Chapter 5

                     ?PHOENIX?

Receiving $100,000 for maintenance expenses was mind-boggling. I swallowed hard as the money landed in my account. When I showed my sister, she couldn't contain her joy. The first thing I did was buy my dad a new car.

He was taken aback but I explained everything to him, though he was adamantly against it.

"No amount of money justifies sacrificing nine months and enduring childbirth," he argued.

"I understand your concerns, Dad, but we have to consider the financial opportunities it brings," I reasoned.

"We're content with what we have," he insisted, looking at me.

"Through stealing and gambling?" I retorted, and he fell silent.

"Perhaps you could use the car for a taxi service. Once I receive my full payment, I'll find you a better job. But for now, let's find a new place to rent," I suggested, lightening the mood.

"Thank you," my dad said, and I smiled. At least he didn't abandon us like my mom did.

"No, thank you," I replied, embracing him.

If I didn't tell you, Rome was furious that day, but it was somewhat satisfying to watch, knowing there was nothing he could do about it.

~FLASHBACK~

"I meant the other Phoenix, I specifically told you not the one that came late," Rome complained to his sister.

"You gave me her file, not the other lady," Camilla said, gesturing to me.

"I don't want her," he simply said, his gaze cold and unforgiving. His sister looked at me, then back at him, likely perplexed by his disdain.

"There's nothing we can do," Camilla explained.

"What do you mean?!" he asked, furrowing his brow in frustration.

"The procedure has already been done, we are waiting for the results," she clarified, causing Rome to groan in frustration.

His gaze turned to me, his glare intense enough to send shivers down my spine. If looks could kill, I'd be long gone. With a mumble, he walked away, his displeasure palpable.

Camilla approached me, offering an apologetic smile. "I am so sorry that happened," she said.

"No problem at all," I replied, masking my unease with a smile. She nodded, offering a sympathetic look, before walking away.

~PRESENT~

That was quite the turn of events, and I have to admit, it was amusing. Eventually, we signed a contract, and it was agreed that I would start living with him when the baby is four months old. I know it's going to be a tough time, but I'm ready for the challenge.

"You want ice cream again?" Beatrix asked, noticing my nod.

"Damn, no doubt that you're pregnant," she remarked, causing me to gasp.

"Seriously?" I asked, my eyes widening in surprise.

"Yes, you've been craving unnecessary things lately," she pointed out.

"That's not true," I protested, though her observation made me wonder.

"Then why are you on your fourth ice cream today?" she questioned, confirming her point. Wait! Fourth? I hadn't even realized.

"Yes," she confirmed. That realization hit me like a ton of bricks— I needed to take the pregnancy test.

"Should I take the test now?" I asked.

"Yes, when did the doctor tell you to take it?" Beatrix inquired, and I realized I'd forgotten. I remembered her saying... okay, I forgot.

"I don't remember," I admitted sheepishly, earning a deep sigh from Beatrix.

"Let's just go get the test," she suggested.

"Okay," I agreed.

We bought the test and returned home, feeling overwhelmed by the reality sinking in—I was actually going to carry a baby in my stomach. Arghhhhhh!!!

We read the instructions carefully before I finally entered the bathroom to take the test. Following the steps meticulously, I anxiously awaited the results. My heart raced as I glanced at the test after three minutes.

"Ahhhhhhh!" I screamed out loud, my smile wide and beaming with joy.

I could hardly contain my excitement about the news. I had to call Camilla right away, and she was thrilled too. She promised to take me to a doctor's appointment the next day.

The anticipation was overwhelming—I couldn't believe I was carrying a life inside of me. I never imagined I'd be pregnant before I turned 35.

The next morning, I woke up feeling great, a big smile plastered on my face. Today was the day of the doctor's appointment.

I dressed in a simple blue dress and styled my hair into a bun, eagerly awaiting Camilla's arrival to pick me up. However, my shock was palpable when she showed up with her brother in tow.

Why was he here?

"Is this where she lives?" Rome asked, his face twisted with disgust. Camilla shot him a glance before turning to me with an apologetic smile.

"I'm so sorry," she murmured.

"You can't keep living here while my baby is inside of you," Rome stated, advancing towards me.

"Well, the contract says otherwise," I retorted, rolling my eyes at his rude demeanor.

"I can change that if it's in the best interest of my child," he declared, scanning the surroundings with a critical eye.

"This place doesn't have good hygiene," he remarked, his expression dripping with disdain.

"We can sort this out later," Camilla interjected.

"No, it has to be sorted out now. The smell here is not even hygienic at all. I don't want this! Don't you know that there is something like a miscarriage?" he snapped, his irritation palpable.

I sighed deeply, struggling to contain my anger. As much as I wanted to unleash my frustration on him, I knew I couldn't. He was technically my boss, and I was carrying his child. But as soon as this child was born and I had my money in hand, I might just end up giving him a hot slap and a punch to the face.

"Okay, maybe an apartment will be rented for her closer to you," Camilla suggested, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Better," he grunted, striding towards the car.

"I'm so sorry, he's not normally like this," Camilla apologized, looking genuinely embarrassed.

"Don't worry, I'm used to people like this," I replied, forcing a fake smile.

"Thanks," she mumbled.

Arriving at the hospital, we met with the doctor who would conduct the urine test.

And it came back positive, as expected. I was given instructions on what to do and what to avoid. It felt like a rollercoaster, but all my anxiety melted away when Camilla calmed me down.

All Rome seemed to care about was whether the baby was healthy. Can you imagine Rome asked the doctor if staying in a lousy and dirty environment could harm the baby? Such a dramatic guy.

When I returned home, Rome was furious that I would be staying in my own house that night.

"She should stay at my house, not this..." he gestured towards my house with irritation evident in his tone. I couldn't help but laugh inwardly. Well, it's not his fault. He's rich, so...

"Tomorrow, please," Camilla interjected.

"Tomorrow is too far. What if something happens to the baby?" he asked, turning to Camilla.

Such a drama king.

"I thought you did surrogacy before. How much were you paid? And did they allow you to live in this..." He paused, then sighed. "At least it should be up to 1 million dollars," he concluded, looking at his sister, not me.

"Rome, we talked about this. Tomorrow, she will go to the new apartment. Agreed?" Camilla asked, looking at both me and Rome.

"Agreed," I said.

"As if you have a choice," Rome retorted, making me scoff.

"Rome," Camilla chided, giving me a stern look.

"Tomorrow, be there early, at six," Rome instructed, walking to his car.

"Sorry," Camilla said, running after him before he drove off.

Just nine months, and I won't have to deal with this prick anymore!

TBC