BLACKMAILED BY THE BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 26: It's My Weekly Ritual

Two weeks have passed since Harry annulled my contract, and the dynamics between us have shifted into something indescribably different—not awkward, but certainly not the same. Harry has been away on business for most of this time, his travels keeping him busy, while I've devoted my days to training my replacement, Tere. She's proven to be a quick learner, her disposition as warm and open as anyone I've ever met. In between the formalities of training, Tere shared stories of her life, including the deeply personal journey she and her husband have been on, trying unsuccessfully to start a family.

During one of our sessions, after walking her through a particularly complex task, I asked, "So, any questions about that, or are you all set?"

Tere, with her ever-present smile, half-jokingly responded, "Actually, I do have a question. Are you sure you wouldn't consider being a surrogate for my husband and me? You're so beautiful; you'd have such beautiful babies."

I couldn't help but laugh, touched by her compliment yet firm in my decision. "Tere, we've been over this. As much as I want to help, I know myself too well. I'd get too attached during those nine months. It wouldn't be fair to anyone involved," I replied, a mix of amusement and a tinge of sadness in my voice.

Sensing my resolve, Tere quickly reassured me, "I'm just teasing you a bit. But really, we are exploring adoption. We're hopeful, actually. Everything is ready for the baby's arrival. And when I say everything, I mean we've prepared for either a girl or a boy. The nursery is filled with double of everything, just in case. I'm just waiting for that life-changing phone call."

Her optimism was infectious, and I found myself genuinely excited for her. "Adoption sounds like a beautiful journey, Tere. I can't wait for you to receive that call. You're going to be an amazing mom," I said, offering her a supportive smile.

I smiled warmly at Tere, her optimism infectious. "You will be an amazing mother. I just know it," I assured her, genuinely believing in her future success as a parent.

Her smile turned into a knowing smirk as she shifted the topic towards something much more personal. "And what about you? Don't try to deny it. There's definitely something going on between you and Harry. The way you two act around each other, those stolen glances... it's obvious there's something there."

Caught off guard, I stammered, "I... I don't know what you're talking about. But, hold on, did you say he looks at me when I'm not looking?" The very thought sent a flurry of butterflies through my stomach.

Tere, with a playful yet serious tone, said, "Bella, if you haven't noticed that Harry is in love with you, I might just have to knock some sense into you. How can you not see it?"

"Tere, come on. Harry? In love? The man's never been in a relationship longer than a night. Love doesn't exist in Harry's world; his idea of commitment is a new girl every night. To even suggest he could be in love..." I trailed off, amused by the notion.

But Tere wasn't laughing. "We'll see," she said confidently. "I have a knack for these things—it's a gift. And I'm telling you, that man is utterly and hopelessly in love with you." Tere's unwavering belief in what she perceived between Harry and me left me both puzzled and intrigued. Her certainty introduced a flicker of curiosity within me, a niggling thought that perhaps there was an unseen depth to Harry's feelings, a depth veiled by his outward detachment.

Our conversation meandered back to the immediate tasks at hand and Tere's hopeful journey toward adoption. Yet, as the day unfolded, my mind increasingly wandered to Harry's return. Despite his frequent travels, the thought that he'd been away for four days stirred an unexpected emptiness.