The Alpha's Heir And The Woman Who Ran Away

THE OFFER Willow came from a wealthy family. They owned one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the country. But when her father passed away, their empire started to crumble. Taking advantage of their grief, her uncles and aunts, her father’s own siblings, showed their true colors. They were greedy and cruel, stealing every penny, every property, and everything her parents had worked hard for. “You cannot do this, Karen!” her mother cried out, her voice trembling with anger and pain, tears streaming down her face. “It has only been a week since Henry died! He is my husband and your brother! How can you be so heartless?! Why are you kicking us out of the very house that Henry and I built with our own hands?!” But her relatives showed no mercy. They treated them like trash and thieves in their own home. They threw their belongings outside and forced them to leave immediately, not even giving them time to grieve properly. They were left with nothing but debts, tears, and shame. Homeless and penniless, they had nowhere else to go. To save what was left of their dignity and to ensure Willow could finish her last year in college, her mother and siblings swallowed their pride. They endured the humiliation, bit their tongues, and walked away with heavy hearts, vowing to rise again one day. “I heard that you got kicked out of your own house by your aunt,” Parker said with a mischievous grin, twirling a strand of her jet-black hair. “And Ashley keeps bragging everywhere that she moved into a mansion. Little does she know, everyone knows that house used to be yours! She’s so funny, she should just become a clown!” she added, bursting into loud laughter. She was Willow’s best friend, and they were complete opposites. Willow was a certified genius. She had the highest grades in the entire university, had won countless academic awards, and represented the school in various international competitions. Her brain was sharper than anyone else’s, yet she remained humble and quiet. Despite being incredibly smart, she was never the popular type. To the other students, she was just an invisible nerd who always wore simple clothes and kept to herself. She chose to stay in the shadows, unnoticed and ordinary, unlike her best friend who commanded attention wherever she went. While Willow was gentle, careful, and always thought before she spoke, looking like a typical innocent student and a certified genius. Parker was the definition of bold and fierce. With her Gothic style and intimidating aura, she was the type of person who wouldn’t hesitate to speak her mind and hurt anyone who messed with her. Willow was weird, but Parker was definitely weirder. “So how’s life treating you now?” Parker asked, leaning back comfortably on her chair. “Your life is literally like a Colombian telenovela full of drama and chaos! By the way, where are you and your family staying right now?” she questioned curiously. Willow let out a heavy, tired sigh, looking down at her trembling hands. “We’re renting a small apartment near the university. We’re really struggling financially. Aunt Karen and Uncle Harold took almost everything, including our money,” she explained softly, biting her lower lip to hold back her tears. “But Mom doesn’t want me and my brother to stop schooling. She believes that if we finish our degrees, our lives will get better,” she stated firmly, though her voice was weak. “Yeah, your life really sucks right now,” Parker remarked bluntly, crossing her arms over her chest. “You’re such an angel, Willow, but look at what you’re going through. You should just go to heaven so you don’t have to experience hell anymore, because being here feels like you’re already being punished!” she joked darkly. “That’s why I’m asking you!” Willow said urgently, gripping her friend’s arm tightly. “Do you know any job openings? Even just part-time? I really need to work. I feel so sorry for Mom… She barely sleeps or eats just so I can finish college. I want to help her,” she pleaded desperately. Parker looked at her seriously, tapping her fingers on the table. “To be honest, finding a decent job these days is hard. But… I know something that could change your life. Something that would give you so much money, your mom wouldn’t have to work ever again,” she whispered mysteriously. Willow frowned, her eyes widening in confusion and slight fear. “Huh? What do you mean? Wait a second… Don’t tell me you’re involved in illegal stuff? Is that why your family is so rich?” she asked cautiously. “What the hell?!” Parker rolled her eyes dramatically, looking offended. “Is being slowpoke genetic in your family? Of course not! It’s totally legal, but it’s kind of… unusual,” she explained, waving her hand dismissively. “Unusual how? Just tell me already!” Willow urged, leaning forward in impatience. “You’re a genius, so you know about science stuff, right?” Parker smirked playfully. “It’s called… surrogacy,” she revealed slowly. “Ahh… okay— Wait, WHAT? Are you serious?!” Willow’s eyes almost popped out of their sockets, her face turning pale in shock. “When did I ever joke around?” Parker raised an eyebrow, looking unamused. “I didn’t know you could be this crazy, Parker!” Willow exclaimed, looking around nervously to make sure no one heard them. “That idea is terrifying! Do you even know what surrogacy means? You have to carry a child inside you for nine months! What if I die giving birth? And what would I tell my Mom?” she rambled, her voice shaking. “Calm down, will you?” Parker said calmly, leaning closer. “It’s not like it’s your own child, it’s for someone else. And because the pay is huge, they will make sure you are 100% safe and healthy. Who knows? The baby daddy might be a super-rich billionaire or a prince or something!” she teased with a wink. “Wait, you just said it’s someone else’s child!” Willow stammered, her heart beating fast against her chest. “And another thing… usually in surrogacy, there is a couple or both parents. But in this case… it is only a man. He is looking for the right person to carry his heir.” Willow looked at Parker with doubt in her eyes. “And you really think… I am the right one for that?” “Of course! You are the perfect one! Because you are really broke and you badly need money. You won’t run away because you know this is your only chance to save your family.” She laughed a little, but then she held Willow’s hand softly. “But seriously… I know you. You are responsible and honest. You will do your job well. That is why I chose you.” “But… how much exactly will I get if I agree to this?” she asked hesitantly. Parker smirked, enjoying her friend’s reaction. “One Hundred Million US Dollars,” she stated clearly, emphasizing every word. Willow’s jaw dropped, unable to speak for a moment. “One… One hundred million? Are you insane?!” she shouted in disbelief. “And that’s not all,” Parker added smoothly. “Since your body will go through changes, they will also send you an additional 20,000 thousand dollars every single month. Clearly, the people looking for this are extremely wealthy,” she explained, looking very proud. “Are you for real? How do you even know about this offer? Is it your family or your brother who needs this?” Willow asked, still shocked. “Not really,” Parker shrugged nonchalantly. “The hospital offering this belongs to my mother’s side of the family. My dad owns hotels, malls, and restaurants, but my mom’s side is into medical stuff,” she clarified. “So now you’re recruiting people for surrogacy as a sideline?” Willow asked incredulously. “No, this isn’t just any normal recruitment. This is special, and you are the perfect fit,” Parker said, her eyes turning serious. “You’re special, Willow. Different from others who might just abuse the opportunity. I know you’re responsible. That’s why we’re best friends even if you’re such a weirdo,” she said, patting Willow’s shoulder. ‘Weirdo? Me?’ Willow thought to herself, blinking her eyes in disbelief. ‘If being quiet and smart makes me weird, then what is she? Just hearing this crazy offer coming out of her mouth proves one thing... she is definitely way weirder than me!’ Willow was left speechless, her mind racing with thousands of conflicting thoughts. For a moment, she felt like a complete fool. She suddenly realized she didn't even know who the father would be. But then again... that was the whole point of surrogacy, wasn't it? She was just carrying the child, and she had no right nor need to know who the other party was. It was strictly business. But there was one thing she truly didn't know. She had no idea that the life growing inside her would be the future Alpha King. And little did she know... by accepting this fate, she had unknowingly made the most dangerous, powerful, and ruthless man in the world her greatest enemy.