His Surrogate Mate

Chapter One

"Dr. River will see you now," a nurse informed twenty-one year old Katie who had been eagerly waiting. She sprang up from the waiting seat and trailed after the nurse to the doctor's office.

To all outward appearances, she looked cool, composed and reserved, but she knew she was taut with nerves. She prayed silently that it would all work out.

The nurse reached a particular door and knocked. A feminine voice asked that the person knocking should come in. The nurse clicked the door open and asked Katie to go in

She didn't follow Katie in. Dr. River had a file in hand, and her eyes darted across its content.

"May I sit?" Katie said lowly and Dr. River looked up at her, with a big smile on her face.

"Forgive my manners Katie. You may sit," she gestured at the desk chair. She looked as though she was in her forties. Katie sat down and waited for Dr. River to say something else. She was a combination of friendly and professional, her face was welcoming to all patient who comes into her office for treatment. Which was what made Katie relax a bit, amidst her nervousness.

Dr. River put the file away, leaned forward and placed her clasped her hands on her desk.

"I know you're anxious Katie. You're wondering what my phone call was all about," Dr. River said smiling. It was the truth. Katie returned the smile and kept giving Dr. River her ears. She had called Katie last night to inform her that there was a way she could afford her mother's medical bills. She had also asked Katie to come to her office today. She wanted to explain what she meant. And Katie was grateful. Any chance to keep her mother's life was worth taking.

"I have a patient who's desperately in need of a child. Apparently, she can't conceive," Dr. Rivers said. And Katie's deep-brown eyes stared deeply into her blue eyes. How did that have anything to do with raising money for her mother's surgery, she wondered softly her hands gently folded on her laps.

"Actually, she's interested in trying surrogacy," Dr. River continued. Her words alarmed Katie.

"What do you think of surrogacy?" Dr. River asked.

Katie drew in breath. She understood now what Dr. Rivers phone call really meant.

"Surrogacy?" Her eyes widened. Dr River affirmed with a nod, Katie slumped deeper into the chair.

Was she really willing to go that far to save her mom?

"You're young and beautiful Katie. A perfect fit for what my patient wants. She's ready to pay handsomely." She announced.

Katie remained silent, as thoughts waddled round her brain. She had never considered the idea of having someone else's child. She has always envisioned herself being disvirgined by her husband on her wedding night, not for some random man who just wanted a kid.

"Look Katie, this will finally equip you financially to pay for your mother's kidney transplant. If I were you I would jump on it immediately."

Dr. River mentioned what the client was willing to pay. And Katie's look took a stunned turn. With that kind of money, she could pay for her mother's kidney transplant and still have some remaining.

"What do you say? This opportunity is just one yes away." Dr River asked, after Katie stayed silent for a while.

Katie thought about her mother's pitiable and painful condition. She was all the poor woman had left. Katie's father was long dead. Plus, she was fresh out of college and was yet to secure a well-paying job.

The past few weeks has just been one disappoinment or the other.. She was frustrated and confused, her mother was lying helplessly on the hospital bed and she has to save her, even if it meant going against her beliefs.

"I agree," She blurted out, her voice sounding a bit forced. If carrying another woman's child would help her save her mother, then she would do it.

***

Jacob felt his cell phone vibrate in his jacket. He was doing his usual early morning jog. He stopped for a moment and slipped his hand into his pocket. He slid out the phone. Beads of perspiration lined his forehead and neck. Casting a glance at the phone screen, he tapped the answer button. It was his lawyer.

"Garvey" he called, his deep voice resonating through the speakers as he wiped off some of the sweat on his forehead.

"It's ready Jake."

"What's ready?" He was trying to catch his breath.

"Your divorce papers."

"Oh, " Jake said. "Send it to me via Email. As soon as it gets to me, I'll take another look before giving it to Winnie."

"Okay. I'll do that right away."

"Good."

*****

At midday, Jake put on a gray tuxedo and headed out in one of his luxury cars. The envelope containing the divorce paper lay on the passenger's seat as he wheeled through the traffic. After today, it was all done, he won't be held a shackle to a loveless marriage.

He had already gone through the document and didn't think of any changes that needed to be made. He was on his way to his grandfather's house. To tell the old man that he wanted to divorce Winnie. As soon as he reached the old man's house, he keyed the car off and stepped out.

