook my head in panic. “No! Please… just let me see him…” I tried to stand but fell to the floor. My legs could not hold me up. My belly throbbed, and my chest felt tight. I felt like my heart was being torn apart.

I begged, “Please… I just want to see him… just once…”

The butler did not answer me. He walked away, taking my son with him.

Tears kept falling. My heart felt like it broke into little pieces. I could never see my son again. But I still had my daughter. I had to stay strong for her.

I pressed my hand on my chest and took slow breaths. My eyes shut, and I fainted on the cold floor.