The Surrogate’s Secret

Yup

Aubrey's words trailed off as she moist her lips with her saliva before slamming her palm at the butt of Augustine. "We'll have dinner another time,”Aubrey cooed, flashing a sly smile at Augustine.

Before he could respond, she turned on her heel and sprinted towards the garage where her car was parked.

Augustine's voice was filled with disgust and anger as he turned to chase after Aubrey. “What the hell was that?” he snarled, his fists clenched in fury.

Charles, however, was quick to react, reaching out and pulling Augustine back with a firm hand. “Let her go,” he said, his voice calm and steady. “There's no point in chasing after her now. Let's just get out of here.”

‘Sigh!’

Augustine let out a heavy sigh, his chest rising and falling with the weight of his emotions. He tilted his head skyward, letting the cool night air fill his lungs.

He breathed in and out for some seconds before averting his gaze over to Charles. “Let's go home,” Augustine stated before opening the front door for Charles.

Charles bit his lower lips as he got seated, fastening his seatbelt around him.

Augustine made his way towards the other side of the car, opening the door before getting seated on the driver's seat.

Without uttering any words out of his mouth, he accelerated the car, driving out of the mansion until he finally arrived at the busy night road of the city.

“Are you alright?” Charles questioned, breaking the silence that had engulfed them for some minutes.

Without hesitation, Augustine shook his head sideways. “I am not.” He solemnly replied.

“H-huh?” Charles mumbled with an arched brow, a confused frown on his face.

He had always known Augustine as someone who wore his toughness like armor. He had never seen him so vulnerable, so shaken.

Augustine, the almighty, the untouchable, the man who had seemed indestructible for as long as Charles had known him, was sitting beside him in the car, his head bowed, his shoulders slumped.

He seemed small, insignificant, and painfully human.

It was a side of Augustine that Charles had never seen before, a side that both intrigued and frightened him.

Charles' voice was gentle, probing. “Why haven't you come out of the closet to your parents?” he asked, watching Augustine's face carefully.

‘Pfft!’

Augustine breathed out, gulping down a mouthful of saliva. “I always assumed that they knew about me being gay. They have countless times seen me with guys and…”

His words trailed off as he took in another deep breath. “Are you hungry?” He inquired, drastically changing the topic entirely.

Charles scoffed as he shook his head sideways, observing that Augustine had absurdly changed the topic. “I am famished but I’ll just make noodles at your mansion.” He stated before averting his gaze towards the car window, glancing outside the street.

Once more, the car ride became quiet until they both arrived at the mansion of Augustine.

Charles stepped down from the car which was after Augustine open the door for him.

Without uttering any words out of his mouth, Charles slipped off his shoes at the door, placing them on the slipper rack before reaching for a pair of soft house slippers. “Your fiancé is going to love this cake!” The cashier smiled warmly, her words lightly lisped as she rang up Charlotte's purchases.

With a soft nod, Charlotte warmly responds to the words of the cashier. “I hope he loves it.” She purred, carrying the box of cake in her hands.

Exiting the bakery, Charlotte drew in a deep breath, savoring the crisp night air as it caressed her face.

The warm breeze rustled the flowery white gown she wore, its hem dancing in time with the wind's gentle rhythm.

She breathed out while gazing at the night sky which was filled with stars. ‘Beautiful!’ Charlotte mumbled as she stretched her hands, hailing a cab.

Some minutes later, a cab pulled over by the side of the road and Charlotte quickly rushed over to the cab.

"Please, take me to Bhat Street," Charlotte requested, her voice soft and polite as she settled into the backseat of the cab.

The cab driver nodded his head before accelerating the car engine to Charlotte destination.

Half hour later, the cab driver maneuvered his vehicle into a neat parking spot at the entrance of a gated apartment building, marking Charlotte's arrival.

“Thanks for the ride.” Charlotte happily uttered, stepping down from the cab before paying the driver for his fare.

The driver flashed Charlotte a quick smile before slipping her payment into his pocket. “Have a wonderful evening, miss.” His voice was a warm baritone, rich with good wishes.

With a turn of the key and a revving of the engine, he drove away.

Watching the car disappear out of her sight, she took in a deep breath, averting her gaze back to the entranced gate.

Smiling gleefully, Charlotte stepped inside the compound, approaching the apartment door.

When she reached the front of the apartment, Charlotte halted.

She pulled out her phone from within her handbag and with a quick flick of the finger, she dialled the number of Jackson, known as her fiancé.

The phone rang, but Jackson didn’t pick up.

‘Could it be that he hasn’t gotten back from work?’ Charlotte inquired within herself as she once more dialled the number of Jackson.

Despite several calls, Jackson didn’t pick up.

‘I guess I’ll have to wait for him here until he gets back from work…’

Charlotte was unable to complete her phrase because her gaze suddenly fell on the entrance door which was slightly opened.

Could Jackson be asleep inside?

Jackson had a notorious habit of leaving his door ajar and he was also known for his love of sleep.

On countless occasions, Charlotte had advised him to be careful with the way he always leaves his door slightly closed.

