Chapter 2

Sienna had just finished a quick meal when her phone rang, jolting her out of her thoughts. She checked the screen and saw it was Jane, the surrogacy agent.

“Hey, Ms. Hollis,” Jane’s professional voice greeted her.

Sienna’s stomach dropped. “Hey, is everything okay?”

“Yes, everything’s fine. Get ready, a car will pick you up in thirty minutes. Dress appropriately. You’re meeting Mr. West.”

Sienna blinked in shock. “Wait—what? I’m meeting him? The big boss?”

“Yes, and the clock is ticking,” Jane said before hanging up.

Sienna hurried to her bedroom—more a small closet space separated by wooden boards—and rummaged through her meager wardrobe. She settled on a purple long-sleeved maxi dress with a side slit and a deep V-back, pairing it with black stilettos, a small purse, and light makeup. This was her best attempt at sophistication, and tonight’s impression mattered.

A knock at the door broke her focus. “Coming!” she called, rushing to answer.

Standing in the doorway was a well-dressed man in his early thirties with dark hair and a composed expression.

“Are you here to pick me up?” Sienna asked.

“I am,” he replied with a polite nod. “I’m Jake Hale, your personal driver.”

“Personal driver?” she echoed, surprised.

“Yes, ma’am,” Jake said, gesturing toward a sleek white Rolls Royce parked outside.

As Sienna settled into the plush seat, she couldn’t shake the mixture of excitement and nerves. This was no ordinary job—it was a doorway into a world she had only dreamed of.

At the hotel, she was ushered to a luxurious suite, its rich décor and soft lighting almost intimidating. Everything smelled expensive, from the leather upholstery to the fresh floral arrangements. Jake gestured toward a plush sofa.

“Make yourself comfortable,” he said. “Mr. West will be with you shortly.”

Sienna nodded, her curiosity piqued. Mr. West, she thought. She imagined an older man, likely with a silver mane and a reserved demeanor—someone from a world of old money. Surely, his wife couldn’t conceive due to age.

Her musings ended with the ding of the elevator. Jane entered first, followed by a man who was nothing like she imagined.

He was tall, sharply dressed in a tailored navy-blue suit, his broad shoulders filling the doorway effortlessly. His dark hair was neatly combed back, accentuating his sharp features and striking hazel eyes. Confidence radiated from him with every step he took.

For a moment, Sienna forgot to breathe as his gaze swept the room and landed on her. He approached with a calm assurance, his presence magnetic and overwhelming. She stood hastily, suddenly aware of how underdressed she felt despite her best efforts.

“Ms. Hollis,” Jane’s voice broke the silence as she offered a warm smile. “I hope you’ve been made comfortable?”

“Y-yes, thank you,” Sienna stammered, her gaze flicking nervously to the man beside Jane.

Jane gestured toward him. “This is Mr. Damien West, the benefactor behind the surrogacy arrangement.”

Sienna extended her hand, willing her voice to steady. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. West.”

“The pleasure is mine,” Damien replied, his firm handshake and faint smile exuding control. “Please, have a seat.”

Sienna perched on the edge of the sofa, her posture stiff. Damien sat with effortless composure, his gaze as sharp as his tailored suit.

“I trust Jane has explained the process to you in detail?” Damien asked, his deep voice both commanding and calm.

“Yes, she has,” Sienna replied. “I understand the responsibilities and what’s expected of me.”

“Good,” Damien said with a nod. “This arrangement is important to my wife and me. We’ve reviewed your profile and feel you’re an excellent candidate.”

Sienna blinked, caught off guard by his compliment. “Thank you, Mr. West. I appreciate the opportunity.”

Jane chimed in, her tone brisk. “Mr. West values transparency. He prefers all parties feel comfortable before proceeding.”

“I appreciate that,” Sienna said earnestly. “I want to be as cooperative as possible.”

Damien studied her, his hazel eyes unreadable. “Tell me, Ms. Hollis, what made you decide to become a surrogate?”

Sienna hesitated, momentarily caught off guard by the personal question. She glanced at Jane, who gave her a small nod.

“Well,” Sienna began, her voice soft, “I’ve always wanted to help people. And this opportunity… it came at a time when I needed a change. The compensation will help me with my goals, but more importantly, I’m honored to help a family bring a child into the world.”

Damien’s expression softened, his tone almost approving. “An admirable sentiment.”

Sienna exhaled subtly, relieved by his response.

“Ms. Hollis,” Damien continued, leaning forward slightly, “this arrangement requires complete commitment. Your health and well-being will be our top priority, and anything you need will be provided. Do you have any questions?”

“Not at the moment,” she replied. “I understand what’s expected and am fully committed.”

Damien nodded, rising to his feet. “Excellent. Jane will handle the logistics. Thank you for your time, Ms. Hollis.”

Sienna stood as well, shaking his hand again. His firm grip and steady gaze left her feeling slightly breathless.

Jake appeared to escort her back to the car. She cast a final glance at Damien, who was already engaged in a quiet discussion with Jane.

As the elevator doors closed, Sienna leaned against the wall, her thoughts racing. Damien West was nothing like she imagined. Wealth wasn’t just part of his life—it seemed to emanate from him. And his intensity unsettled her.

Back in the car, Jake broke the silence. “I hope the meeting went well, Ms. Hollis?”

“It did,” Sienna replied, still processing. “Mr. West seems… very involved.”

Jake chuckled lightly. “That’s one way to put it. He’s particular, but his heart’s in the right place.”

Sienna nodded, staring out the window at the city lights. For the first time, she felt a sliver of doubt. She had stepped into this arrangement to change her future, but now she

couldn’t shake the feeling that her life was about to change in ways she hadn’t anticipated.