THE CEO'S HIGH SCHOOL SURROGATE

Avery paced back and forth in the dimly lit hospital hallway, her heart pounding in her chest like it might burst at any moment. She tried to reach her sister on the phone, but Monica didn't answer.

"Monica, please come on, pick up," Avery muttered desperately, her eyes shut tightly.

Just as she was about to lose hope, the call finally connected. Monica's voice came through, laced with sarcasm.

"Avery, do you really think I'm going to ruin my life for some guy I barely know?" she laughed.

Avery's expression darkened slightly as she listened. "What are you saying? That you're just going to bail on everyone at the last minute?"

Monica's laughter echoed through the phone line. "Oh, dear, sweet Avery, that's your own problem to worry about. I'm not coming back."

Avery's voice rose in anger. "Are you out of your mind? You're just going to leave Mom and me like we're nothing to you?"

The line fell silent for a moment before Monica spoke again. "I'm already at the airport with Matthew. We're preparing to board our flight."

Avery felt her world crashing down around her. "Just stop this, Monica. You need to carry on with this plan in order to save Mom's life."

But Monica just laughed again. "For Mom? It's always been about her. Why should I sacrifice my life and happiness for her? If she truly loves us like she claims, she should just die so we can all have our lives back."

The words felt like a punch in the gut. Avery tried to respond, but her voice caught in her throat.

"I don't want to hear this anymore, If you care so much about her, then you might as well take my place" Monica said before hanging up.

Avery was left standing alone in the hallway, feeling lost and devastated.

For a split second, Avery felt as if she'd been doused with a bucket of ice water. She couldn't believe Monica could stoop so low for her own selfish gain.

At that moment, Avery felt devastated. What would she go back and tell Mr. Benson? That her sister had run off with her lover and his money? How would she manage to pay him back while trying to raise her mother's hospital bills at the same time?

As the thoughts rushed into her head, Avery decided to do something she would never have considered in her whole life. Monica had betrayed her, but what her sister had said made sense. She could easily take her sister's place, and with that in mind, Avery went back to Mr. Benson with a heavy heart.

Evan, who had his back relaxed against the wall while playing with his phone, noticed her presence. He met her gaze with his thick brows cocked up in a questioning manner.

Avery quickly averted her gaze nervously, feeling intimidated by his presence every time she was around him. "About my sister, Monica," she said hastily while fidgeting with her fingers. "She won't be coming anymore."

"Avery's words trailed off as Evans took long strides towards her, causing her to retreat until her back hit the wall. The sound of his footsteps echoed through the silent room, making her heart race.

Before she could finish, Evans slammed his fist on the wall, making Avery flinch in fright. 'You guys are playing with me, huh?' His deep voice rumbled.

Avery's eyes welled up with tears as she shook her head, her eyes pleading. Her usually bright smile had given way to a pinched face, and her shoulders slumped under the weight of her words.

Please just hear me out,' she whispered, her voice trembling.

Evans stepped back, his eyes narrowing as if he were processing something. He rubbed his jaw thoughtfully before meeting Avery's gaze. 'Speak.'

Avery took a deep breath before continuing. 'Monica took off with the advance payment you made to us... I don't know where she went. I was hoping you'd forgive me and I'd find someone else to carry your baby.'

Evans snorted, his lips curling into a smirk. 'What do you know? Fine! Then find someone before the end of today.'

Avery's lips trembled as she spoke again. 'I will be your surrogate.'

"Avery's confidence faltered under Evan's menacing glare. 'Kid, this is no child's play,' he growled.

'I'm not a kid,' she retorted, her voice firm. 'I'm an adult. My sister ran off with your money, and it's only natural that I take Monica's place as your surrogate. If you still want to oppose it, then I might as well let you know I won't be able to give you back a refund.'

Evan's eyes narrowed, his face darkening with displeasure. 'Are you bargaining with me?' he sneered.

Avery stood her ground, meeting his gaze unwaveringly. 'I'm making a proposal. You can either accept it or reject it.'

Evan's gaze roamed over her, his eyes lingering on her face before moving down to her body. 'I've changed my mind,' he said abruptly.

Avery's brow furrowed in confusion. 'What do you mean?'

'I want to do it naturally,' he replied, his voice low and husky.

Avery's face paled as she processed his words. 'You mean...like intimacy?' she stammered.

Evan nodded, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Avery swallowed hard, her mind racing with uncertainty as she weighed her options. At 18 and a virgin, agreeing to the surrogacy arrangement felt overwhelming, especially given her final year of high school. But the prospect of benefiting her mother's health by settling her medical bills was tempting.

As she considered Evan's proposal, she thought about the benefits it would bring. She would also gain financial security, which could improve her mother's care. Her body quivered slightly as she thought about the implications.

