Carrying The Billionaire’s Heir

"I need an heir from you" Were the strange words that left the lips of Hunter Valenti on this warm summer morning, as he stood in my father's crummy old bakery store. His scent filled the entire shop as he sat in a wooden chair opposite me, his hands placed firmly on the table between us. "I don't understand" I said, feigning confusion. "It's simple" He started, looking me dead in the eye but with a subtle plea in his eyes "I need an heir, but without the complexities of finding a wife." "Okay? But why me?" I asked hurt. It was clear that he only saw me as a poor girl who he could ask to do crazy favors like this— that would change the trajectory of my life. He could never ask any of his rich friends something like this. “This is a very delicate contract, there are rules guiding who can bear the heir of a reputable family like mine. It has to be someone I can trust, and who is better to trust than a childhood friend?" Hunter explained. "Hunter, this is all too much for me to process" I said looking anywhere but at him. Hunter and I hadn't spoken in years, and all of a sudden, he shows up to my father’s bakery asking a favor this big? "I understand, but I assure you there are benefits. Not just for you, but for your family too" He started. "I've spoken to your father and he has given me the permission to ask you this, in case you're worried about what he'd think." He continued. "I don't-" I began but got interrupted by Hunter. "You don't have to say anything now. Go through this contract with your father" He said handing me a brown envelope. "I’ll be back in a week for your response. It was lovely to see you again." He said as he grabbed my right hand and kissed it gently before walking away. He stopped before the door and talked to my father as they exchanged pleasantries and smiles, then Hunter dipped his hand in his pocket and handed my father what looked like a lot of cash. My father smiled so brightly from ear to ear as he thanked Hunter, then he sent Hunter off with a box of fresh donuts I knew Hunter would not even taste. I sighed as I used my hands to rub my head. I tossed the envelope on the table and just stared at it as multiple thoughts flooded my mind. I felt small. "Aren't you going to read it pumpkin?" My father said sweetly as he sat in the chair Hunter had just left, still beaming with joy from his interaction with Hunter. I smiled dryly trying to hide my hurt but I wasn't doing such a good job. My father and I live alone and although he thinks he can be subtle, he cannot. I knew about this contract weeks before now, and I had anticipated Hunter's visit. It all started one quiet morning while I was cleaning my father's room, I came across a strange document that I assumed to be a bill or more debt. But to my greatest surprise, it was a surrogacy contract. I read it all and immediately knew it was for me—but I pretended I knew nothing. I won't lie, the benefits are amazing, they're enough to put my father and I out of poverty for good. So I’m not surprised that my father jumped at the idea of selling his daughter off to be a surrogate for a billionaire. “I don't want to read it yet. I'm still trying to process this information." I lied to my father with a very shallow smile. I used to love Hunter back in high school, maybe I still do and that's why it hurts so much. I never thought I would ever bag him, that would be too delusional. But this is a whole new level of belittlement and I hate it. It’s a reminder that Hunter and I are on two different levels, and I will always be beneath him. I’ve always known my place. I mean, I only managed to get into Hunter's private high school on a scholarship, my father could have never afforded a school like that. "Don't be so gloomy, pumpkin. This is a good thing. The Valenti family considers you worthy to bear the next heir." My father said, radiating with joy. "Worthy?" I repeated with disgust. "I considered Hunter my friend, silly me though” I added, unable to hide my hurt any longer. “He is your friend Zoe, and that's why he's giving you this great honor" My father said, placing his right hand on my shoulder, as though to reassure me. I almost laughed out of pity for myself and for my father. No wealthy father would let his daughter become a baby machine for another man, but my father had no choice when Hunter had promised to clear all our debt. “No dad, that’s not what this is" I said. “Maybe the contract will change your mind." He said as he picked up the envelope and pretended to read it for the first time. "Lifetime Comprehensive Healthcare Access. Wow!" He started and I started to smile, he probably thought I was mesmerized by the benefits but that wasn't it. I was smiling because it was funny seeing him pretend to be reading the contract for the very first time. He wasn’t a very good actor. “Educational Security for the Surrogate's Child/Children. This is good." He continued. “Premium Residence during Pregnancy. I like this." "Infrastructure Upgrade Investment in the Surrogate’s Family Business. This is nice.” “$500,000 Cash Compensation. Tempting” “Financial Debt Clearance for Surrogate's Family. This is the icing on the cake." My dad said, smiling contagiously. I understood why he was so happy. We accumulated a lot of debt during my mum's cancer treatment but sadly she didn't survive. I understand this would lift a huge burden off my father, but it’s still a hard decision to make. “And there’s even more benefits, just read it whenever you’re ready. This is a good thing, pumpkin” My dad said as he kissed me on the forehead before leaving to attend to a customer.