Chapter 6 Elena POV

Chapter 6

Alexander was starting to respect Elena more. She was thinking ahead, thinking of things he hadn't considered. It was the smart thing that impressed him during her marketing talk.

What are you saying?

You need to follow the same rules. If I can't date, you can't either. If I have to look like I'm in a stable relationship for this to work, then you need to look the same.

Alexander thought about it. The board wanted to see stability and family values. Being with different women while Elena was pregnant would mess that up.

Agreed, he said after a minute. We both can't date while this is going on.

Elena nodded and wrote something down. Alexander was interested in how organized she was. She was treating this like a business deal, even though it was a personal thing.

Living arrangements, Elena said. I want Sofia to have her own room, her own space. And I want her to be able to decorate it however she wants. She's eight-this is hard enough without making her feel like she's in a hotel.

That's reasonable.

And I want her to be able to have friends over. Sleepovers, birthday parties, normal kid stuff. She shouldn't have to suffer because of this.

Alexander hesitated. Kids coming over meant security issues and more people asking questions or noticing things.

If we check them out first and you give me notice, he said.

Elena smiled a little. Thank you.

The thank you made Alexander feel something strange. He ignored it and got back to business.

Medical decisions, Elena said, turning to another part of the contract. It says you have the final say on everything pregnancy-related.

I do.

What if we don't agree? What if a medical thing affects not just the baby, but my health, my body?

Alexander didn't expect her to argue about medical stuff. Usually, money makes people agree to things.

What decisions are you worried about?

Elena was quiet for a second, picking her words. Things during birth. Pain medicine. What if something goes wrong? If we have to make choices... She took a breath. I need to know that my life matters too, not just the baby's.

Alexander was surprised by how emotional she sounded. He thought about what he was asking her to do. Elena would carry his kid for nine months, and she would risk her health to give birth. It wasn't just business-she was trusting him a lot.

We'll make medical decisions together, Alexander said. If you're able to, you'll have a say in anything that affects your health.

Elena relaxed a little. Thank you.

They kept going through the contract, Elena asking questions and Alexander agreeing to things he didn't think he would. She wanted to make sure Sofia could see her friends from school. She wanted a flexible work schedule so she could take Sofia to activities. And she wanted to keep some of her friends, while still keeping things private.

Everything she asked for made sense. Alexander found himself agreeing to things that his lawyers wouldn't like, but Elena's reasons were good. The more normal her life seemed, the less likely people would ask questions.

Keeping things private, Elena said, getting to the last part. This is a lot.

It has to be.

Elena read quietly for a while, looking more and more worried. It says I can never talk about this with anyone. Ever. Not my sister, not a therapist, and not even Sofia when she's older.

That's right.

What if she asks questions? What if she wants to know why we lived in a fancy apartment for nine months, why you were suddenly around, and why we moved away later?

Alexander thought about that. We'll make up a story. Maybe a short relationship that didn't work out. Or a man who helped with medical bills.

Elena shook her head. I won't lie to my daughter about something like this.

The other option is telling her that you sold your body to save her life. Which do you think will hurt her more?

He didn't mean to be so harsh, but Elena didn't even blink. Instead, she looked right at him.

The other option is finding a way to tell her the truth when she's old enough to understand. That her mother made a hard choice to help someone start a family, and that person helped us in return.

Alexander thought about that. Elena's way was clean, but not dishonest. It kept Sofia innocent while not being a complete lie.

You still can't tell anyone about the money, who the father is, or anything else, he said.

Agreed.

Elena closed the contract, putting her hands in her lap. There's one more thing that's not in here.

What's that?

What happens after? To Sofia and me. After the baby is born, after I do what I agreed to, what's the plan?

Alexander had only thought about the legal stuff, the money, and making sure Elena wasn't in his life anymore. He hadn't thought about the human part.

You'll go back to your life. Hopefully, you'll have enough money to make it better than before.

But not here. Not in this city, not at StoneVault.

It wasn't a question, and Alexander didn't pretend. It would be weird if we saw each other all the time.

Elena nodded slowly. So Sofia and I start over somewhere else. New city, new school, new job.

With great references and enough money to be comfortable.

Comfortable, Elena repeated. She was quiet for a minute, looking out the windows at the city. Do you ever think about the baby? You know, not just the business part?

Alexander was surprised. What do you mean?

What they'll be like. What kind of person they'll be. If they'll have your eyes or be stubborn. Elena was soft, almost sad. If they'll be happy.

Alexander felt something in his chest. He thought about the baby as a way to solve his business problems, to keep his position with the board. He hadn't thought about who the kid would be.

I just want to give them the best life, he said carefully. The best school, everything they need, and security.

But not about who they'll be. What makes them laugh, what makes them cry, and what they dream about.

They'll just figure that out.

Elena smiled, but it was sad. You don't believe in love, do you?

Alexander felt like she was getting too close to his personal life. He thought love was a weakness that destroyed his parents and almost ruined his family.

I believe in being responsible. Taking care of people who need me, protecting what I've built, and making sure things are safe.

And you think that's enough? For a kid?

Alexander's face got serious. It's more than a lot of kids have.

Elena looked at him, and Alexander felt like she could see through him.

I know, she said quietly. But kids need more than just safety, Alexander. They need to know they're loved for who they are, not just what they are.

The way she said his name made Alexander feel strange. Elena wasn't arguing, she was just telling him something that he's tried to ignore for years.

The kid will be loved, he said, sounding rough.

By who?

Alexander thought about his life-the empty house, the events, and the women who wanted his money. Who would love his kid without conditions?

I'll get married, Alexander said. I'll find a woman to be the kid's mother.

Another contract?

Alexander didn't answer, but Elena knew anyway.

She stood up, fixing her dress. I should go. Sofia will be home soon, and I want to be there when she gets here.

Alexander stood too, not wanting her to leave. Elena was different from the woman he usually talks to, but she was interesting. Challenging. She was real.

So, do we have an agreement? he asked.

Elena looked around his fancy office, seeing the power and success. She turned back to him, looking sure.

Yes, she said. We have an agreement.

Alexander felt relieved. He fixed his problem and secured his future. It should have felt like a win.

But as he watched Elena go to the door, he wasn't sure if he made the right choice or a mistake.

It all depended on if he could keep this just business, or if Elena would get through to him.