Surrogate Mother

"Someone who your husband loves is me," Patricia said with a wicked smile, looking so satisfied.

Audrey jerked awake, her breath catching with a racing heart. The words were so real to her ears.

She remembered how Patricia, her sister, had met her earlier in the day and said that. Audrey's chest felt tight hearing it. She refused to believe what Patricia said, even though Audrey could see how her husband had treated her.

It was so painful. Considering she had loved Daniel since childhood. Eleven years have passed and the feeling is still there for Daniel, but that man...

Audrey held back tears every time she remembered Daniel's treatment of her. Generally, married couples will love each other and share their attention, especially when they are newly married, but that is not the case in Daniel and Audrey's marriage.

It was as if she was a pest and Daniel was always trying to get away from her.

They were like water and oil that couldn't mix. Daniel was always cold and rude to Audrey. He did not hesitate to show his dislike for Audrey and it made Audrey's chest feel like it was being slashed.

Audrey turned her head as the door to her room opened from outside. Daniel had returned with reddened eyes. Walking in with an unbalanced body.

"Daniel, you..."

Seeing Audrey sitting on the bed in a seductive nightgown made Daniel's desire rise.

He finally pushed Audrey onto the bed so that Audrey's body was underneath him. Quickly, Daniel tried to tear Audrey's nightgown by force, making a loud ripping sound very loud. His eyes looked savage staring at Audrey's innocent body.

Audrey gasped and immediately struggled to resist. Her husband was drunk, as evidenced by the smell of liquor that pierced Audrey's nose.

"Daniel! Let me go!" Audrey struggled again, not wanting to be treated like a slut who was fucked only when the man was drunk.

Suddenly Daniel pressed a pillow against Audrey's face, covering her face, then explored all parts of Audrey's body.

With all her might, Audrey pushed Daniel's body hard until the man moved away from on top of her. Audrey quickly got up and backed away.

Audrey's breath caught in her throat as she looked at Daniel with pain.

In that terrible state, she remembered Patricia's words that Daniel liked Patricia. Audrey was jolted by reality, looked at the pillow Daniel had used to press her face, and finally concluded something.

"You purposely covered my face so you could imagine making love to Patricia?" Audrey's voice trembled as she asked. Don't ask her heart which was already shapeless at the moment. Enduring the pain of her fallen pride.

Daniel was silent. Instead of answering Audrey's question, Daniel just waltzed away from there. Ignoring the woman who had been holding back the tears from behind her corneas.

Not accepting Daniel just leaving, Audrey quickly caught up and pulled Daniel's hand back until the man turned to her.

"Your legal wife is me! Only me, Audrey Larson! Not Patricia!" Audrey screamed with emotion mixed with frustration. She had loved Daniel all this time, but Daniel had never considered her love at all.

His eyes were only filled with hatred. Staring at Audrey with a look of disgust.

Hearing that, Daniel laughed coldly. "Legitimate wife you say?"

Daniel laughed lightly again. "You just want the position as Mrs. Anderson, right? Making plans to trap me into marrying you. Wow, sneaky!"

Daniel remembered very well how Audrey with her cunning plan set a trap for him. Two years ago, Audrey must have had someone else put stimulants in Daniel's drink and made him hook up with Audrey at the hotel. Not only that, Audrey also cleverly called the reporters to confront them the next day.

It became busy in the news. On online media and television broadcasts. With the headline 'A successful CEO named Daniel Anderson was caught leaving a hotel with Audrey Larson, the daughter of a successful businessman named Bryan Larson'.

To clear his name, Daniel was demanded by the Larson family to marry Audrey immediately. It was a well-thought-out plan, so Daniel could not move. It was clear that the brain behind all these events was Audrey Larson. Daniel believes that.

Since then, Daniel hated Audrey to the bones. He did not hesitate to show his hatred. Daniel never treated Audrey like a wife.

Not once in a sober state did Daniel want to touch the woman. Only when he was drunk would he have anything to do with Audrey, and even then he never saw her face.

"Yes, you're right. I do love Patricia. Not a cheap woman like you!" Daniel said later.

Like getting hit by a big rock, Daniel's sentence broke Audrey's heart to pieces. All this time Audrey rejected any thoughts that Daniel saw Patricia as more than a sister-in-law, but now the man's mouth said it directly.

The tears she had been trying to hold back were now unstoppable. His defenses collapsed instantly. Audrey was destroyed and she had lost the fight for her household. Even before she went to war, Audrey had already lost.

