Her Sister's Surrogate

Helena squeezed my hand through the whole procedure. It was the least she could do, considering they were planting her eggs, fertilized with her husband's seed, inside me. I hated myself for not really wanting to be here. But I loved my sister, and this was what she needed. She'd never understand the weight of what I was sacrificing. Not in any real sense.

It wasn't painful, not physically anyway. But the ache in my chest? That was unbearable. It was the kind of pain no one could see. No one would ever know how much it hurt to carry their baby, knowing it would never truly be mine. That was the hardest part...the hollow, gnawing truth. The part I couldn't even share with her. How could I tell my sister that I had always been in love with her husband? How could I even begin to explain the mess of emotions that boiled inside me every time I saw him smile at her, the way his eyes softened when he looked at her, like she was the one he was always meant to be with?

I have been in love with him since the moment we met. Before he knew her, before they married, before everything had fallen into place for them. I used to dream there could someday be something between Hunter and me. But he had never seen me that way. From the moment Helena walked into his life, it was over for me. I had little chance before, but once Helena had entered the picture, it had been over. He was hers. And I was... invisible.

Now I'm most likely carrying her baby. Hunter's baby. My heart twisted painfully at the thought, and I hated how easy it was for Helena and our mum, Margo, to manipulate me into this.

They wanted me to be a good sister. To be selfless. But no one ever saw the toll it would take on me. No one could see what I was really giving up, what I had already given up.

Hunter was my boss. I had worked for him for four years. I had seen him fall for my sister, even as I stood there, watching it happen, pretending it didn't crush me a little every time. I had watched them grow closer, watched their love bloom, while I quietly stood by, always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

I never felt like I was enough, not for him, not for anyone. Helena always had what I couldn't. She was everything I wasn't. She was so full of light. She had the beauty. She had Hunter.

I remember that Christmas party, the one where everything changed for me. I should have stayed home, but Helena had begged me to let her come.

"It'll be fun!" she'd said. But I watched him...Hunter fall for her. It wasn't even subtle. He couldn't take his eyes off her. I should have left right then. I should've walked away before it broke me. A new life away from watching them together would have been better than the situation I now found myself in.

But now, here I was, stuck. Stuck, most likely carrying their child. The baby they would raise together. The family they would build. The family I would always be on the outside of.

"We are ready to do the implant now," the doctor's voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I nodded. It was all I could manage.

"I have a good feeling about this," Helena said again, her voice light and carefree, "With Hunter's little swimmers in action, I'm sure it's going to work."

All I could do was close my eyes, hoping to block everything out.

"Okay, you should rest here for about thirty minutes before getting up," the doctor said too soon. I blinked my eyes open. She didn't meet my gaze, and I couldn't help but feel like she knew. She would have found out I was a virgin during the procedure.

I'd spent years hiding my secrets, my virginity, my longing for Hunter. but I felt like everyone saw it now. Which was impossible because I hid it so well. The doctor knew I was a virgin. But so what? Yeah, so what... I felt scraped raw from the inside out?

I nodded at her, letting her know I understood, trying to hold back the sting of tears. "Okay," I whispered, feeling the weight of it all pressing down on me. It felt like an avalanche that had already started, and there was nothing I could do to stop it.

Helena squeezed my hand again. "I'm so excited, Grace. This is going to be amazing," she said, her voice brimming with hope.

I wanted to be happy for her. I really did. But all I could do was nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. "Let's wait and see," I said quietly. "Don't get your hopes up too high too soon."

But Helena didn't hear me. Or maybe she just didn't care. She was so focused on what she needed, couldn't see the pain I was already drowning in. She didn't see that this wasn't as simple for me as it was for her. She didn't see how this was breaking me, little by little.

It wasn't just the pregnancy. It was the years of watching her get everything. It was the years of seeing her walk into the room, and everyone turning to her. Seeing her get Hunter's love. His attention. His affection.

And then there was me. Just... me. The shadow. The invisible sister. God, the self-pity. I'm stronger than this.

"I have a good feeling about this," Helena continued, her voice light and carefree. "With Hunter's little swimmers in action, l'm positive it's going to work."

