A Baby For The CEO

Your What?

Wow, what a day! I can hardly hold myself up the next day from how tired I am. Stress has taken its toll on me, and I feel like crumbling as I can't find a solution to my problems. Well, a solution that doesn't involve selling my soul to the devil. Yes, because after reading that damn contract, I can't define Ian Wolf as anything else.

Flashback.

"The following contract is confidential..."

I don't know how long I'm sitting in the only available spot in my apartment, the bed. All I know is that the more I read, the more I feel like kicking Ian Wolf.

"... An initial payment of ten thousand dollars will be made when the pregnancy is confirmed, eight thousand dollars in the seventh month..." I continue reading with disbelief. "When the surrogate mother has the baby and hands it over, she will be paid seventeen thousand dollars as compensation."

I sighed. "This man is willing to pay well."

"But not to buy your conscience," I scolded myself.

"The obligations of the surrogate; She must provide all information about her health status, especially hereditary, venereal, and mental illnesses, as well as all those suffered 'now and previously,' including illnesses of her relatives."

"Well, I think he knows more than I do." I shake my head and continue. "She must provide a certificate of criminal record, undergo a medical examination at the center chosen by the father, and follow all medical treatments, including assisted reproduction, at the chosen center. The surrogate must comply with all medical instructions and prescriptions, 'even regarding daily routine, diet, s****l relations, physical activity, and hygiene, among others,' as well as taking the prescribed medications and following all necessary treatments for the 'successful completion of the surrogacy program.'"

"Son of a b****," I blurted out without being able to help it.

And so I read each of the absurd clauses until I reach what I consider the most important one.

"She will not have, nor attempt to have, a relationship with the child," I read aloud. "She waives all rights as the legal mother of the child and will assist in all legal acts necessary to declare the father as the sole custodian."

I bit my lip and looked ahead. "Could I really do it?"

End of Flashback.

I know I would do it for the sake of science. But never to have a child in that way. "Well, technically it wouldn't be my child." I shook my head. I'm broke and have debts to pay off. And, they're the kind of debts that include my life. Because if I don't pay Jacob, he'll come for me.

I cursed and took a step back from the counter at the nursing home. "This is a good omen."

I looked to the side, and I was surprised to see the man from the incident yesterday.

Bratt.

He's carrying a bouquet of wildflowers.

"I'm in search of a beautiful woman I almost ran over yesterday."

I can't help it, I laugh at his words. He's really handsome. He hands me the flowers, and I take them while my coworkers look at us with curiosity.

"Tell me, Brooke, will you accept a coffee?"

"I... I'm working right now."

"She can go for one."

The words come from Luisa, my superior. I looked at her with wide eyes as I watched her walk away. Bratt smiles smugly.

"So, let's not say more. Shall we go for that coffee?"

We made our way to the café and sat a little away from everyone else.

"Well, I know you work here, your name is Brooke, and you're beautiful."

"I'm at a disadvantage here."

He looks at me with a lopsided smile. "I'm Bratt, I work in the family business, and I'm also fun. So we have something in common."

"Cheers to that," I scoff, raising my coffee.

"Tell me, Brooke, are you from here?"

I nod. And, we began a pleasant conversation. Bratt is funny and a natural charmer, but it feels good that someone is interested. It boosts my ego a bit and makes me forget the crap life I'm leading.

But like everything good in my life, the conversation ends too soon for my liking, but I feel good about accepting that coffee with someone like Bratt.

"I'd like to invite you to dinner, Brooke."

"I love the idea, but right now I don't think it's possible... I have a lot on my plate, and I need to solve some things first."

"Is there someone else?"

I shook my head. "No. Nothing like that."

He smiles satisfactorily. "Well, that's a win for me."

"Oh yeah?"

"Of course, because I thought for sure you already had a boyfriend."

I sigh.

"Right now, there's no one."

We exchange phone numbers, and he leaves with the promise of dinner.

"He's so handsome and classy."

Luisa whispers with complicity as she arrives from behind. I turned and gave her a knowing look.

"Bratt made me have a good time and forget about my life for a moment."

She furrows her brow. "I'm sorry everything's going wrong. You know you can stay with me while you get back on your feet."

"I know, and I appreciate it, but I don't want to be boxed in. Besides, you know I need to resolve my situation definitively. Half measures won't help."

"I understand. But you know!” She winks.

"Thanks," I mumbled with genuine gratitude.

As I leave work, I still feel the weight of my problems. So I decided to go for my Macchiato and lighten my burdens. I entered the nearest café and placed my order. After that, I opened my bag in search of the money to pay. At least I can afford my favorite coffee.

Inside, the folder with my information and the contract that Ian gave me mock me. It would be so easy...

