Carrying The Billionaire's Child

MANNY

Manny has been working as early as 7 in the morning preparing the models for the upcoming fashion show.

Looking at the clock, she discovered that it was already late into the afternoon and she hadn't even had breakfast yet.

With sweat running down her face and a bunch of pins in her mouth, Manny felt tired.

All she wanted was to go back to her office, relax, and have a good lunch. Good thing she was dressing the last model for the day.

"Allen Cooper and his father will be coming by the office today to sort out the contract for the marriage and I want you to remember that this marriage benefits the both of us and you must sign the contract. "

her mum said in a serious voice, coming out of the large dressing room.

Manny felt irritated and fed up. Her mum has been pestering her about the contract for the last two weeks, why couldn't she just accept that she's not ready to marry?

"No Mother, I want to marry someone who loves me for me and not just what he can get out of me."

"I don't want to be like you and dad!" Manny yelled back and her mum's face hardened.

You could see the hurt and anger in her eyes – although she might have lived in a loveless marriage, Manny's mum felt it was worth it.

"You should be happy that someone has agreed to be with you despite how you look. If you go on like this, you might end up alone forever."

"And how do I look, mother?" Manny asked, getting furious.

She was well aware of how she looked but she didn't think her mother would hate her or try to marry her off just because she was fat.

"I don't care what you think or want Manny but you're signing that contract whether you like it or not."

With tears gathering in her eyes, Manny watched as her mum dashed out of her office banging the door closed.

So much for a quiet afternoon.

Hours after the conversation, the Coopers arrived.

With the black shining limo dropping them off, Manny thought that they must be extremely rich since her mum was hell-bent on matching them together.

As the men made their way into the fashion house, Manny noticed how the ladies fawned over the two men.

But she couldn't see what they saw.

As Mr Allen and his son both entered the office, Manny found my mum smiling like a lunatic.

Did her mother really think that Manny would sign the contract so she could have more money?

"Mr Allen, I'm so glad you could make it. Please sit."

Manny's mum offered them seats in her office and Manny could feel nothing but anger. Her mother looked like she didn't even care.

Clearing his throat, Mr Allen was the first to speak.

"I'll just go straight to the point so we can seal the deal and start necessary preparations."

Manny took a quick glance at Mr Allen's son who seemed confused. Perhaps he wasn't aware of what his father was planning.

Too bad.

Without hesitating, Mr Allen brought out the paperwork for the marriage which was ready to be signed.

"Manny, Andrew you just need to sign where your names and phase one of the marriage is done."

"Marriage? Dad? Is this a contract marriage?" Andrew asked with anger in his voice.

"I told you, Dad, I do not want to get married and besides couldn't you find someone better to do business with"

Andrew looked at Manny with disgust and at that moment, she prayed for the ground to swallow her up.

Manny couldn't bring herself to look Andrew in the eyes, she felt so naked and furious and was on the verge of crying.

She couldn't understand why she was feeling this way. She had been embarrassed before all her life but this felt very different.

Before Andrew could continue with his words, Manny spoke up.

"I told you, mother, I'm not ready to marry yet and I certainly don't want to be married to an ill-mannered and ignorant man. I'm not signing any contract and that's final."

"How can you take over this fashion company if you do not get married?"

Manny's mum asked her, expecting an answer. But before she could talk, Andrew spoke up.

"I don't want to be married to a fat woman either. It won't be good to make public appearances with her dad"

"Is she even healthy enough to carry a child? What about all the necessary tests? I'm sorry to disappoint you but this marriage isn't happening."

There was an awkward silence in the room and judging from the look on her mom's face, she was already angry.

"I see no reason for this argument, it is all for our benefit and you both can continue to live your own separate lives but just be together for public appearances."

William tried appeasing the situation but both Manny and Andrew refused. They were headstrong on not signing the contract.

"I don't want anything to do with her, I would rather marry her mother than marry her."

That was the last straw. Manny had had enough. She won't stand there while this man insulted her and her mother did nothing about it.

She slammed the table, picked up the papers that needed signing, and then tore it into pieces.

"I don't need you or your filthy money, please leave!"

Manny glared at her mother who just stood there watching the whole thing.

She wondered why she couldn't defend her. Sometimes she wonders if Kari was her real mother.

Not wasting any time, Manny retired back downstairs to complete the work she had left.

It was after work hours when Manny and her mum finally finished all the preparations. If this fashion show was not a success, those models will definitely regret it because they've put so much work into this event.

As they drove through the silent road, Manny couldn't help but replay the scenes of this afternoon in her head. She took a quick look at her and she noticed that her mum wasn't getting any younger. Perhaps she should have signed the contract.

Manny thought about it but couldn't bring herself to do it. She had always wanted to marry for love and right now it seems those dreams will forever remain dreams.

