THE PRINCE'S SURROGATE

episode 2

Emily's Pov

I usually liked messages that come with hope, but I had already lost hope about getting a call and afterward a text from Navillo royal family.

I nod my head, staring at the letter slowly which felt like a long-lost dream "This is a good thing " I thought to myself. My hands shake still unable to get myself together and finally place my cell phone on the counter.

Not the kind of good I thought but I had to make a sacrifice for the good of all with a good result.

"Emily? "

I looked up and realized that my colleague at work was looking at me strangely . "yeah". I replied

"Are you all right "? he said eyeing me with a look of concern

"Yeah "

"Yeah" he repeated with a look of concern.

Edward and I have worked closely for 2 years since I dropped out of school and he had been a warm and welcoming colleague. He knew a little about me and my other jobs.

Thinking about jobs, a few months ago I had almost finished but I had to drop out of school to help the family with my dad's illness.

In the last heart attack, my mom didn't tell me until he was out of danger but it didn't make me feel better because I felt sick to my stomach. My mom had to work hard to bring income and pay for bills and it was much to pay for anything. and the hospital bill was piling up including the house bill. My sisters were in their sophomore and when my mom was out for work they took turns staying with my Dad.

I was supposed to be the successful one and bring them out of their mystery. Luckily I was able to get 2 jobs to shuttle through but it is still not worthwhile.

At 24 all I could do was just weep and feel sorry for myself My phone begins to ring and brought me out of my thought.

"Hello" I answered quickly

"It's jane ". My best friend in college

"Oh," I said with relief king it was my mom, I almost forgot we planned on going for lunch during my break time

" I'm so sorry, I'll be right there with you " trying to search for my purse.

"It's okay, I'm outside, take your time".

Jane has been my only friend since we moved from the palace and we even went to college together until recently. we are always together and they mistake us for sisters.

"Hey" I smiled as she droved off.

"Have you been waiting for long? " I asked

"Not, is everything okay," she asked sounding worried.

"No, let's talk about it over lunch "

We got to our favorite restaurant, picquet place.

"How is dad " ? she asked after we ordered.

"Hmm," I sighed. At the same, I asked mom to stop work to be able to take care of him better. I got a call from Albendo hospital and the Navillo royal family".

She gave me a weird look not being able to grab it.

"Isn't Albendo hospital a surrogacy and for sperm donors."

I nodded " I'm scared, I thought about it a lot before opting in when the Navillo family didn't respond to my messages and I was desperate . This is crazy, I have never had a child before not even s*x ". I hissed at her, the truth finally dawned on me.

"Okay, it's fine " trying to reassure me.

"Emily this is a big decision are you sure about it ".

"Yes, this is the best for all of us. my dad needs the money " I blurted out.

"Yes, but you have to be ready for this, mentally, and physically You have to go through all kinds of tests and get pregnant. Are you really to let go of your child when it's born ".

"I don't want a baby," I said without thinking about it deeply.

She gave me a worried look " You have to be ready sure about this ".

"My only choice is to follow the next step which is why the hospital called me . I'm sure about this".

We parted ways and I went back to my next shift. I thought about what jane and I discussed all day till it was time to go home. My shift for the day was over.

I thought about what jane and I spoke about till the day was gone and my shift ended.

My mother Margaret had been a housekeeper while my father Paulo had been a gardener and lived in accommodation provided by their employer. Nobody in my family had owned a house nor even earned a university degree and my father had been bemused when their daughter had chosen to continue her education and had to beat all odds, which my father had been proud of.

Their lives were going okay, they even quit their job to give their children a better life with the money they earned. until my father had an attack and was hospitalized.

Bolstered by those more positive thoughts, she had to go to bed early she had a 10 o'clock appointment tomorrow morning with Castillo Navillo.

In desperation, I had written to their former employer pleading for help. Castillo was a kind man and generous to a fault, I had not expected to receive a reply, the letter had been a product of a sleepless night. stuffing my phone into my bag.

"My day went well ". Margaret announced "I went for a walk after my time with your father "

"That sounds lovely," I said, bending to place a kiss on her cheek.

"How is dad? I asked since I had been too busy to visit.

"He is doing fine and misses you too"

"Hungry? I prompted

"Not really," Margaret said

"I'll make a lovely salad and you can do your best with it ".Trying to encourage her to eat even though she didn't.

"Grace went for a sleepover at Clodagh's place ".

"How was work?" she asked

"It was fine " I answered

While we eat, I told her about my work and jane coming over to brighten her face she enjoyed seeing her mother smile it's been ages since her dad's illness.

I was mentally thinking through my tiny wardrobe to select a suitable outfit for tomorrow's appointment with Castillo Navillo. We sold all our belongings and had just little to sustain ourselves.

"Are you doing okay Em"? She asked

"Yes mama " Reassuring her. I couldn't tell her what I wanted to do and how it bothers me to keep secrets from her.

"Tell jane to come here, on your off days too she can't keep coming to see you at work".

"Yes, mum" I smiled. She had always known how to keep her mind set on something.

Going through my wardrobe, All I Had was a black pencil skirt and jeans, shorts and a few tops. I learned to be grateful for the uniform I wore at both jobs because it meant I could get by with a few garments. I couldn't mention the call I had from the palace because I hadn't expected anything to come from it. In the same way, I hadn't accepted getting a call from the hospital.

I thought to myself before finally being able to sleep that evening I had to bring out my phone to be sure I received a text afterward.

Early the next morning, fearful of arriving late I crossed London by public transport and arrived outside the townhouse. I was surprised by the size and exclusive location of the house.

I recalled that Castillo was kinder and gracious to his staff than the queen. Remembering his warm smile even if she was just a housekeeper's daughter. Unlike his son who was a snob and had never rated people according to their social and financial status.

A woman who spoke little English ushered Me into a hall furnished with antiques and mirrors. scanning my surroundings and feeling like an interloper.

Another door opened which looked like a home office a man sprung up from behind the wooden desk.

I was aghast by the recognition, I froze on the threshold of the old room and stared in dismay, the blood leaving my body as though someone cruel had stabbed a needle into my very flesh and deflated me like a balloon. But lo and behold it was Rodriguez, not his father and that was .....my worst nightmare.