The Billionaire BabyMama

(Mara's POV)

Tears lingering in my eyes, I pleaded with my elder sister to take care of her baby herself. Abandoning her would only make things worse.

"You're not doing the right thing, Clara. She's your daughter, please!" I begged.

"Taking care of a baby isn't something I'm ready for. She's also her father's responsibility. He deserves to be with her too," she shrugged.

The baby let out a bloodcurdling scream. Before I could reach for her, Clara picked her up-not to soothe her, just to carry her.

"Clara, she's a baby! Don't be wicked!" I raised my voice, watching as she placed the baby into her car seat.

How I wished I had given birth to that precious child. The three days I spent with her were special to me. I named her Jewel. Her mother hadn't even bothered to name her, nor did she care for her.

Clara wasn't ready for motherhood. The pregnancy had been unexpected-one she couldn't terminate without risking her life.

She was still willing to take that risk, but I emotionally blackmailed her into keeping the baby.

I wished she understood that God's gifts are the best. During her pregnancy, she changed. I saw someone more mature, someone softer in my once sexually reckless sister.

I stood there, watching her drive out of the mansion. I wiped my tears and got into my car to follow her, praying she wouldn't abandon Jewel at an orphanage.

She drove faster than I expected, which meant she knew who the father was. She had lied to us all, saying she didn't know. But I knew Clara-she followed her sexual urges without thinking.

My phone rang in the pocket of my jacket. With one hand on the steering wheel, I used the other to answer.

"Hey," came a voice I instantly recognized-my best friend.

"I'm driving..."

"Shut up and listen to what I'm about to tell you, bitch!" Naomi yelled.

"What?" I groaned, still following my sister's car.

"I found out who the father of your sister's baby is. Don't ask me how, when, or any of your usual questions. Just get here now!" she shouted.

Hearing that, I halted and turned off the engine.

"Samara, don't stress about it. I have all the information," she said with a grin in her voice.

"You didn't even tell me you were doing research or anything," I scoffed.

"Yeah, I didn't. But I told you I've got you covered, which means..."

"I'm here for you," I completed her sentence. She chuckled.

"Bitch, drive as fast as you can and get here now. I can't wait to show you everything." She hung up.

I smiled. Naomi was truly my best friend-always there for me through thick and thin. The only person I could rely on.

My mind finally felt at peace. The information would help me locate the father. Once I did that, I'd take Jewel back and finally adopt her.

Clara would have left the city by then. She wouldn't know a thing. I let out a deep breath.

Without hesitation, I made a turn and headed to Naomi's house-just twenty minutes away.

(Zayn's POV)

As my driver pulled into the mansion and parked, I raked my fingers through my hair. Damn, I was exhausted.

I was getting tired of this life. I'd just spent a week on a business trip, working ten-hour days to prepare for the opening of Norman Company's new branch. A delay from a client that dragged from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. had drained me even more.

Since I lived alone, I stayed in this mansion with a close friend.

With the top two buttons of my shirt undone, exposing my chest, I walked inside, a few guards trailing behind me. The maids handled my luggage.

I took my suitcase from them at the front door. The maids bowed respectfully until I stopped...

"What the... hell?" I stared for a long moment, frozen in shock. My brain stopped functioning as my eyes landed on the object blocking my path.

An infant car seat.

Next to it, a small bag filled with baby toys.

"Whose child is this?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

I looked around, silently demanding an explanation.

"Mr. Norman, a woman came earlier and dropped her off-with a note," the head maid said nervously.

"And you didn't think to give me a phone call, Delilah?" I barked.

"She came with officers, sir. She provided a DNA test result... It has your name on it," Delilah stammered.

"Is this some kind of joke? So what about the result? Why did you let her leave this here?" I yelled, snatching the paper from her.

I read it carefully. My name. My information. Everything pointed to me being the father. I chuckled bitterly. This had to be a prank, right?

Delilah handed me a note.

No name:

I know this must be some kind of shock to you. Trust me, she's yours. If you remember the night you got drunk-the woman who wasn't there when you woke up was me. Her name is Jewel. Take care of her for now.