"Can I have a minute alone?" I said when Helena said that. I just didn't want to think about it.

"Grace..." Helena started, but I cut her off.

"Please Helena. Can you give me a moment alone?" I pleaded. I could feel the tears burn at my eyes.

I could hear my sister stand and move to the door. She stood there for a moment. Please go was all I could think not opening my eyes.

Once I knew she was gone, I rolled over into the fetal position and let the tears fall freely. I couldn't keep pretending. I couldn't keep pretending that this was all just fine, that I was okay with being the invisible one. With being the one who was always overlooked, always used, always in the background. I was tired of being fine.

Thirty minutes later, I dressed quickly, wiping my eyes and trying to pull myself together. As I opened the door, I could hear my mom and Helena talking outside in the hall. I shouldn't have listened. But I couldn't help myself.

"Grace doesn't seem overjoyed about carrying my baby," Helena said, her voice faint but unmistakable.

My mother's voice was cold. "She should be grateful, Helena. Hunter needs an heir. You need to give him one. We can't afford to lose that hold on him."

My stomach twisted. We can't afford to lose that hold on him. My mother's words hit me like a slap. And Helena? She didn't even flinch. I could feel her manipulation in every word. She wasn't just grateful to me. No, this was about power. This was about making sure she kept Hunter, made sure I did my part, always in the background, always doing what she needed me to do.

I stood there for a moment, my hand over my stomach, the weight of what I could be carrying, both physically and emotionally, pressing down on me. It wasn't just about giving them a child. It was about keeping Hunter.

But maybe it would be over soon. Maybe the procedure would work, and maybe I could disappear from all of this, from the constant ache in my chest. I would carry their baby. And when it was over, I would leave. I would leave before I lost myself completely. Before I was broken beyond repair. But I feared handing over the baby would do that to me, anyway.

Traffic was lighter than usual on the way back to the office, leaving me less time to dwell on the weight of everything. Once I arrived in the underground parking lot, I just sat in my car for a few minutes longer. I stared out the windshield at the elevator bank. Getting on one of those lifts would take me to my office, the last place I wanted to be. I could practically feel Hunter's presence waiting for me upstairs. How was I supposed to face him, knowing his child could be inside me?

The weight of it crushed me. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.

Maybe I was the selfish bitch Mum had called me last night, but I wasn't sure I had it in me to go through with this. Carrying a baby for nine months and handing it over like it meant nothing... The thought alone made my chest tighten.

Even the psychologist had questioned whether I was cut out for this. But Mum had replaced her. She made sure I was approved by the next one, someone who would sign the paperwork without asking too many questions. Had they been paid off? I wasn't sure if my physical tests had come back okay or if they had fudged them. Did Hunter know? Was he in on it, too?

I hadn't thought Helena was until I overheard them talking outside my hospital room. Hunter was determined to have a child. He was ruthless, used to getting what he wanted. Why wouldn't he be okay with using my body to fulfill that desire? To use me as an incubator.

Sighing deeply, I got out of the car. I couldn't stay here forever, not with the chance someone would notice. Slinging my handbag over my shoulder, I walked toward the elevators and hit the button.

A sound behind me made me turn slightly. A man in his mid-thirties was walking toward me, his shoes clicking on the polished floor. He had that same confident stride that Hunter had, men of power had that walk.

He wasn't hard on the eyes. His short, back-and-sides haircut, chiseled jawline, and deep-set blue eyes framed by dark brown brows matched his hair perfectly. He carried himself with effortless confidence, and there was something about his demeanor that caught my attention.

Realizing I was staring, I quickly turned away, thankful when the elevator doors opened. I stepped inside, hit the button for the top floor, and moved to the back of the lift, leaning against the wall. The man followed, about to press the same button, until he noticed it was already lit. He gave me a polite smile and a nod before leaning against the side wall.

I could feel his eyes on me. His presence was undeniable, but I didn't know who he was. Given that he was headed to my floor, though, I assumed he must know Hunter.

I returned a small smile, but turned my attention back to the flashing numbers as we ascended.

Suddenly, the lift jolted, and I screamed, my body thrown sideways. The next thing I knew, strong arms were around me, keeping me upright.

