Bound By Fate: The Surrogate's Secret

The modern office buzzed with a quiet energy, a place where agreements were made and lives transformed. Ariella sat rigidly in her chair, gripping a pen and staring at the pile of documents before her. The surrogacy contract was thicker than any book she had ever owned, filled with complex legal terms she barely grasped. Still, the promise of a significant sum of money overshadowed her doubts.

Gabby Armstrong sat across from her, radiating confidence. Her diamond bracelet sparkled under the bright lights as she took a sip of her cappuccino. "We want to ensure you feel at ease with every aspect of this process, Ariella," she said, her tone warm and rehearsed. "This isn't merely a business deal. It's a collaboration."

Ariella nodded, though the term "collaboration" felt odd. Gabby had hardly allowed Wellington to speak during their first meeting, and now he sat quietly beside her, his eyes fixed on the table. His presence was both powerful and unsettling, as if he could see right through her.

Gabby tapped the contract with her perfectly manicured finger. "Naturally, the confidentiality clause is crucial. Given Wellington's position, we can't afford any... issues."

Ariella frowned. "position?"

Gabby's smile remained, but a hint of irritation flashed in her eyes. "Wellington is the head of Armstrong Global. I'm sure you've heard of it."

Ariella hadn't. Her life didn't involve multimillion-dollar companies or the elite circles they frequented. She nodded anyway, not wanting to appear uninformed.

"It's just a precaution," Gabby continued smoothly. "To safeguard everyone's privacy."

Ariella looked at Wellington, seeking some comfort, but he stayed expressionless. His silence felt heavy, making her feel unsteady, like she was balancing on a tightrope without safety. Yet, she knew she couldn't back out now; the money was too crucial.

Her grip on the pen tightened. "What if I don't meet your standards?"

Gabby laughed lightly, almost like music. "Oh, Ariella, this isn't a test. We picked you because we believe in you. We're all in this together."

The words seemed empty, but Ariella forced a smile. She signed the contract with trembling hands, each stroke feeling like a step into the unknown. When she finally put the pen down, Gabby clapped her hands, beaming with joy.

"Fantastic! You won't regret this, Ariella. We'll take care of everything from now on—medical appointments, housing, whatever you need."

"Housing?" Ariella asked, surprised.

Gabby's face softened, as if she were talking to a child. "We'll set you up in a private home during the pregnancy. It's safer and lets us give you the best care."

The thought of leaving her small apartment should have felt good, but something in Gabby's tone made Ariella uneasy. She looked at Wellington again, hoping for some insight, but he avoided her eyes. Suddenly, he stood up, his chair scraping the floor.

"I have a call," he said, his deep voice echoing in the room. Without another word, he left, leaving Ariella alone with Gabby.

Gabby didn't seem bothered by his quick exit. "He's always busy," she explained. "But don't worry. I'll take care of everything."

Ariella nodded, feeling more anxious. Something felt off, but she couldn't quite figure out what it was.

The next week flew by quickly. Ariella was taken to upscale clinics for medical tests, meeting doctors who used terms she hardly understood. The Armstrongs spent lavishly, and for the first time, Ariella tasted luxury. She enjoyed chauffeured cars, fine dining, and stylish maternity clothes, a stark contrast to her usual simple life.

However, she felt a heavy sense of loneliness. Gabby was always around, like a shadow, but Wellington kept his distance. He only came to one appointment, standing at the back with his arms crossed, his face unreadable. Ariella sensed he was avoiding her.

Then, one evening, everything shifted.

Ariella was in the living room of her temporary home—a large townhouse far from her small apartment—when Wellington showed up unexpectedly. His presence filled the space, his sharp features glowing in the warm light of the fireplace. Without Gabby, he seemed different, less guarded and more... relatable.

"Ariella," he said, his voice soft and uncertain. "Can we talk for a moment?"

She nodded, putting down the book she hadn't been reading. "Sure."

He sat across from her, his hands tightly clasped. For a moment, he seemed to struggle with what to say, staring at the floor. When he finally looked up, his eyes met hers, and the intensity made her shiver.

"I need to apologize," he said. "For being so distant. This situation... it's hard for me."

Ariella blinked, surprised by his openness. "You don't need to explain."

"But I want to," he said firmly. "Gabby and I... we've been through a lot. This surrogacy is our last hope, and I want it to succeed. I also want you to know that I respect what you're doing. You have made an incredible sacrifice, and I don't take it for granted."

His honesty took her by surprise. For the first time, she caught a glimpse of the man behind his calm facade, and it stirred something inside her. She wanted to ask him why he felt so familiar, why his presence felt like déjà vu, but the words wouldn't come out.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "That really means a lot."

Wellington nodded, his face once again hard to read. "If you need anything, just let me know."

With that, he got up and left, leaving Ariella alone with her thoughts. The room felt colder without him, and the flickering light from the fire created long shadows on the walls. She hugged herself, her mind racing with questions.

Why did he feel so familiar? And why did she sense that her choice to be a surrogate was about to change everything she believed about herself?