Henry Lewis was a 42-year-old man who had everything, money, power, and status. But that night, he realized that despite all the luxury around him, there was one thing his money hadn’t bought, an heir. He needed a child, but Henry didn’t want a family in the traditional sense. He had tried twice, and both marriages ended in failure and disappointment. He thought love was an illusion, something that only brought problems, but a child was different. It was an investment, a continuation of everything he had built.

And now he was determined not to seek a relationship for this. He needed a clear agreement, without emotional entanglements, just a contract. He knew that with his resources, he could find someone willing to carry the pregnancy without questions or emotional ties.

For Henry, this was a transaction. And like all his transactions, he would have total control. Now, he just needed to find someone who would accept the deal.

The next morning, Henry Lewis drove his sports car through the city streets. His mind, however, was focused on finding someone who would accept the contract. And while stopped at a light near downtown, something caught his attention.

On the corner of the sidewalk, a young woman sat on the ground, drawing on a piece of dirty paper. She had messy brown hair falling over her face, and her blue eyes shone, despite her tired-haired equals one appearance. She seemed invisible to others, but something about her caught Henry’s eye.

He tried to ignore her, but when the light turned green, he looked again, and thought, who draws on the sidewalk as if nothing else exists? Annoyed with himself, he sped away, leaving her behind. But a few blocks away, something bothered him. He stopped in a parking lot and sat there, staring at the steering wheel when an idea came to him.

This is ridiculous, he said to himself, but his instinct pushed him back. Reluctantly, he turned the car around and went back to where he had seen her. There she was, just the same, now leaning the paper against the wall.

He pulled up to the curb and rolled down the window, his tone direct and cold. Hey, you, come here. The young woman looked at him with suspicion, her eyes narrowed, evaluating the well-dressed man in the sports car.

She hesitated. I’m not asking. Come on, I don’t have all day, he insisted, not changing his tone.

Slowly and reluctantly, she approached. When she finally stood next to the car, her thinness and the wear of her appearance were even more evident. Despite this, there was something in her posture, in the way she looked at him.

What do you want? she asked, her voice low but firm. Henry studied her for a moment before responding. Get in.

I’ll take you somewhere we can talk, she laughed dryly. I’m not one of those, if that’s what you’re thinking. He frowned, clearly irritated by the assumption.

Don’t be absurd. I don’t have time for that. I just want to talk.

Now get in the car, or you can keep living on that sidewalk. The hesitation was still there, but something in his authoritative tone left her no room for argument. Finally, she opened the door and got in.

The silence between them and the car was heavy, but Henry didn’t seem to mind. He drove to a quiet cafe, away from the city noise, and parked. What’s your name? he asked as they sat at a table in the corner.

Layla Parker, but why does it matter? She retorted, keeping a suspicious look. Because I need to know who I’m dealing with. Tell me, Layla.

Why do you sit on the sidewalk, drawing as if nothing else matters? She shrugged, avoiding his gaze. What else is there to do? I have nowhere to go. I lost everything.

But that’s none of your business. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. Right, I’ll get straight to the point.

I want to make you an offer. Something that can change your life. Her eyes narrowed.

And what would that be? I want you to have a child for me. Layla blinked, as if she hadn’t heard correctly. You’re joking, right? No, it’s a serious offer.

I’ll cover all your expenses, give you full support during the pregnancy, and in the end, you’ll get an amount that will ensure you never have to worry about money again. She let out a nervous laugh, crossing her arms. This is a joke, right? What kind of man makes such an offer to a stranger? The kind of man who knows what he wants and doesn’t waste time.

I don’t want a relationship, Layla. I don’t want emotional drama. Just a child.

Simple as that. Layla stared at Henry as if he had lost his mind. His words echoed in her mind.

I want you to have my child. As much as she wanted to dismiss his proposal as absurd, something in Henry’s gaze told her he was absolutely serious. His cold logic hit her hard, leaving her torn between her dignity and the harsh reality of her life.

This is madness, Layla finally broke the silence. No woman in her right mind would agree to something like this. Henry didn’t look away, maintaining the calculated posture that came so naturally to him.

No woman in your position would refuse, he replied bluntly. I’m offering you a way out, comfort, stability, and a new life in exchange for something you already have, the ability to bear a child. Layla crossed her arms, trying to maintain a facade of resistance, but deep down, she knew he was right.