No signature. Nothing.

I reached into the seat and pulled the blanket aside. A tiny, sleeping infant lay there. My heart raced wildly. I could barely take care of myself, and now... a baby?

Jack, my friend, walked in just then.

"Man, you're back-" He stopped shortly, seeing the baby.

"You brought a baby too?".His surprised tone made me glare.

"This baby isn't yours..."He said in disbelief,he knows I wouldn't want to have a baby.

"It's mine-according to the test result. The mess you got me into the night you made me drink!" I shouted.

"What?" Jack exclaimed. I threw the note at him.

"This is a big mess," he said grimly after reading it.

"This is ridiculous," I sighed.

I walked inside and pulled out my phone to call my secretary.

"Mara, resume work immediately," I ordered.

"I'm sorry, sir, I'm very busy and-"

Jack snatched the phone from me and ended the call.

"What?" I shouted.

"It's late. Call the police if you must. Don't drag her into this-she's your secretary, not your slave," Jack said, irritated.

"She promised to resume after nine months!" I yelled back.

"It hasn't been nine months. Calm down-you're just tense."

"Why wouldn't I be? Me? A father? I'm not ready for this shit." I rubbed my tired eyes.

The baby's thunderous cries echoed through the mansion.

I scoffed and covered my ears. The sound was unbearable. So unbearable.

"For now, I'll send for another test. But the baby is our responsibility-please," Jack said.

"Yours. Not mine," I replied coldly and turned to leave, the baby still crying non-stop.

(Clara's POV)

The loud cries of my baby echoed in my ears like a haunting melody. My heart ached for her,to caress her, hold her, and care for her like a mother should,but I just couldn't.

I couldn't take care of my baby all alone. And I couldn't fall in love with a man. Love wasn't my thing, and I don't think it ever will be.

But I'll make it up to my little Jewel,once I gather myself and become responsible. Like my younger sister always says:

"The day you take your life seriously, everything will go smoothly for you."

I sniffed back my tears, gripping the steering wheel tightly as they streamed down my cheeks. My daughter's beautiful face, her smile when I held her, her eyes,those same eyes as mine,flashed in my mind.

I wiped my tears. Now wasn't the time to break down. I needed to start over. In three months, I'll come back for my daughter. No matter what,she's mine, and I'll claim her.

"Clara, pull yourself together," my friend said, holding my hand. Warren had never left my side, especially during the hardest times.

"By this time tomorrow, Mara will know I was pregnant with her boss's child..." I smiled through the tears.

"She'll protect her, trust me," Warren assured, holding my hand tighter.

"You support me, even when you know I'm wrong..."

"You've always been wrong. Should I abandon you just because you never listen to anyone but your stubborn mind?" Warren replied, wiping a tear off my cheek with his thumb.

"If I jumped into hell, would you save me?" I asked, trying to smile.

"That's only if it was by accident," he said bluntly. I hit him playfully.

"Jerk," I muttered, making him laugh.

"Drive. We need to be at the airport before ten," he said, handing me the keys.

"I can't drive," I sighed.

"Knew it," he teased, switching seats with me.

"Thank you," I whispered with a small smile, tears still lingering.

I looked out the window, recalling my time in this city. My obsession with men, my reckless lifestyle... I had loved every second of it. But now, it was over,for the sake of my daughter.

That billionaire better take care of her. If not, I'll have his head delivered to me.

With one final glance at the city, I looked at Warren, who only smiled as he focused on the road. Then I whispered a final goodbye.

(Mara's POV)

I groaned tiredly, desperate for sleep with the weight of truth crushing my chest.

My sister had slept with my boss. She kept it all to herself. How was I supposed to face that grumpy, arrogant man now?

How did she even meet Zayn Norman? Where? When? Why?

Despite me warning her over and over that he was a cold-hearted bastard, she still went for him. Every time I complained about him, she would smirk.

I should've known she had something planned. Damn her arousal. Damn her selfish desires. Damn my sister.

"You're still thinking about it?" Naomi asked.

"Isn't it worth thinking about? How am I supposed to convince Mr. Norman that I'm the one he slept with? He knows I'd rather die than let him touch me, let alone have sex with him!" I sobbed.

