Carrying The Billionaire’s Heir

Chapter 2 - The Decision

I spent the next few days thinking about my encounter with Hunter. I eventually re-read the contract, and it was indeed tempting. I knew it would make my father so happy if I did it, so I decided to consider it.

I was laying in my bed with nothing but an oversized T-shirt and a loose fitting pair of shorts. Next to me was my closest friend, Lily. Lily wore a floral dress and her brown hair was tied up in a neat bun. She sat at the edge of the small bed, with the contract in her hands, as she scanned it with her eyes.

“This is just wow” Lily echoed.

“I know” I replied.

“So are you going to do it?” She enquired.

“I don’t know” I sighed.

“I know it would make my father very happy, but it would not make me happy.” I added.

“The benefits are so hard to resist. If you don’t do it, I will.” She teased.

“But they want you.” She added.

“I don’t think I can bring myself to do it, Lily.” I said, “It would hurt so much.”

“I love him” I said with pain in my voice.

“I know you do, but think about your struggling father. Do it for him. It’s going to be 9 short months of pain in exchange for a lifetime of financial freedom, I think it’s worth it.” Lily asserted.

“You’re right” I sighed “I hope this is the fastest 9 months of my life”

“You’re going to get so fat.” Lily teased.

“God no!” I dramatically wailed as I softly threw a pillow at her.

“But seriously, you can do this. You’re a strong woman.” Lily assured me.

*******

It was a week after Hunter’s initial visit, and I knew he would come back to the bakery for my response. I had spoken to my father about it and as expected, he was so elated to hear that I was going to sign the contract.

I paid extra care to my appearance this morning, I washed my hair twice and even shaved my legs. I wanted to look good for Hunter, since I would be carrying his baby.

Not so long after we opened the shop for the day, a black tinted SUV parked in front of the bakery and Hunter came out with another man in a black suit trailing behind him. My heart did a somersault in my chest when I saw him, and the butterflies in my tummy invited all their friends and family.

Hunter walked into our bakery with finesse as he did last week, wearing a black waist coat over his neatly ironed white shirt and suit pants. The scent of his cologne wafted through the entire store. Class and wealth radiated from him.

“Good morning, Mr. Johnson” Hunter greeted my father as he entered the building.

“Good morning, Hunter” My father greeted back with a broad smile “Come in, Zoe is over there” He said pointing in my direction.

“Thank you” Hunter said as he walked in my direction

Hunter’s eyes met mine, sharp and calculating but softened by a hint of something unreadable. He walked over with measured steps, closing the distance between us until he was standing just a few feet away. The polished shine of his shoes clicked softly on the bakery’s wooden floor, and the subtle power in his presence was undeniable.

“So,” Hunter said, his voice smooth and steady, “have you made your decision?”

I swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the moment. I nodded slowly, trying to steady my voice. “Yes, I’m going to sign the contract.”

A flicker of approval passed through his eyes, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Wise choice,” he said. “This will change everything for you and your family.”

My father’s smile grew wider as he gently approached us, with hope in his eyes. “You don’t know how much this means to us,” he said facing Hunter, his voice thick with emotion.

Hunter smiled and handed me a sleek, leather-bound folder. Inside was a fresh copy of the contract and a pen glinting under the bakery’s warm lights.

“Shall we proceed?” Hunter asked, his gaze locking onto mine as he ushered me to sit by a table.

I hesitated for a moment, the reality of what I was about to do crashing down on me. But then, I thought of my father’s struggles, the endless nights of worry, the sacrifices he’d made. I thought of Lily’s encouragement and the future I could help build.

I took a deep breath and reached out for the pen.

“Let’s do this.” I said.

Hunter handed me the pen, his fingers brushing mine briefly, sending an unexpected jolt through my body. I signed my name with a steady hand, the ink sealing a pact that would forever change the course of my life.

As I handed the contract back to Hunter, he gave me a reassuring nod.

I glanced at my father, then back to Hunter, feeling a strange mix of hope and fear swirling inside me.

The bakery bell chimed as a customer walked in, breaking the moment.

Hunter smiled once more, glanced at his watch, and said, “I’ll be in touch with the next steps.”

With that, he turned and strode out with his staff following behind him.

“You’re going to be okay” My father said as he squeezed my hand gently before going to attend to our customer.

I wasn’t so sure. But I had made my choice. Now, I had to live with it.

***********

The rest of the day passed in a blur. My hands moved subconsciously as I kneaded dough and arranged pastries, but my mind was elsewhere.

That night, I found myself alone in my small bedroom again. The contract lay folded neatly on my desk, as a silent reminder of the path I had chosen.

The next morning, Lily came in, with two cups of chamomile tea in her hands, and sat beside me on the bed.

“How are you feeling?” she asked softly.

“Scared,” I admitted. “I keep thinking about what this will really mean. And Hunter. What will he be like during all of this?”

Lily nodded thoughtfully.

“I feel so vulnerable,” I said.

She squeezed my hand gently. “You won’t be alone. I’ll be right here with you.”

I smiled, grateful for her friendship. “Thank you, Lily.”

Just then, my phone buzzed with a message from an unknown number. I hesitated before opening it.

‘Tomorrow at noon. The clinic. Be ready. xx Hunter’

My heart skipped a beat. The journey was beginning sooner than I expected.

I glanced at Lily, who gave me a curious look.

“That was a text from Hunter. He says I should meet him at the clinic tomorrow” I said, biting my lower lip.

“Tomorrow,” I whispered to myself, “a new chapter starts. No turning back now.”

Before the day was over, I received another text from Hunter. It was the address to the clinic. The thought of everything sent shivers down my spine.