She was in a situation where every day was a struggle to survive. Even so, the idea of giving up something so personal for money made her stomach churn. And then what? She asked, her voice heavy with skepticism.

What happens after the baby is born? Henry relaxed slightly in his chair, as if he had anticipated the question. After the baby is born, you’ll receive a substantial sum to start your life over. No strings attached, you’ll be free to do whatever you want.

No strings attached? She let out a humorless laugh. And how do I know you won’t change your mind and drag me into court later? He studied her carefully before answering. Layla, I’m a businessman.

I don’t enter into agreements without ensuring all parties benefit. You’ll have a legally binding contract. Neither of us will be able to change the terms afterward.

Now, let’s have a little fun with those who only read the comments. Type milkshake in the comments, only those who’ve read this far will understand. Now, back to the story.

Layla fell silent, absorbing his words. The promise of security, even if temporary, was tempting. She had nothing now, not even a place to sleep that night.

But she also knew she was on the verge of making a life-altering decision. And what if I say no? She challenged, leaning slightly forward. Henry gave a faint smile.

Then you go back to the streets you keep scraping by, facing the cold and the hunger. The choice is yours. His words landed like a blow.

She wanted to hate him for being so blunt. But she hated even more the truth in them. He had backed her into a corner, and she knew it.

But there was one more thing she needed to ask. Why are you doing this? She demanded. A man like you, with all your money, why not adopt a child? Or find one of those wealthy women who love showing off their perfect kids? Henry took a deep breath before answering, his tone more serious than before.

Because I want something that’s mine. An heir of my own blood. And because adopting or getting involved with someone in my social circle brings complications I’m not willing to deal with.

I want control, Layla. Nothing more. Nothing less.

The coldness in his words made her look away, unsettled. She knew he was being honest, which only made her feel more vulnerable. I need time to think, she said finally, trying to regain some control over the situation.

Henry nodded as if he had expected this response. You have 24 hours. After that, don’t bother contacting me.

He stood up and walked toward the door without another word. Layla watched as he disappeared, feeling as though she was being pulled into a whirlwind she might never escape. Walking through the streets, Layla’s thoughts raced.

Henry’s words echoed in her mind. Comfort. Stability.

A new life. She knew all too well what it meant to have nothing. The biting cold of the night stung her skin, a reminder that tomorrow would bring the same struggles.

The fight for food. The constant fear. And the humiliation of being invisible to the world.

She sat on a park bench, staring at the overcast sky. Her mother used to say that opportunities only knock once, and it’s up to you to decide whether to seize them or let them slip away. But at what cost, she wondered.

Having a child, even as part of a deal, was a monumental decision. But what if it was her only chance to escape the endless cycle of misery? Meanwhile, Henry sat in his living room, reviewing a contract his lawyers had meticulously prepared. He hated waiting, but he knew Layla didn’t have many options.

Regardless, he had already calculated the risks. If she declined, he’d move on to someone else. Simple as that.

The sound of the intercom interrupted his thoughts. He picked up, hearing his receptionist’s voice inform him that Layla had arrived. Send her up, he replied, his tone neutral.

Minutes later, the door opened and Layla walked in. Her eyes were tired but determined. I accept, she said bluntly, before Henry could say anything.

He stood up, observing her carefully. There was no hesitation in her expression, just a firm decision. Great, let’s make this official.

He motioned for her to sit while he picked up the contract from the table. Layla looked at the document, reading the terms carefully. The conditions were clear.

She would be taken care of throughout the pregnancy, with all her expenses paid, and in the end, she would receive a significant amount to restart her life. In return, she would give up any rights to the child. This seems… final, she murmured as she read.

That’s exactly what I want. Henry replied, And I hope it’s what you want too. Layla took a deep breath and after a moment of hesitation, picked up the pen.

With a quick motion, she signed her name, sealing the agreement that would change their lives forever. The signing of the contract sealed more than just a deal. It marked a new phase in Layla Parker’s life.

That same day, she was escorted by Stephanie, Henry’s assistant, to a black car waiting at the building’s entrance. As she looked out the car window, the city, which had once felt overwhelming, now seemed to offer something different, a chance to start over. Layla didn’t speak much during the ride to Henry’s mansion, but Stephanie tried to break the silence.