Audrey stared wide-eyed at Daniel who was still standing in front of her. It felt like her defense had been in vain. The love she always gave to Daniel was never reciprocated. Audrey was tired of always being blamed and underestimated by her husband.

With a deep heartache, Audrey decided to leave there.

She walked out of the room to leave Daniel, but before she could reach the doorknob, Daniel's hand pulled her away. Audrey gasped.

Her body was lifted up and without a signal, she was thrown back onto the bed. Audrey winced as she felt the impact on her head.

"We're not done yet, I won't let you go just like that!"

Daniel pulled out the remaining clothes that were still attached to Audrey's body. Removing them one by one until Audrey's body was bare without a single thread.

With the last of her strength, Audrey continued to rebel against Daniel's body. She punched, kicked, and even swore at him to get him to stop.

However, Audrey's strength was still inferior to the man with muscles. Audrey limped until finally, she could not move anymore. Daniel controlled her hard without feeling.

There was no seduction or even tenderness there. Audrey suppressed her aching heart. The man just channeled his lecherous lust without caring about Audrey's feelings at all.

Daniel ended the action after he managed to get a release. Picked up his clothes again and started to put them on.

While Audrey sat down while tightening the blanket on her body, tears falling down her cheeks while looking at the heartless man in frustration.

"I want a divorce."

The words finally escaped Audrey's mouth.

Daniel didn't care about Audrey's words. He chose to waltz out of the room, leaving Audrey with tears in her eyes.

The next day.

"The results of the meeting, immediately send it to my email."

Daniel walked in accompanied by his secretary. They had just finished a meeting with the Anderson Group's board of directors, discussing the development and opening of other branches in several major cities.

"Yes, sir."

"One more thing. Last month's financial report, I want to check it."

"I will prepare it, sir."

Daniel nodded and entered his office on the 20th floor of the Anderson Group building.

He took off his coat and draped it over the back of his chair.

Daniel sat down, ready to get back to his daily work routine. Moments later, there was a knock on the door from outside and the secretary reappeared.

"Here, sir. There are some letters for you."

Daniel nodded and let the secretary go after putting the stack of letters she was carrying onto the table.

He took the letters and examined them one by one, then his eyes fell on a letter that looked different. Daniel opened it and widened his eyes when he saw that it was a divorce suit filed by Audrey against him.

Daniel's jaw instantly hardened. He also crumpled the letter and threw it away. How could Daniel Anderson be sued for divorce by a cheap woman like Audrey? That woman didn't deserve it!

While on the other hand.

At Daniel Anderson's residence, Audrey breathed heavily. After Daniel's bitter confession that left her heart shattered. She finally made a decision that would change her life later.

Audrey was determined to separate from Daniel. She did not want to continue this unhealthy relationship. Her heart could not continue to endure, so she asked her lawyer to send Daniel a divorce letter.

This was her final decision, not wanting to stay in a toxic marriage with Daniel for too long. Yes, the decision is made.

Maybe the letter has reached Daniel by now.

Afterward, Audrey deliberately returned to her parents' house. Intending to tell them that Audrey wanted to sue Daniel for divorce. After all, her parents had to know Audrey's plans.

Arriving at her parents' house, Audrey did not find them in the living room, so she continued to the back garden where her mother usually spent time.

As she passed by her father's study, Audrey suddenly heard a flirtatious voice from inside the room.

"Mom, I want to marry Daniel."

It was her sister Patricia! Audrey was shocked. She moved closer to the study door to hear better.

"What are you? You used to force Audrey to marry Daniel and now you want Daniel too. I can't believe it." Lidya, who was the mother of Audrey and Patricia, complained a little. She didn't understand Patricia's way of thinking.

"Mom, please. Now I love Daniel, anyway, I want him," Patricia said, not wanting to know.

As a result of being spoiled too much by her parents, Patricia grew up to be a stubborn child. All her requests must always be fulfilled, whatever and however it takes.

"Patricia, in the past we have complied with your wishes, namely, mixing Daniel's drink with stimulating drugs, so that he and Audrey slept together. After that, we urged Daniel to marry Audrey, so what now?" Lidya continued.

"Mam... I did that because I wanted to get Audrey out of this house. I was not willing to share my father's wealth with Audrey. I am the only one who can receive my father's property."

Patricia, who had been standing, moved to sit beside Lidya.

