The surrogate's secret

- Aria - "Aria, are you okay?" my little brother, Eli, tugged at my sweater, his innocent voice trembling. I wanted to crumble. I’d never be okay — not while my baby brother’s life was hanging by a thread and I had no money to save him. "I'm fine, darling. What would you like to eat?" I knelt to his level, forcing a smile. "Can I have some bread with cheese, Ari?" he asked sweetly, hugging my waist. My heart broke again. I nodded and headed to the tiny kitchen of our one-bedroom apartment in **Evermist City**, pretending everything was fine. After breakfast, I took Eli to the hospital. As we entered **St. Helena’s Medical Center**, we were greeted by Dr. Michael Grant, the one who had been looking after Eli since day one. "Good morning, little warrior," Dr. Grant said warmly. Eli giggled and ran into his arms. "Morning, Mike!" Eli teased, earning a chuckle from the kind doctor. After settling Eli into his hospital room, Dr. Grant pulled me aside. My stomach twisted into knots. "Aria, can we talk for a moment?" I nodded, dread thick in my chest. "Eli’s condition is worsening. We need to schedule surgery soon," he said gently, his eyes full of sympathy. Tears pooled in my eyes despite my attempts to hold them back. I clenched my fists. "I know money’s tight for you. I’m sorry," he added, patting my shoulder kindly. No matter what, I had to find the money. I had to save Eli. "I'll get it, Doctor. Somehow," I whispered, wiping my tears with the sleeve of my worn hoodie. "You have about eight months at most," he said. "Sooner would be better." I nodded stiffly and turned to the glass wall. Inside the ward, Eli was chatting animatedly with a nurse, his small face beaming with life and innocence. "He should stay in the hospital for observation," Dr. Grant said. "Alright," I croaked out. I went back into the room and sat beside Eli’s bed. His wide brown eyes stared up at me. "Ari... am I dying?" he whispered. I bit down hard on my trembling lip and pulled him into my lap, stroking his soft chestnut hair. "No, baby. You’re going to be just fine," I murmured against his forehead. "That’s good," he giggled, snuggling into me. "I love you, Eli," I said, my voice breaking. "I love you even more, Ari," he replied, kissing my forehead. I stayed with him until he drifted off to sleep, then left for home — exhausted, broken, but determined. No university classes today. I needed to think. Hours later, after crying myself dry, I was interrupted by a knock at the door. It was Aunt Clara, our elderly neighbor and my only real family left. "You’ve been crying, Aria," she said gently. After hearing everything, she hugged me tightly. "I’m sorry, dear," she said hesitantly, "but there might be a way... only if you're willing." I wiped my nose and stared at her. "Tell me. I’ll do anything for Eli." She hesitated before speaking. "A wealthy family is searching for a surrogate. They’ll pay a hundred thousand dollars." A surrogate? Carrying a stranger’s child? "What are their conditions?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. "You meet all their requirements: beauty, intelligence... and innocence." I closed my eyes, my heart pounding. My virginity... would I give it away for money? If it saved Eli, the answer was clear. "I’ll do it. But please... don't let Eli know," I said firmly. Aunt Clara’s face crumpled with sorrow, but she nodded. "I’ll contact them." As she left, I gazed at the cracked ceiling. Mom, Dad... I'm sorry. But I’ll do whatever it takes to keep Eli alive.