Fallen for, my surrogate baby mama.

Serena's P.O.V

"Hey! Catch her! Don't let her escape!" The men continued to chase after me.

I didn't even know where I was running to!

These loan sharks never let me off; I didn't borrow from them.

My dad did!

I ran through the lonely street, and my only source of light was the barely lit street lights.

I ran as fast as my feet could handle, gasping for breath.

A few people passed by, but none cared to help! They were probably used to them chasing me like this.

"You better stop, little girl, or else we won't spare you," the middle-aged red-haired man chasing after me shouted.

Ha!

If I stop, will you guys spare me?

What an interesting joke!

My destination now was Alessandro's cafe. Only he could help me.

I felt like my feet were tearing open; I wanted to stop, but I couldn't.

"Brother Alessandro! Brother!" I called out to him as he was closing the doors of his cafe.

"Brother, help me." I ran and hugged him at full speed.

"They're... they're after me again. Help... help me, please," I said as I quickly hid behind him, catching my breath.

"Quickly, get in," he opened the cafe, swiftly and gently pushing me in before closing the doors again.

I immediately heard the men's voices hurling at Alessandro.

"Hey! Mr. Hero, you better give that girl to us right away!" the man in green shorts shouted through the glass wall.

"You'd better listen to us and hand over the girl, or we'll cause trouble, no matter who you are," the red-haired man threatened.

Yeah, yeah, Alessandro's father could be considered the leader of loan sharks in this area, so he, the son, was held in high regard.

"Oh, so you even remember that I'm not someone you can mess with," Alessandro said with a slight smirk.

"You just give us the girl, and we'll leave!" the red-haired man said.

"I'll advise that you go back the same way you came, 'cause your request cannot be granted," Alessandro said.

"Don't go too far, Alessandro; we're being lenient," the red-haired man said, raising his voice.

"Please don't make me repeat myself. Leave already!" Alessandro said, his voice becoming stern and cold.

"Alessandro Ezekiel, give us the girl!" the man ordered in a very loud tone that I was sure could attract onlookers.

Why were they requesting me like I was an object?

I was already very agitated, scared, and angry, and this banter of theirs shot up my anger to its peak!

"What right do you have to ask for me like that?! Haven't you already taken our house?! What else do you want from me?!" I said, anger evident in my voice.

"Oh! Don't think that just because you're hiding in there, we can't get to you," the red-haired man retorted.

I don't know where the courage came from, but I said immediately, "Oh, you can try!"

I knew very well that they couldn't get to me if Alessandro was there; probably that's where the courage came from.

This wasn't the first time he helped me deal with these loan sharks; he has always been doing so, coming to my rescue like a knight in shining armor.

Oh, sorry, 'prince' instead.

"Did you have a memory wipe? You seem to have forgotten who I really am," Alessandro's cold voice rang out.

Hehe!

I'm sure they'll run away with their tails behind their backs soon.

"You even called my full name, the audacity!" he said as a devilish grin appeared on his face. He took a step towards the three middle-aged men, and they took three steps backward.

Yes! Show them what you're made of!

"We're so... sorry, we didn't mean to be disrespectful, but she owes us a huge debt!" they replied, looking sorry.

"Didn't she already give you her house?" Alessandro asked, still maintaining his cold face.

"It wasn't enough. Her father was a gambler; he borrowed money from us to gamble, too. We've already told her the total amount he borrowed, and her house wasn't worth much of it," the red-haired man said.

My father borrowed money, but I had to pay?!

So unfair!

"She'll pay when she has the money to. Leave now!" he commanded, and they scurried away immediately.

"Come out," his voice sounded much gentler.

I poked my head out of the slightly opened door and peeped to see if they were gone for real.

"They're gone now; you can come out," he gently stroked my hair, and I walked out of the cafe, closing the door gently behind me.

"Haven't I told you not to walk around their den? What were you doing there today?" he asked, concern written all over his face.

"I didn't go to their den. I just went to get my mom's drugs from the pharmacy opposite Dante's house. I didn't expect to see them there," I pouted.

'How could I not listen to you?' I asked him in my mind.

"Now that you know they visit Dante's area, I don't want you to have anything to do there, ok?" he said, his eyes radiating with gentleness.

I felt like fainting.

He was so handsome!

"Have you had anything to eat?" his question brought me out of my daydream.

"No, I haven't. I was about...." he cut me off before I could complete my sentence.

