Christmas trophy

chapter 4 the surrogates

Ethan's eyes held Aisha's, the tension between them palpable. "I'll tell you everything," he said, his voice low and husky. "But first, let's get out of here. It's cold, and I don't want Sophie to wake up and find us gone."

Aisha nodded, still trying to process the emotions swirling inside her. She followed Ethan to his car, and they drove to his mansion in silence. The only sound was the soft hum of the engine and the gentle rustle of the snowflakes outside.

When they arrived, Ethan led her to a cozy study, the walls lined with books and the fireplace crackling with warmth. Aisha sank into a leather armchair, feeling the softness of the cushions envelop her.

"Sophie is the result of a surrogacy," Ethan began, his eyes fixed on the flames. "I wanted a child, but I didn't want to be tied down to a relationship. I found a surrogate, and she agreed to carry the child for me."

Aisha's heart skipped a beat. "Who was the surrogate?"

Ethan's eyes met hers. "You were."

Aisha's mind reeled. "What? No, that can't be right. I don't remember..."

Ethan leaned forward, his eyes burning with intensity. "You don't remember because you were in a coma. You were in a car accident, and the doctors had to induce a coma to save your life. The baby – Sophie – was premature, but she was healthy. The surrogate agency I used had arranged everything, and they handled the paperwork."

Aisha's thoughts were a jumble of emotions. She had given birth to a child she had never met and her father was a billionaire who has kept her existence a secret

Ethan's expression softened "I wanted to protect you,you were In coma. and I didn't know if you would ever wake up. I didn't want to burden you with knowledge of Sophie's existence And then when you woke up you had no memory of the surrogacy or the pregnancy . the agency said it was best to leave it in the past "

Aisha's eyes filled with tears . she felt she was living a lie "and what about my business ?how did I start Thompson event?"

Ethan's eyes dropped to the floor "I...l gave you the money to start your business ,I wanted to help you to make sure that you were taken care of ."

Aisha's anger flare up "you gave me money to start business, ? without telling me about Sophie? without telling me about the surrogacy ?

Ethan eyes met her for a moment Aisha saw a flicker of vulnerability " I was wrong Aisha I know that now but I was trying to do what was best for everyone involved ."

Aisha's anger was slowly replaced by a sence of determination . she was going to wait for her daughter for the life she missed out

"Tell me everything "she said her voice firm " I want to know everything about Sophie , my past and about the surrogacy "

Ethan nodded a small smile on his lips, "I will tell you everything Aisha but first I want you to know something , I'm not letting you go not now not ever

Aisha's heart skipped a beat she was not sure about the future but she knew one thing :she wasn't going to let Ethan Carter get away with keeping her daughter a secret