"It's simple," Naomi shrugged. "Make him believe you left for nine months because you were pregnant. Say you were scared and unprepared..."

"Naomi, he's not stupid. He's hard to deceive!" I groaned.

She sneered, always so confident-even when she shouldn't be.

"Naomi, I beg you..."

"Girl, worry less about him and do something for me," she said, tugging my cheek.

"Hey!"

"Break up with Shawn," she said casually.

I slapped her hand away.

Shawn was my boyfriend-the man I loved, the only one my heart had chosen. I was sure he loved me back.

"Yes, he's cheating on you," Naomi said firmly. "Have you seen him today? Does he even care?"

"Are you jealous?" I narrowed my eyes.

"Jealous? Of that asshole? Never!" she scoffed.

"Then stop telling me to leave him. I won't," I snapped.

I was sleepy, but her bringing up Shawn cleared all the sleep from my eyes.

"I've never been against your relationship, but I know what I saw-"

"You act like a detective. Where did you even find out about Zayn being Jewel's father? You haven't told me that either!" I accused, raising my brows.

Naomi scratched her ear, clearly stalling.

"If I find out you're a detective, you're dead!" I snapped, grabbing my charger and phone.

Naomi grabbed my hand.

"Hey..."

"I'm fine. Don't tell me anything if you don't want to," I said, stuffing my things in my bag.

She didn't even try to stop me from leaving. That hurt more than anything.

If my sister could lie to me, Naomi could too.I had to prepare for tomorrow,to face my boss and get my niece back, no matter the cost.

"Sam..."

"Goodnight," I muttered without looking back. Then I walked out.

"Sam, I'll see you tomorrow," her voice called faintly from behind the door. I didn't respond.

The Next Morning.

Dressed in a tight denim gown that barely reached my thighs, I tied my hair into a bun and dusted powder across my face to resemble my sister as much as possible.

"Jewel, your new mommy is coming," I said to my reflection in the mirror.

I put on my heels, picked up my bag, and walked out with confidence, my hips swaying with each step.

The taxi I'd called was waiting. I got in, and we drove off.

When we arrived at the mansion, I paid the cabbie and stepped out, my heart pounding in my chest.

I hope I'm doing the right thing. Jewel didn't deserve to suffer because of her mother's selfishness.

Recognized as Zayn's secretary, the guards let me in. Some greeted me happily, others glared as usual.

"Is Mr. Norman in?" I asked as the fresh morning air cooled my nerves.

"Yes. Seems like he gave birth last night," one of them joked.

"Nice," I smiled. Naomi's intel was always spot-on.

"But last night, a woman was here too-"

Before the guard could finish, I heard the baby's loud scream and rushed inside.

Zayn was holding tiny Jewel in his arms, glaring at her. She screamed, clearly terrified.

"You'll only scare her more doing that!" I yelled angrily. How could he be so cold?

Jack, overwhelmed to see me, smiled.

"I called you last night, and here you are this morning!" he exclaimed.

"Zayn-"

"You're fired. Get out!" Zayn barked, handing the baby to a maid.

The room tensed instantly.

I smiled coolly. "I'm not here as your secretary."

"Whatever you're here for, get out!" he snapped.

"Zayn, calm down. You're being too harsh," Jack intervened.

"I'm here for my daughter. Jewel," I declared,my voice firm.

I hope he makes things easy for me but with his glare said something else.

"I'm here to fight for my daughter," I declared, my voice unwavering and firm.

Shock splashed across their faces like dirty water hitting a pristine wall. Zayn's expression twisted from cold fury to complete disbelief, his eyes narrowing as they locked onto mine. He seemed frozen for a moment, as if trying to process what I had just said.

He had been drunk that night-so drunk that every memory was a blur. He never got a proper look at the woman's face, and when he woke up the next morning, everything was just... blank. That memory had haunted him, but he never found answers-until now.

I swallowed every ounce of fear still clinging to my throat. I had to face this moment. I had to endure whatever hardship came my way. For Jewel.

