My Fake Marriage With Mr. Russell

Isabella laid in her bed looking at the worn out ceiling of her grandparents house. Her grandfather would always brag about how he built it from scratch in his youth.

She had a lot on her mind, it was Christmas break and she had just returned from college. She was so deep in debt that she was unsure what to do anymore. Her part-time jobs only helped pay her hostel fee and buy textbooks with barely enough for her upkeep.

Her roommate had given her a suggestion on how to earn some extra cash but it didn't sit right with her.

The first time she had heard about selling her eggs from her roommate she had freaked out. Not only was it against her ideals it was against her traditions. Her grandparents would never let her hear the end of it. However, a new academic session was near and she was becoming more and nore desperate. Her tution and the fact that she was already knee deep in debts made it impossible for her to sleep well at night.

With no option left she was beginning to ponder more and more on the idea of being a surrogate instead.

****

"It's been a while since I saw you mom what brings you here?" Damien dropped his laptop bag on the dinning table the sight of a warm welcoming meal had never been so delightful.

"You aren't even going to thank me for the meal. You! It took a lot of time and effort to make it that nice." His mother Lucy watched him wash his hands before settling down at the table and almost immediately began to eat.

"Thank you..."

"Your grandmother keeps asking for great grandkids..." Damien stopped eating halfway he was on his sixth bite and now the vibe was ruined. Why did they keep bringing it up

"You mean you both keep asking for me to have kids"

"Is it that bad a thing?"

"You are the only son of this family our hope of the family's name being preserved rest solely on you."

"Mom I don't want to hear that right now. I'm doing my best but people don't just have children. They make plans."

"This isn't some project that you need to make strategic plans for. Just find a proper young lady get married and have children" His mom was trying to control her frustration. They were making no progress.

"Exactly my point. Marriage requires a lot and I don't have the time right now.

"Aren't you just being a spoilt brat. Even Benjamin is engaged you are the only bachelor among your friends single to stupor at the age of 35."

"Mum I'm trying to enjoy this lovely meal you cooked please don't ruin it with your nagging" Damien had had enough. Marriage was not in the cards for him and wouldn't be anytime soon.

"...She actually thinks Benjamin is really engaged. Can't believe Benjamin's lie is really going for him."

"Your parents want a kid right then why not just have a young lady carry your baby and pay her. It's a win win. Your parents get a grand baby and you get a child without having to marry its mother."

"Where am I supposed to find a woman who would give birth to a child and gladly sign off her rights as its mother." Damien asked Percy absentmindedly as he went through the report in front of him .

"Are you trying to sound dumb or you're just dumb? That's what a surrogate is!" He couldn't believe he was actually explaining this to him of all people.

"I'm not interested in that I have no time to start a family"

***

"So did you think about what I told you?" Benita Isabella's course mate questioned as they checked their uniforms in the bathrooms mirror.

"I'm still thinking about it but I don't think I'll be considering it that much. I'll just have to find other part-time jobs that pay well."

"I don't understand it but I respect your decision hence I will let you be."

"Hurry up you both we don't have all night. The event already started, happy customers mean a generous tip. Angry customers mean a reduced pay." Both girls sighed before hurrying after their supervisor. They were currently on a part time job as waitresses for an event being held in the top rated hotel in the city.

Evans was right happy customers would mean nice enough tips.

Isabella walked through the crowd navigating her way with a tray of drinks balanced on her palm. While some picked up the drinks some placed back their empty glasses.

She noticed a couple of lingering gazes as she passed. All thanks to the uniform in which she could barely breathe in. As tight and short as if was anyone who didn't know better would mistake it for a club dress rather than a uniform.

She headed back to the bar and excused her self having someone else cover for her before leaving for the bathroom.

Inside one of the stalls of the ladies room she quickly unzipped the front of the dress to the extent where she would be able to zip it back up herself.

She heard the door open and someone walked in. Her attention was piqued when she heard the door being locked. Not sure what else to do she kept quiet and waited.

She heard the door of a stall being kicked open. The loud noise caused her to whimper a bit. Who ever it was that kicked the door open must have heard her and began to walk down.

Isabella wasn't sure what to do? Was this person after her or was she just in the wrong place at the wrong time. She heard the person's foot steps approaching and soon enough she could see the culprits shoes.

"Come on out Miss. Bella Aren't you tired of hiding?" Who was this person and what had she done to him to deserve this. With shaky hands she opened the door and walked out to see a familiar face.

It was the young man who had been shown out of the event just an hour ago after he had touched her inappropriately.

"T.. this is the ladies bathroom. You shouldn't be in here" She stuttered at first but finally managed to gather a little courage.

"I'll leave after I get what I came for. I don't get told no often..."

... Isabella ran down the hallway like the devil was after her, maybe because he was. She had tripped a couple of times but she didn't have time to take off her heels.

Having managed to escape the bathroom she suddenly couldn't identify the way to the hall anymore.

She turned to her right at the corner and bumped into a hard chest. For a minute hands wrapped around her waist and held her steady. She was still in shock and didn't remember to stand straight so immediately he let go she fell down hard on her ass.