Some minutes later, they got to the house. The large mansion filled with beautiful flowers and with a fountain in the middle stared back at Manny. What more could her mother want? She thought.

Stepping into the house, they went their separate ways. Manny's mum hasn't said a word since the afternoon and her face didn't give any indication of anger, which worried her.

"Mum? Is everything alright? You haven't said a word since we got back."

With a fierce look in her eyes, her mother went to her room aggressively still without saying a word.

Getting into the room, Manny removed the extra large lace gown and got into the hot tub. She loved how the foam felt on her body and how the scent hugged her body.

Nothing could be more relaxing than this, she thought.

After a long soak, she grabbed her towel and as she stepped into the room, the scent of lavender mixed with a citrusy scent filled the air.

Drying her hair and putting on her clothes, she decided to take some air by the balcony as the night was cool and windy.

The gentle breeze caressed her face, making her stay on the balcony a little longer.

Lost in her thoughts, Manny failed to notice the blue Lexus halting right in front of the fountain.

"Avery!"

The squealing of her mother brought her back and looking down, she saw her mum hugging a red-haired girl. She couldn't see her face properly but she guessed she was beautiful.

Not being able to stand the sight of her mum hugging this strange girl, Manny went down to get dinner.

Minutes later, her mum came into the dinner with the red-haired and she was a sight to behold. With her bright green eyes that glowed under the light and her skin looking beautifully pale and fresh

"Good, Manny you're here. This is Avery and she's going to be taking over the fashion House.

ANDREW

Andrew tried getting up from bed but the headache won't let him. Good thing he kept a pack of aspirin and a bottle of water by his side.

After taking it, he laid for a bit allowing the drug to take effect a little. He had flashbacks of the party yesterday.

He still remembers how the lady he grinded at the club smelt and how her body felt in his hands as she rocked her body against his, especially her bum.

Everything fitted so perfectly.

His thoughts were interrupted by a phone call. As he picked up his phone, he saw that it was Jason. What could he want early this morning?

Jason and Andrew have been friends since they were little although Andrew's father always thought that Jason was a bad influence on Andrew.

Eventually the bond grew stronger as Jason started working at the company just like Andrew.

"Dude, I've been calling you for the past five minutes. Where are you? The board meeting is about to start and your dad is furious."

"Don't tell me you still went to that party Andrew. I told you there was an important meeting today. You just love making me look bad in front of your dad." Jason whined.

"Get your butt off that bed and come here quickly before your father explodes with anger."

Without waiting for Andrew's reply he hung up.

Still unable to carry himself, Andrew dragged himself out of bed and with his head throbbing with pain as he made his way to the bathroom.

Minutes after struggling to get dressed he was already on his way to the office and though the headache had reduced, you could still see from his eyes that he was up late last night.

"Where have you been? I had your secretary call you a million times." Andrew's father burst into his office without allowing him to settle.

"Dad please, I'm here now aren't I?" Andrew responded sharply.

"You better watch your tone. The meeting starts in three minutes, hurry up and come."

As his father left the office, Andrew took a long sigh and sat down. He couldn't help but wish he hadn't been born rich.

The work was getting too much for him day by day.

Halfway through the meeting, Andrew seemed to be lost in thought. He could barely hear what the board executives were saying.

"Excuse me? Mr Andrew? What do you think?"

"Yes? Could you repeat the question."

Jason gave him a weird look then signaled the presentator to go on.

"I said that we could join hands with Cole building constructions. It would bring the new technology to light."

"Yes yes that'll be perfect. See to it that it happens."

"If there's nothing more to say, you're all dismissed." Andrew said hurriedly trying to end the meeting as fast as possible.

Immediately after the meeting, his sectary walked him informing him about an outing he had with his father.

Why can't today be peaceful he thought.

Hours later in the afternoon, he was set to accompany his father but little did he know what awaited him.

"Andrew–" his father broke the silence.

" –this place we are going, I expect you to do exactly as I say and not make a scene."

"I'm sure I can do that dad once you tell me where we're headed" Andrew replied eyeing his father suspiciously.

Sans reply his father kept on driving inviting an awkward silence into the car.

He just hoped that it wasn't another one of his father's plan to get him into marriage.

Arriving at their designated place, Andrew was shocked to see that it was a fashion house– "The" fashion house. He had imagined anywhere but here.

As he passed by the flowers into the house, he noticed how the females were all looking at him flirtatiously except for one.

She had a scowl on her face that could scare off anyone that comes in contact with her.

Getting into the office, a woman with a weird smile offered them seats and the lady he saw from before also step into the room.

Now that he could see her better, he noticed how her eyes stood out. It looked like it turns to a darker shade anytime she blinked as if that was even possible.