She took Lidya's hand and clung to her. "For now, I love Daniel, mom. Really love him. I will do whatever it takes to get Daniel. So, please... help your son one more time." Patricia made a pitiable face. She knew very well that her mother could not refuse her request.

Lidya really loved her, so Patricia took advantage of that affection.

After being silent for a while while considering it, Lidya finally nodded, agreeing to Patricia's request again.

Patricia smiled happily and kissed Lidya's cheek repeatedly. "Thank you, Mam. I love you so much. You are the best!" said Patricia proudly.

Audrey, who heard it all, had to hold back her trembling hands. She slowly clenched her hands into fists to hold back the rumbling emotions in her chest.

She did not think that Patricia was a bad woman all this time. Patricia had trapped Daniel and herself into a marriage that Daniel always cursed.

That woman could do anything to achieve her goals.

Then, what made Audrey feel even more tight in the chest was when she accepted the fact that her parents were also involved in the crimes that Patricia had committed.

For God's sake! How can parents be cruel to their children?

Audrey closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before letting it out slowly. Then she abandoned her intention to meet her parents and instead turned her body back out of the Larson residence. Audrey promised herself, she would never let Patricia get what she wanted.

On the way home, Audrey thought about many things. Her sister has been leading her to the agony of marriage which Daniel considers Audrey's cunning plan.

Audrey's heart rumbled, with her hands clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white, she did not think that Patricia could do this to her.

Daniel always thought Audrey was scheming, but look who's the real bad guy here?

Daniel had always thought of Patricia as an angel without a crack. And now Audrey won't let Patricia do as she pleases.

She and Daniel were just victims of Patricia's insanity, and she wasn't going to let her win.

Audrey reached her residence again, pulled out her cell phone from her bag, and started dialing Daniel's number. She was going to change the plan.

On the third ring, Daniel answered her call. Audrey was surprised because Daniel didn't usually pick up his phone that quickly.

"Daniel, I'm dropping the idea of suing you for divorce. I no longer want a divorce." Audrey immediately expressed her wish, before Daniel spoke up first.

Daniel was silent for a moment, but then a dismissive chuckle came from him. "I knew it. You wouldn't be willing to give up your position as Mrs. Anderson just like that, would you?"

"No, that's not it." laughed Audrey.

Daniel snorted with a mocking chuckle. "Are you trying to tell me that you love me?"

Audrey was silent for a moment, then her eyes narrowed with annoyance.

"Since Patricia likes you, then I won't let Patricia get what she wants. I will monopolize you!"

Daniel's jaw hardened after hearing Audrey's confession just now. His grip on the cell phone tightened as well.

Sure enough, Audrey had lied to him. Audrey had previously said that she loved Daniel for 11 years... and it turned out to be all fake!

And Audrey only used Daniel as a tool to provoke Patricia.

Audrey sat in front of the makeup mirror in her room. A make-up artist was arranging her hair in such a way, while another was applying bold glamorous make-up to her face.

Her face is full of smiles as she wears a red evening gown with open shoulders.

"Wow, you are very beautiful, ma'am." So praised one of the maids helping her.

Audrey blushed and smiled meaningfully. "Thank you," she said.

She looked back at the mirror, then turned her body gracefully. A pair of stilettos were placed on her feet.

"Perfect!" said one of the maids who helped her with the stilettos.

"Mr. Daniel will surely be surprised by your beauty tonight."

Audrey smiled. In her mind, she thought, of course! Not only would Daniel be surprised by her arrival tonight, but Patricia would also definitely widen her eyes.

Audrey felt confident.

Tonight, Audrey knew that Daniel was taking Patricia to dinner at a famous restaurant, to celebrate Patricia's birthday. Therefore, she would give a birthday surprise to the two people who were spending the night together.

Once ready, Audrey hurried off. In less than an hour, her SUV pulled up in front of the five-star restaurant.

A valet opened the door and nodded. "Good evening, ma'am. Welcome."

Audrey got out of her car with great grace. She smiled kindly at the valet who greeted her just now.

Her head looked up, gazing at the luxurious restaurant. A smile appeared on her face. With steady steps, Audrey entered the restaurant.

A clerk approached her and asked. "Excuse me, has Madame ordered?"

"Yes, of course. In the name of Daniel Anderson, he's my husband," Audrey said with a friendly smile.

The clerk smiled again. "Then let me deliver it," he offered.

But Audrey quickly declined.

