Sophia’s POV

The time on the digital clock displayed 12: 30 pm., I came straight from the coffee shop after my morning shift. I was sitting beside Eve’s hospital bed, helping her adjust her blanket when my phone buzzed on the plastic tray table. The caller ID read: Elite Family Planning.

“Hello?”

“Good afternoon, Miss Bennett,” came the familiar, calm voice of Gianna. “I hope I’m not calling at a bad time.”

“No—no, not at all,” I stammered.

“I’m calling to inform you that the client we discussed has reviewed your evaluation and would like to meet you in person. Would you be available tomorrow morning at nine o’clock?”

It took a second for the words to sink in. “You mean, he wants to meet me?”

“Yes,” she said gently. “The meeting will be held here at the agency. It’s an introduction and a chance for both parties to review the contract together.”

I swallowed hard. “I’ll be there.”

“Wonderful. I’ll see you then, Miss Bennett.”

The line clicked off, leaving me in a whirl of disbelief and nerves.

That evening, Cassandra came over straight from the bakery she works, smelling like cinnamon and sugar. She dropped her bag on the couch, kicked off her shoes, and grinned when she saw my face.

“Why do you look like someone just handed you a golden ticket?”

I took a deep breath before telling her about how I called the agency and was invited for an interview yesterday. “Gianna called me today, Cass. The client wants to meet me.”

Her eyes widened, and then she squealed so loud the neighbors probably heard. “Sophia! That’s amazing!”

I laughed, feeling a bit nervous. “You really think so?”

“Of course I do,” she said, plopping onto the couch beside me. “I told you it was worth trying. When I heard about the agency, I just knew it could be your shot. It’s legit, confidential, and they pay incredibly well. And look, you didn’t even wait long!”

“This client is offering one million dollars.” I said excitedly, still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I could be a million dollars richer in nine months.

“What!” Cassandra mirrored my disbelief. “Who's this client of yours?

“I don't know yet. Gianna didn't say, but at least I'll finally meet them tomorrow.” I hesitated. “But what if he changes his mind after meeting me? What if I mess it up?”

She shook her head firmly. “No. You’re strong, kind, and exactly the kind of woman anyone would trust with something this important. Believe that.”

Her words made my eyes sting. “I spent the last of my money on Eve’s bills today,” I confessed. “I don’t even know what to wear tomorrow.”

Cassandra sighed and reached into her wallet, pulling out a few folded bills. “Here. Get yourself something nice. And don’t argue, okay? This is me investing in your miracle.”

I laughed softly, overwhelmed. “Thank you, Cass.”

She smiled and squeezed my hand. “You’ve been carrying a lot on your shoulders for too long, Soph. Maybe tomorrow is the start of something good.”

The thought of carrying a child and later giving him or her up terrified me but I can't just let Eve die.

Hope seemed like a dangerous thing, but it's all I have left.

*****

The next morning, I arrived at Elite Family Planning Agency fifteen minutes early.

The receptionist greeted me with a warm smile. “Good morning, Miss Bennett. You can wait in the consultation lounge. Mrs. Moretti will join you shortly.”

“Thank you,” I murmured, taking a seat by the window.

The room was quiet except for the hum of the air conditioning. My palms were clammy, and my heart wouldn’t slow down. I tried to focus on the city beyond the glass instead of the whirlwind in my chest.

A few minutes later, the door opened.

Gianna entered first, poised and graceful as always, followed by a tall man in a charcoal suit.

I blinked in disbelief the moment I saw the man's face. A year ago, at the restaurant where I worked, he was one of the customers during a night shift. Impeccably dressed but rude. I’d tripped while serving wine at his table, spilling some on his sleeve. I quickly apologized but he kept shouting and insisted on speaking to the manager. “Unbelievable. Do you hire anyone who can’t tell left from right?” He asked him after looking at me with distaste.

I remember biting my lip so hard it bled as tears stung my eyes. I almost got fired that night.

And now, the same man stood before me — the man I will carry a child for.

Gianna smiled warmly. “Miss Bennett, this is Mr. Alexander Knight.”

He offered his hand. “Miss Bennett.” His voice was steady but there was no flicker of recognition in his eyes.

