Chapter 2 AVA LANGFORD

Intending to pick up Liam from school and run away with him, I hurried toward the bus stop, my mind clouded with panic. If only I had the time, I would pack a small bag with some cash, Liam's clothes, and a few essentials but that was far from my thought. I wouldn't want my father to know I had overheard his conversation.

Running wasn't ideal, but what other choice did I have? If I stayed, my father would force me into marriage with Henry Davenport. That old man with half fallen teeth.

As I boarded the next bus, I slid into a seat near the window, staring blankly as the bus lurched forward.

Then something caught my eye.

On the small TV screen mounted near the driver, a news anchor was reading an announcement. I wasn't paying much attention until I heard the headline.

"An anonymous billionaire is in urgent need of a surrogate mother," the anchor said. "Two-year contract deal. One year to carry the baby and another to care for the child until weaned at a year old. The compensation is six hundred thousand dollars, along with the provision of basic needs.

My breath caught. Six hundred thousand dollars?

That was more money than I could ever dream of having. Enough to give Liam a comfortable life, to secure a home far away from here, to never worry about bills again.

A number to contact flashed on the screen, and without hesitation, I grabbed my phone and quickly dialed it.

I called the number immediately after I got off the bus.

The line rang once. Twice. Then a crisp, professional voice answered. "Good afternoon, you've reached the hiring line. How may I help you?"

I cleared my throat. "I... I just saw an advertisement about the surrogate position. I want to apply."

There was a pause. "Understood. Interviews are being held tomorrow morning at eight o'clock sharp. We'll text you the location shortly."

"Thank you," I breathed.

As soon as I ended the call, a new plan formed in my mind. I guess running wouldn't be necessary anymore.

If I could secure this job, I could leave dad's house for the one that would be provided or even earn enough money to make dad reconsider his deal with Henry by clearing all his bills.

By the time I arrived at Liam's school, I had already decided. I would focus on stopping the wedding first alongside getting the job.

So all I did was pick the boy and return home with him.

Reaching home that evening, I forced myself to act normal. My father was already in his study, likely finalizing the disgusting deal he'd made with Henry Davenport.

I set Liam's backpack down, served him dinner after a warm bath, helped him into his pajamas, and tucked him into bed as if nothing had changed.

But in my heart, everything had.

The next morning, I made my way to the interview, dressed in my best clothes. The location sent to my phone led me to a towering glass building in the city's wealthiest district. My nerves tightened as I stepped inside, where a receptionist directed me to a private waiting area.

It wasn't long before I was called in.

Inside the sleek office, a woman sat behind a desk. She had sharp eyes, a stiff posture, and an air of authority that told me she was being professional with her job.

"You're here for the surrogacy interview?" she asked, glancing at a folder in front of her.

"Yes," I replied, sitting up straight.

She barely looked at me as she flipped through the pages. "Your medical records will be reviewed later if you pass the first round of screening. Do you have any questions about the terms of the agreement?

I took a deep breath. "Actually, I have a request."

That got her attention. She looked up, eyebrows raised. "A request?"

I nodded, steeling myself. "I'll accept the job for half the compensation if your boss agrees to one thing."

The woman blinked at me. "Go on."

I exhaled slowly, then said, "I need him to pretend to be my fiancé and claim me as his on my arranged wedding day."

There was only silence:.

The P.A stared at me as if I had just declared myself the queen of the universe. Then she leaned back in her chair and folded her arms.

"Are you sick in the brain?" she asked, tone laced with disbelief.

I flinched.

"Did you come for a job interview, or you escaped from a psychiatric home?" she continued, shaking her head. "You must be out of your mind if you think my boss would entertain such nonsense."

Heat flushed up my neck, but I refused to give up yet.

"I wouldn't ask if I wasn't desperate. I'm being forced into marriage with an old man, and I need an influential figure to stop it. Your boss has power. His identity alone would be enough to stop this wedding from happening."

The woman let out a sharp laugh. "So let me get this straight. You want a billionaire, a man you don't even know to pretend to be your fiancé and save you from an arranged marriage? In exchange, you're offering to cut the compensation in half?"

I nodded firmly. "Yes."

She scoffed. "You're delusional. Do you think my boss is some charity worker? A knight in shining armor looking to rescue damsels in distress?"

I clenched my fists, disappointment and helplessness bubbling inside me.

"I know how absurd it sounds, but I'm not asking for charity. I'm offering something in return. Half a million dollars is still a lot of money, and..."

"No," she cut in sharply. "This conversation is over. Here's not a charity organization."

I opened my mouth to argue, but she was already standing. "You can leave now, Miss. I'll pretend this meeting never happened."

The sting of rejection hit me hard, but I refused to let it show. Instead, I stood up, lifted my chin, and forced a smile.

"Fine," I said coolly. "But tell your boss this if he ever needs someone who's willing to take risks for what they want, he should consider giving me a second chance."

"Leave now or I'll call the security on you." She threatened.

I heaved a breath before dragging my legs out.

There should be another solution!