BILLIONAIRE'S SURROGATE BABY

03

~Aiden~

I stepped out of the car and onto the pavement, my eyes fixed on the sleek glass facade of the Everest Group headquarters. My driver, Jenkins, nodded discreetly as I passed him, and I didn't bother acknowledging the greetings of the employees as I strode through the lobby. They were used to my reserved nature, and I didn't see the point in pretending to be friendly.

My mind was already focused on the meeting ahead, and I couldn't afford to be distracted. I took the elevator to the top floor, where my grandfather's office was located. The doors slid open, and I stepped into the plush carpeted hallway, lined with framed photos of our company's history.

As I entered the office, my grandfather looked up from the papers on his desk, his eyes piercing behind his reading glasses. "Aiden, come in. I trust you're making progress on your mother's last wish?"

I nodded, taking a seat in the leather chair opposite his desk. "I am, Grandfather. I've already identified a suitable candidate."

My grandfather nodded, his expression unreadable. "Good. It's time we fulfilled that promise. Your mother would have wanted it."

"Now, on to other matters," my grandfather said, setting his papers aside. "The board has decided it's time for me to step down as CEO. You'll be taking over the company soon."

A smile spread across my face, a sense of triumph and anticipation. This was what I had been working towards my entire life. I was ready to lead the company into a new era of success.

As we discussed the details of the transition, I was already feeling a sense of pride, but then Grandfather's next words made me stop thinking about the transition for a second.

His expression turned serious, and he leaned forward in his chair. "Aiden, there's something else. A condition that must be fulfilled before the CEO position is handed over to you."

I raised an eyebrow, feeling uneasy, "What is it?"

His expression was cryptic. "When the time comes, we'll let you know. Just know that it's a requirement that must be met."

I felt a surge of anger, my face heating up. "That's not fair," I spat. "This is my birthright. I don't need to jump through hoops to prove myself."

My grandfather's expression turned stern, and he shook his head. "Your father made it clear that this condition would be a part of the transition. And when the time comes, you'll do what's required."

I stood up, my chair scraping against the floor. "You have no right to tell me what to do," I shouted. "I'm the one who's been groomed for this position my entire life. I'm the one who deserves it."

Grandfather's face turned red with anger, and he slammed his fist on the desk. "You will do as you're told, Aiden. Your father's wishes will be respected."

I stormed out of his office, headed to mine when I caught a glimpse of my new secretary, 'Thalia' I guess. She was chatting with a colleague in the hallway. Her outfit was...distracting, to say the least. I shook my head, wondering why she insisted on dressing like that. I had more important things to focus on than her wardrobe choices.

I made my way back to my office, my mind already turning to the tasks ahead. Whatever condition my father wanted me to fulfil, it wouldn't be so hard to do. The company was mine, mine to run, and mine to ruin if I wanted.

The thought of Kimberly Banks, the surrogate candidate, crossed my mind, but I pushed it aside. I would deal with her later.

~Marco~

I walked down the hallway, on a mission to retrieve a file from Aiden's office, and I was determined to get it done quickly. But as I turned a corner, my feet suddenly felt heavy, and I stopped dead in my tracks.

Thalia, Aiden's new secretary, was standing by her desk, chatting with a colleague. And I was lost. Lost in the depths of her piercing green eyes, lost in the curves of her smile, lost in the way her hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall of silk.

I stood there, frozen, my eyes drinking in every detail of her beauty. I had never seen anyone like her before. She was stunning and captivating, and I was helpless.

Time seemed to stand still as I gazed at her, my mind blank, my thoughts nonexistent. I was a statue, a mere spectator, watching her laugh and chat with ease.

And then, suddenly, my phone buzzed in my pocket, breaking the spell. I pulled it out, still gazing at Thalia, and saw Kimberly's name flashing on the screen.

"Hey, Marcos," she said, "I'm ready to sign the agreement form. When can I come in?"

I smiled, Everything was falling into place. "I'll let Aiden know," I said, my eyes still fixed on Thalia. "We'll set up a meeting for later today."

I hung up the phone, This was it, the moment we had all been waiting for. I texted Aiden, my thumbs flying across the screen. "Everything is set," I typed. "Kimberly is ready to sign. I'll bring her in later today."

I looked up, and my eyes met Thalia's. She was staring at me, a hint of confusion on her face. I felt my face heat up, and I looked away immediately, trying to compose myself.

As I stood there, trying to gather my thoughts, Thalia walked towards me, her heels clicking on the floor. "Hi, Marcos," she said. "What brings you here?"

I made to speak, but my voice got caught in my throat. And I cleared it, trying to sound casual. "Just needed to grab a file from Aiden's office," I said.

She shrugged, "Okay, well, let me know if you need anything else."

I nodded, feeling like a fool. I couldn't believe I was acting like this. I was a professional, after all. I turned to walk away but caught her eye again, and I knew I was in trouble.

~Kimberly~

I fidgeted with my hands as Marcos led me into Aiden's study room. I couldn't believe I was going to do this. Become a surrogate, carry a child for nine months, and give it away. It seemed surreal.

