NOT JUST A GIFT

chapter 2

            Shattered Dreams

Charles's world came crashing down right in front of him, it was just six months after his birthday. Though life wasn't going as planned Charles still loved life, it all ended when he discovered his girlfriend, Rachel, had cheated on him. The trust and love they once shared wasn't there anymore they had built this love over the years and it has shattered just like a broken mirror, leaving him heartbroken and lost at the same time. He felt drowned in a sea of despondency. With the inability to find a lifeline to hold onto.

However, Charles had suspected something was wrong somewhere. There had been some form of noticeable detachment From Rachel even the distant behaviors lately, always finding excuses to avoid spending nice time together as always. He had brushed it off as stress or work-related issues, but now that he has realized the reality he remained shocked at how he was able to be deceived by Rachel.

The pain and anger coursed through his veins like venom, making it very hard for him to think straight. He felt like he had been stuck in a nightmare, waking up to reality was inevitable but he feared if it was real, would he be able to fulfill his wish to himself if he couldn't who else could?  How would he find true love and start a family?

That night, as they lay in bed, Rachel turned to him, her eyes brimming with tears.
"Charles, I know I've hurt you. Please forgive me I can do anything to make up for this."
Her voice was laced with fear and desperation, but it didn't move Charles.
"What exactly could you possibly do to fix a broken glass, Rachel?" he asked, his voice detached and cold. "I am even trying to figure you out right now."

Rachel reached out, her hand trembling as she touched his hand. "I don't deserve it, but please, Charles, have mercy on me. I love you. If there's anything I can do to regain your trust, I'll do it."

Charles's resolve began to crumble, his anger and hurt slowly fading into gloom. He looked at Rachel, seeing the tears flowing down her face, and felt a twinge of compassion. Maybe, just maybe, they could work through this.

In a moment of weakness, Charles gave in to his emotions, and they had too rough-to-be-good makeup sex. Rachel held tightly to him, her body shaking with sobs as she begged for forgiveness. Charles's heart wasn't there anymore, although he went through the motions, trying to find some similitude of comfort in the familiar embrace.

But as they lay there, spent and exhausted, Charles knew it didn't change anything. The hurt and betrayal still lingered, and he couldn't continue the relationship. The love and trust had been out of reach, now replaced by deep-seated resentment and anger.

"I can't do this, Rachel," he said, his voice more like a whisper. " I can't keep pretending everything is okay when it's not."

Rachel's face crumpled, she buried her face in her arms, sobbing uncontrollably. Charles felt a surge of guilt but knew he had to be strong. He couldn't stay in a relationship that had been built on lies and deceit.

As they lay there, the silence between them where deafening, Charles knew he had to find healing, to move forward, and to rediscover himself. The journey ahead would be long and strenuous, but he was determined to find happiness again, no matter what it took.

Staring at the ceiling, Charles's thoughts shifted to his wish of having a child before his next birthday, which was just a few months away. He had always dreamed of being a father, and now, more than ever, he felt the urge to fulfill that dream. He couldn't let Rachel's betrayal hold him back from achieving his goal.

With his newfound determination, Charles got out of bed and began to plan. He would find a way to make his wish come true, no matter the cost even if it meant doing it alone. He started his research on adoption options, sperm donation, and surrogates. He was determined to become a father at all costs.

As he delved deeper into research, Charles felt a sense of purpose he hadn't felt in weeks. He was taking charge of his life and his future, and it felt empowering.
He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was ready to face any obstacles ahead, knowing that his dream of becoming a father was within reach.

Over the next few weeks, Charles threw himself into research, fully determined to find the best solution. He read books, and articles, joined online forums, talked to experts, and even attended seminars on single Parenthood. He was driven by his desire to become a father, and nothing was going to stand in his way.

As he went deeper into the world of adoption and surrogacy, Charles began to realize the complexity of the process. There were so many factors to consider- Legal, emotional, and financial.
But he was determined to push through, knowing that the result would be worth it.

One evening, as he was browsing online, Charles stumbled upon a website for a local surrogacy agency.