The lights flickered, then went out completely, leaving us in darkness.

"Are you okay?" came a deep voice from above me.

"I think so," I managed, pushing against his chest. I wasn't some weak woman who needed rescuing. "I'm fine. You can let go now."

"Sorry." The red emergency light flickered on, casting an eerie glow over his face.

He released me and stepped back to the control panel, pressing the alarm button. "It doesn't look like it's moving anytime soon."

"I can't believe this," I muttered, more to myself than to him. Just what I needed today.

"Claustrophobic?"

"No," I replied, because I wasn't.

He smirked, shoving his hands into his pockets. "So, what's the problem? Stuck in a lift with me too much to handle?"

I rolled my eyes. "You have an inflated sense of importance, you know that?"

The phone in the lift rang, making me jump. The man opened the small box below the control panel, lifting the receiver to his ear. "Yeah... it stopped... Emergency lights came on... There's just two of us... Okay, thanks." He hung up.

"Did they give you an idea of how long we'll be stuck here?" I asked, frustration creeping into my voice.

He shook his head. "Only that they've sent a crew to fix it."

I pulled out my phone, checking for a signal. Of course, none. "Shit," I muttered under my breath, shoving it back into my bag.

I eyed the camera in the corner of the lift. Someone could inform Hunter we were in here.

"Do you think we should try to get out ourselves?" I asked.

"No. I think we should wait. Hopefully, it won't be long," he said, his voice calm.

"Rest and don't stress for a few days," I muttered, echoing the doctor's words from this morning. Yeah, right?

"What was that?" he asked, curiosity in his voice.

"Nothing," I answered, a little embarrassed. "I talk to myself sometimes."

He chuckled softly, the sound low and warm. "I get it. Feels like you're the only one who knows what's going on sometimes, huh?"

I smiled faintly. There was something oddly comforting about his presence. "I'm Grace, by the way. I work here." I offered my hand, even though it felt strange after the way he had held me just moments ago.

He took my hand with a firm, steady grip, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my pulse quicken just a little. "Nice to meet you, Grace. I'm Max."

"Nice to meet you, Max." The handshake lingered a moment longer than necessary. His grip was warm, reassuring. His eyes held mine, and for the first time in a long while, I felt seen.

"I'm here visiting Hunter. We've known each other for years," Max said after a beat, breaking the silence. "We went to university together."

I looked up at him in surprise. "Really? I didn't meet you at the wedding."

"His wedding? No, I couldn't make it." He glanced at me, thoughtful. "I've met his wife, though."

The mention of Helena made me tense. "Before you say anything, I should let you know... Helena is my sister."

Max's eyebrows lifted slightly, his lips curving into a knowing smile. "That must be tough, having your brother-in-law as your boss."

I swallowed hard. "It has its moments." I forced a half-smile. "At least he can't scream at me."

"I'm sure it's more complicated than that," he said quietly, his gaze searching mine. "But hey, I respect your professionalism."

"Thank you," I murmured, trying to steer the conversation away from Helena. I loved my sister, but she had tunnel vision when she wanted something, often disregarding other people's feelings. Like with this baby.

"I don't see the resemblance between you and Helena," Max observed, studying me.

"She's... beautiful?" I offered.

He smiled. "No, I was going to say flashy. Don't get me wrong, she's beautiful," he eyed me taking in my face. "but I'm attracted to a more subtle beauty."

Heat flooded my cheeks. His words lingered, and for the first time in a long while, I felt... noticed.

Max's next words brought me back to the present.

"I didn't mean to embarrass you," he said. "But I'd be an idiot not to say something while I have your undivided attention."

"You didn't. I'm just not used to men..." I hesitated. "Helena has always been more social than me."

"That has no appeal for me." He grinned. "In fact, will you have dinner with me tonight?"

"I... I don't think that would be a good idea." When was the last time I had been out with a man? I couldn't think. My soul-destroying focus had been on Hunter a lot lately.

"Why? Am I that repulsive? I mean, I'll shower and shave, I promise." Max looked at me with a fake pout before adding, "Look, it's just dinner. You and me. One night. No expectations. If it sucks, you never have to go out with me again."