"Don't lie to yourself, Brooke. I don't think going through a whole process would be easy."

However, I have some doubts about the contract, and there's only one person who can answer those doubts.

I pay for my coffee and decisively go to the only place I can. I'm not sure if I'm crazy or just very needy. But I'm seriously reconsidering accepting the unusual deal.

—

This time I enter without any problem, when the receptionist sees me, she just nods as a greeting.

So, I got up to the upper floor where Ian's office is. Everything around is just as I remember. Everyone is dressed in black and seems stiff. And they walk without making the slightest noise.

"It seems they're afraid of disturbing the boss."

When the doors opened on the corresponding floor, I advanced through it and didn't see the girl who greeted me the second time I came. So I go directly to Wolf's office.

I opened the door and came to a sudden stop upon seeing Ian sitting behind his desk, wearing a black three-piece suit. When his eyes land on me, he looks at me with a mix of nerves, surprise, and satisfaction.

Someone clears their throat, and that's when I realize he's not alone. With him is an older woman.

I think she's Mrs. Wolf, his mother.

"Good, you're here, dear."

Ian jumps up.

"Dear?"

In two strides, he's in front of me, and before I realize what he's planning, he wraps his arm around my waist and then plants his lips on mine. I widened my eyes in surprise.

I maintained my expression as he pulled away.

What the hell just happened?

"Look, mother, this is Brooke. The woman I'm dating."

The woman stands up and gives me a smile.

"She's your girlfriend, Ian?"

I looked from him to her, unable to connect my tongue to my brain, and started to shake my head when he nodded.

"Brooke is my girlfriend."

What the heck?!

Ian Wolf's POV.

"Sir, your mother is here."

Monica tells me through the intercom as the door to my office opens.

"Fine." My tone is dry before hanging up.

"Why do I have to announce myself?"

Her tone is serious, and she gave me a sharp look.

"Hello to you too, mother."

I stand up, and as always happens, I turn my cheek for her to kiss the side which didn’t have a scar. And as always happens, she gives me a disapproving look.

She takes a seat in front of me. "What brings your beautiful presence here?"

"Can't I visit my son?" She raises an eyebrow.

Sure, of course.

"We're neighbors."

"And yet I hardly ever see you."

I grimaced at her reproach. "I've been busy, and to be honest, I'm barely at home."

She gave me a serious look. "You keep me worried."

"I'm fine."

She looks at me with an expression that makes it clear she doesn't believe me, then she lets out a sorrowful sigh.

"Alright, I came here because tomorrow night there's dinner with your father and some guests. I want you to attend."

"Why?"

"Because you need to socialize and get back to your life." I raise an eyebrow. "I can understand what you mean. It's a damn ambush on your part."

"It's not going to happen, mother. I'm not going to subject myself to the scrutiny of those people, especially not their marriageable daughters." I straightened up. "I understand what you're planning; I'm not stupid."

"I don't consider you stupid, Ian Wolf. I just worry."

"Mom..."

"In fact, your father and I both do. Ian, you need to settle down and give us the assurance that our legacy will continue."

She still doesn't know that I'm already working on that. Just need to adjust a few details in case Miss Bennett resists.

"Ian, I'm serious. You're a man who can't be alone just because of an accident."

"Mother," I cut her off, "do you not see my appearance? Do you think the social butterflies in our circle will want to be with someone who looks like me?"

I know I'm cruel, but it's the reality.

"I still see you as handsome and good-looking." I roll my eyes. "I understand that Veronica hurt you deeply."

"And that's where my turning point is," I glance at her, "don't mention her."

"But..."

"In fact, I'm seeing someone."

I lied. It's the best way to get this topic off my back. But now I see that my mother might be a problem for my plans. I doubt she wants her grandchild to be a test-tube baby.

Damn it!

The door opens, and we both look towards it where Brooke Bennett is standing. Perfect, now this could get complicated. But if she's here, there's a reason, right? Where the hell is Monica?! This woman is starting to get on my nerves with her constant trips to the bathroom.

But, also, her sudden presence sparks an idea in my head. Without much thought, I jump out of my chair and approach her.

"Darling, it's good you're here."

She looks at me as if I've grown a second head. That's before I catch her off guard and plant my lips on hers. Her vanilla scent envelops me, and incredibly, I like it.

I feel her stiffen as I hold her by the waist. I know she's going to kill me, but it is what it is... For now.

When I pulled away from her, I saw she's surprised and pissed off by my audacity. My mother seals the deal with her question of whether Brooke is my girlfriend, and before Miss Bennett ruins my plans, I find myself nodding.

"Yes, Brooke is my girlfriend."