Jack wiped the side of his mouth, his steps slow and hesitant as he approached. His face was filled with heartbreak, and I knew he was still struggling with the truth. He had feelings for me, maybe even something deeper, but I couldn't think about that now. My priority-my only priority-was my niece. My daughter.

Jewel.

She was my blood, and I would walk through fire to make sure she stayed safe and loved. She deserved better than this chaos.

"Are you her mother?" Zayn asked sharply, pointing directly at me. His voice was demanding, and I could feel the weight of his question pressing into my chest.

Jewel cried out again-louder this time. Her wails pierced the air like needles. She was scared, and I hated that she was caught up in this mess.

"Yes, she's my daughter," I replied without hesitation, my voice firm. I stepped toward the maid holding her, desperate to comfort the baby who was crying out for love.

Jack's smile faltered at that moment, and I could almost see his heart shattering behind his eyes. I hated hurting him-but I couldn't afford to care right now. Feelings could wait. Jewel could not.

But Zayn moved fast.

He blocked my path.

I tried stepping to the left, but again he was there, his tall frame shadowing mine. His hand shot out, stopping me in place.

"Let me comfort her. She's in tears!" I pleaded, but he didn't budge. Instead, he gripped my wrist, pulling me back.

"I need an explanation, Mara!" he shouted, his eyes blazing with fury. I'd never seen him this unhinged before-he was usually composed, in control. But now... he was unraveling.

"Mr. Norman..." I gasped, struggling to free my arm, my gaze never leaving Jewel. Her cries were like daggers to my soul.

"My baby needs me..." My voice broke, a raw sob escaping my throat.

Jack had already walked out. He couldn't bear the scene. Who could blame him? The woman he loved had just claimed to be the mother of his best friend's child. It was too much.

Zayn's grip tightened, making me flinch.

"Why?" he snapped. "If she's our baby, why did you abandon her in my mansion last night and come back this morning like nothing happened?"

His face was too close. His anger too loud. His grip too rough.

"You're hurting me," I choked out and shoved his hand off with all the strength I could muster.

"I was devastated," I said, trying to control the emotion in my voice. "When I found out I was pregnant... I was barely two weeks in. The doctor said it was risky, that I might not survive if I tried to get rid of it. I was scared and alone..."

Zayn's face twisted further.

"You should've just died instead of bringing more pain into my life," he muttered with venom.

That was the last straw.

I slapped him.

Hard.

The sound echoed through the high-ceilinged mansion like a thunderclap. Zayn didn't flinch. His face stayed a blank, unreadable canvas. But the sting on my palm reminded me of just how far I'd been pushed.

"I'm sorry for keeping the child from you, I truly am," I said, my chest heaving. "But don't you dare call Jewel a pain. She's a child. She's your daughter. And she's not some curse. I may have abandoned her last night... but I'm here now. I came back for her."

Zayn's face remained emotionless, his hands shoved deep into his pockets.

"The DNA results will arrive tonight," he said coldly. "If she's mine, I'll take full responsibility."

"Full?" I repeated, a knot forming in my chest.

"Yes. I'll provide financially. I'll be a father on paper. That's all. You handle the rest."

His voice was flat, emotionless, and devoid of any warmth. That declaration hit me harder than his words ever had.

In my heart, I knew he didn't just want to distance himself from me-he wanted to disconnect entirely from the child we claimed was his.

I raised my hand again, but this time I stopped myself. He wasn't worth another slap. He wasn't worth another ounce of my anger.

But I had to say something.

"You're cold, Zayn Norman. Ice cold. And I pity you," I whispered. "Because no amount of money will ever make you the father she needs if you refuse to open your heart."

He stepped closer, lowering his voice so only I could hear.

"And if the DNA test proves she's not mine... you're going to jail for fraud. That's a promise."

His breath was icy against my cheek. A shiver ran down my spine-not out of fear, but fury.

I stared back into his eyes, refusing to blink, refusing to break.

"She's yours. And when that test proves it tonight... I'll be the one holding her, not you."

"I guess you don't know abandoning a child is illegal!"He muttered,his voice cool but filled with anger.