I didn't know men did that. "I thought only girls did that." I couldn't help but laugh because Max was funny. But then reality set in. Getting involved with a man now, not just Max, but any man... seemed impossible. How would I explain that I might be carrying my sister's baby? Was I really thinking about sex? It was just dinner. And after everything, didn't I deserve something for myself? Just mine and not Helena's? God, I sounded like a jealous cow. But I shook myself out of it and said, "Okay, you're on. I'll have dinner with you."

Max grinned at me, pleased with my reply. "Great. How about I pick you up at-"

He didn't get to finish because the lift shuddered, then jumped, flinging me into his arms again. He wrapped them around me tightly, keeping me from hitting the floor.

"I've got you," he reassured me.

The elevator jerked again before smoothly continuing its ascent. I looked at the floor numbers ticking up until it reached the top floor. The doors slid open, and there was Hunter, standing with his arms crossed over his chest. His gaze locked onto me before shifting to Max's arms, still wrapped around me. I hadn't even realized I hadn't moved away. I placed my hand on Max's chest to push back, but he held tight, refusing to let go.

Hunter's eyes narrowed. "Max, can you let my secretary go, please?" Those were the first words out of his mouth. Not 'Are you okay?'

"What if I don't want to?" Max replied smoothly.

Hunter's jaw flexed, his teeth grinding. What was his problem?

I then noticed we weren't alone. My focus had been so locked onto Hunter that I hadn't seen the two men in overalls standing beside him. One of them cleared his throat. "Uh, seems like a minor issue. It shouldn't happen again."

I looked up at Max and spoke softly, only for him to hear. "Please let me go."

Max grinned down at me. "Anything for you, princess." His arms slid away, but he didn't step back, still standing close.

Hunter turned to the two technicians as they packed up their tools. "This shouldn't have happened in the first place. I want the service log checked to make sure nothing was missed in the last maintenance call. I don't like the fact that we had two people stuck in the lift for so long." There was a biting edge to his tone.

"Yes, sir," the older technician responded.

I stepped off the lift, and Max followed, staying right by my side. The movement brought Hunter's piercing gaze back to us, his eyes narrowing again. There was something there I couldn't quite read.

Max, completely unbothered, smirked as he leaned toward me. He was standing so close, I could feel the heat radiating from his body. "Don't blame the rescue team. Grace and I were very comfortable."

I shot him a look, but Max only grinned. "So, what time should I pick you up tonight, Grace?"

I felt my cheeks heat as all eyes turned to me. "Er, can we talk about that later?" I tilted my head toward the others, who were definitely listening.

"Sure, princess," Max teased, winking at me. I watched as the technicians picked up their things and left via the lift. I was starting to feel very uncomfortable.

"Max, can you meet me in my office while I talk to my secretary?" Hunter said, emphasizing the word 'my.'

I froze, every nerve in my body on high alert. Hunter's mood didn't make sense to me. And then, suddenly, it clicked. I could be carrying his and my sister's baby. Hunter didn't want anything interfering with his incubator. God forbid I have a life outside of what Helena and Hunter wanted. My mother, Margo, would agree with them. I frowned, remembering the conversation between Helena and Mum at the hospital.

I placed a hand on Max's arm. When he looked at me, I said, "Come see me before you leave, and we'll work out the details for tonight."

He grinned, then did something I wasn't expecting. Max leaned down and pressed a kiss to my cheek before walking off toward Hunter's office. "Don't be too long, Hunter. I haven't got all day," he called over his shoulder.

We both watched him go, and only when he was out of sight did Hunter turn to me. He didn't say anything at first, his eyes scanning my face. Then, noticing the staff nearby who might overhear, he grabbed my elbow and pulled me into the conference room, shutting the door behind us. I ignored the way my heart was thrumming from nerves, and from the way it felt to have him touch me.

Hunter let me go as soon as the door closed, and I felt an odd sense of loss. He strode toward the long table that dominated the room, placing his hands on it and facing away from me. He looked like he was trying to collect himself. When he finally turned around, his expression was unreadable.

"What is going on between you and Max?"

I lifted an eyebrow at him. "I really don't think that's any of your business, Hunter."