The Surrogate Girlfriend

Eight

Another two weeks had passed, and although I was feeling perfectly fine, just a few cramps here and there, which were normal, I was beginning to lose my mind out of boredom.

I know. I had everything anyone could want in a home: food, TV, a phone, even a pool. Yet, I felt completely alone. The big house echoed with emptiness, and there was no one to talk to.

Leonard hadn't visited since that last time. Not that I expected him to check on me every day, but still, I couldn't shake the loneliness that crept in.

Today was different. I woke up feeling oddly ecstatic, which was weird. Shouldn't I feel sick or at least weak from morning sickness or whatever it's called? Instead, I felt full of energy.

After my bath, I dressed in simple blue jeans and an off-shoulder blue blouse. I straightened my long black hair and let it fall freely over my shoulders. A touch of makeup, and I was ready.

Arriving at Leonard's mansion, a stupid grin spread across my face as I prepared to surprise him. I rang the doorbell, eagerly awaiting the reaction I knew was coming.

"Mrs. Eva," the maid greeted me, clearly surprised but stepping aside to let me in. I walked in like I owned the place and made myself comfortable on the luxurious couch, crossing my legs as if it were my own bed.

"Mrs. Eva," came the familiar voice I was waiting for. I smiled up at Leonard, who stood in front of me, unmistakably shocked.

He was dressed in a sharp black suit, probably on his way to work. I had to wonder what kind of job he had to afford all this luxury. How old was he, anyway? Twenty-five?

"I told you to call if you needed anything. You didn't have to come here," he said, still recovering from the shock of seeing me.

I got up and grabbed my bag. "I'm bored. If you're ready, let's go," I said, walking ahead of him.

"Excuse me?" His voice stopped me in my tracks.

"I'm tired of staying home, Mr. Leonard. I need to get out," I explained simply.

"Aren't you supposed to be sick?" he asked, scanning my face.

"Funny, I thought that too," I replied with a smirk.

"Should I be worried? Should we visit the doctor?" he asked, surprising me with the concern in his voice.

"What? No. Everything is fine," I snapped, annoyed. I didn't come here for this.

"Are you ready to go or not?" I pressed. He sighed, clearly frustrated, and ran his hand through his short black hair. That only made me smile more.

"Fine," he finally agreed, and I squealed with excitement. We walked to his sleek black car, and to my surprise, he opened the door for me.

"Aww, how gentlemanly of you," I teased. He rolled his eyes as I settled into the passenger seat.

He started the car and pulled out of the driveway. "So, where do you want to go?"

"To work, of course."

"What?" He glanced at me, his expression hardening. "That's not part of the deal, Miss Eva. Work is my business. You cannot go there. Ever." His harsh words stung, and I turned to stare out the window, my mood instantly sour.

Silence filled the car after that. The drive felt unbearably long, and I had no idea where he was taking me. Not that I cared anymore. I wasn't in the mood to speak to him.

Finally, the car stopped in front of a big restaurant. Normally, I'd be excited, but my earlier joy had been crushed. Leonard got out and opened my door, but I didn't move.

"Miss Eva," he called softly. I rolled my eyes and reluctantly got out, walking straight into the restaurant without a glance in his direction.

Didn't he know how to apologize? He had annoyed me, or did he not realize that?

A waitress led us to a table, and I sat down, staring at the beautifully dressed people around me. The place was so elegant, like something out of a ballroom. I glanced down at my casual outfit and suddenly felt out of place.

"Don't let that bother you, Miss Eva," Leonard said, noticing my discomfort.

A waitress came over with a notepad. "What would you like to order?" she asked, looking at Leonard like he was a piece of art.

"What do you want?" Leonard asked me, but I continued giving him the silent treatment. He sighed and ordered something from the menu without consulting me further.

I watched as the waitress practically drooled over him, and rolled my eyes at her blatant flirting.

"No, that will be all," he dismissed her coolly.

He turned to me, about to speak, but I beat him to it. "You didn't have to be so..."

"I'm sorry," he interrupted. His words caught me off guard, and I relaxed into my seat, suddenly unsure of how to respond. Memories of Kelvin flashed in my mind, and my heart squeezed painfully.

"Please don't cry. I didn't mean to speak harshly to you," he said, sounding almost desperate. I hadn't even realized I was crying until I felt the tears rolling down my cheeks. I quickly tried wiping them away, but the more I wiped, the more they fell.

Leonard glanced around nervously, probably trying to avoid the stares we were drawing. I didn't even know if I was crying over Kelvin or Leonard at this point.

"Eva, please," he said softly, and my heart stopped. Did he just call me by my first name?

I wiped my tears, still in shock. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help it," I muttered, turning away to check my makeup.

"Is it the pregnancy?" he asked, the corner of his lips twitching in amusement.

"Oh, shut up." I pulled a tissue from my bag and dabbed at my face, catching a glimpse of his smile.

"I see your sense of humour is still intact," he teased lightly.

I rolled my eyes, trying to salvage my ruined face. "How do I look? Is my makeup messed up?" I asked, genuinely worried.

His smile faded as he looked at me for what felt like an eternity. "You look just as beautiful, Eva," he said, his voice softer than I'd ever heard it.

For the first time since we met, I really looked at him. His brown eyes were warm and striking, staring straight into mine.

"Here's your order," the waitress interrupted, breaking whatever spell had fallen over us. I tucked my hair behind my ear and avoided his gaze, my heart still racing.

What the hell was that?

•••
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