Chapter 68
Damian’s POV
Valerie’s eyes widened.
“Damian, I don’t know…”
“Hear me out,” I said. “It’s a viable option. We can still have a child, and you won’t have to go through the physical strain.”
Valerie’s face fell.
“But it’s not the same,” she whispered.
“I know,” I said gently. “But think about it. We can still be parents. We can still have a family.”
Valerie looked away, her eyes welling up.
“I need time to think,” she said.
I nodded.
“I understand.”
But time was a luxury we didn’t have.
My father’s will was clear: if I didn’t produce an heir within some months, the inheritance would go to charity.
I couldn’t let that happen.
“Valerie?”
“Yes?”
“We need to make a decision soon.”
Valerie’s gaze met mine.
“Yes, Babe. I know.”
The unspoken words hung between us.
Our future.
Our family.
Our legacy.
*********
Valerie’s POV
I forced a smile onto my face, trying to conceal my true emotions.
“Surrogacy?” I repeated, attempting to sound enthusiastic.
Damian’s eyes lit up. “Yes! It’s the perfect solution. We can still have a biological child, and you won’t have to go through the ordeal of pregnancy.”
I felt a knot in my stomach.
How could he be so casual about this?
Didn’t he understand what this meant for me?
But I couldn’t express my reservations.
Not now.
Not when Damian was so hopeful.
“It sounds… wonderful,” I lied.
Damian’s face relaxed, and he pulled me into a hug.
“I knew you’d see it my way,” he whispered.
I felt trapped. Trapped in a life that wasn’t mine.
Trapped in a decision that I didn’t want.
As Damian held me, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I was losing myself.
Who was I, really?
Was I just a vessel for Damian’s desires?
The thought sent a shiver down my spine.
I pushed it aside, focusing on the pretence.
For now, I had to keep up the facade.
“Let’s start researching,” I said, forcing a smile.
Damian beamed.
Together, we began browsing surrogacy clinics and agencies.
Every word felt like a betrayal. Every smile, a lie. But I couldn’t stop. Not yet.
********
I sat beside Damian in our living room, his laptop open in front of us. We were researching surrogacy clinics and agencies, trying to find the best option for us.
“I don’t know, Damian,” I said, feeling overwhelmed. “This all feels so… clinical.”
“I understand your concerns, Valerie,” Damian replied, “but we have to consider our options. We can’t give up on having a child.”
“I’m not giving up,” I said, frustration creeping into my voice. “I just wish there was another way.”
Damian’s expression softened. “I know, baby. Me too. But surrogacy is our best chance at having a biological child.”
I sighed, knowing he was right.
“Let’s contact Dr. Lee,” Damian suggested. “He’s our family doctor. Maybe he can help us find a surrogate.”
I nodded, and Damian picked up the phone.
“Hi, Dr. Lee,” Damian said. “We need your help. We’re considering surrogacy, and we don’t know where to start.”
Dr. Lee’s voice was reassuring on the other end of the line. “Don’t worry, Damian. I’ll guide you through the process. I know a few reputable agencies that can help you find a surrogate.”
“Thank you, Dr. Lee,” Damian said, relief evident in his voice.
“I’ll make some calls,” Dr. Lee continued. “But first, I need to ask: are you both prepared for the emotional and financial commitment of surrogacy?”
Damian looked at me, and I nodded.
“Yes, Doctor,” Damian said. “We’re ready.”
“Good,” Dr. Lee said. “I’ll be in touch soon.”
We waited anxiously for Dr. Lee’s call.
Three days passed.
Then, Damian’s phone rang.
“Dr. Lee,” he answered.
“Damian, it’s Dr. Lee,” the doctor said. “I have good news. I’ve found a surrogate mother who’s willing to carry your child.”
Damian’s eyes locked onto mine.
“That’s amazing, Dr. Lee,” Damian exclaimed.
“The next step is for you to donate your sperm,” Dr. Lee explained. “Can you come down to the hospital today?”
Damian nodded, even though Dr. Lee couldn’t see him.
“Yes, Doctor. I’ll be right there.”
“Great,” Dr. Lee said. “I’ll meet you at the hospital.”
Damian hung up the phone, his face filled with excitement.
“It’s happening, Valerie,” he said, pulling me into a hug. “We’re one step closer to having our child.”
I forced a smile, still struggling with the idea of surrogacy.
But for Damian’s sake, I pushed aside my doubts.
“Go,” I said, nudging him toward the door. “Don’t keep Dr. Lee waiting.”
Damian grinned.
“I’ll be back soon,” he promised.
As he left, I couldn’t shake off the feeling that our lives were about to change forever.
I walked over to the window, staring out at the world outside.
Surrogacy.
It was a word I never thought I’d associate with my life.
But now.
Now it was our reality.
I took a deep breath, trying to process my emotions.
Was I ready for this?
Could I truly accept a child carried by another woman?
The questions swirled in my mind.
But one thing was certain:
Damian wanted this.
And I wanted him happy.
I would do this. For him. For us.
The doorbell rang, breaking my reverie.
It was my best friend, Tracy.
“Hey, girl,” Tracy said, concern etched on her face. “How are you doing?”
I shrugged.
“Honestly?” I said. “I’m scared.”
Tracy nodded.
“That’s understandable,” she said. “But you’re strong, Valerie. You’ll get through this.”
I smiled, grateful for her support.
“Thanks, Tracy,” I said.
Tracy hugged me.
“You’re not alone,” she whispered.
And in that moment, I knew I could face whatever came next.
As Rachel left, I felt a sense of calm wash over me.
I realized that I wasn’t alone in this journey.
Damian and I were in this together.
And with Rachel’s support, I felt more confident.
I began to tidy up the living room, my mind wandering.
What would our child look like?
Would they have Damian’s bright blue eyes?
Or my curly brown hair?
The questions swirled in my mind.
But one thing was certain:
We were becoming parents.
The thought sent a thrill through me.
I couldn’t wait to hold our baby in my arms.
To look into their eyes.
To feel that unconditional love.
The door opened, and Damian walked in.
“Hey,” he said, smiling.
“How did it go?” I asked.
“Smoothly,” Damian replied.
“Dr. Lee said everything looks good.”
I nodded, feeling a sense of relief.
“We’re one step closer,” Damian said.
“To becoming parents,” I whispered.
Damian pulled me into a hug.
“Together,” he whispered.
And in that moment.
I knew everything would be okay.