CONTRACT BABY | LINGORM

Lingling Kwong was a 30-year-old CEO. Her father reminded her that she needed to produce an heir to carry on the family name. "Choose a partner, or I will choose one for you," he insisted. Despite her father's pressure, Lingling was not interested in having kids. She didn't believe she would be a good mother, and she preferred her freedom.

Lingling visited her friend Junji's fertility clinic, thinking of surrogacy. As she waited, she noticed a woman sitting next to her. Her name was Orm Kornnaphat, a 25-year-old preschool teacher. Lingling learned that Orm is an orphan who dreamed of having a child to love unconditionally. She had always wanted a family of her own even if it's just her and a child but faced a harsh reality-she couldn't conceive and couldn't afford IVF.

Lingling felt a strange connection with Orm. They began talking, and Lingling realized that Orm would be a perfect mother. Orm had such warmth and love in her heart. Lingling thought about the child she could have, growing up in a nurturing environment. Still, fear gripped her heart. Commitment and love were scary for someone like her.

Lingling came up with an idea. "What if we enter a contract marriage?" she suggested to Orm. "You can be the mother, and I will provide for you both. This way, I can please my father, and you can have the family you've always wanted no strings attached." Orm was taken aback. It sounded too good to be true. But deep down, Orm knew she wanted this chance.

With butterflies in her stomach, Orm agreed. They set up terms for their relationship. Lingling would handle financial matters, and Orm would take care of their child. Win-win.