Chapter 1 The Contract

MARIA'S POV

On the sidewalk outside my apartment, a lingering ache reminded me of reality as I stared at the eviction notice in my hand.

My thin jacket flapped in the cold wind, and it blew my hair side to side. I had nothing left to fight with.

Mom had left me all alone in this world after the hospital bills had swallowed every dollar I had, which I thought was cruel enough, but now I'm facing eviction.

All I could do had been done, from extra shifts as a nurse to selling those pieces of furniture we had left. I had even pawned Mom's old locket, yet nothing worked as debt collectors called every day in a clockwork manner and always demanded more than I could give. All of this was drowning me.

Yesterday, while walking absent-mindedly with my head down on the street, I came to a tea shop and, being tired from walking, I sat on the front porch. After a while, I opened my phone, thinking perhaps I could convince the house owner to give me more time with my pleas.

But then, I saw a post online for a private surrogacy with high compensation. I copied the number without hesitation, and it appeared on my screen before I reconsidered.

"Yeah, this sounds insane, as a nurse, I knew this wasn't a decision that was supposed to be taken without thinking well about it, but what could I had done? This number sitting on my screen is likely my lifeline now. The money would be more than enough to clear my debts and even start a new life". I thought aloud.

Without another thought, I dialed the number. A professional voice sounded on the other end, "Can you come tomorrow?"

I didn't bother asking questions; I just answered "yes."

The next morning, I was directed into a glass building downtown with the aid of an address that the man had texted me earlier. When I arrived, my thrift-store boots tapped nervously on the floor as I looked here and there, trying to decide who to approach. Everywhere smelled like lemon, the surroundings were clean, and they screamed of wealth.

"Hello! I'm Leighton, and I'm the lawyer representing Mr Paul, who's going to be your client if you agree," a man in a dark suit who met me at the lobby said to me as he introduced himself.

"I'm Maria, interested in becoming a surrogate for your client. "Can you go over the details with me now?" I questioned.

Leighton led me into a quiet office. "Please read carefully," he said as he handed me a folder.

In the folder were various legal terms and conditions, but then, the basics were straightforward; I would carry a child for nine months, I wouldn't ask questions, nor would I speak to the press, but in return, I would be paid more money than I had ever seen in my life.

"The most important condition is this, Miss..." "Cole," I answered quickly, "it's Maria Cole," I corrected. "Alright, Miss Cole, as I was saying, the most important information here is that you'll live at the estate until the baby is born. It's for yours and the baby's safety," he concluded.

My hands, which were flipping through pages, began to shake because this last condition felt like I was selling my soul. But when I thought about the eviction notice, the rising bills, and the empty fridge, I signed without another thought.

On the next day, a black Mercedes car came to pick me up as scheduled. I had already packed what little belongings I had into a suitcase before its arrival, so I just got in when it pulled up at my door. The driver didn't speak; he only nodded when I greeted him, and we started the journey.

The city began to fall behind us, and skyscrapers began to give way to hills and trees. We ascended the twisting road through fog. The atmosphere was so calm, it seemed the world paused.

Then gradually, the Willow Estate came into view as the car climbed fully up.

Iron gates, which were taller than most buildings I had seen, swung open as we approached the estate. We drove through and passed trimmed hedges and fountains that looked as if they belonged in a palace.

The house was nothing close to what I had seen before. It was as if I were dreaming.

It was a huge three-storey stone and glass building, which was cold but perfect. Not a light flickered in the windows, and no human sound came from the grounds, only the chirping of birds.

The driver pulled up at the front steps. "This is your stop," he announced.

I stepped out with my suitcase in hand. The front door flung open when I was about to knock, and a woman appeared.

With a robust frame and impeccable skin, she wore a sleek black suit. It shocked me that her eyes showed no joy despite her smile.

"You must be Miss Cole," she said. "I'm Celeste, and I manage the estate. You may come inside," she spoke all at once.

I walked into the house where she held the door open, and "sleek", the door closed behind me with a soft click.

Celeste showed me to a guest room on the second floor. "You'll be staying here. Meals are served at eight, twelve, and six. Medical staff will check on you weekly, and you are not to leave the property," she informed all in one go.

What if I feel like going for a walk or talking to someone?

"You're safe here," she answered with a smile. "That's all that matters."

She left before I could ask more.

The walls were painted with cream color, there was a canopy bed, and I could see a garden outside from the window. It didn't really feel like home to me.

I quietly unpacked and put the few clothes I had and put them in the closet. They look sad in the enormous closet

I seat on the bed's edge and gazed at my hands. "I'm the one doing this, I signed up for it myself, nobody made me do it, so I have to follow through." I reassured myself

I just couldn't get rid of the feeling that I walked into something totally confusing. That might be because I didn't give it a good thought.

I strolled around the halls that evening. Everything was too clean and quiet. The staff walked past me like ghosts, not a single one said a word or acknowledged my hellos. And suddenly, one of them flinched when I asked where the kitchen was.

I began to wonder why everyone here seems to be behaving strangely. I caught sight of a man when I looked in the direction the staff had just moved.

He stayed by the hallway's end, staring out of a window. He wore a dark suit, even at home, and didn't turn when I approached.

"Mr. Willow?" I asked.

He turned to show his sharp, ice-grey eyes. He focused on me for some time.

"I'm Maria," I introduced, offering him my hand for a handshake.

He nodded but didn't shake my hand. "Follow the rules and everything will be as planned," he stated and walked away.

I stood alone, heart racing, wondering what planet I had come to live on.

I sat by my room's window that night. In the distance, the gate lights twinkled and then disappeared.

I tried to sleep but couldn't, then I heard footsteps near my room just after midnight. I quickly sat upright, and then it went quiet.