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2. Accident

"Her medical records say that she is perfectly healthy and able to produce plenty more children," Mistress Raser argumented against me. "In fact I was assured by the medical team that she might even reach twenty children."

I could not believe my ears. They wanted my mother to have twins and tripletts, or what?

"You should be proud of her! She has helped her community to survive," Mistress Raser uttered confidently. I was about to start talking when my mother interrupted me.

"Let us continue. I doubt we can stay her all day," my mother said.

Mistress Raser replied, "That is so true, Ms. Lanotte." She looked at her computer. "You will be going to an older family, whereas your daughter will attend a man near her age. It is unclear whether he has a partner or not, but he certainly comes from a great family that has invested a lot in this commitment."

Sh!t. That means he is a rich boy. Why does my first time have to be that way?

"Now we will separate you two," Mistress Raser announced. I had experienced the goodbye before. It just never dawned me that one day I would be leaving, too.

I was saying goodbye to my own life for nine months. The next few months I would be property of the system.

"I am sorry, mother," I whispered to her.

My mother looked into my eyes and said, "We will see each other in nine months again. Take good care of yourself. I love you, Stella. I am counting down the days already."

"Do not let them..." I wanted to say 'murder' you, but they would arrest me and I would be in deeper problems than I already am.

"I know, my dear. Stay safe," she said as they grabbed her arm and led her away from me.

"Where is my escort party?" I asked Mistress Raser.

"You are sassy, Stella Lanotte. On the other side of the fence you should be very careful with your choice of words. They are not all as forgiving as we are," she warned me. "You and I have a few more things to discuss."

"For example?" I asked her. I could not stand being in the same room as her and I wanted out as fast as possible.

"Let's cut to the chase. The James family is a big investor and this is the second time they have required our services," she began. I knew where this was headed. "If you dare to ruin this agency's reputation, there will likely be no tomorrow for you or your mother on our side of the fence."

Mistress Raser straight up threatened me.

"Why does it have to be me then? You could choose a better fit for the wealthy James family," I uttered.

"We have sent multiple of our best girls," she informed me. I imagined them sending the Barbie dolls of our side. The perfect slim fit blondes or brunettes, with the clear blue eyes and the enticing charisma. I did not have one single trait that would make me perfect.

"But they were sent back," Mistress Raser told me.

"Why is that?"

"Mostly because the James family was not satisfied. The girls started misbehaving, or they were not a genetical fit. There were multiple reasons," she said.

"I think you are desperate for me to fit them. You are relying on me, or else your agency is over," I realised. There was a dark twist in Mistress Raser's eyes.

"You better deliver, Stella Lanotte, or you might never see your mother again. She might accidentally die giving birth to tripletts." This time I felt the threat.

That b!tch.