She had a chubby face, her facial features lined out perfectly and her hair couldn't be more beautiful but he had one problem with her, she was fat.

And that made Andrew look at her with evident distaste.

"I'll just go straight to the point so we can seal the deal and start necessary preparations." he's father said looking at him in the eyes.

Bringing out the paperwork, he was told to sign the contract for his marriage.

"I told you dad, I do not want to get married and besides couldn't you find someone better to do business with" he said with disgust apparent in his voice.

"Is she even healthy enough to carry a child? What about all the necessary tests? I'm sorry to disappoint you but this marriage isn't happening."

"I don't want anything to do with her, I would rather marry her mother than marry her."

In the twinkle of an eye, the papers were scattered in pieces all around and after seeing the rage and anger in her eyes Andrew decided to back down.

After a whole lot of bickering from the two, the Coopers decided to leave promising to come back another time.

If looks could kill Andrew would surely be dead by now. His father kept giving him murderous looks as he drove them home.

He knew that he was in for a hearful once they get home.

"You shouldn't have said that to her. Why couldn't you kept your thoughts to yourself."

"You've ruined a very good business opportunity for us...again Andrew. This has to stop."

"I'll marry when I'm ready dad. I already told you. Why don't you ever listen?"

"You'll marry when I tell you to and I say the time is now. You're not getting any younger therefore you need to marry early as soon as possible."

Andrew felt defeated, there was no use arguing with his father besides, he always got his way somehow.

Although not this time. He was going to find a way out even if it meant getting a surrogate.

Pulling up the drive way and coming out of the limo, Andrew went straight for his room. He needs to clear his head, today as been such an unpleasant day for him.

Passing his parents room, he heard them arguing. It's been happening for a while now and Andrew just couldn't figure out why.

Leaning in closer, he eves dropped on what they were yelling about.

"I told you not to force him! He has plenty of time before he gets married." Andrew's mother yelled at the top of voice fury clear in our voice.

"You are the cause of all these. You've spoilt him right from day one and now we're seeing the consequences."

"Should I have left him to keep carrying gold diggers and prostitute around. You know how that affects our reputation."

"You mean "your" reputation. You don't care about this family or what happens to us. You've been distant and you don't even know who your son is and now you're pushing him to marry."

"He has done everything you've asked, the least you can do is accept this one request he's making now..."

Andrew's mother was tearing up, she was always so protective of him and the only one who took his side.

Filled with sadness and unable to hear the remaining arguments, he took his car keys and bolted out the house.

As he drove with high speed, his hands gripping the steering tightly and consumed with his thoughts, he didn't see the truck coming straight at him. He narrowly escaped death.

Still on the road, he remembered his ex girlfriend, the one who he was suppose to marry before she absconded with his money.

Just thinking about her dampened his mood even more, he felt betrayed.

He could still recall the words from the letter she left him. He felt his chest tightened.

Andrew should hate her but he didn't. Instead, his longing for her grew.

Everyday he saw blonde haired ladies pass him, he secretly wished it was her as they turned to look at him, checking his phone every minute to see if she'd call.

She had left him in a pathetic state when she ran away.

'If only there was a way to reach her.' Andrew thought.

Still holding to that thought, Andrew turned back retracing his steps back to his house and at that moment his phone rang.

Contemplating if he

should pick it or not, he let it ring for a little while then he picked it up. Unseeing the caller ID, he froze.

Kate was calling him.

MANNY

Avery hated Manny on the spot. She made up her mind to keep the fashion house now that it has fallen in her hands on a platter of gold.

After all, her dear cousin might never find someone to marry her.

Manny tried to avoid Avery all through the night till the morning.

She couldn't bear being with someone who was taking something that was her's.

Meanwhile, her mother seemed to be avoiding her. She was either busy designing or staying in her office doing who knows what all day.

Manny had so many questions.

She felt mistreated, how could her mother give something that's rightfully hers to an outsider– although Avery was a long distance cousin.

As Manny was in her office stuffing her face with food, Avery walked in like she owned the place.

"See Manny this is why no one will ever want you. Look at all these junk food" Avery said, her face contorted with disgust.

"What do you want Avery? Aren't you supposed to be overseeing the models?"

A twain of frown appeared on Avery's face. She hated that she was the one doing the work when she is also the same person inheriting the fashion house.

At least that was what they both thought.

"Your mum wants to see you in her office right now." Avery told Manny, rolling her eyes.

Manny thought that it was weird that her mum asked her to come to her office. They hadn't spoken since she retracted her inheritance.

Praying that it was not another marriage discussion, she got up to go.

"And Manny, try to lose some weight or your mum might lay you off completely since you can't seem to find a husband." Avery said ignorantly as walking out the door.

All Manny thought of was strangling her and stuffing her in a body bag.