Aiden sat behind his desk, sipping a cup of coffee, his eyes fixed on some papers in front of him. He didn't even spare us a glance as we entered. "Let's get to business," he said curtly.

I nodded, trying to calm my nerves. Marcos brought out the papers and handed them to me. I scanned through them quickly, my eyes widening as I read the clauses. And then I saw it. "No falling in love." I scoffed, feeling a pang of anger. Who did they think they were, dictating how I should feel? It's not as if I could fall in love with someone like Aiden.

Aiden's eyes flicked up to mine, his gaze piercing. "Would you like Marcos to read the agreement out loud?" he asked, his voice neutral.

I nodded, still feeling a bit miffed. Reading the terms would make me feel better, I thought. I waited for him to begin, my heart racing with anticipation.

"Okay, let's get started," he said, clearing his throat. "Rule number one: Once the baby is born, you will have no contact with the child. No visits, no phone calls, no letters. You will relinquish all parental rights and responsibilities."

I nodded again, trying to show that I understood. But then I added, "Good. I don't need another traumatic experience in my life."

Aiden's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowing in concern. He probably wondered what I meant by that. But I didn't elaborate. I didn't need to.

Marcos glanced at me uncertainly, then back at Aiden. "Okay, moving on," he said, trying to sound cheerful. But the atmosphere in the room had shifted. It felt heavier now, more oppressive.

"Rule number two: No falling in love with the child's father, Aiden Everest."

But before he could finish, Aiden interrupted him. "Skip that rule, Marcos. I don't do women like Kimberly."

I felt a surge of anger at his words. "Excuse me?" I asked, my voice sharp.

Aiden smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You're not my type, Kimberly. I don't do... fragile women."

I bristled at his tone, my anger boiling over. "Well, you're not anyone's type, Aiden. You're not even human."

Marcos resisted the urge to laugh, his eyes darting back and forth between us. "Okay, let's move on," he said, trying to intervene.

But I wasn't having it. "No, let's not move on. Let's talk about how you're not even capable of loving someone, Aiden. You're too busy loving yourself."

Aiden's smirk faltered for a moment, and I saw a flash of anger in his eyes. But then he regained his composure, his mask slipping back into place.

Marcos continued reading, his voice steady. "Rule number three: No drinking, no smoking, and no travelling without permission from Aiden or myself."

I felt a surge of frustration as I listened to the rules. They were all so... restrictive. No drinking, no smoking, and no travelling without permission. It was like they thought I was some kind of prisoner.

"And what's next?" I asked, my voice laced with sarcasm. "No breathing without permission?"

Marcos ignored my comment and kept reading. "Rule number four: You will not leave the mansion except for doctor's appointments, which Aiden will accompany you to."

I rolled my eyes at the smirk on Aiden's face. He seemed to enjoy the fact that I was being trapped in his mansion. I wanted to say something, to tell him how ridiculous this all was, but I bit back my words. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction.

"So, I'm basically a prisoner here," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

Aiden shrugged. "You're being dramatic, Kimberly. You're just following the rules to ensure a healthy pregnancy."

I scoffed. "Healthy pregnancy? You mean a controlled pregnancy. You're controlling every aspect of my life, Aiden."

Marcos cleared his throat, trying to intervene. "Let's just focus on the rules, okay?"

But I wasn't having it. "No, I think we should talk about how ridiculous this all is. You're treating me like a prisoner, Aiden. And what's with the doctor's appointments? Why do you need to be there?"

Aiden leaned back in his chair, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Because, Kimberly, I need to make sure that my child is being taken care of. And that includes making sure that the mother is following the rules."

I felt a surge of anger at his words, but I bit back my retort. I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of getting a rise out of me. Instead, I just rolled my eyes and looked away, trying to compose myself.

Aiden didn't say a word, his expression unreadable as he handed me the pen. I took it, feeling a sense of trepidation as I signed the document. It was done. I was trapped.

Marcos smiled, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Great, now that that's taken care of, I'll show you to your room."

Aiden nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. "See that she's comfortable, Marcos."

And with that, he turned and left, leaving me feeling frustrated and angry.

As soon as the door closed behind him, I hissed, "This is ridiculous. I can't believe I just signed that."

Marcos chuckled. "Don't worry, Kimberly. You'll get used to it."

I turned to him, my eyes narrowing. "And how exactly do you plan on getting me pregnant?"

Marcos' smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "Well, you'll have s*x with Aiden, of course."

I screamed, feeling like I'd been punched in the gut. "What? No way!!!"

Marcos shrugged. "I'm afraid it's the only way, Kimberly. Aiden wants an heir, and this is the only way to ensure it."

"You can't be serious," I whispered.

Marcos' expression softened. "I'm afraid I am, Kimberly. But don't worry, it won't be so bad. Aiden's not... unattractive."

I laughed, a hysterical sound. "That's not the point! The point is I don't want to have s*x with him!"

"Aiden doesn't want to take chances okay? And... I'm guessing you'd love the experience." Marcos smirked, and I glared at him.

"Fine! It's going to be a one-time thing," I said in my head. Though I couldn't picture myself, having anything intimate with someone like Aiden.