"Come with me; I'll make you something delicious," he took my hand as we walked out of the cafe's entrance, walking in the street.

"Huh? To your house?" I asked as I abruptly stopped.

"Yeah, what's the problem?" he asked, a touch of confusion on his handsome face.

"I... umm, my mum and sister must be waiting for me. I didn't even get the medicines I came out for," I looked at him in anticipation, waiting to hear how he'd respond.

He brought out his phone from his pocket, looked at the screen, and then looked at me.

"It's not too late, just 8 p.m. I'm sure there'll be an open pharmacy nearby."

He took me to a nearby pharmacy, and we bought the medicines. He then brought me to a little restaurant and bought food that I suppose was for me, my mum, and sister.

We hailed a taxi and drove straight to the hospital.

We got to the hospital, paid the driver, and walked into the hospital.

I looked down at our entwined hands and then stared at his face. I could clearly hear my heart beating rapidly.

I liked him so much, ever since we were kids.

There was something on my mind, and I didn't know if I should tell him.

He turned to look at me. "You've been staring. Is anything the problem?"

"No... no, there's no problem." I really hated how I stammered. I couldn't hide anything from him.

"You're stammering. Tell me, what's wrong?" he asked, placing his hands on my shoulders, shaking them slowly.

What's the point of hiding it?

"I'll tell you; there's a problem," I said.

"Speak," he commanded in a not commanding tone.

"My mother is...." I stopped, stared at his expression, and continued speaking.

Serena's P.O.V.

"My mom's condition is worsening. She needs a transplant as soon as possible, or she might not be able to... make it," I said the last sentence almost in a whisper.

"No available donor has been found yet?" he asked.

"Yes," I replied, as I looked down at my flip-flops.

I've worn them for so long, they are already wearing off.

"No, that can't be possible. We have to do something," his hands left my shoulders and ran through his shoulder-length hair.

Tears swirled up in my eyes already. When the doctor told me that my mom could not live for a long period of time, as she was slowly dying,

I wasn't surprised but heartbroken to hear it. I knew she was losing it, but it shouldn't be so quick, should it?

I saw her hair fall even when she tried to hide it. I saw her cough out blood, and she was getting thinner than usual.

My mom... My mom... No... No... No...

It can't be possible.

"What should we do, Alessandro?" I said, looking up at him with my tear-filled eyes.

"Don't cry, silly girl, don't cry. We'll surely find a way, okay?" he coaxed.

"Okay." I wiped my tears as I nodded vigorously.

If Alessandro said they will find a way, then they'll surely find a way!

I believed his every word!

"Even if this hospital is not the best, it can still be considered one of the good ones in Batac. Why can't they find a donor yet?" he asked worriedly.

Seeing him worried about my family like this made me like him even more.

He was my dream man!

"Let's just go in first." He took my hand as we walked into the hospital.

"Mom, I'm back," I said as we walked into the ward.

"Finally, what took you so long?" my sister said in a weak tone, looking sickly on her hospital bed.

My sister had acute leukemia, while my mom had leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant as soon as possible.

"I stopped her to follow me and buy food for you guys," Alessandro said, completely covering up the fact that I was chased by those annoying loan sharks.

"Oh my, you're such a good child. Your mother-in-law will be very lucky. I bless you," my mom praised and blessed him.

Mom, you may be his mother-in-law soon.

I could feel the heat on my cheeks rise to the point

that I had to face the floor to avoid them noticing my blush.

"Okay, okay, it's time to eat and take your medications," he said.

"Rena, the water," he said, gesturing for me to hand him the water.

I picked the water bottle from the side table and gave it to him.

He served both my mom and my sister their medications, administering to them like a professional.

"Why are you smiling? Unpack the food and give it to them," his question and order woke me up from my daydream.

"Oh... okay." I unpacked the food and served it to them.

"Alessandro, you're the best! What more should I say to thank you? How would I show my appreciation?" my mom smiled.

"Just focus on your recovery process; that's more like an appreciation to me," he said with a smile on his face.

"I will, I surely will, but who knows when I'll peacefully decide to retire?" she sighed heavily.

"Ahh, Mom, why say such horrible things? Retire to where? You're staying with us, and you're going to be fine," I said with determination.

"You haven't eaten, too. Eat now; I'll go get something." He smoothed my hair and said to me with a smile.

Thump! Thump!

Dear heart, are you running a marathon?

"Oh... oh... okay." I squeezed those words out of my mouth, stammering.

Alessandro left.

