THE BILLIONAIRE'S SURROGATE BABY

Chapter 3

                       PHOENIX

"I told her she was quite strong for an old woman, but I managed to push past and make my escape," I recounted to Fiona, who laughed at my encounter.

"Three weeks ago, huh?" she remarked, seeking clarification, and I nodded.

"Damn, I missed you," she exclaimed, enveloping me in another hug.

Okay, Fiona had been my friend since high school. She had the perfect life – rich parents, a good job, and a romantic boyfriend. Despite our differing backgrounds, she still chose to be my friend. That's what you call a true friend.

"So, the $5k?" she inquired, smiling.

"I used it to cover three months' rent, taxes, and prepay Beatrix's school fees," I explained.

"That's wonderful," she said, though her smile seemed tinged with sadness.

"What?" I nudged her, pressing for an answer.

"Is it your boyfriend? If he's the one, tell me, and I'll deal with him," I joked, trying to lighten the mood, earning a giggle from her.

"No, not Handy," she assured me, but her expression remained somber.

She sighed, hesitating before speaking. "It's just... every time I see you like this, it pains me. I want you to have the good life you deserve."

"It's just hard," I admitted, echoing her sentiment.

"Let's walk," I suggested, standing up from my chair.

"Okay," she agreed, and together we stepped outside, embracing the fresh air.

"Feels better," I sighed, and Fiona smiled in agreement.

"You know, sometimes I just wish my mom hadn't left us," I confided, feeling the weight of my emotions. "I thought she loved us a lot, the way she prioritized my education, the way she was always there for me and my sister. But when my dad suddenly went broke, she left us."

"I guess she didn't love us enough, because if she did, she would have stuck it out with us, and maybe we'd be in a better place by now. I wouldn't have to resort to stealing just to survive," I added, trying to mask my sadness with a forced smile.

"I don't know why your mom did that, and I don't think there should ever be a valid reason for abandoning your family. All I want to say is that I'll always be here for you," Fiona reassured me, pulling me into a hug.

"Thank you, dummy," I replied, feeling a small sense of warmth amidst the pain, and we both chuckled. As we walked together towards the bus stop, I couldn't help but feel grateful for her presence.

"What do you think if I take you to McDonald's?" I suggested, attempting to lighten the mood.

"Hell yeah!" Fiona exclaimed happily, her enthusiasm contagious. We settled in to wait for the bus, engaging in light conversation until my gaze landed on a newspaper.

You know what caught my eye the most? The multitude of zeros I saw on the paper. That's money.

I hurried over to where it was posted and tore the paper from the wall. Returning to my seat, I eagerly began to read.

"LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED SURROGATE MOTHER‼️‼️"

Surrogate mother? Hell no. My eyes zeroed in on the money offered for the job.

"$10 million dollars?????" I exclaimed in disbelief. Was this real?

I showed Fiona, who looked as though she had already seen the ad before.