My Pregnancy Contract With The Billionaire

Chapter 7

Cristine sat in Vanessa's car, watching the buildings pass by in a blur. Her stomach twisted in nervous anticipation as they headed to the agency. The past few days had been a whirlwind, and it felt surreal that she was actually moving forward with this plan. Yet, her doubts and fears remained, clinging to her heart with every step she took further into this commitment.

"This agency is reputable," Vanessa assured her as they pulled up to a sleek glass building in the heart of the city. "They specialize in surrogacy and have helped countless families. You're in good hands here."

Cristine nodded, though her fingers fidgeted with the strap of her bag. Vanessa gave her a gentle smile, sensing her unease. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be," Cristine replied, taking a deep breath as she followed Vanessa into the building.

The lobby was spacious and tastefully decorated, with calming tones and artwork that gave the place a welcoming feel. They approached the reception desk, and Vanessa introduced Cristine, explaining that she was here for a surrogate meeting. A warm and professional woman greeted them, leading them to a private consultation room where they could wait for the agency representative.

After a few minutes, a woman in a crisp suit entered, her demeanor professional but friendly. "Hello, Cristine. My name is Ms. Harper, and I'm here to walk you through the next steps in your surrogacy journey."

Cristine offered a polite smile, trying to relax. Ms. Harper took a seat across from her, placing a folder on the table. She began by explaining the process in detail, going over the medical procedures, the legalities, and what Cristine could expect during her time as a surrogate.

Everything seemed straightforward—until Ms. Harper's expression changed. She cleared her throat, glancing briefly at Vanessa, who nodded slightly as if giving her silent permission to continue.

"There's something specific about this arrangement that we need to discuss, Cristine," Ms. Harper began, folding her hands together. "Typically, the clients prefer to maintain privacy and anonymity throughout the process. However, in this case, the client has expressed a desire to meet you in person."

Cristine's eyes widened, and she looked at Vanessa, who gave her an encouraging smile. She hadn't expected to actually meet the person she'd be helping; she'd assumed this would be done without direct contact.

"Meeting... me?" Cristine echoed, a hint of uncertainty in her voice. "Is that... normal?"

Ms. Harper nodded gently. "It's not unheard of, but it is unusual. Usually, we facilitate surrogacies where the clients maintain anonymity to ensure privacy. However, this client has specifically requested a meeting."

Cristine bit her lip, trying to process this unexpected development. A small part of her felt curious—who was this person willing to go to such lengths for a family? And why had he singled her out as "the perfect match"?

"As you know," Ms. Harper continued, "in most cases, we use assisted reproductive technology. But in this particular arrangement, the client has requested that the process be... natural."

Cristine blinked, her mind racing as she absorbed the implications. Natural. That meant... without any medical intervention.

She felt her pulse quicken. This wasn't what she had envisioned when she agreed to the surrogacy. She thought she'd undergo a procedure, sign the papers, and carry the child without ever truly knowing the people involved. But this... this was something else entirely.

Vanessa reached across the table, placing a reassuring hand on Cristine's arm. "I know this is surprising, Cristine, but there are cases like this. Some clients believe that a natural process creates a stronger bond or trust in the process."

Cristine felt torn, grappling with the reality of what she'd signed up for. But she also knew that she needed this opportunity—desperately.

Ms. Harper continued, "The client would like to meet you and discuss this further. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions, and he will explain his reasoning personally. If you're not comfortable, there are other options, but he was very specific in choosing you."

Cristine swallowed hard, her heart pounding as she considered her options. She glanced at Vanessa, searching for guidance. Vanessa gave her a gentle smile.

"It's entirely up to you, Cristine. But I think meeting him might give you the clarity you need to make a decision," Vanessa said softly.

After a long moment, Cristine nodded. "Alright. I'll meet him." besides, she can't return the down p*****t she got after signing the contract.

---

The following day, Cristine found herself in a quiet, upscale cafe, nervously waiting for the man who would soon be a defining part of her life, albeit in an unusual way. She hadn't slept well, tossing and turning as she mulled over the potential consequences of what she was about to do.

The bell over the door chimed, and she looked up to see a tall man in a tailored suit entering the cafe. He had an air of quiet confidence, his dark hair neatly combed, and his gaze intense yet softened by an undercurrent of emotion. He noticed her and approached, extending a hand.

"Cristine, I'm Andrei Tavian. Thank you for meeting with me," he said, his voice calm and gentle.

Cristine shook his hand, feeling an odd mix of nerves and curiosity. Andrei took a seat across from her, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. She studied him, trying to understand why he would want such a personal approach to surrogacy.

"I know this is unconventional," Andrei began, his gaze focused on her. "But I wanted to meet you because this decision is very important to me. I've waited a long time to start a family, and I needed to be certain that the person helping me bring my child into the world would be someone I could trust."

Cristine listened, nodding slowly as she absorbed his words.

"I understand," she replied. "But... why the natural process? Most people would prefer a more clinical approach. I don't mean to question your decision, but I want to understand."

Andrei hesitated, his expression shifting to something more vulnerable. "It's about trust," he said quietly. "I've had people in my life who betrayed me. I've faced losses that have left me... cautious. This way, I know there's no chance of manipulation, no risk of doubt. I know it sounds strange, but I need to feel that trust personally, not through a procedure."

Cristine felt a pang of sympathy, understanding a hint of the loneliness he must have endured to make such a decision. She took a deep breath, carefully choosing her words.

"I appreciate your honesty, Andrei," she said softly. "But this is... difficult for me, too. I have my own reservations. I won't lie—I'm in a position where I need this money to support my grandmother and pay off debts that were left to me. But I also need to feel that this is something I can live with."

Andrei's expression softened as he nodded. "I understand completely. That's why I wanted to meet you. I don't want you to feel pressured. If you're not comfortable, I won't hold you to anything. This has to be a mutual decision."

Cristine looked down at her hands, feeling the weight of the choice before her. She remembered her grandmother's face, the eviction notice, the hospital bills piling up. This opportunity, unconventional as it was, offered her a chance to escape the never-ending cycle of debt and despair. And yet, it came with sacrifices she wasn't sure she was ready to make.

After a long silence, she looked back up at Andrei. "I need some time to think about it," she said honestly.

Andrei nodded, his expression one of understanding. "Of course. Take all the time you need. My only request is that you let me know your decision within the week. If you choose to move forward, I promise you'll be well taken care of, and I'll respect your boundaries throughout this process."

Cristine nodded, grateful for his patience. "Thank you, Andrei. I'll let you know soon."

---

Over the next few days, Cristine grappled with her decision. She revisited the reasons she had even considered Vanessa's offer, recalling the desperation that had led her to this path. She thought of her grandmother, whose health was deteriorating, and the bills that threatened to bury them both. But she also thought about the consequences of accepting such an unconventional arrangement.

On the fourth night, unable to sleep, she made a decision. She dialed Vanessa's number, her voice firm as she told her choice.

"Vanessa, I've thought about it. And... I'll do it."

Vanessa's response was immediate, a mix of relief and reassurance. "I know this was difficult, Cristine. But you're making a choice that will give you a new start."