My mother doesn't know whether to be surprised or happy at my vile lie. Yes, I'm a piece of s**t. But as I always say. If there's no way, I'll make it. That's what I'm doing right now.

Brooke seems to snap out of her daze and looks at my mother.

"I... I didn't—" She stammers.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Selene."

She leans in and gives her two kisses. She seems happy?

I intervened.

"It's a surprise to see you here." Brooke tries to smile.

"I just finished my shift."

"What do you do, Brooke?" Mother asks with interest.

"Mom, Brooke is a nurse," I cleared my throat.

"Ah, yes! Now I remember. You're the nurse who took care of Ian in the hospital!"

"That's right, ma'am. And the same one Ian fired."

"I see," she murmurs.

She gives us a satisfied smile.

"Well, then you won't have any problem attending the dinner tomorrow night," she looks at Brooke, "with Brooke, of course."

"Of course," I repeat.

Shit!

"It was nice seeing you again, Brooke."

When she leaves us alone. I brace myself for the storm. She pushes me away.

"But, what the hell is wrong with you?!" She snaps in a shrill voice. "Your girlfriend? Seriously?"

Every word that comes out of her mouth oozes anger. I return to my seat.

"What do you want me to do?"

She crosses her arms. "I don't know, maybe tell your mother the damn truth."

"And what's the truth, according to you?"

"That you’re looking for a woman to give you a child without having to commit to her."

"No way."

"Yes, yes. Whatever you say."

"It's not just what I say, who do you think you are to treat people like this?"

"How?"

"As if we were mere pawns in your chess game."

She gestures with her arms.

"It's exactly the safest way to live, isn't it?"

I straighten my tie and look at her. "If you're here, it's because you considered my proposal." She looks hesitant. "Sit down, let's talk about your doubts."

"The doubts aren't medical," she says finally.

"I understand."

"I must say, that contract is the damnation of a soul," she spits out in an almost inaudible tone.

"No, it's not. It's a contract where the parties are clear about their commitments."

She clears her throat. "What I'm most curious about is the reason behind that decision."

"Why do I want a child?" She nods. "why wouldn't I?"

She tilts her head, and I can hear the gears turning in her head.

"To preserve my last name, my legacy, I think that's more than enough?"

She shakes her head with an almost sad smile. "No, Ian Wolf. A child should be held with the conviction that, when you hold them in your arms, you will love them and they will be the center of your life. That on bad days, they will be that light. When you feel like falling, they will be that motivation to try again."

She clears her throat when she sees me staring at her intently.

"Of course, I'll love him. He'll be my son. Not a stranger. Damn it! I'm not a monster, I can love my child."

"Sometimes people bring children into the world just to make them suffer."

I look at her closely, trying to decipher her emotions. And I'm almost sure she's saying that because of her worthless father.

I sigh and avoid making a grimace. I must play my cards right. Unexpectedly, the situation has changed. My mother believes this woman is my girlfriend, and if I want to carry out my purpose, no one can find out about this.

"Tell me something, Brooke, what would you say if I told you I could make your burden lighter? If I tell you I have the tools to make all your debts disappear."

"I know you have that power. I just have to sign the contract, right?"

"That's right, but I'm going to draft a different contract."

She frowns, and I know this could be beneficial for both of us or end in disaster, but I have no other choice. "You just have to sign it; well, that and another document."

"Another document?"

"Yes, our marriage certificate," I blurt out, and I see her pale, "tell me, Brooke, would you be my wife? At least until you have the baby."

She opens and closes her mouth a couple of times but doesn't make a sound.

"Don't answer me now, think about it tonight and tell me tomorrow after dinner."

"The dinner? Are you insane?"

"I know, but I need you to attend with me."

I see her thinking, so I don't give her much time.

"My driver will pick you up at two to take you to my house where you'll get ready."

"You're giving me orders again."

"I just want you to be comfortable at dinner."

"God, this is madness."

"It may be madness, but I haven't heard you say no."

She glares at me, and her blue eyes shoot daggers at me. "You're aware of my situation and you know that..."

"I know. And that's why I want to help you."

I won't tell her that I triggered all the events for all the gold in the world. Well, except for the robbery. But I hope they charge her the money and she feels cornered. It's my only option. The building landlord told Daniel that someone had broken into her apartment and taken all her things. But this woman is tough, and it's taking me twice as much to bend her and steer her towards my plans. Anyone could say to find another, but no. Brooke Bennett has become a personal challenge.

I see her grab her purse.

"I'll think about it," she finally says.

"You don't have much to think about."

When she leaves my office, I can't help but let a smile tug at my lips. I rub my face, and the smile dies. I shook my head.

"She doesn't know it yet, but she's already fallen."