Her Sister's Surrogate

Grace’s POV Helena squeezed my hand while we waited for the procedure to begin. It was the least she could do, really, considering they were about to shove her fertilized egg, made with her husband’s sperm inside me. I didn’t want to be here. But I loved her. My sister. And this is what she wanted, what she’d cried about, begged for. So I agreed. The pain wasn’t sharp or sudden. It wasn’t even physical. It was a slow, suffocating weight in the center of my chest, the kind of ache that doesn’t bruise your skin but still manages to hollow you out from the inside. Because I knew, deep down, I wanted this baby too. Not because of Helena. But because of Hunter. And not like this. I’ve been in love with him for four years. Before she ever came into the picture. Before the whirlwind romance and the wedding and the life that seemed to fall so easily into place for them. I once thought there might’ve been something between Hunter and I. Barely a flicker. But I saw him first. And then I handed him over without realizing what I was giving up. Knowing in the end it must have been my imagination. Wishful thinking on my part. Now I’m probably carrying their baby. His baby. And somehow, I’m supposed to be okay with that. Helena and Mum made it sound so noble. Like I was giving them a gift. But no one stopped to ask what I’d be losing. Hunter’s my boss. Has been for four years. I introduced them. And I stood by, every day, watching them build a life. Watching Helena win. Like she always does. While I smiled and stayed silent. I remember the Christmas party. The moment it shifted. Helena had begged to come. I watched him fall for her that night. The way he looked at her, it was like she was the answer to a question he didn’t know he was asking. “We’re ready to do the implant now,” the doctor said, pulling me out of the memory. I nodded. “I have a good feeling about this,” Helena said. “With Hunter’s little swimmers, I’m sure it’s going to work.” I closed my eyes. “Okay, you should rest here for about thirty minutes before getting up,” the doctor added. She didn’t meet my gaze. I didn’t blame her. She probably figured it out during the procedure—that I’m a virgin. Another layer to the mess. I nodded again. “Okay,” I whispered. Helena gave my hand a squeeze. “I’m so excited, Grace. This is going to be amazing.” “Let’s wait and see,” I said quietly. “Don’t get your hopes up too soon.” She didn’t hear me. Or she didn’t care. Her mind was already on names and nurseries. I stayed quiet, letting it all sink in. The years of watching her shine while I blended into the background. Always the helper. Always the afterthought. “I have a good feeling about this,” Helena said again. “With Hunter’s little swimmers…” “Can I have a minute alone?” I asked, sharper than I meant to. “Grace—” “Please, Helena. Just give me a minute.” She hovered by the door. I felt her staring, but didn’t look up. Finally, she left. When the door clicked shut, I let the tears come. No more pretending. I was done being fine. Done being strong. Done being used. Thirty minutes later, I wiped my eyes and opened the door. That’s when I heard them, Helena and Mum, talking just outside. “Grace doesn’t seem overjoyed about carrying my baby,” Helena said. “She should be grateful,” Mum replied. “Hunter needs an heir. You need to give him one. We can’t afford to lose that hold on him.” Hold on him. Helena didn’t disagree. She didn’t say a word. This wasn’t about love. It wasn’t about family. No, it was about control. About keeping him. And I was the pawn in their game. I stood there for a second, hand over my stomach. I wasn’t just carrying a baby. Was I carrying a lie? And when it was over, I’d hand the baby over and leave. That was the plan. But deep down, I knew something they didn’t. If I gave this baby up… I might not come back from it.