Mysterious CEO's Last Surrogate

Ray couldn't take it anymore and decided to threaten Loney with something so dear. "Let's see you try. That presidential project might just go down," he sarcastically said, while he waited in anticipation of Loney's response.

Surprisingly, The line went silent for almost a minute. Ray confirmed he had hit a sour spot in Loney this time. Internally, he gleaned with joy. However, when Loney spoke, he shocked the hell out of him. "I think I have tolerated this nonsense well enough. It's time it comes to a halt. This is your last warning. If anything happens with that contract, be it natural or man-made, it's on you and I will make sure that I kill you with my bare hands, and feed your useless corps to the vultures."

Ray froze at the end of the line. He knew that Loney never made ideal threats therefore, without another word, he ended the call. Loney wasn't comforted. This was a big project and he wasn't going to let anything go wrong. Even though he knew his warning had sunk deep, he still couldn't ascertain that Ray would just back down. Instantly, he went to his office closet to change into his work attire, got into his truck and drove to the field.

*****

At the mansion, Danica grasped Herty after lunch and lunged the latter to her room. Herty had lived a comfortable life since birth. Her parents were wealthy and showered her with so many gifts, except that they weren't around most of the time. They travelled the world for missionary work but always made sure to provide her with everything she needed. Herty never lacked, be it in school or at home. She also took her fate seriously, never giving in to worldly pleasures. Everything about her was purely work and church. She had never had a boyfriend and at twenty-three she was still a virgin.

Regardless of her upbringing,  she could affirm that she had never seen anything close to the decor she saw in Loney's mansion and even in Danica's room. She also loved the set-up for the unborn baby. It seemed to her that whoever the supposed parent was, was desperately in need of a baby.

"Are you pregnant yet?" She wanted to confirm from Danica herself even though Dr Jeff had already told her otherwise.

"No," Danica confirmed, settling on the bed in excitement.

"I thought so. I continued reading a lot about the process when you left. Artificial insemination is not always easy and most people who conceive ends up in a miscarriage in one way or the other. The chance of success is quite slim, it requires going through the process over and over again."

"I know. That's why we are not using either of those methods." Danica didn't see the need to hide it from Gertrude anymore. She thought it better to share her notions with someone she trusted.

However, she regretted it as soon as the words left her mouth, most importantly because she discerned Herty wasn't ready for such information. "Which other means is there unless.. are you sleeping with him?"

a month but it wasn't working so I proposed we make it four times a week but that was just three days ago so, I'm quite hopeful. I just want it all to end so

heart. During youth meetings, they were taught a lot about abstinence till marriage. That was one of the reasons it was quite easy for her to have kept

the same punishment as a murderer or fornicator. Deeply thinking, you have also lied so we are in the same soup," she looked away feeling a bit remorseful for dragging Herty into this whole thing and

her actions yet she was also determined to point out what she thought was right.

think I know that already? What else would you have me do? Where would

cared so much she didn't know how to show it without hurting her friend. "I'm

I got here earlier but not any more. I feel vile each time I

chuckled, "you mustn't. God is always

was getting hysterical because she felt Herty could not understand her situation. "But I am not oppressed. He treats me quite well. I never lack anything and he listens when I speak. I don't see him much but the few times I've seen him, he wasn't bad." Danica's lips curled when she thought about Loney, her eyes

you do things contrary to the word of God, then what do you call that? I don't think he's a good person. He's just using you," Herty blurted out. Somehow,

he never forced me. He needed a baby

He is a very good man and I don't want you to lose him. You have to get out of here Danica. Jones must know

"It's okay Herty. Jones can have Daniella. I'm not thinking of going back

Jones and she couldn't help seeing them apart. Besides, she feared Jones would feel betrayed when he found out who Daniella

to start a small restaurant, join a new church and start my life afresh. At least, Daniella has a fresh start and Jones is a good man. He doesn't

revelation. "Danica, this isn't you. What about

have Daniella. Didn't you say so? They don't even know that I'm

was an uncomfortable silence after Danica spoke, then Herty revealed, "I was thinking of asking my parents for help. I would just raise enough