My heart finally calmed down.

"He's such a good person, sis. Has he made a move on you yet?" Isabella, my sister, asked.

"How old are you to spout such nonsense? Finish your meal and go to bed," I scolded, walking over to her bed.

"You always get angry at me. Why?" she pouted while stuffing her mouth with the torta (omelet) I served her.

"It's because you say things that aren't for your age. You're still small," I said, patting her head gently.

I watched them finish their food, prayed for them, before I tucked them in and left to go find Alessandro.

---

A black limousine driving at normal speed on the highway of Beijing.

"Sir, the old madam has said you should come back. I think we should go back too," the man in glasses spoke first to break the eerie silence in the car.

"Oh! So I should take your orders now?" the older man said, with his eyes shut.

"No, no, no... Master, I didn't mean it that way," the man in glasses said in a nervous tone.

"So, how do you mean it?" the man asked.

"I... I... I was just saying that madam has been calling a lot. It seems there is an urgent matter," the man in glasses answered.

The other man didn't move a muscle, behaving like he didn't hear anything, his eyes still closed.

"Li Zhe, whether I want to go back or not is up to me. Don't give suggestions. I don't need them," the man, unfazed, suddenly spoke up.

"Yes, Master, I understand," Li Zhe said, nodding obediently.

Ringgg ringgg a phone's ring disrupted the peace once again, causing the other man's brow to furrow in annoyance.

"Ma... master, it's your phone. It's Madam," Li Zhe, fully aware of his master's mood, spoke with caution.

"Answer it and put it on loudspeaker," the other man commanded.

Li Zhe did so immediately, not wanting to anger his master.

"Nevan!" the loud female voice rang out immediately as the call was connected.

"Ma, go straight to the point," Nevan said, his eyes not prying open.

"You brat! Do you know that there is a big problem over here!" the female voice rang out again, even louder than before, causing Nevan's brows to furrow even deeper with displeasure.

"Your grandfather will make the big decision soon," the female voice said.

"What big decision?" Nevan asked, his voice now serious.

Serena's P.O.V.

"Thank you so much, Alessandro. If not for you, I don't think my family would have survived till today. I thank the Lord for letting me meet you," I said with all the gratitude I could muster, my voice thick with emotion.

Alessandro tilted his head and gave me a mock frown. "Silly girl, you're talking to me as if we just met yesterday. We are good friends! What are friends for?" His eyes softened, and a playful smirk danced on his lips.

I let out a chuckle despite the heaviness in my heart. "Thank you so much, really. I'm super grateful. You're like an angel God sent upon us," I insisted, clasping my hands together like I was praying.

"And this angel sent by God is saying you should stop thanking him, okay? It's starting to sound weird," he teased, but the warmth in his voice betrayed his words.

"Okay," I smiled shyly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

"Good. Now go back and take care of them. I'm leaving," he said, stepping back as if to make a point.

I glanced at the faint light of dawn breaking through the clouds. "Don't you think you should wait a little bit? The day hasn't brightened up yet," I suggested, concern lacing my tone.

He shook his head with a slight grin. "You know my mum, don't you? I have to be back home before she comes visiting, or else..." He left the threat hanging, tying his hair into a small ponytail with a black rubber band.

I nodded reluctantly. "Okay, goodbye. I think I should go now."

Before I could follow him out, he turned back, his voice firm but kind. "Don't follow me, Serena. Go back and rest, okay?"

I stayed rooted in place, smiling as I watched his back fade into the distance. Alessandro had done so much for us-too much, honestly. From covering Mum's medical expenses to bringing us food and even buying me a new pair of flip-flops, he'd been nothing short of a miracle in our lives.

I glanced down at the pink flip-flops on my feet. They were so cute and comfortable, a stark contrast to the worn-out slippers I'd been wearing before.

With a deep sigh, I turned and headed back to the ward where my mum and sister were resting.

"Has he left?" Isabella, my younger sister, asked the moment I walked in. Her voice sounded small, still heavy with sleep.

"Yes, he has left," I replied softly, walking over to Mum's bed. She looked pale and restless, her hands clutching the thin hospital blanket tightly.

"Mum, are you okay? Are you feeling uncomfortable?" I asked, my heart sinking at the sight of her labored breathing. I reached out to feel her forehead, but her temperature seemed normal.

She opened her mouth to reply, but a violent fit of coughing overtook her instead.

"Cough... cough... cough..."

