Chapter 6 THE BILLIONAIRE WITH NO HEART

It was just after 8:00 am. The restaurant was quiet. Not much clinking of glasses or cutlery.

No murmurs from people who were there for the food and fun. Or the early patrons.

I sat upright in my fitted jeans and soft pink blouse, my long brown hair falling past my shoulders.

I sat alone at the corner table nursing a lukewarm cup of coffee, my eyes fixed on the entrance.

The previous day, Dr. Vanessa had sent me a pdf to read through as Mr. Nick would be coming with the same file but in a soft copy form.

I had made a few changes to it as requested...if need be.

The meeting with Mr. Nick Kings had been finalized to be today by 8:30 am prior to the day before.

Now, all that remained was to meet the man himself.

I continuously glanced at my reflection in the window, smoothing down a stray curl. My nerves were all over the place but I forced a steady breath.

"This is for my mother and this is the right decision"... I mumbled.

"But what if he doesn't like me?"..

With that, the door opened and a gust of cool air swept in and I looked up.

Dr. Nessa entered first, ever poised, wore a tailored pink suit that added a soft contrast to her sharp professionalism....her presence was warm and reassuring.

Behind her was a man who seemed to command the very air around him.

Wealthy, cold, stoic as he was described to me by Dr. Nessa.

Tall, impeccably dressed. He exudes an aura of control. His dark hair was neatly styled, his sharp features were beautiful. Broad shoulders and his eyes fixed on me.

For a moment I thought...

"Who would offer a $200M worth for just Surrogacy if he isn't into money embezzlement. Everything about him screamed money. His demeanor was really demeanoring and tempting.."

As they approached... I stood up, extending a hand..

"Is that the right thing to do?..." I screamed inside my head..

"Haven, this is Nick Kings" Dr. Nessa introduced..

"Mr. Kings"... I greeted, my voice cracked.

"Miss Haven". He replied, his handshake firm and brief. We sat and without further ado/preamble.. he began.

"I guess you've reviewed the contract already? But let's go over the key points to ensure clarity"...

"Okay..." I nodded. I tried not to stare. But who was I kidding? I was steadily staring. This was the man I was going to have a baby for?..

"Firstly, this arrangement is strictly professional. No emotional involvement. It will never be a part of the agreement"..

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes..

"I know".... I replied.

"Secondly, all medical appointments will be coordinated through Dr. Nessa

I will accompany you to each . That's my duty and I promise never to shy away from that"...

"Understood"...

"Thirdly.. during the pregnancy you'll reside in the provided accommodation. All necessities will be supplied"..

I nodded again.

"Fourth, upon confirmation of pregnancy, half of the agreed sum will be transferred to your account. The remaining will be provided upon delivery"..

That was when I held up a hand like I was in middle school attempting to answer a question..

"Actually, I have a few conditions of my own".

Dr. Nessa had advised me to add mine if need be.

He blinked.. Not in a surprised way but wondering what terms I might add.

"I'm listening"...

"First".. I said, sitting straighter.. "half of the money has to be transferred after I sign this contract. Not after confirmation of pregnancy".

"Why?"... he asked.

"Because my mother needs to start chemotherapy immediately. She also needs surgery. That's the only reason I even agreed to this".

He stared at me in a suspicious manner then he turned to Dr. Nessa who gave a small reassuring nod.

"She's telling the truth," she said. "I verified it myself"...

He turned back to me... "Fine. first half after signing".

I took a breath and he continued.

"No baby mama dramas. This is just based on a transaction".

"You leave immediately after the baby is born and handed over. No talking to the baby bump. That baby don't need motivational speeches"

"I don't think that can be helped or controlled," I said, staring deeply into his eyes.

"No cravings for weird things like ice cubes from Antartica. The chefs have limits"..

"No rubbing your stomach while humming. It gives the impression of bonding."

"That's ridiculous though" I said inaudibly.

"No calling me in the middle of the night to say the baby kicked or whatever. That's its job. No naming of the baby too. That's my job".

"Was this man for real?" At this point, I was trying hard not to laugh but he looked dead serious like this was all perfectly normal to him.

Additionally, there are some other specific terms included...

"No discussing the pregnancy with media/third parties. No social media posts related to this arrangement. No unauthorized visitors during this pregnancy"...

"Well, I can't promise not to call you at night"...

He raised an eyebrow...

"Didn't you get the part that mentioned No calling me in the middle of the night?"...

"I can't promise that. I'm sorry. I have never been pregnant. I never even had sex for the first time. This is literally me as a novice and a total first timer... don't you get it?"

"I don't know what to expect. What if I am in pain? What if something doesn't feel right? I'm I supposed to just stay like that? I am not going to apologize for reaching out when it concerned the baby or me...in fact".

He didn't respond right away but then..

"You'll have a round-the-clock care"..

"I'm not talking about the nurse or the assistants."... I interrupted. "Sometimes, I might just need to speak to you for the baby's sake"..

His jaw tightened slightly, "Fine. only if it's necessary"..

"Good"... I softened a bit.. "And finally..."

He looked at me again, waiting...

"No emotional attachments from either of us. I mean it. And during those nine months, whatever I want I get it."

He frowned, "Define whatever"...

"If I Want food at 2am... I get it. All my cravings should be brought to me. If I needed a 36 inch bone straight hair..I get it. If I need a new mattress because the old one makes the baby uncomfortable, I get it. Whatever it may be, lipstick, Gucci, Chanel etc... I get it"

"If I want a whole room painted blue because it calms me down. I get it. You are not the one caring for the baby. I am and it's my duty to let you know what the baby wants"...

"So let me get this straight.. who wears the bone straight? you or the baby?"....

"The baby of course"...

"Wow! interesting. Well, I can only accept reasonable demands"... he snapped.

"Whatever! I won't be unreasonable".. I replied. "But I will be hormonal and honest"..

"Noted then,".. he said.

The whole time, Dr. Nessa just smiled at the wise decision I was making...

"You'll be moved into the residence this weekend"..

"Do you have any questions"... he asked.

"Yeah. Two actually"..

"When should we begin. you know... the procedures"...

"Hmm.. the IVf procedure will be carried out next week.. I guess"... He said, staring at Dr. Nessa..

"Yeah.. sure. I will make arrangements for that"..

"And why me?'...

He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable..

"Dr. Nessa recommended you. your profile matched our requirements. Don't feel too special"...

I nodded, accepting the answer...

With everything out in the open, we went through the contract together again and at the end we both signed.

He went ahead to wire half of the money to my bank account. He extended his hand to me...

"Welcome aboard, Miss Haven".. he said while he turned to leave.

"That will be all, Nessa. Let me know about everything for the procedure when you are ready. DO have a good day"...

"Okay, you too."... Dr. Nessa replied..

I stayed back for a second with Dr. Nessa.

"You did well,"... she whispered. "He is used to having everything his own way"..

"Well, that's good for him".. I said. "I am not used to being used like a vessel either"...

She laughed softly... "Fair point"...

The reality suddenly hit me again....

"I was really going to have this man's baby?"