Avery looked up at Evan, searching for any sign that he was hiding something. His expression remained calm and reassuring, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to this arrangement than met the eye.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Avery drew in a sharp breath and spoke. "Deal," she said finally.

Evan nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Great! I'll send the new contract papers to you as soon as they're ready. My lawyer will contact you." He turned to leave, his hands tucked in his pocket.

As he walked away, Avery realized that she would be spending many nights under the same roof as him. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

As Evan stepped out of the hospital, a white Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of the doorstep. The driver got out and respectfully opened the door for him to get in.

Felix, Evan's PA, cleared his throat slightly. "That was quick, boss. Did you get it done already?"

Evan chuckled dryly. "That girl ran off with someone else."

Felix raised an eyebrow. "Don't worry, boss. I'll track her down and make sure she's properly dealt with."

But Evan raised his hand, stopping Felix mid-sentence. "There's no need for that. I found someone else for the job."

Felix nodded thoughtfully. "Wow, so quickly, boss." He couldn't help but wonder what magic his boss used to get a replacement last minute.

Evan's expression turned serious. "Contact my lawyer and tell him I want to see him at my office ASAP."

His assistant, Felix nodded and the car took off with high speed from the hospital, leaving Avery standing alone on the sidewalk.

.......

Avery's eyes scanned the hospital parking lot, her mind racing with anxiety. She had tried calling Monica five times, but each attempt had ended in failure. The number didn't exist.

At this moment she realized Monica wasn't bluffing one bit and she was indeed gone for good.

With a heavy sigh, Avery dialed Natalie's number instead. Her best friend answered on the first ring. "Hey, girl! What's up?"

Avery took a deep breath before spilling out the news. "Monica ran off with Mr. Benson's money, along with her boyfriend Matthew."

Natalie's gasp was audible over the phone. "Holly moley! Are you sure about that?"

Avery nodded, despite her friend's incredulous tone. "I called Monica myself, and she told me. Mr. Benson was furious."

There was a pause before Natalie spoke again. "So what did you do?"

Avery hesitated before answering. "I decided to take Monica's place as Mr. Benson's surrogate."

The line fell silent, and Avery could almost hear Natalie's brain racing. Finally, her friend spoke up. "What? Why would you say such a thing? You're only 18 and still in high school!"

Avery felt a lump form in her throat as she explained her reasoning. "My mom is sick, and I'm all she has left. I had no choice."

Natalie let out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad you guys are doing it the modern way"

Avery felt a shiver run down her spine as she recounted Evan's words. "He said he wants us to get intimate."

The line went silent again before Natalie spoke up. "And what did you say?"

Avery felt tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. "I was desperate and scared, so I agreed."

Natalie let out a horrified gasp. "Oh my god! That's insane!"

Avery sniffled back tears. "I know, I'm so scared right now."

Natalie's voice softened. "Just take a deep breath, girl. We'll talk about this at school tomorrow, okay?"

****

Lawyer Smith rapped his knuckles against the transparent glass door before entering Evan's office. Evan looked up from his files, his eyes focusing intently on the lawyer.

"Ah, Mr. Benson, I see you wanted to see me," Lawyer Smith said, taking a seat across from Evan. "What can I do for you?"

Evan removed his reading glasses and leaned back in his chair. "I'd like to make some changes to that contract you drafted earlier."

Lawyer Smith's expression turned concerned. "Are you sure you want to proceed with this surrogacy arrangement, Mr. Benson? You could still find a decent partner and avoid all the...complications."

Evan's jaw clenched. "I've made up my mind, Mr. Smith. I know my grandfather will come through if he finds out I'm expecting a child."

Lawyer Smith nodded reluctantly. "Very well, Mr. Benson. What changes would you like me to make?"

Evan's eyes locked onto the lawyer's. "First, change the surrogate's name from Monica Daniels to Avery Daniels. And I'm no longer interested in modern surrogacy."

Lawyer Smith raised an eyebrow. "Okay...then what should be written in its place?"

Evan's response was straightforward. "We've agreed to do it the natural way."

Lawyer Smith's face turned a deep shade of crimson. "You mean...physical intimacy?"

Evan nodded without hesitation.

Lawyer Smith cleared his throat, attempting to compose himself. "Right...well, I'll make the necessary changes, Mr. Benson."

At Bright High School,

"You're late today," Natalie whispered softly as Avery took the seat beside her.

"I know," Avery said, still feeling the lingering effects of her sleepless night. "I couldn't fall asleep until this morning."

"Did he get back to you?" Natalie asked, concern etched on her face.

"Not yet," Avery replied, unzipping her backpack and pulling out her English textbook. "I kept checking my phone all night, but nothing."

The teacher caught her attention this time and shot her a threatening glare. "Avery Daniels, would you like to share with the class?" she announced.

Avery quickly shook her head, feeling a surge of embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Hunt," she mumbled.

