THE BILLIONAIRE'S SURROGATE BABY

Chapter 18

                        PHOENIX

The drive home was the most awkward silence I had ever experienced. Rome wasn't complaining as usual, and I found myself unable to say anything either.

I couldn't help but wonder why he was so quiet. When we arrived home, he opened the car door for me, and I stretched a little, grateful for the opportunity to move.

"Careful," he reminded me as I stepped out, and I hummed in response. Walking into the house with Rome behind me, the first person I saw was Romeo watching a movie in the living area.

"Phoenix," he called out, standing up.

"Hi," I replied curtly, walking past him.

"Are you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

"If she's not, she would say it," Rome interjected, rolling his eyes.

"Uhmm, maybe make a smoothie for me," I said to Romeo, ignoring Rome's scoff.

"How was the appointment with Jess?" Rome asked Romeo, surprising me. I didn't know he had asked him to accompany her.

"She was just acting up. How did you keep up with her?" Romeo inquired. I sighed deeply, walking to my room. I really needed to use the bathroom.

After relieving myself, I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I looked so different, like really different. Well, whatever.

Walking into my room, I was stunned to see Rome there.

"You should knock sometimes," I chided, placing my hand on my chest. He remained silent, waiting for me to walk closer to him.

"So?" I prompted, taking a seat on my bed.

"I wanted to ask... I have some business parties coming up," he began, making me nod in response.

"And it says to bring a date," he continued.

Wait! Where is this headed?

"So?" I asked cautiously.

"It's not like I'm asking you to be my date or whatever, but would you go as my date?" he finally asked, leaving me speechless.

Stunned by Rome's unexpected request, I struggled to find the right words. My mind raced with questions: Was this just a casual invitation? Or did he mean something more?

"I... uh..." I stammered, unsure how to respond. Rome's expression remained unreadable as he waited for my answer, adding to the pressure mounting inside me.

After what felt like an eternity, I managed to gather my thoughts. "I... I'd have to think about it," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.

Rome nodded, seemingly understanding my hesitation. "Of course, take your time. It's no big deal," he said casually, though I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to his invitation than he let on.

As he left my room, I couldn't help but wonder about the implications of his invitation. Was this just a friendly gesture, or did it signify something deeper? I had a lot to mull over before giving him an answer.

Or wait! It's a business arrangement, right? So no strings attached, just business.

I heard a knock on my door, prompting me to stand up and answer it. It was Romeo, holding a smoothie in his hand.

"You're so sweet," I commented, taking the smoothie from him.

"Anytime," he replied with a smile, lingering in the doorway.

"Anything else?" I asked, smiling back at him as I took a sip from the smoothie.

"Actually, there is," he admitted.