"Come in, come in," Kari said, peering at the papers in front of her as her glasses slid down the bridge of her nose.

Closing the door behind her, Manny was shocked to see papers scattered all around her mother's office.

She was caught off guard when she threw an insane question at her.

"How do you feel about getting a sperm donor?"

A sperm donor? The thought of a stranger's sperm swimming in her and fertilizing her eggs made her body crawl with distaste.

"You want me to put the sperm of some stranger in my body? Mum seriously?"

"Yes seriously Manny! What's the harm there?" Kari retorted.

"What could possibly go wrong? People are starting to talk."

"Who cares what people say. It isn't their life. You don't expect me to have a baby for some random guy mother."

Manny could see that her mother was trying really hard to be patient with her but you could clearly see the frustration in her eyes.

Not giving her daughter an opportunity to argue any further, Kari brought out a bunch of paper from under her desk.

"I've already done some research so you don't carry just anyone's sperm. And you'll also be doing the process at Limi's specialist hospital and you'll be going there tomorrow for counseling."

Rolling her eyes, Manny scoffed. Just yesterday her mother didn't want her running the fashion house and now she wants her to have a baby??

Taking a look at the papers laid on the table she discovered that the sperm donors were all business partners.

"Why are all these people sons of the people you work with? They'll probably want to take the baby for themselves and besides I haven't even agreed to this insane plan."

"Did you really think I'll hook you up with a stranger? You're doing it and that's final. You can't argue your way out of this one dear."

Without giving her daughter any more room to reply, Kari shoved the papers to Manny's hands.

"Make your choice by the end of the day"

Her mother said firmly signalling that the discussion was over.

Manny left her mum's office feeling numb.

For other ladies it would have been a perfect opportunity but she couldn't go through with it knowing that the baby might be taken from her one day.

No words could describe exactly how she was feeling at that moment.

As she was still sulking, a deafening shriek came from behind her.

She turned around to see Josie bolting towards her with her hands wide open looking like she was coming in for a hug.

"Manny! Oh my dear Manny. How I've missed you so." Josie said pulling in Manny for a tight hug.

Josie has always been a fanatic for historical dramas which made her talk in exaggerated manners.

But that was one thing Manny loved most. She always knew how to make her smile; Josie was always like the sister she never had.

"Why are you back so early? You aren't supposed to be back until next week. What happened?"

As Josie stretched out her hand gleefully, a wide gasp escaped from Manny's mouth as she saw the huge diamond ring on Josie's finger.

"Oh my gosh...Tristan proposed? When? Why didn't you say anything till now?" Manny asked excitedly, squealing aloud.

"It happened while we were in Chicago. I honestly thought it was a normal vacation till one day he got down on one knee" Josie replied trying to contain her joy as she revived the moment in her head.

"I'm so happy for you baby girl. You're finally marrying your dream man." Manny said, almost tearing up.

Now that her best friend is getting married, she had no other choice than to take up the offer her mother gave.

If Josie marries, then she'll be truly lonely.

"Let's go out for lunch and then you can tell me all about the vacation." And then, they both left hurriedly giggling like little girls.

****

"A sperm donor? How can she allow that?" Josie yelled so loud that she had to be shushed by other customers.

They had taken a long lunch break and Manny already gave her the download of all that went down.

"What do you think I should do? I don't want a sperm donor but that's the only way I can get back the fashion house."

"And it would also put an end to all the bad blood between me and my mum." Manny muttered, filling her mouth with fries.

"So what? You'll sacrifice your happiness for some business?"

"Manny, you're my best friend and all I want is your happiness but if you insist on getting a donor, I could follow you to see the doctor tomorrow for support."

Josie comforted her by grabbing her hand tightly.

"Thank you. I better get back to work, I don't trust Avery with the models."

"You should give her a chance, you know. She might be nice."

"Yeah I'll think about it." Laughing and taking the last bite of their food, they left the restaurant hastily.

Promising to meet her tomorrow, Josie headed home while Manny rushed back to the office.

As she ran in, she came into a quick halt as she came in contact with her mother staring at her madly.

"Where the hell have you been!? You know very well we have to make everything perfect for tonight's fashion show."

her mother stated furiously looking back at her and demanding an answer.

"Josie is back so we went on a lunch date." Manny said, eyeing her mum and wondering why she was so cranky.

"Oh I see. Is she engaged yet? Kari asked expectantly.

But Manny refused to answer because knowing her mother, she knew exactly what was coming next.

Seeing as her daughter wasn't ready to answer her question, clearing her throat, she went on to the next question.

"Anyway, have you chosen anyone yet? I need to inform the sperm donor on time."

Taking in a deep breath, Manny gave her an answer.

"Yes mother I've decided."