Soft morning light filtered through the curtains of Elena's suite, casting golden stripes across the hardwood floor. The mansion was quiet, its rhythm slower now that Elena no longer left for campus.
She sat at her desk, flipping through a textbook—more out of habit than focus—when her phone buzzed.
She picked it up and read the caller ID:
**Dr. Leoni**
She answered, her voice gentle. "Hello?"
"Good morning, Elena," came the warm, steady voice. "It's time to check the embryo—just a routine scan to monitor placement and progress. Mr. Moretti has asked me to ensure everything is on schedule."
Elena nodded instinctively, even though she couldn't see her. "Yes, of course."
"I've already notified Brittany," she added. "She'll assist you to the clinic."
"Alright," Elena replied softly. "Thank you."
Minutes later, a knock came at her door. Brittany stood there, her presence calm and reassuring.
"Ready, Elena?" she asked.
Elena rose, slipping into a soft cardigan over her blouse, her wrist still protected beneath the bandage.
"Let's go."
Together, they walked down the hall toward the waiting car.
And as the mansion's doors opened to the bright morning outside, Elena took a quiet breath.
Because today was ordinary.
But what it carried?
Was everything.
The room was cool and softly lit, filled with the quiet hum of medical equipment. Elena lay reclined on the padded examination table, her blouse lifted just enough to expose her lower abdomen. Brittany stood nearby, calm and attentive, while **Dr. Leoni**, poised and gentle, adjusted the ultrasound probe.
The monitor flickered to life, casting a soft blue glow across the room.
Elena's eyes followed the screen, though the shapes were unfamiliar—abstract shadows and flickers of movement.
Dr. Leoni's gaze was focused, her movements practiced and precise. She angled the probe slightly, her expression thoughtful.
Then she paused.
A soft smile formed on her lips.
"There it is," she said warmly, pointing to a tiny speck on the screen. "The embryo has implanted successfully."
Elena blinked, her breath catching.
Dr. Leoni turned to her, her voice gentle but certain.
"Elena… now you are pregnant."
The words settled into the room like a quiet revelation.
Elena stared at the screen, at the small dot that now carried so much meaning. Her hand moved instinctively to her stomach, as if to shield something she could not yet feel.
Brittany smiled, placing a comforting hand on Elena's shoulder.
Dr. Leoni continued, "We'll monitor everything closely, but this is a very good start. You've done beautifully."
Elena nodded slowly, her eyes still fixed on the monitor.
She didn't speak.
She didn't need to.
Because in that quiet room, with the soft hum of machines and the flicker of life on a screen, everything had already changed.
The car glided smoothly along the estate road, sunlight spilling through the windows, casting soft gold across the leather seats.
Elena sat quietly, her hands folded in her lap, her gaze drifting out the window. The image from the monitor still lingered in her mind—that tiny speck, full of promise.
Beside her, Brittany glanced over, her voice soft.
"How are you feeling?"
Elena turned, her expression thoughtful. "Different. I don't know how to describe it. It's like… something shifted. Quietly."
Brittany smiled. "It's a new beginning. A quiet one, yes—but powerful."
Elena nodded. "I didn't expect it to feel so real. I mean, I knew what I signed up for. But seeing it… hearing her say I'm pregnant…"
She trailed off.
Brittany leaned back, her tone warm. "It's okay to feel everything at once. Excitement. Fear. Even confusion. You're stepping into something extraordinary."
Elena looked down at her hands. "I just hope I'm strong enough."
"You are," Brittany said firmly. "And you're not doing this alone. You have me. You have Dr. Leoni. And whether he shows it in words or not—you have Mr. Moretti."
Elena let out a soft breath. "It's strange. I never imagined my first pregnancy would be like this. No romance. No partner. Just… duty."
Brittany chuckled gently. "Maybe not romance. But there's care. And there's purpose. That counts for something."
Elena smiled faintly. "It does."
The car turned into the mansion's long driveway, the gates opening slowly ahead.
Brittany glanced at her once more. "You're doing beautifully, Elena. One day at a time."
Elena nodded, her voice quiet but sure. "Thank you."
And as the car pulled to a stop, the morning felt lighter.
Because this wasn't just a journey home.
It was the beginning of something new.
The mansion was bathed in the soft morning light, the corridors quiet except for the distant clink of breakfast being served in the dining room.
Elena stepped through the foyer, her thoughts still lingering on the scan, her body moving slowly, protectively.
As she turned the corner toward the staircase, she nearly collided with him.
Luca Moretti.
He stood tall, dressed in a crisp shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to reveal the edge of a watch. His expression was unreadable—until it softened into a half smile.
"I heard the good news, Elena," he said, voice low and smooth.
Elena's breath caught.
She lowered her gaze, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite the flush of embarrassment rising in her cheeks.
"It's going well, Mr. Moretti…" she said quietly.
Luca studied her for a moment longer, his eyes lingering—not with judgment, but something quieter. Something deeper.
He gave a small nod. "Good."
Then, without another word, he stepped past her, his presence lingering even after he disappeared down the hall.
Elena stood still for a moment, her heart fluttering.
The dining room was quiet.
Elena sat at the far end of the long table, a plate of fruit and toast untouched before her. The staff had set everything perfectly—silver cutlery, fresh juice, linen napkins—but she barely noticed.
She stirred her tea slowly, her eyes fixed on the steam rising from the cup.
Her mind wasn't on breakfast.
It was on him.
Luca.
The way he'd smiled.
The way he'd said her name.
The way his presence lingered even after he'd walked away.
She shook her head, trying to clear the thoughts.
"What's wrong with me?" she whispered to herself.
Her fingers tightened around the teacup.
"I'm forgetting that I'm just a surrogate. Nothing more."
She stared at the untouched toast.
"I shouldn't let my feelings grow any further. He clearly doesn't want a wife. Or a mother. Just… a surrogate."
Her chest tightened.
"And I'm just here for the money. That's the deal. That's the reason."
She took a slow breath.
"Stay focused, Elena."
She picked up her fork, finally taking a bite.
But the food tasted like nothing.
Because her heart was louder than her hunger.
And no matter how much she reminded herself—
She wasn't sure she could silence it forever.