I froze as bright red blood splattered onto the hospital pillow.

"Mum! Mum! Take it easy. I've told you not to hold it in. Why do you keep doing that?" My voice trembled as I grabbed the pain relief medicine from the bedside table, my hands shaking.

"Cough... cough... cough..." The coughing grew worse, her face contorting in pain.

I quickly administered the medicine and offered her water, gently helping her take small sips. Gradually, her coughing subsided, leaving her weak and gasping for air.

"Please, Mum," I whispered, my voice breaking. "Stop doing that. I feel pain too, you know." I reached for a mop to clean up the blood-stained pillow, fighting back tears.

She looked at me with sorrowful eyes, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't like seeing you worried about me, Serena."

"You make me more worried when you hold it in," I retorted, my frown deepening.

"She always does that," Isabella chimed in, sitting cross-legged on her bed. "I've told her many times too."

"Why are both of you scolding me?" Mum pouted like a child caught stealing candy.

"When you do bad things, you get scolded!" I scolded, shaking my head in frustration.

"Okay, okay, okay. Stop scolding. I won't hold it in anymore," she said, raising her hands in mock surrender.

"I don't trust you!" Isabella said, crossing her arms dramatically.

"Me neither," I added, narrowing my eyes at her.

"Okay, fine. I promise," Mum said, breaking into a weak smile.

"Mum, please don't do that again," I pleaded, pulling her into a gentle hug.

"Don't cry, Serena. I won't. I've already promised," she said, stroking my hair like she used to when I was little.

"You'll be fine, we'll all be fine," Isabella said, climbing out of bed and joining the hug. For a moment, the three of us held on to each other, finding comfort in the shared warmth.

---

Nevan's P.O.V.

A sleek black Rolls Royce glided through the towering gates of the Marcellus estate. The gates themselves were a masterpiece, adorned with intricate golden designs that gleamed under the morning sun. The car rolled to a stop in front of the mansion-a sprawling, white palace-like structure that stood proud and imposing against the clear blue sky.

A uniformed butler rushed forward, bowing deeply as he opened the car door.

"Welcome, young master," he said, his voice laced with respect.

Nevan stepped out of the car, his polished black shoes clicking against the marble driveway. His expression was unreadable, his piercing gaze sweeping over the pristine surroundings.

"Where's my mother?" he asked, his tone cold and measured.

"Old madam is inside. She just arrived," the butler answered, still bowing.

Without another word, Nevan strode into the mansion, his personal assistant, Li Zhe, trailing behind like a shadow.

The moment he stepped inside, a familiar voice echoed through the grand halls.

"Nevan! You're finally back!"

Nevan paused mid-step, his eyes narrowing slightly. He adjusted his path, heading toward the living room.

"Come here quickly!" the voice urged.

Entering the living room, he found his mother seated on a luxurious black and gold sofa, her demeanor exuding authority. Nevan sat down across from her, his posture relaxed but commanding.

"A disaster is about to happen. Sit, sit quickly. Let me tell you now," she said, her tone a mix of urgency and frustration.

Nevan remained composed, leaning back slightly. "Go on."

"My son, you have to act very fast, I mean super fast. You know how the traditions of this family are, don't you?"

He sighed, rubbing his temple. "Ma, I know. Please go straight to the point. I have somewhere to be."

She straightened, her voice rising. "Your father's brother's son, Joshua, just got married. Do you know what that means?!"

"I do," Nevan replied coolly.

"Then why do you look so calm?" she snapped, her eyes narrowing.

"What does his marriage have to do with me?" he countered, his gaze unwavering.

"A lot! My son, your birthright might be taken away from you!" she exclaimed, her hands clutching the armrests of the sofa.

"My birthright is going nowhere," he said firmly.

"Good! Do something! Call Olivia and-"

"No, I won't call Olivia. I know what to do. You don't have to worry," he interrupted, standing abruptly.

"That's my son. I can rest assured now," she said, a satisfied smile gracing her lips.

Nevan left the room without another glance, ascending the grand staircase with Li Zhe close behind.

"Go prepare the car. We'll be out soon," Nevan ordered, his voice echoing down the hallway.

"Yes, master," Li Zhe replied, bowing before heading off.

Nevan freshened up and changed into a crisp black suit. Minutes later, he was seated in the Rolls Royce again, his gaze fixed ahead.

"Master, where are we going?" Li Zhe asked, his voice cautious.

"To Sujan Hospital," Nevan answered, his tone clipped.