Ansel’s eyes darkened to the blue of murky waters. I took a step back from the desk and watched his face contort into a snarl. “Of course. Do not be fooled by this arrangement. This is not personal, only business. I need an heir, and your surrogacy will provide me with one. What you do after the baby’s arrival is none of my concern.”
The words stung worse than any amount of abuse I’d endured from the traffickers prior. Ada whimpered inside of me, and I sighed.
“Now do you believe me?” I say to her, but she only whimpers again.
I place the contract on the desk and pick up his pen. “Alright then, I accept,” I say as I sign. The pen is still warm to the touch, causing the corners of my mouth to turn up into a small smile. Years ago, Ansel’s illness left his fingers deathly cold, and I was
