Henry Lewis, 42, had everything—wealth, power, prestige. Yet that night, he realized something was missing: an heir.
He didn’t want love or marriage again—both had failed him. What he wanted was a child, a legacy. No strings attached. No emotions. Just a contract.
The next morning, as he drove through the city, his mind was set on finding someone who’d agree to his terms.
At a red light downtown, he noticed a young woman on the sidewalk, sketching on scrap paper. She had tangled brown hair, tired eyes, and clothes that had seen better days. Despite everything, there was something striking about her.
He pulled over. “Hey, you. Come here,” he said flatly. She looked up, suspicious.
“I’m not asking,” he pressed.
Reluctantly, she approached. “What do you want?”
“Get in. We’ll talk.”
She scoffed. “I’m not that kind of girl.”
“I don’t have time for games. Either get in, or stay on that sidewalk.”
With a mix of hesitation and curiosity, she climbed in. He drove her to a quiet café and got straight to the point.
“What’s your name?” he asked.
“Layla Parker.”
“I want to make you an offer. I want you to have a child for me. No relationship. Just support during the pregnancy—and a financial reward that will change your life.”
“You’re serious?” she asked, stunned.
“Very.”
“And if I say no?”
“You go back to the street. Cold, hunger, the same cycle. It’s your choice.”
She studied him. “Why not adopt? Or find some woman in your social circle?”
“Because I want my own bloodline. And I want control. Nothing else.”
“I need time to think,” she said quietly.
“You’ve got 24 hours.”
The next day, his receptionist called: Layla had arrived. When she walked in, she spoke before he could. “I accept.”
“That’s what I need,” he replied. She signed the papers, sealing a life-changing agreement.
That same day, Henry’s assistant Stephanie took over Layla’s arrangements. Henry stayed distant, buried in work, but slowly things shifted.
Occasionally, they crossed paths in the mansion. He’d ask how she felt, check on appointments, even suggest ways to ease her stress.
The walls between them began to crack. Despite her efforts to remain detached, Layla found herself drawn to the man behind the deal. Henry, too, started feeling emotions he hadn’t allowed himself in years.
Months passed. The baby was coming. Henry froze for a second, then leapt into action—summoning the driver, organizing everything. On the way to the hospital, he sat beside her, holding her hand. It seemed automatic, yet it meant something.
At the hospital, he refused to leave her side. He watched, overwhelmed, as Layla endured the pain with strength he hadn’t expected. When the first cry rang out, he stood in stunned silence.
Layla gave birth to a twin!
“A boy,” the doctor announced. Then came the second cry. “And a girl.”
Exhausted, Layla looked at them, eyes glowing. She knew she wouldn’t have them for long. Henry watched the newborns, and then turned to her.
“You were incredible. Thank you.”
Tears streamed down her face, though she didn’t know if they were for joy or heartbreak.
Later, in her room, Layla felt the looming emptiness. The babies weren’t hers to keep. But when Henry walked in, cradling both infants, something shifted. He looked different—softer.
Weeks passed, full of joy and pain. She loved the twins, but her time was almost up. The day of departure came. She packed quietly, refusing to cry. Downstairs, Henry waited.
“Everything’s ready,” she said.
“Are you really leaving?” he asked.
“That was the deal.”
He stood, holding the contract. Then, without a word, he tore it up.
“I don’t want you to go, Layla. I need you. Not just for the twins. You brought something into my life I didn’t know I needed.”
“How do I know this is real?” she asked.
“Because I’ve lived without love, and it left me empty. You made me human again.”
“I fell for you, Henry,” she whispered. “But I don’t know if I can trust.”
“I don’t know how to prove it. But I’ll try—every day—if you let me.”
Layla paused, then nodded. “Okay. I’ll stay.”
He embraced her, and for the first time, she felt like she truly belonged.
Weeks later, they held a small ceremony in the garden. Sunlight danced over flowers as they exchanged vows. Henry promised to be the man she believed in.
Layla promised to trust him and walk beside him. Holding the twins, wrapped in love, they began a new chapter—not perfect, but real. And that was enough.