Sigh!

A loud sigh rolled out of the lips of Charlotte as she pushed the door open, taking a step inside the apartment.

Stepping into the living room, Charlotte’s gaze roamed around, settling on a lone pair of red heels resting on the floor.

Her brow furrowed. ‘Did I leave these here?’ Charlotte probed within herself.

Charlotte inhaled as she advanced towards the bedroom, her eyes fixed on the partially open door.

She sighed at the sight of the open bedroom door, resigned to the idea that Jackson was likely fast asleep, neglecting to close it in his customary manner.

Charlotte placed her hands on the door knot and stepped inside the bedroom.

Her eyes swept across the bedroom floor, registering the trail of discarded clothing—a black blouse, a white undershirt, a black belt, a red tie, and a black suit—that seemed to lead towards the bed.

‘Why is Jackson's room so messed up-‘

Charlotte was unable to complete her phrase because she suddenly averted her gaze from the floor, over to the bed.

There…

Jackson and Selene were both having s*x.

Selene was above the body of Jackson, rocking her hips as her hands were placed on his shoulder.

‘Gasped!’

Charlotte’s breath hitched in her chest as her gaze snapped wide in shock, taking in the carnal scene unfolding before her.

Her surprise made her to become shocked with disbelief as she watched her fiancé’s with her best friend.

Jackson, the fiancé of Charlotte had his eyes closed and his hands were wrapped around the waist of Selene, a means of assisting her to go faster in her pace.

Charlotte’s eyes fixed on Selene’s half-naked body. She was on a red bra and her mini skirt was raised upwards to her stomach, while her black hair fell onto her back, clinging to her wet body.

‘What the hell is happening?’ Charlotte questioned herself with baffled breath.

She kept watching Jackson moan in pleasure, and all Charlotte could do was ask herself why.

‘Why the hell is this happening?’

She opened her mouth to speak up but no words were able to roll out of her quivering mouth.

And then, her knees began to give in because they were so weak just by watching the horrific scene.

Charlotte collapsed onto the ground with a thumb sound, her action drawing the attention of Jackson.

“CHARLOTTE!”

Both Jackson and Selene averted their gaze towards Charlotte as they exclaimed her name in surprise, their mouth gasping wide open.

Quickly, Selene stepped down from the body of Jackson as she drew her mini skirt downwards, to properly cover her body.

Jackson on the other hand scrambled to hide his exposed body from Charlotte’s stunned gaze.

With an urgent movement, he rolled off the bed and snatched the white bedsheet to wrap around his waist.

“Charlotte, what are you doing here?” Jackson questioned, rushing to grab his trousers from the floor.

“Jack- Jackson!”

Charlotte's voice crack as tears welled in her eyes, slowly cascading down her cheeks like raindrops.

She quickly carried herself upwards, leaving the cake on the floor as she clenched her fist, her eyes still wide open in surprise.

The unexpected words of Charlotte immediately made Selena smirk. "What is it with that stunned expression?" She inquired with a scoff.

Charlotte felt her legs getting extremely weak as she held her breath, averting her gaze toward Jackson, who was now in his trousers.

“Jacks… Jackson what…”

“Charlotte! It’s not what you think, okay.”

Quickly, Jackson cut Charlotte off from completing her phrase.

He buttoned his trouser, before making his way towards her as he extended his hand forward. "I... I wasn't expecting you to be here today." He stated with a warm voice. “Besides, when I called you earlier, you claimed that you wouldn’t be able to celebrate this year's birthday with me,” Jackson added.

Charlotte scoffed, fluttering her eyelashes as more tears flowed down from her eyes. She immediately felt as though a string had been threaded through her heart, pulling her down to the ground.

"I'm your fiance, Jackson. Why on earth would you betray me like this?"

The heart of Charlotte was scattered into pieces and all she could ask herself was ‘Why?’

‘Why did my best friend and fiance decide to betray me like this?'

Despite the questions that Charlotte asks herself, she still finds it hard to answer her question.

Selene smiled in delight, watching the horror on her stepsister's face.

Slowly, she strode towards Charlotte before halting right in front of her. "As your best friend, Charlotte, I advise that you get the hell out of here," Selena coldly spat in disgust. "Jackson and I have been seeing each other for some time now, and since you have now found out about our secret relationship, it's best if you quietly walk away."

Charlotte sniffled as more tears streamed down her face. ”I... I and Jackson have been engaged for over a year now…” she stammered, unable to complete her sentence.

‘Bang!’

Before Charlotte could complete her sentence, a heavy slap landed above her cheeks.

‘Bang!’

Charlotte gasped as she fluttered her eyelashes a few times, gradually placing her hands beside her cheek, lowering her gaze towards the ground, stunned by what her best friend had done to her.

She used the back of her hand to wipe her face, a forced smile suddenly appeared across her lips.

Selena on the other hand seemed delighted as she crossed her arms over her chest, wearing a sneering grin.

“Charlotte, now that my girlfriend has made you speechless, I want you out of my house this instant.” Jackson spat coldly.

‘Gasp!’

