My Pregnancy Contract With The Billionaire

Chapter 8

Cristine sat across from Andrei in his dimly lit study, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. She had spent the last few days attempting to adjust to the reality of her decision, and yet, as Andrei handed her the new contract, an uncomfortable knot tightened in her stomach.

“Thank you for meeting with me again, Cristine,” Andrei began, his tone calm yet formal. “Given the unique circumstances of this arrangement, I wanted to provide you with a clear outline of the terms before we move forward.”

Cristine accepted the document, her eyes scanning over the title page before she glanced up at him. His expression was unreadable, his usual warmth replaced by a reserved distance that made her feel as though she were being scrutinized. She flipped through the pages, noting the formal language and strict clauses. There was no room for ambiguity here—Andrei had made sure of it.

“If there’s anything you don’t understand or feel uncomfortable with, let’s discuss it now,” Andrei continued, his gaze fixed on her intently. “Transparency is important to me.”

Cristine took a deep breath, willing herself to stay calm as she began reading through the contract more thoroughly. The first clause outlined the mutual agreement, detailing that this arrangement was consensual and, as Andrei had assured her, that she wouldn’t be pressured into anything. But then, the following terms grew significantly more restrictive.

“To ensure confidentiality and privacy,” she read aloud, “the surrogate mother will reside in the client’s home for the duration of the pregnancy. She is not permitted to leave the property except when accompanied by designated personnel, and all medical check-ups and other necessities will be provided on-site.”

Cristine paused, processing the implications. Living under Andrei’s roof would mean sacrificing nearly every shred of her independence for the next nine months. The idea of being isolated from the outside world—and entirely under his watch—made her uneasy, but she kept reading.

“As a measure of security,” she continued, “the surrogate is not permitted to have contact with any men other than the client and designated personnel, nor is she allowed to maintain relationships outside the residence. Any visits from family or friends must be pre-approved by the client, with visits only occurring in the client’s presence.”

Andrei’s voice cut in, a soft murmur with an edge of authority. “This isn’t about controlling you, Cristine,” he explained. “It’s about ensuring stability. I don’t want any risks to the child or our agreement, which is why I’m setting these guidelines.”

Cristine’s gaze flickered up to meet his, but he was still unreadable, his face showing neither regret nor sympathy. She struggled to voice her thoughts without sounding confrontational. “I… I understand, but it’s just… I thought I would have more freedom during the pregnancy.”

“It’s in the best interest of everyone involved,” Andrei said, his tone final. “I want to make sure nothing threatens the stability of this arrangement.”

Cristine felt her pulse quicken but nodded, dropping her gaze back to the document. It was clear that any lingering illusions of her role here were unwelcome. As she read on, a particularly harsh clause caught her attention.

“Due to the nature of this agreement,” she continued in a quiet voice, “the surrogate is strictly prohibited from forming any emotional bond with either the client or the child. Once the child is born, the surrogate must sever all connections to both the client and the baby.”

She looked up at Andrei, who gave her an even, almost calculated stare. “That means, Cristine, there’s no lingering in the child’s life or attempting to establish a relationship. Once you’ve fulfilled your part of the agreement, you’ll leave, and that will be the end of our involvement.”

Cristine’s heart sank as she took in his words. She had accepted this role fully aware of its conditions, but hearing them spelled out so plainly, the gravity of the situation struck her anew. No matter how she felt over the next nine months, this child was never meant to be hers. The contract, and Andrei himself, were making that explicitly clear.

Andrei shifted in his chair, his gaze softening slightly as he seemed to notice her discomfort. “Cristine, I don’t mean to be harsh, but this is the only way I can guarantee that this arrangement remains professional. I need you to understand that these rules are in place for a reason.”

Cristine swallowed, feeling as though she were navigating a minefield. “I understand,” she managed, though her voice felt hollow. She looked back down at the contract, gathering her thoughts. This arrangement, while beneficial in the financial sense, would be a huge emotional sacrifice.

