Chapter 4 AVA LANGFORD

I didn't understand the situation because I remembered that the PA refused to deliver my proposal message, but I played along since the wedding was being stopped in my favor.

The lavish venue, decorated with white roses were buzzing with gasps and murmurs as the ceremony came to a halt. I could feel the weight of a hundred eyes on me, yet my attention remained locked on this stranger

Beside me, the sixty two- year old man lost his words, unable to say a word. I knew why. Power like this stranger's wasn't something that could be confronted head-on. He was untouchable. Wealth didn't just cushion him; it armored him, making him immune to opposition.

His cold gaze met mine. "You're coming with me."

I wanted to resist, but what choice did I have? He had orchestrated this moment perfectly. I glanced at the old man beside me, searching for some kind of protest, but his lips remained sealed. He knew, just as I did, that defying this stranger wasn't an option.

I left with him, my son by my side. Of course, No one could stop him from leaving with me!.

Now, sitting in the back of the stranger's sleek black car, I studied this man carefully.

I bit my lip as he continued driving in silence. I studied him from the corner of my eye, he looked really cold. Finally, I broke the unbearable silence.

"Who are you, really?"

He smirked slightly, a ghost of amusement showing in his impassive face. "Alex. Alexander Lucas."

The name struck me. "Alexander Lucas?" My eyes widened in shock.

I had heard that name countless times. Alex Lucas. The first son of Mason Lucas, a business magnate whose wealth rivaled that of nations. His father had built an empire, real estate, technology, oil, and an investment portfolio that shaped global markets. Every major corporation had ties to him in one way or another, everyone knew his fortune was legendary.

And Alex? He was the heir. Ruthless in business, cold in negotiations, known for buying out competitors only to dismantle them piece by piece. There were rumors, whispers of how he handled those who crossed him. He was feared, respected, but never ignored.

I inhaled sharply in realisation of who I was in the same car with.

"You are Alex Lucas?"

His smirk deepened coldly. "I see my reputation precedes me."

He wasn't just rich, he was powerful. Dangerous and at this point, I wondered if being a surrogate mother to this man was a right choice.

His hands tightened on the wheel. "Your meeting with my PA was recorded. I saw everything. I know why you came to the company, and I prefer you over the other applicants."

A chill ran down my spine. "You recorded that?"

"I don't repeat my words," he said simply. "The secret recorder helps me see people's true intentions in my company. And yours were clear. You need this as much as I do." He added.

I literally gulped hard.

The car eventually pulled up in front of a towering glass building, one of the many owned by the Lucas's family.

The moment we arrived, a man dressed in a dark blue suit stepped forward from the building as he opened the door to the towering glass building and then slightly bowed. Without a word, Alex stepped inside, and I followed, alongside my son.

The moment he stepped in, the atmosphere shifted. Employees passing by bowed their heads slightly in acknowledgment, while others murmured polite greetings before quickly looking away. It was respect.

I walked beside him, feeling out of place.

We stepped into a private elevator. The ride up was silent, tense for me and before I could fully gather my thoughts, the doors slid open, revealing a hallway that led to a large office.

The office was exactly what I expected, minimalistic yet undeniably luxurious.

A man in a suit stood as we entered. He was in his late forties perhaps.

"Miss," he greeted me with a polite nod before turning to Alex. "Mr. Alex."

Alex motioned for me to sit, and I did, perching stiffly on the leather chair. A moment later, a servant entered and offered me a drink.

The man wasted no time. He pulled out a folder, flipping it open as he settled across from me. "My name is Mr. David, the lawyer in charge of this case. I assume Mr. Alex has explained the details of this contract?"

I swallowed as my eyes shifted to Alex who sat across his desk with a cold gaze.

He nodded, his expression unreadable. "This agreement is crucial. It is not just about carrying a child, it is about ensuring everything is done within a controlled and professional arrangement. There will be a huge financial compensation, medical oversight, and legal protections for both parties. However, this is not a standard surrogacy. This child will legally belong to Mr. Alex."

I exhaled, my pulse quickening. "I understand."

The lawyer's gaze sharpened. "Do you? Because once this contract is signed, there is no changing your mind."

I could feel Alex watching me.

The lawyer continued, his tone steady. "This is a job. A commitment for two years, during which you will reside in an apartment Mr. Alex provides. You will have medical care, financial support, and security. However, there will be no emotional attachments. No claims. Do you really want this job, Miss?"

I lifted my gaze, meeting Alex's unreadable eyes. And then, I made my choice with a nod.

The lawyer nodded and then pushed the document toward me. "Read it."

I picked it up.

Terms of Agreement:

• you would live in an apartment rented by Alex for the next two years.

• During this period, you are to bear and raise his child, with him having full rights to oversee the process.

• Any emotional attachment beyond the contract is strictly prohibited. You are not permitted to fall in love with Alex.

I swallowed hard and looked up at him.

Alex leaned back in his chair, eyes sharp. "You are to sign it. I need this done efficiently and without complications." He exhaled. "My father is dying. He wants a grandchild before he goes," Alex continued. "If I don't provide one, my stepbrother, Steve, inherits everything."

His expression darkened as his eyes bore into mine.

I couldn't look him in the eyes, I focused on the contract.

Half of the money was three hundred thousand dollars and that was enough to help me for a fresh start. This surrogacy job was all I have wanted after all.

I nodded and with a deep breath, I picked up the pen and signed.

...signed to a new life's chapter.