Jacob in his usual strut, sauntered to the front door and clicked the doorbell. A maid showed up and operated the door to the magnificent interior of the house. He ignored her courtesy and walked in, taking confident strides,. His impatience grew with every step he took.

His shoes made a clicking sound on the marble as he walked. He made his way to the old man's study, the envelope tightly clutched in his hand. His briefcase in his other hand. His grandfather was flipping through a newspaper as he walked in. The old man's well-structured face lit up in excitement as he sighted Jacob. A warm smile warmed Jacob's thin pink lips. He tucked stubborn strands of his dark spiky hair behind his ears.

"I was just about to call you," the old man said, his voice shaky. As was common with aging, he looked frail. But Jacob knew that the old man still had a firm body and strong willed.

"Okay," Jacob muttered and sat down. There was a stock pile of papers on the old man's desk.

"I have made a decision which is the best. And it's necessary you know. I am yet to tell your brother, Elliot."

"Step brother." He gritted his teeths. Elliot was not his brother, he was just an offspring of his father's escapees.

"Thats up to you. Anyways I have amended my will,"

Jacob narrowed his eyes down at the old man, wondering what on earth needs changing in the will.

"You'll be entitled to inherit my property if you and Winnie remain married and have a child." He blurted out.

Jacob tried to utter something but instead, ended up stuttering something meaningless. His bones froze as dread crept up his chest, anger welled up in him.

"What? Are you aware you are talking about my life here?" Jacob inquired refusing to believe he was about to be controlled and subdued get again.

"You should know by now, your life isn't fully yours. It is dedicated to the growth of the Lineage."

"I don't care about your damn Lineage! You forced me into marriage with Winnie and now you are using childbirth to tie me down to your stupid will? " Heck, he cursed. "What if I disagree?"

"Then you should forget about your companies and fame you have. It's up to you"

Jacob's sea-green eyes peered angrily into his grandfather's eyes. His purpose of coming here was surely altered, and there was a bigger problem here.

Chapter Two

Jacob sighed, running his hands through his hair in frustration. In the process, dropping the divorce letters on his laps.

"What document is that?" Tom Donalds asked his grandson, Jacob's grandfather gestured at the envelope in his hands, eyeing it warrily and wondering what the content might be.

Jacob averted his gaze to the envelope clutched exposed on his thighs and immediately took them in his hands, stuffing the envelope in his briefcase.

He could no longer tell his grandfather about his intention to divorce Winnie.

"It's nothing," he said.

"Well, what do you say?"

"I'll take my leave, if you would excuse me." he replied instead, he honestly did not want to come to admit that he was helpess and had no will to reject.

"Are you off to work?"

"No, I'm off to see Winnie."

Tom's green eyes turned surprise. "Well, she's in the house. She came around earlier today and is yet to leave."

Jacob batted an eye lid in surprise. Winnie had not mentioned that she was coming over here.

"Where is she?"

"Inside your office in the house."

Jacob nodded. He wondered what she was doing there. He used to live in his grandfather's house and had his own office here. But now, he had his own house and office. He headed to the office and pushed the door open. She was there, sitting behind the desk with her arms folded across her chest. She was quite petite, 5 Ft 3 precisely. Her face was round and thin. Her blue eyes had a deep tone to it.

"My darling husband," her full red lips parted. A dark smile accompanied it. She stood up, sauntering accross the room with a big smile on her face.

"I wasn't expecting you here," she slurred from where she sat.

"I could say the same." he He hissed. She was donned in a short blue dress. She walked over to him and put her arms around him. He shrugged off her grip and turned away.

"Our marriage is over and you know it," he said sharply. His sea-green eyes portrayed his distaste for their relationship. He should have never married her. But he had done it fulfill his parents' dying wish. Now, looking back at all those years, he realized that he had made a mistake. He opened his brief case and brought out the envelope.

"Here, have this." He handed her the envelope which she reluctantly took. She tore the seal open and brought out the document. She flipped through it and at some point let on a smirk. She looked up at him. He was way taller than her, 6 Ft 2 but her personality stood as tall as he.

"You must be joking Jake," she quaked "You want a divorce? Are you kidding me?!"

