Chapter 100

The next morning, I woke up early as usual, got Irene ready for school, and made breakfast. It had become our routine-just the two of us most mornings, sharing those quiet moments before the chaos of the day began. After dropping her off at school, I headed to the hospital to meet with the doctor. Today was an important day.

Travis and I had decided to go through with surrogacy, and after weeks of discussions, medical tests, and evaluations, we were finally meeting the woman who would help bring our baby into the world.

When we arrived at the hospital, the doctor greeted us warmly and introduced us to a young woman named Allison Brown.

"She's the one we matched with your profile," the doctor explained.

I turned to Allison, studying her carefully. She had a kind face, her eyes filled with nervousness but also warmth. She looked humble and polite, and for some reason, I felt an immediate connection.

"I hope you don't mind me saying this," I told her, "but I like you already."

She smiled shyly. "I'm glad to hear that."

Travis glanced at me, his usual serious expression softening slightly. "If Ayanna likes you, then I guess that's a good sign."

And just like that, we agreed that Allison would be our surrogate.

The medical process took several weeks. There were injections, tests, and multiple visits to the hospital. I had read about how difficult it could be, and watching Allison go through it made me appreciate her even more.

Then came the longest two weeks of my life-the wait to find out if the embryo transfer had been successful. I tried to stay busy, but it was impossible not to think about it. Travis pretended he wasn't anxious, but I caught him checking his phone more often than usual, waiting for the doctor's call.

Finally, one evening, my phone rang.

"Mrs. Sinclair," the doctor said, "please come to the hospital tomorrow morning. I have news."

That night, I barely slept.

The next morning, Travis and I arrived at the hospital. My palms were sweaty, and my heart was pounding. I didn't even realize I was holding my breath until the doctor walked in with a smile.

"Good morning, doctor," I greeted anxiously.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair," he said, taking a seat. "Well, I have good news."

I gripped Travis's arm tightly.

"The procedure was successful. The surrogate is pregnant as we speak."

Relief washed over me, followed by excitement.

"Really?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Yes," the doctor confirmed. "If you'd like to speak with her, I can arrange that. Also, if you have any specific conditions or requests regarding the pregnancy, now is the time to discuss them."

"Conditions?" I frowned. "What kind of conditions?"

The doctor leaned forward. "Some couples prefer to be involved in every stage of the pregnancy-from doctor's appointments to the delivery itself. Some even bring the surrogate to live with them until the baby is born."

I perked up at that idea. "That actually sounds like a good idea. I mean, who wouldn't want to be involved?"

I turned to Travis. "What do you think? Should we bring her to live with us?"

"Hell no," he said immediately

I blinked, taken aback. "Travis-"

"Aya, I already agreed to this surrogacy, but there's no way I'm letting a stranger live in our house," he said firmly. "We can get her an apartment. You can visit her as much as you want, but that's as far as I'll go."

I pouted, but I wasn't giving up that easily. "But I want to be involved in everything."

It took some convincing, but somehow, I managed to change his mind.

"Fine," he sighed. "But just until the baby is born."

I beamed.

The doctor smiled. "Good. I'll inform Allison of your decision."

When we told Allison, she agreed without hesitation.

"I appreciate it," she said. "It'll make things easier."

I offered to go with her to pick up her things from her house. Travis refused to come with me, but I didn't mind.

We drove to her neighborhood, and as soon as we arrived, my heart sank. The area was cramped, the buildings old and worn-down. Children ran barefoot in the streets, and the overall living conditions were heartbreaking.

I glanced at Allison. "Don't you get paid for being a surrogate? Why do you live in a place like this?"

She sighed. "I will get paid, but this is my first time. I needed money, and surrogacy seemed like the best option."

Her words made me feel guilty for even asking considering I was once an escort because I wanted Money or the fact that I had sex with someone.

"Okay," I said, changing the subject. "Let's just get your things and leave."

As we packed her belongings, she noticed my bodyguard standing by the car.

"Do you always have someone following you around?" she asked curiously.

I nodded. "Not all the time, but I was kidnapped before, and my husband insisted on having security."

Her eyes widened. "Awwn. He must really love you."

I smiled softly. "Yeah, he does."

She hesitated. "Is this your first child?" she asked, placing a hand on her stomach.

"No," I answered. "I have a daughter."

"How old is she?"

"She'll be seven in a few months."

She looked surprised. "Did you have her through surrogacy too?"

I shook my head. "No, I gave birth to her myself."

"That's nice," she said thoughtfully.

Once she finished packing, we got in the car. During the drive, I noticed her glancing at me every few minutes, as if trying to figure me out. I ignored it.

When we arrived home, I showed Allison to her room. She didn't have much luggage, so she settled in quickly.

"I'm going to prepare dinner," I told her.

She followed me downstairs and into the kitchen.

"Do you need help, Mrs. Sinclair?" she asked.

"Oh, please. You can just call me Ayanna," I said with a smile. "No need for formalities."

She returned my smile. "Okay, Ayanna."

"I don't need help," I continued, "but you can keep me company if you'd like."

She nodded and sat nearby as I cooked.

After a while, she glanced around. "I haven't seen your daughter yet."

"She went out with her father," I replied. "They should be back soon."

And just as I finished speaking, I heard Travis's voice.

"Aya, we're home."

I wiped my hands and went to set the table. Once I was done, I walked over to Travis and Irene. I kissed Irene on the cheek and Travis on the lips.

Irene looked at Allison curiously. "Mom, who's that lady?"

I hesitated. How was I supposed to explain this to a six-year-old?

"Irene, this is Aunt Allison. She's my friend." I turned to Allison. "And this is my daughter, Irene."

"Come say hello," I encouraged.

Allison smiled warmly. "Hi, Irene. You're so beautiful."

But instead of responding, Irene scurried behind Travis, gripping his shirt.

"I don't like her," she muttered.