VIRGIN MOTHER FOR THE BILLONAIRE'S TWINS.

A New Life

The phone rang, jolting Ellen awake. She fumbled for it on the nightstand, squinting at the caller ID. "Dr. Jude?" she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.

"Ellen, good morning! It's Dr. Jude. I have some wonderful news for you." His voice was cheerful, radiating a professional yet genuinely happy tone.

Ellen sat up straighter in bed, her heart starting to pound. "News? Good news?"

"Yes! The results came out positive. You're pregnant, Ellen."

A wave of emotion washed over her, so strong it left her breathless. Tears welled in her eyes. "Pregnant…" she whispered, the word catching in her throat.

"Yes, pregnant! Congratulations, Ellen. Are you alright? You sound a little overwhelmed."

"Overwhelmed? Dr. Jude, I think I'm about to faint from happiness. Thank you, thank you so much." She finally managed.

"You're very welcome. We'll schedule an appointment with you soon for a checkup and heartbeat confirmation. In the meantime, take care of yourself, and congratulations again!"

Ellen hung up, still trembling. She put a hand on her stomach, a tiny flutter of hope erupting inside her. "I'm going to be a mom," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Weeks turned into months. Ellen threw herself into her work, the creative energy flowing through her like never before. Her latest novel was practically writing itself, fueled by the joy and anticipation bubbling inside her. She managed to keep the morning sickness at bay and was still able to meet deadlines.

"Ellen, you're glowing!" Sia exclaimed during their weekly lunch date. "Pregnancy really suits you."

Ellen grinned, patting her slightly rounded belly. "I feel amazing, Sia. Tired sometimes, but amazing. How's everything with the agency?"

Sia sighed, stirring her salad. "Things are… complicated. Remember that deal we were trying to land with the Morgan Empire? Well, Mr. Andre Morgan hasn’t let it go."

Ellen’s face hardened. "Don't tell me…"

"He's been calling, sending emails. Not directly to you, of course. He's been going through me, hinting that if you would reconsider..." Sia trailed off, her expression grim.

Ellen slammed her fork down. "That sleazebag! I should have pressed charges."

"I know, Ellen. But we were advised against it. It would have been a pure nightmare, especially with you being pregnant; you don't need such stress. But the point is he hasn't stopped."

"He wants to hold my career hostage because I threw coffee on him?" Ellen was near to tears.

"I'm afraid so. And the worst part is, he's badmouthing you to other publishers. It's subtle, but it's working. Deals are falling through, editors are getting cold feet…" Sia's voice was laced with worry.

Ellen felt a surge of panic. She couldn't let some entitled billionaire ruin her life, especially now. She needed to provide for her babies. "I won't let him win, Sia. I can't."

"I know you won't. But we need a plan."

Later that week, Ellen poured two glasses of wine – non-alcoholic for herself, of course – in her apartment. Sia sat across from her, her brow furrowed in concern.

"I've been thinking, Sia," Ellen began, swirling the sparkling grape juice in her glass. "Maybe it's time for a change. A big change."

"What do you mean?"

"I'm thinking of leaving the country."

Sia's eyes widened. "Leaving? Where would you go?"

"I'm not sure yet. Somewhere far away from Andre, somewhere I can start fresh. I have some savings and my books would still sell, no matter where I am."

"But your life here…"

"I know, it's a tough decision. And it's also partly because of the babies. I don't want Andre Morgan anywhere near me now that I'm pregnant. My dream of being a mom is finally coming true, Sia. I can't let some rich jerk ruin things for me." Ellen placed her hand on her stomach. "Ultimately I need to do what's best for my child. And right now, that means putting as much distance as possible between me and Andre Morgan."

Sia was silent for a moment, considering. "You know I'll support you no matter what, Ellen. But this is a huge step. Have you thought about the logistics, the visa, healthcare…"

"I've started researching everything. Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and New York seem to be well within my reach. I could start there. I'd miss everyone here, but I think it's worth it."

"It's your life, Ellen, your decision. Just promise me you'll keep in touch."

"Always." Ellen smiled, a genuine smile that reached her eyes. "You're the best friend a girl could ask for."

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity. Ellen applied for a visa to travel abroad, contacted a real estate agent to sell her apartment, and much stuff she had to get done in other to leave as soon as possible.

One afternoon, as Ellen was packing boxes in her living room, her phone rang. It was an unfamiliar number. She hesitated before answering.

"Hello?"

"Ellen, it's Andre Morgan." His voice was smooth, almost too smooth.

Ellen's blood ran cold. "How did you get my number?"

"That's not important. What is important is that I plan to make it easy for you; apologize to me, I seal the grand deal for you and everyone is happy. I know you're struggling and I can't be the villain by making it harder for you."

Ellen gripped the phone tightly. "I'm struggling? That's none of your business."

"Oh, but it is my business. You made a fool of me, Ellen. In public. That kind of disrespect doesn't go unpunished."

"You tried to sexually harass me! I should have reported you to the police."

Andre chuckled. "Who would believe you? It's your word against mine. And besides, I'm offering you a chance to make things right. Drop the move, come back to the negotiating table, and I'll make sure your career flourishes. Think of it as an investment in your future."

"I would rather die than work with you, you creep." Ellen spat into the phone.

"Think about it, Ellen. I have ways of making things very difficult for you, even if you're halfway across the world. Don't push me."

Ellen hung up, her hands shaking. She sank into a chair, feeling a wave of despair wash over her. He was right. He had the power to make her life miserable, no matter where she went. But does that mean he knows she's planning to relocate?

But then she looked down at her stomach, feeling the gentle flutter of life within her. She wouldn't let him win. She couldn't.

She stood up, a new resolve hardening her gaze. She would leave the country, start a new life, and raise her kids in peace. And she would do it despite Andre Morgan and all his threats. The babies deserved it. She deserved it.