She didn't seem sad. Though he didn't expect her to be. He knew that she didn't love him. All he could see from her deep blue eyes was anger and an emotion he couldn't put his hands on.

"Sign it." He snapped without bothering about what his grandfather had said. He didn't really need the wealth anyway. He could find his way financially. Besides, he was a hard worker. He would work hard to build his own wealth. His grandfather had a right to do with his wealth as he wished.

She laughed derisively. "If you think that you can just get rid of me like that, you must be a big joker," she retorted. "This marriage can only end on my terms."

"It doesn't always have to be what you want Winnie. This time I'm done."

She came closer to him again, her deep blue eyes piercing his sea-green eyes.

"I overheard your discussion with Tom," she whispered, a devious grin spreading on her face which took him by surprise.

"Don't tell me you where eavesdropping?"

"Do I need to spell it out to you?" She chuckled. "Yes. I eavesdropped on your conversation with him. If you so wanted to divorce me badly, why didn't you say anything to him?"

She was right. He should have gone on to reveal his intention to Tom. But he held back. Perhaps, the thought of losing his grandfather's wealth had for a moment gotten to him. But being in the same space with Winnie again reminded him of why he didn't want this marriage anymore.

"Besides, don't you know that Elliot is aware of Tom's plans?" A dark smile curled up her lips.

Jacob didn't like to hear of anything that concerned his step-brother, Elliot.

"He has plans to get married and bear a child. Tom's entire fortune will pass to him. Is that what you want?" She pressed.

Of course, he didn't want that. He knew exactly the kind of person Elliot and his mother were. It would be terrible to allow his parents legacy pass to them, very terrible.

"But you can't birth a child Winnie. So, even if I don't divorce you, we can't still meet my grandfather's demand." She had damaged her womb from the reckless lifestyle she had lived in college.

A smile warmed her lips, her face calm enough for someone who's marriage was at stake. He suspected she had something cooking.

"Don't worry about that darling. I have it all figured out. I have arranged for a surrogate to bear us a child. All you have to do is meet with Dr. River."

"Like I said Winnie, you don't call the shots here. I do, I am the man here."

"A man?" She spat disgustingly. "A man who can't get me pregnant? C'mon Jacob, be real for once and stop acting like a stuck up jerk!"

"Don't use that tone on me." He warned, his voice going dangerously low.

"I just did. What would you do darling husband?"

"Fuck! Fine, I'll see Dr River." He finally admitted, with his index finger pointed to her face, he warned. "Don't don't try anything funny, Winnie."

"Very well then." She stood on her toes giving him a peck on his cheek, her red lipstick sneering his tanned face.

***

Dr. River was sitting in her office patiently waiting for Jacob. When he finally arrived, she proceeded to explain things to him.

"I've found a suitable surrogate for you, Mr. Donalds," She informed, pausing to get a reaction from him. "She's young and beautiful and willing. However, according to her body system she has a 99% chance of getting pregnant immediately through sex and a 50% chance of getting pregnant through IVF."

"Does this mean I'll have to sleep with her?" He asked incredulously, the idea of getting down with a total stranger fo sit well with him.

Dr. River nodded.

"And Winnie is aware of this?" he inquired.

"Yes, she is. The surrogate is waiting for you in a luxury hotel I booked. I'll give you the details."

She flipped open a notebook on her desk and tore out a sheet of paper. She scribbled the address of the hotel on it, and also, the room number. She handed it to him and he headed out of the hospital. His next stop was the hotel.

But when he got there, he was surprised at what his mouth was left agape by the who she was.

Chapter Three

As soon as the hotel room door slid open, Jacob was met with deep-brown eyes. The surrogate happened to be petite, 5 ft 3 in height. Her pointed nose and plump red lips were a perfect match on her round face. He gazed down at her body. It had curves in the right areas. Her platinum blonde hair was a little frizzy and it cascaded down her back.

Truth be told he wasn't expecting a young lady looking so innocent to be the surrogate. He had earlier envisioned a slut, waiting for him in skimpy bikinis or tight fitting dresses.