Andrei nodded, seeming satisfied. “Good. I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

The rest of the contract detailed logistical matters—medical responsibilities, terms of care, and Andrei’s financial commitments to ensure Cristine’s well-being. Though he was strict about many things, she couldn’t deny that he was thorough, ensuring that she would be given every support needed to carry the child safely.

After they finished reviewing the clauses, Andrei handed her a pen. “If you’re ready to proceed, you can sign here.”

Cristine’s hand trembled as she held the pen, staring down at the blank line that awaited her signature. Her mind raced through a thousand thoughts. But the memory of her grandmother’s hospital bills, the eviction notice, and her own desperation kept her hand steady. With a final, resolute sigh, she signed her name.

Andrei took the contract back, his gaze softening briefly before returning to its usual, impassive state. “Thank you, Cristine. I know this isn’t an easy choice, but I promise I’ll ensure your comfort and security during your stay.”

Cristine nodded, trying to push down the gnawing sense of isolation the contract had evoked. “Thank you… for the opportunity.”

Andrei simply gave a curt nod, gesturing for her to follow him. “I’ll show you where you’ll be staying. I’ve prepared a room for you, and the staff has been briefed on everything you might need.”

---

The room Andrei led her to was beautiful, though sterile and void of any personal touches. The walls were a soft gray, and the furnishings were elegant but minimal. A large bed stood against one wall, with a single nightstand and a small armchair by the window.

Cristine took in her new surroundings, feeling a mix of awe and apprehension. This room would be her world for the next nine months, a gilded cage with comforts but no freedom.

Andrei lingered in the doorway, observing her reaction with a keen eye. “The staff will bring you anything you require. Meals will be served three times a day, and any additional items you need can be arranged through the housemaid, Marian.”

Cristine nodded, offering a small, polite smile. “Thank you, Andrei.”

Andrei’s gaze remained fixed on her, a hint of something unreadable flickering across his features. “Remember, Cristine, I take these rules seriously. You’re here as part of our agreement, nothing more. I don’t want any misunderstandings or emotional attachments complicating things.”

She swallowed, feeling the weight of his words. “I understand.”

He lingered a moment longer, then nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him. Cristine stood in silence, listening to his footsteps recede down the hallway. The reality of her situation hit her with full force. This was her life now—closed off from the outside world, bound by Andrei’s strict rules, with only the promise of financial stability waiting at the end.

She sank onto the edge of the bed, clutching the contract that lay in her lap. Every choice she’d made led her here, to this lavish prison where she would carry a child for a man she barely knew and who had made it clear that their relationship was strictly transactional. The money, she reminded herself. This was all for the money.

And yet, a hollow ache settled in her chest. She had given up so much already, and now it felt as though she were giving up even more—her freedom, her independence, and the chance to experience this journey on her own terms.

---

The days that followed were a strange, surreal routine. Cristine awoke each morning to the soft chime of her alarm, followed by a quiet breakfast prepared by the housemaid. She was free to wander the mansion’s spacious corridors and gardens, but always under the watchful eye of either Marian or one of Andrei’s assigned personnel.

Conversations were brief, often perfunctory. She could ask for anything she needed—a book, a specific meal, even a walk in the garden—but every request had to be filtered through the staff. Each interaction served as a reminder of her restricted existence.

True to the contract, Andrei kept his distance. Their interactions were limited, mostly involving brief check-ins or passing comments. He remained professional and courteous but distant, reinforcing the boundaries he had set between them.

One evening, she found herself sitting by the window, staring out at the vast expanse of the garden. She couldn’t help but wonder about Andrei’s life beyond the walls of this mansion. His cold demeanor hinted at a painful past, but she knew better than to ask. She was here to fulfill a duty, not to get entangled in his secrets.

Days blurred into weeks, each passing moment a quiet reminder of the sacrifice she had made. The financial reward kept her going, a distant light at the end of a long, lonely tunnel. But there were moments, in the quiet solitude of her room, where she allowed herself to feel the weight of her decision, to acknowledge the bittersweet reality of carrying a life she could never claim as her own.

However, she knew, to be able to achieve the freedom again, she have to do her role, and that is to conceive soon with Andrei. And she's doing it tonight.