THE BILLIONAIRE'S SURROGATE BABY

Chapter 42

PHOENIX

The ground felt unbearably cold beneath my feet as I paced the cell, each step a reminder of the agony coursing through my body. The echoes of my screams from childbirth seemed to reverberate endlessly, driving me to the brink of insanity.

I had been interrogated multiple times, yet my answers remained steadfast. I couldn't fathom the thought of kidnapping any child, let alone the one I had carried for nine months and come to love as my own.

Exhausted, I let out a heavy sigh and leaned my head against the cold, unforgiving wall of the cell. My thoughts drifted to Rome, whose belief in his manipulative mother's accusations cut me to the core. Despite my own grief, it seemed as though he harbored no sympathy for me.

I longed for my baby, despite not being his biological mother. Nine months of carrying him had forged an undeniable bond, and the thought of him being out of my reach tore at my heart.

Tears streamed down my face as I wondered about his well-being. Was he safe? Was he being cared for? The uncertainty gnawed at me, exacerbating the pain already coursing through my body.

As I sat there, the lingering pains between my legs served as a constant reminder of the recent birth I had just endured, yet the proper care and treatment seemed elusive. The need for medical attention was undeniable, but it remained out of reach.

~~

"I don't want to meet her," Rome's voice bristled with frustration as he swirled the contents of his glass, the ice cubes clinking softly.

Zara entered the living room, her footsteps echoing against the hardwood floor as she dropped her bag before him. "Rome, Rome," she called out, her tone a mix of urgency and concern.

"Aunt Zara, I'm not in the mood for all this," Rome replied wearily, his eyes closing briefly in exhaustion.

"Mood for what? You've locked up Phoenix... for goodness sake, she just gave birth and she needs proper treatment," Zara's words spilled out, her frustration evident.

Rome let out a heavy sigh, weariness etched into every line of his face. "Maybe you should tell her to tell you where my son is, then I would drop all charges against her, simple," he retorted, his tone clipped.

"Do you really believe Phoenix would kidnap your son... for what? I know my child wouldn't do that," Zara's voice softened, pleading for him to see reason.

"Funny, isn't it?" Rome's sudden stand caused Zara to startle, her eyes widening in surprise.

"What?" she asked, confusion evident in her voice.

"Funny how both mother and daughter are gold diggers," Rome's bitterness seeped into his words, his gaze hardening with accusation.

Zara recoiled, her expression one of disbelief. "I know Phoenix would steal to provide for the family, but she would never take a child. Don't you see she's being framed here?" she implored, her voice tinged with desperation.

"Just tell Phoenix I want my son back, and we don't have to go to court for all this," Rome's finality hung in the air, his resolve unyielding as he drained his glass and walked away, leaving Zara to grapple with the weight of his words.

~~

Neo stood at the door, his knuckles tapping softly against the wood before it swung open to reveal Beatrix. Her usual liveliness seemed drained, replaced by traces of dried tears on her face.

Without a word, Beatrix enveloped him in a tight hug, her sobs muffled against his chest as he gently patted her back, offering what little comfort he could.