Nora stood by the large windows of the Jameson estate, staring out into the night. The garden, bathed in soft moonlight, looked like something out of a fairy tale, a world so far removed from everything she had ever known.
The grandeur of the estate, the wealth, the promise of a life she had only dreamed of—it was all too much. But was it really the life she wanted? Or was she just grasping at a fleeting opportunity, blinded by the glimmer of a future that seemed almost too perfect to be true?
She pressed her fingers to her temples, trying to focus. But the words Kay had said kept echoing in her mind. We can give you everything. The money. The home. The life.
But it came at a cost. And the cost was much more than just carrying a child for someone else. The moment she agreed to the surrogacy, she would be tied to the Jameson family in a way that no amount of wealth or luxury could free her from. She would become a part of their world—a world she could never truly belong to.
And then, there was Mr. Duke Jameson.
She had only seen him briefly earlier, his tall, confident figure silhouetted in the doorway of the study, his dark eyes piercing through the shadows. Even now, the image of him lingered in her mind. He was striking, in a way that made it hard to look away. She had to admit, there was a strange magnetism about him, something that pulled her in despite herself.
But that was the problem. She had no business being attracted to him. He was married, and his wife had already made it clear what was expected of Nora. She wasn't just a surrogate—she was a pawn in a game that Nora wasn't even sure she understood.
Suddenly, the door behind her creaked open. Nora didn't turn, but she felt his presence before she heard his voice.
"Nora, are you alright?" Duke Jameson's voice was low, calm, but there was an edge to it, as if he was both curious and concerned.
Nora straightened up, her heart racing at the sound of his voice. She swallowed hard before responding, her back still to him. "I'm fine. Just thinking."
There was a pause before he spoke again, his tone softer. "I know this is overwhelming. But I want you to understand something. My wife and I are not trying to control your life. We're offering you a chance to change your future."
She finally turned to face him, and his gaze locked onto hers. His dark hair was slightly tousled, his expression unreadable, but there was a warmth in his eyes that made her question everything she thought she knew.
"I never asked for this," Nora said, her voice trembling slightly. "I never asked for any of this."
Duke stepped forward, his gaze intense. "I know. And I'm sorry for that. But Kay and I… we've been trying for years. This is our last option. And if you agree, it won't just change your life—it will change mine too."
Nora's breath caught. His words, his vulnerability, unsettled her. She had never seen him like this. All she knew of him was his polished exterior, his power, and his wealth. But now, for a brief moment, he seemed human—just like her.
"I'm not some… solution to your problems," she said, her voice steadier now. "I'm a person. I have dreams. I have a life to live. I'm not sure I can just give that up."
He nodded slowly, the weight of her words sinking in. "I understand. But sometimes, we make decisions that aren't easy. We don't always know where they'll lead us. But we have to make them anyway."
Nora's eyes darted to the floor, her mind racing. The temptation was there—the allure of money, security, and the life she had always dreamed of. But could she really give herself over to this? Could she allow herself to become part of their world, to carry their child, and to walk away when it was all over? Would she even be able to walk away?
She looked up again, meeting his gaze. "And what happens if I say no? What will you do then?"
His expression softened, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "If you say no, we'll respect your decision. We won't pressure you."
Nora's chest tightened, her emotions a whirlwind of confusion and fear. She had always been strong, always fought for what she wanted. But this—this was different. She wasn't just fighting for her future anymore. She was caught in a dangerous web, one that could change everything.
"I need time," she said quietly. "I need time to think."
Duke studied her for a long moment before nodding. "Of course. Take all the time you need. We're not going anywhere."
He turned to leave, but before he reached the door, he paused and looked back at her. "Just remember, Nora… some opportunities don't come twice."
And with that, he was gone, leaving her alone with her thoughts and the heavy decision that loomed ahead.