"I'm guessing you are Mr. Donalds," she nervously stated trying so hard not to contain her nervousness

He peeped through her short purple dress but could see nothing. It surprised him. He had expected that she would be dressed sexy. Something to arouse him. He had expected too that she would be brazen. And quick to get this over with. But she looked young and innocent. She was beautiful though just like Dr. River had said. But that was the last thing on his mind now. He nodded in response to her question. Then, she tilted back, making way for him to walk in.

"My name is Katie," she introduced.

He scoffed. Did she think he was interested in knowing what her name was? He had been caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. And had been forced to choose the latter.

He sighed audibly, frightening Katie or so she wanted him to think. He didn't believe she was anything more than a woman who slept with men for money. Or what innocent young girl would agree to this arrangement just because of money? A greedy one, he thought. What upset him the most was still being caught up in Winnie's manipulation. He had been doing her biddings for years and was sick of it. But it was either that or Elliot inheriting his grandfather's entire wealth.

"Let's get this over with," he told her blandly.

"Are you just going to stand there and do nothing?" he asked, getting irritated at her nervousness. He had expected she would be all over him by now. But she seemed to remain frightened by his presence, her eyes looking up at him. Well, since she was intent on pretending, he would do it his way. He drew her to him and felt the trembling sensation of her body. Her lips quivered.

"Please, Mr. Donalds, I need a moment." She drew away from him and headed into the toilet. Utterly surprised, Jacob pulled off his jacket and waited for her to come out. As another minute passed, he took off his pants, and his long sleeve shirt and vest. Now, he stood in boxers only. She was not out. He yelled at her to come out. She did. Her face still had the look of a scared teenager.

Annoyed by her slow approach towards him, he walked briskly towards her.

"Please Mr. Donalds. This is my first time," she pleaded as he met her pace. He gripped her waist and wrapped his hands around her. She shuddered. But he still wasn't buying her story.

He now tagged her a liar, he knew their type and what they want and he was ready to give it to her.

He let her go. Slowly, she moved to the bed and lay on it. She drew in deep breath and spread her leg for him. Her platinum blonde hair dispersed around her chest. The hem of her dress sat right up her thighs. Jacob turned hard. He came onto her and slipped his fingers between her legs. She quivered. He pulled down her panties and thrust deeply into her. She flinched, screaming in pain. His body stiffened.

It felt like he had broken her barrier. He withdrew from her and saw the blood trickling down her thighs. He was dumbfounded. Tears streaked down her face.

"Is that all of it Mr. Donalds? Won't you go some more?" she said, still sobbing silently. "I don't think that is enough to get me pregnant."

Guilt swept all over him. She was actually telling the truth. She was a virgin.

"I'm sorry," he gulped and buried his face in his palms. How had he become so cold? The answer immediately revealed itself. He had married Winnie at the behest of his parents. He had just been 21 at the time. Still trying to figure out his life. But had been forced into such an early marriage. Now, he was 28 and miserable. He had lost his parents to a car crash. He stood up and went to the bathroom, leaving Katie surprised. She sat up, staring at her blood. He returned with wipes in his hands.

"Take this," he handed the wipes to her. "Clean your blood." She took it without looking at him and cleaned her thighs. He could tell she was embarrassed.

"I'm really sorry," he repeated.

"You shouldn't be," she said, her face still on her thighs. "I agreed to be your surrogate. It is only right that I fulfill my own part of the contract."

"Why?" He wanted to know. Why would an innocent girl like her agree to such arrangement?

"My mom is really sick." She hugged her knees.

"What's wrong with her?" He kept facing her even though she wouldn't look up at him.

"She needs a kidney transplant. She suffered a heart attack which affected her kidney. She's currently on life support. So, I really need the money."

He felt so sorry for her. But the guilt he felt was worse. Thanks to Winnie, he had done something he shouldn't have.

"I'm fresh out college. Been looking for a job but to no avail," she said, finally looking up at him. They locked eyes now.

"But it all started after my father died," she continued.

"My father died in an accident actually. And after that, the bank ceased his company because of the loan he was owing. My mom and I weren't able to pay back the money. My father's company was called Hallow Industries."

Jacob's mouth was left agape. "Did you just say Hallow industries?"

She nodded.

Hallow industries was the company he bought a few years ago after the owner mysteriously died in a car accident. Which means he was the reason for her helplessness.

Guilt spread through his chest.