The rest of the class passed in a blur for Avery, her mind drifting back to Evan and the unanswered message on her phone. The bell finally rang, signaling the end of the school day, and Avery gathered her things with a sense of relief.

As they walked out of school, Natalie fell into step beside her. "He's a businessman, and I'm sure he'll get back to you," she said, trying to reassure Avery. "My mom told me he seemed very desperate about having a child, so I'm sure he won't go back on his words."

Avery nodded absently, still lost in thought. "Right, I noticed Max isn't in school today," she asked, trying to focus on something else.

Natalie raised an eyebrow, teasingly accusatory. "You're worried about him now?"

Avery smiled wryly and pulled out her phone, calling Max's number once again. But it went straight to voicemail, leaving her feeling anxious and uncertain.

"I just hope he's fine," she said softly under her breath.

Natalie fell into step beside her once more, this time suggesting they grab something to eat before heading their separate ways.

As they walked towards the small wooden noodle soup shop just a couple of blocks away from their school, Natalie asked, "What would you like to have?"

"Beef noodle soup," Avery replied, pouting her lips as she caressed her cheek in boredom.

"Come on, cheer up," Natalie encouraged, and they went over to place their order. They were served with two large bowls of beef noodle soup and Avery's favorite strawberry drink.

Avery took a seat at the table, sipping her drink slowly as she began to eat her soup. Natalie sat down beside her, noticing Avery's distant expression.

"Hey, what's going on?" Natalie asked, concern etched on her face. "Is it, Mr. Benson, or is it because your crush didn't answer your call?"

Avery's eyes widened as she got up from her seat and placed her hand over Natalie's mouth. "Lower your voice; someone might hear you," she whispered urgently.

Natalie looked around the shop, noticing the familiar faces of their classmates, before leaning in closer. "Calm down! I didn't even mention his name, and I think it's time you let him know how you feel about him. Will you keep hiding under the shadow of being friends with him when you want more?"

Avery's eyes dropped as she felt a surge of fear mixed with longing. "I'm scared," she whispered. "What if he doesn't like me back? I don't want to ruin our two years of friendship."

Natalie leaned in closer, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I think you're right anyway. I don't think it's right you tell him, considering you, I'll be busy messing around with one of the hottest bachelors in Base City."

Avery's cheeks flushed as Natalie's words struck a chord within her. She felt a pang of disappointment, knowing she didn't stand a chance with Max.

Would he still be friends with her when he finds out about her pregnancy in the future?

Just then, Avery's phone began to ring, waking her from her gloomy thoughts. She checked the caller ID, and her heart skipped a beat as she saw Mr. . Bennett's name displayed prominently.

"It's him," Avery exclaimed, her voice trembling.

"Who?" Natalie asked, her eyes narrowing in confusion.

"Mr. Benson," Avery replied, feeling a shiver run down her spine.

Natalie urged her to pick up the phone, and Avery did as she had said.

"I'm outside your school," Mr. Benson's cold voice said into the phone before hanging up without waiting for a response.

"What did he say?" Natalie asked, concern etched on her face as she noticed Avery's pale expression.

Avery took another sip of her drink before speaking up. "He wants to see me."

Natalie pushed the bowl away, urging Avery to leave already. "Go already," she said softly.

She smiled weakly and planted a kiss on Natalie's cheek before taking off towards the school gates.

.....

Evan leaned against the car seat, his brow furrowed as he waited for Avery's arrival. At that moment, he heard a knock on the window, and her little head poked into his window.

A smirk appeared on his lips, but it quickly vanished as he turned serious again. The tinted window rolled down, revealing Evan's cold face. 'Get in!' he commanded.

Avery hesitated before sliding into the car. As she settled into the seat, she waved nervously. 'Hi.'

Evan raised an eyebrow. 'Are you done for the day?'

Avery nodded hesitantly. 'Sir, I have something to discuss with you.'

Evan passed her a folder filled with agreement papers drafted by his lawyer. 'Take a look at this.'

Avery opened the folder and scanned the documents carefully. Her eyes widened as she came across a clause about getting pregnant through traditional means and then not touching each other until delivery.

She pulled out her pen from her backpack and signed her name on the dotted line before handing it back to Evan. 'I'll get you a copy of this as soon as possible.'

Evan raised an eyebrow. 'anything else?'

Avery shook her head, looking confused. 'I just wanted to know what time I should come over every day.'

Evan chuckled dryly. 'Time? You're moving in with me, kid.'

Avery batted her eyelashes innocently. 'I can't do that! My mom is all I have left, and she's sick in the hospital. Who will take care of her if I live with you?'

Evan's expression remained stoic. 'I've already arranged for a caretaker. No distractions or complaints during this agreement period.'

Avery nodded thoughtfully. 'What else?'

Evan leaned forward, his eyes cold. 'Considering you've already signed those papers, the contract has taken effect. Which means you're moving in with me today.'