Why do you sit on the sidewalk, drawing as if nothing else matters? She shrugged, avoiding his gaze. What else is there to do? I have nowhere to go. I lost everything.
But that’s none of your business. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. Right, I’ll get straight to the point.
I want to make you an offer. Something that can change your life. Her eyes narrowed.
And what would that be? I want you to have a child for me. Layla blinked, as if she hadn’t heard correctly. You’re joking, right? No, it’s a serious offer.
I’ll cover all your expenses, give you full support during the pregnancy, and in the end, you’ll get an amount that will ensure you never have to worry about money again. She let out a nervous laugh, crossing her arms. This is a joke, right? What kind of man makes such an offer to a stranger? The kind of man who knows what he wants and doesn’t waste time.
I don’t want a relationship, Layla. I don’t want emotional drama. Just a child.
Simple as that. Layla stared at Henry as if he had lost his mind. His words echoed in her mind.
I want you to have my child. As much as she wanted to dismiss his proposal as absurd, something in Henry’s gaze told her he was absolutely serious. His cold logic hit her hard, leaving her torn between her dignity and the harsh reality of her life.
This is madness, Layla finally broke the silence. No woman in her right mind would agree to something like this. Henry didn’t look away, maintaining the calculated posture that came so naturally to him.
No woman in your position would refuse, he replied bluntly. I’m offering you a way out, comfort, stability, and a new life in exchange for something you already have, the ability to bear a child. Layla crossed her arms, trying to maintain a facade of resistance, but deep down, she knew he was right.
She was in a situation where every day was a struggle to survive. Even so, the idea of giving up something so personal for money made her stomach churn. And then what? She asked, her voice heavy with skepticism.
What happens after the baby is born? Henry relaxed slightly in his chair, as if he had anticipated the question. After the baby is born, you’ll receive a substantial sum to start your life over. No strings attached, you’ll be free to do whatever you want.
No strings attached? She let out a humorless laugh. And how do I know you won’t change your mind and drag me into court later? He studied her carefully before answering. Layla, I’m a businessman.
I don’t enter into agreements without ensuring all parties benefit. You’ll have a legally binding contract. Neither of us will be able to change the terms afterward.
Now, let’s have a little fun with those who only read the comments. Type milkshake in the comments, only those who’ve read this far will understand. Now, back to the story.
Layla fell silent, absorbing his words. The promise of security, even if temporary, was tempting. She had nothing now, not even a place to sleep that night.
But she also knew she was on the verge of making a life-altering decision. And what if I say no? She challenged, leaning slightly forward. Henry gave a faint smile.
Then you go back to the streets you keep scraping by, facing the cold and the hunger. The choice is yours. His words landed like a blow.
She wanted to hate him for being so blunt. But she hated even more the truth in them. He had backed her into a corner, and she knew it.
But there was one more thing she needed to ask. Why are you doing this? She demanded. A man like you, with all your money, why not adopt a child? Or find one of those wealthy women who love showing off their perfect kids? Henry took a deep breath before answering, his tone more serious than before.
Because I want something that’s mine. An heir of my own blood. And because adopting or getting involved with someone in my social circle brings complications I’m not willing to deal with.
I want control, Layla. Nothing more. Nothing less.
The coldness in his words made her look away, unsettled. She knew he was being honest, which only made her feel more vulnerable. I need time to think, she said finally, trying to regain some control over the situation.
Henry nodded as if he had expected this response. You have 24 hours. After that, don’t bother contacting me.
He stood up and walked toward the door without another word. Layla watched as he disappeared, feeling as though she was being pulled into a whirlwind she might never escape. Walking through the streets, Layla’s thoughts raced.
Henry’s words echoed in her mind. Comfort. Stability.
A new life. She knew all too well what it meant to have nothing. The biting cold of the night stung her skin, a reminder that tomorrow would bring the same struggles.
The fight for food. The constant fear. And the humiliation of being invisible to the world.
She sat on a park bench, staring at the overcast sky. Her mother used to say that opportunities only knock once, and it’s up to you to decide whether to seize them or let them slip away. But at what cost, she wondered.
Having a child, even as part of a deal, was a monumental decision. But what if it was her only chance to escape the endless cycle of misery? Meanwhile, Henry sat in his living room, reviewing a contract his lawyers had meticulously prepared. He hated waiting, but he knew Layla didn’t have many options.
Regardless, he had already calculated the risks. If she declined, he’d move on to someone else. Simple as that.
The sound of the intercom interrupted his thoughts. He picked up, hearing his receptionist’s voice inform him that Layla had arrived. Send her up, he replied, his tone neutral.
Minutes later, the door opened and Layla walked in. Her eyes were tired but determined. I accept, she said bluntly, before Henry could say anything.
He stood up, observing her carefully. There was no hesitation in her expression, just a firm decision. Great, let’s make this official.
He motioned for her to sit while he picked up the contract from the table. Layla looked at the document, reading the terms carefully. The conditions were clear.
She would be taken care of throughout the pregnancy, with all her expenses paid, and in the end, she would receive a significant amount to restart her life. In return, she would give up any rights to the child. This seems… final, she murmured as she read.
That’s exactly what I want. Henry replied, And I hope it’s what you want too. Layla took a deep breath and after a moment of hesitation, picked up the pen.
With a quick motion, she signed her name, sealing the agreement that would change their lives forever. The signing of the contract sealed more than just a deal. It marked a new phase in Layla Parker’s life.
That same day, she was escorted by Stephanie, Henry’s assistant, to a black car waiting at the building’s entrance. As she looked out the car window, the city, which had once felt overwhelming, now seemed to offer something different, a chance to start over. Layla didn’t speak much during the ride to Henry’s mansion, but Stephanie tried to break the silence.