I took his hand. “Mr. Knight,” I managed, forcing a small smile.

“Please, sit,” Gianna said, motioning toward the chairs across her desk.

I sat down, clasping my hands in my lap. Alexander took the seat opposite me.

Gianna slid a thin folder toward him. “Mr. Knight has reviewed your medical and psychological evaluations, and everything looks excellent. Today’s meeting is simply to go over the contract and ensure both parties are in agreement.”

He nodded and began to speak, his tone was precise and professional.

“The arrangement is simple,” he said. “You’ll receive fifty percent after confirmed conception through artificial insemination, and the remaining fifty percent after a successful delivery.”

I listened carefully, absorbing the words.

He continued, “All medical expenses, accommodations, and care will be covered by my team. All you need to do is agree to complete confidentiality and to adhere strictly to the health protocols set by the clinic.”

Then his eyes lifted and locked on mine, the steel in them was unmistakable.

“I want to make something clear, Miss Bennett,” he said evenly. “This agreement is strictly confidential. You will not disclose any information about me, this arrangement, or any aspect of your pregnancy to anyone — friends, family or the press. A breach of this clause will have serious consequences, both legally and financially. Do you understand?”

A shiver ran down my spine. “I—I understand.”

“Good,” he said curtly. “When the pregnancy is confirmed, you’ll move into one of my residences and quit your jobs. It’s non-negotiable. I prefer to have full supervision and ensure that everything goes according to plan. My staff will make sure you have everything you need.”

The words echoed in my head. “Live with you?” I asked quietly.

He tilted his head slightly. “Live under my care. It’s safer that way.”

His tone was final, leaving no room for argument.

“What about my sister?”

His brows drew together slightly. “Your sister?”

“Yes,” I said. “She’s sixteen and sick. There’s no way I can leave her alone for that long. If I move in here after the pregnancy is confirmed, she has to come with me.”

His expression didn’t change. If anything, he looked even more unreadable. “This agreement is strictly confidential. No one outside of it is permitted to know the details, family and friends included.”

“I understand,” I said quickly, leaning forward. “But she’s a minor. She doesn’t even know I'm doing this. Please… I can’t do this if it means leaving her alone. She needs me”

For a moment, silence filled the room. Gianna shifted slightly beside him, glancing between us. Then Alexander finally exhaled.

“Fine,” he said at last. “She can stay but she’ll also be bound by the confidentiality clause. No exceptions.”

Relief flooded through me, and I nodded eagerly. “Thank you, Mr. Knight. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

He didn’t respond. He simply turned to Gianna. “Make sure all legal documents reflect the adjustment,” he said curtly, then looked at me again. “I trust you understand the consequences of breaking confidentiality, Miss Bennett.”

“I do,” I said quietly.

Gianna handed me a pen and the contract. “If both parties are satisfied with the terms, we can proceed.”

The room was silent except for the faint ticking of the clock on the wall. I took a breath that felt too big for my lungs, and then I signed.

When I looked up, Alexander took the pen next and signed beside mine.

Gianna smiled. “Congratulations. The agreement is official. We’ll move forward with the medical process immediately.”

Alexander closed the folder, rose from his seat, and gave a short nod to Gianna. “Thank you for handling this.”

He didn’t look at me again. Without another word, he turned and walked out of the room, leaving the faint scent of expensive cologne.

Gianna walked me to the elevator, her heels clicked softly on the marble floor. “You did very well, Sophia. You’ll be contacted by the clinic for your next appointment soon.”

I nodded, holding the folder to my chest. “Thank you.”

When the elevator doors closed, I exhaled. I have just signed away nine months of my life to a stranger who treated me cruelly once but for Eve, I’d do it again.

I stepped outside the building, the afternoon air was cool against my face. My phone was buzzing in my bag, I pulled it out squinting at the screen.

Unknown Number.

My brows knit together as I swipe to answer. “Hello?”

There was silence for a second before a male voice spoke. “Hello, Sophie.”

For a moment, the world seemed to tilt. My fingers went cold, and I had to steady myself against the railing near the steps. The city moved around me but all I could hear was the echo of his voice in my head.

Dylan.