No need, I can do it myself. I want to make a surprise for her." Audrey deliberately said it quietly, so that the officer could believe her. And afterward, she winked and laughed.

Seeing that, the officer nodded in understanding and then directed Audrey with a smile that did not leave his lips. Then he let her enter the restaurant.

Audrey's eyes wandered, searching for the two figures she was going to surprise, and... there he was!

Audrey's lipline formed when she found Daniel smiling and laughing at Patricia.

With a step that was as graceful as possible, Audrey approached them until Daniel's eyes caught her arrival.

Daniel paused, his eyes flashing with disbelief, but also... amazement. He was surprised by how beautiful Audrey looked tonight.

"Audrey?" Daniel said her name.

Patricia, who saw Daniel's reaction, turned to Daniel's gaze. And sure enough, Audrey was walking towards him in a bright red dress.

Patricia pressed her knuckles until they turned white, she was annoyed, but she couldn't show her hatred in front of Daniel. When Audrey reached their table, Patricia released a friendly smile, feeling equally mesmerized by Audrey's arrival.

"Wow, Audrey. I didn't expect you to come surprise me on my birthday too."

Audrey chuckled. "Of course, Patricia. How could I miss this special day for you? Especially since my husband has gone to the trouble of making this event, especially for you. Isn't that right, dear?"

Audrey deliberately flicked Daniel with her words. The man immediately stayed where he was, and looked at her with a gaze that was difficult to interpret.

"Ah, yes. You're right. Daniel is so kind and considerate that he bothered to surprise me with this. I'm honored, Daniel." Patricia rubbed the back of Daniel's hand on the table, then smiled very sweetly at Audrey's husband.

Audrey glanced at her and didn't like it. Patricia had blatantly shown that she was pulling Daniel's heartstrings in front of Audrey.

A waitress came over with a drink, Audrey, who was still standing, took it and deliberately spilled it over Patricia's head, causing her to shriek.

"Oh, my gosh! I didn't mean to," Audrey said, pretending to be surprised by what happened.

"Audrey!" Daniel called her name angrily.

He knew full well that Audrey had done this on purpose to embarrass Patricia.

But Audrey didn't seem afraid. Instead, she turned to Daniel bravely. "Daniel, I didn't do it on purpose. My hand was so slippery that the glass slipped out of my hand." Audrey made an innocent face, giving an excuse that Patricia certainly wouldn't believe.

She was busy drying her face, which was wet from the spilled red wine. Even Patricia was worried about her make-up smudging. Audrey, you are! Patricia will get back to you later.

Daniel stood up and gave Audrey a sharp look. "Apologize to Patricia!" he said with emphasis.

"Daniel, never mind. I'm okay. Maybe Audrey was right that she didn't mean it." Patricia put on a sad face as if to show that here she was the victim, but was still kind enough not to prolong the matter.

She had to look like an angel in front of Daniel, while Audrey was the one who had to look like a devil. That way, Daniel would hate Audrey even more.

However, seeing this, Audrey became increasingly fed up with Patricia's pretense. That woman was two-faced. Audrey snorted with an annoyed smile. Then looked at Daniel again.

"I don't want to!" Audrey said with a defiant chin. She should have known that it wasn't right to make Daniel angry, especially at a time like this.

And sure enough, Daniel looked even angrier after hearing Audrey's words. Without a signal, he immediately grabbed her wrist and then pulled her. More precisely, Daniel seemed to be dragging her out of the restaurant.

Patricia just stared at their departure in confusion.

Daniel took Audrey to the parking lot and then pushed her to enter the car.

At high speed and full of anger, Daniel drove the car. Audrey had to grip the handle above her head tightly because of the speed of Daniel's car.

The man's eyes stared straight at her with a sharp glint. No words came out of Daniel's mouth, other than his hardened jaw.

Audrey realized that Daniel was angry with her right now. After all, angry or not, it was nothing new for Audrey. Her husband was still being arbitrary with her.

The car then stopped at the edge of town, entering a quiet street.

Audrey's eyes wandered, not recognizing the place.

"Daniel is in-"

Before Audrey could finish her sentence, with a quick movement, Daniel took off the seat belt and immediately lunged at Audrey.

Audrey tried to fight back, but her strength was no match for Daniel.

Especially when her husband insisted on undressing Audrey quickly. One hand was used to grip Audrey's hand, and the other was used to grip her jaw hard. He forced Audrey to open her mouth...