Once more, Charlotte couldn’t help herself but gasp in surprise, stunned by Jackson's words.

She arched her brows in confusion, trying to understand if what was happening to her was some sort of prank.

“This… this is a dream right?”

Charlotte sputtered as her mouth quivered while her heart began to beat rapidly.

Tears streamed down from her eyes, colliding with her already wet cheek and a string felt as if it was launched into her heart. “This… this is not a dream.” She stuttered once more, trying to wrap up the reality that was placed before her.

“Charlotte!” Selena yelled out the name of her bestie in disgust. “I and Jackson have been in love for two years now, so get your ass out of his house because obviously, what you are currently seeing is not a dream.” Selena brimmed.

She sounded so delighted that her words were intentionally hurting Charlotte.

“You heard her right. Get the hell out of here,” Jackson coldly uttered.

“How… How could…. How could you do this to me? How could you betray our love, our trust, our future? We… We've been together for five years, engaged for one. How could you throw all that away?”

“Shut up your filthy mouth Charlotte! Did you possibly think I am in love with you?” Jackson scoffed, in disgust. “I can never be with you, Charlotte. Your father was a wealthy man but his illness has made him so broke that he’s as good as death. I can’t be with someone who has no future.”

“You promised to… you promised to start up a family with me.” Charlotte stammered, her lips quivering because she was so scared to hear the hurtful words of Jackson.

“Did you think I would want to start a family with you? I mean, you want me to start a wretched family with you? How pathetic!” Jackson mocked, throwing a mouthful of saliva on Charlotte’s face.

“You…”

‘Why did his personality change all of a sudden?’

Charlotte's voice rose in anguish as she clutched his trouser, desperation colouring her words, “You said you loved me, Jackson! You promised… you promised to never hurt me so why are you doing this…”

Quickly, Selena grabbed Charlotte hand off from Jackson trouser. “Charlotte, you have been dating Jackson since you were nineteen and you are always talking about starting a family, but did you ever stop to think about the fact that you're broke? Do you think a man like Jackson wants a family with a woman like you?” Selena questioned with mockery tone.

“Why did… what did I do… we are best…”

All Charlotte could think of was ‘Why?’

She wanted to ask Selena the reason why she was dating Jackson. She wanted to remind Selena that they have been besties since their childhood and most importantly, Charlotte wanted to ask Selena

‘What she did do to deserve such betrayal’

Currently, Charlotte tried to speak, but no words were able to roll out of her mouth because the shock and heartbreak had rendered her speechless,

“Why are you still standing there like a hurt puppy? Either leave or I'll throw you out myself. You're pathetic, and you have no place here anymore.”

Before Charlotte could summon up the courage to respond to Jackson's words, Selena suddenly grabbed a fistful of Charlotte‘s hair and dragged her outside the house.

He slipped his feet into them, his movements precise and practiced.

With a heavy sigh, he made his way towards the kitchen which was demarcated from the sitting room by a big dining table.

“Do you want to eat?” Charles inquired out of courtesy.

Augustine shook his head sideways, taking his seat on the couch. “Just make something for yourself.” He started with a nonchalant tone.

Charles rolled his eyes, before opening the kitchen cupboard where he grabbed two packs of noodles and turned on the gas cooker.

He proceeded to make two packs of noodles and some minutes later, he dished the noodles into two deep plates. “Augustine, please can you come here?” Charles politely requested.

Augustine who was deep in thought was unable to respond to the words of Charles because he was contemplating about what had happened at his parent’s mansion.

“Augustine!” Charles yelled at the top of his lungs, calling out for Augustine.

Once more, he was met with no response.

Sigh!

Having no other option, Charles made his way towards where Augustus was seated and he grabbed his hands, pulling him over to the dining area. “Let’s eat.” He started with a firm voice.

Augustine sat down on the dining chair as he blankly glanced at the bowl of noodles.

Charles ignored Augustine, turning his attention to the food in front of him.

He scooped up generous portions, savoring each bite as if it were the most delicious thing he had ever tasted.

Augustine watched Charles in silence, his lips pressed into a thin line.

He was too lost in his own thoughts to notice the food sitting hot and untouched on his plate.

When Charles finished his meal, he stack his plate and utensils in the sink.

Making his way back to Augustine, Charles sighed, grabbing the palm of Augustine which he entwined with his. “I know this isn't the best time,” Charles purred, his voice low and level. “but you shouldn't have come out to your parents like that. It was stupid. You should have prepared them.”

Augustine's face twisted into a scowl as he frowned. “That was harsh.” He spat, fluttering his long eyelashes.

Charles nodded his head as he smiled warmly. “Do you prefer that I say something else?” He inquired playfully, but to his surprise, Augustine nodded his head.

Augustine caressed the hand of Charles which was entwined with his as he brought it closer to his lips, his gaze fixed on Charles.

Augustine's voice took on a playful, seductive edge. “How about you ask me for a kiss?” he suggested, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Charles blinked, caught off guard by the sudden change in tone.

A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “Fine,”he said, “would you please give me a kiss, my love?”