The Surrogate
1420 Words
Conrad's POV
For a heartbeat, the office was silent. I watched as the candidate stood frozen as soon as she recognized who I was. It was as if she had walked into the lions den and realized too late that she brought no weapon.
Frances Becker, the name I'd only just demanded from David about two hours ago. Now the same woman stood in front of me, not as a patient but instead dressed for an interview.
I remained still as I masked the look of shock and recognition on my face. It was as if the universe was mocking me ......because of all the person's to have walked into my office, it just had to be the surrogate.
I turned to Esther with a sharp and cold expression " Is she really the only candidate left?" I asked
I watched as she blinked twice. She was obviously startled by the question. " Y..yes Mr King " she stuttered but later gained back her confidence. " Out of six applicants , she is the most qualified" Esther gestured towards Frances as she spoke. " You approved the shortlist yourself" she added
" And yet this is who remains?" I asked further
I was pretty sure that Esther was confused at this point and I'm also sure that Frances already knew why I was questioning my trusted secretary.
"Yes sir" Esther replied firmly.
Not wanting to give her any more reasons to be suspicious, I ordered her to leave. I was going to handle this myself.
Esther nodded in response and then hurried out before shutting the door behind her.
After what felt like eternity, I finally glanced towards Frances. "Sit" I ordered.
I watched as she obediently took the seat opposite my large mahogany desk.
"Why should I employ you?" My voice was sharp and intimidating. " Why should I employ you especially with your given......." I paused and then emphasized the last word. " Situation?"
Her hands clenched together because she knew exactly what I was talking about.
Her voice shook as first. " I can do the job" then more firmly she added. " I am qualified and I won't let personal matters interfere with my work "
Personal matters? Is that what she's calling it now? This was business! Carrying my child is serious business and I need to let her understand this.
" Being pregnant doesn't change my ability to work, I can assure you that Mr King" she continued
My jaw tightened. " Pregnant with my child...you need to understand that Miss Becker "I corrected her coldly " That is the heir to this company, the heir who would one day take after me just as I took after my father, Matthew King "
" I understand " she replied in a low voice
"...do you really expect my surrogate to run around the company fetching and sorting out files?" My voice was intimidating.
I watched as she swallowed hard but didn't look away. " I need this job, I need the money "
I almost laughed at her words. " So you think being my surrogate won't earn you enough money? Is that what this is about?..... Is that why you had the nerve to apply here?" I asked all at once
Her eyes widened at my words, " I promise you Mr King, I had already applied here before the whole mix up, I only just found out about you being the father today... You have to believe me " she said to me.
I remained silent as she spoke.
"Well, now that you know that I am the father, then you most definitely do not need this job..... You will be compensated well if that's what you are worried about" I said to her
"This isn't just about how much I'd be paid, it's about when." She explained. " It's about the numerous debts that I have to pay off as soon as possible. I can't sit still and do nothing while the whole world swallows me whole.
I paused at her honesty and for a brief moment, the irritation I felt alongside impatience twisted into something else.......into curiosity.
Without uttering a word, I reached for her file and skimmed through it. I read through the lines until something caught my attention.
" You're a painter?" I asked with raised brows
"Yes...." She replied firmly and then added. "...it's my passion and I am good at it , well at least I try to be"
" Why then do you need a secretary job at King's corporation?" I asked her curiously
I watched as she hesitated for a bit, but then replied. " The world doesn't exactly hand you a gallery just because you can hold a brush" Her reply was firm and I didn't need anyone to tell me that she had tried getting a job as an artist all to no avail.
I closed the file and leaned backwards in my chair as I contemplated on my decision. " Fine. You will have your trial" I stated out loud
I watched as her face lit up with relief and gratitude. " Thank you. Thank you Mr King, I will ....."
"Don't thank me yet " I interrupted her as my voice turned cold once again. " You will move in with me, effective immediately"
Her excitement immediately evaporated within seconds. She was alarmed. " What? No, I can't. That's really not necessary" she said all at once.
Defiance. There it was again , the flicker I had noticed at the hospital this morning . All of a sudden I found myself intrigued.
" This isn't up for debate" I said flatly and then continued. " You are carrying my heir, which means that you have to live by my terms, under my roof and with my security.... that's the contract you will receive tomorrow morning Miss Becker " My tone remained cold and intimidating
Instead, she shook her head in response. " No, I'd rather not......"
" You don't have a choice" I snapped out loud as I was beginning to get irritated by the back and forth conversation. " You are growing the future of this company and you will do exactly how I decide."
She was very uncomfortable at this point. I could see it in her demeanor. Her hands trembled as she spoke. " You can't just control my life like that"
A slow smirk appeared at the corners of my mouth. " Watch me"
She remained silent as I spoke. " 10 million dollars, that's what you'd be getting once you give birth to an healthy child, paid in full but until then , you are mine to manage "
She remained silent still.
" I bet even if you worked for 20 years, you won't be able to lay your hands on such a money at once" Even I, didn't miss the mockery in my tone.
I watched as her eyes carried soo many emotions. Defiance, fear and uncertainty. " I need some time to think" she finally responded
" No one says no to me Miss Becker " The tone in my voice was filled with disdain, although deep down, I couldn't help but admire her audacity to say no to me. " You have 24 hours, else the job will be given to someone else" I said to her and then added as I placed both hands on the large desk. " but let's be honest here, there's no point in trying to fool yourself. You are already bound to me, you are carrying my child which means that in the end, you will do exactly as I say " I concluded firmly.
Frances trembled as she stood up to leave, her hand instinctively went to her stomach, a protective gesture that I didn't miss.
" 24hours, that's all you get" I emphasized again.
Before she stepped out of the office, she turned to face me with something different in her eyes, something I hadn't expected... not anger, not even fear.
" I may be carrying your child Mr King" she started. " But don't think for a second that you own me!" Her voice was firm and sharp.
She walked out and shut the door quietly behind her, leaving me speechless. No one dared to challenge me yet, Frances had not only done it once, but twice!
I felt the ground shift beneath my feet and I didn't like it one bit.
- Writer
