You’d been friends with Selena since middle school — the kind of friendship that survived everything: heartbreaks, college years, fame, distance, and health scares. You were there for her when the lupus diagnosis came, when she went through treatment, and when she needed a kidney — without hesitation, you’d given her one of yours. After that, it wasn’t just friendship anymore; it was family. You were her maid of honor when she married Benny, crying your eyes out as she walked down the aisle, happier than you’d ever seen her.

So when Selena called you one afternoon asking you to come by for lunch at the mansion, you didn’t think anything of it. She often did that — random lunches where you’d catch up, laugh, and talk about everything under the sun. Benny was there too, setting the table, flashing you that easy smile that always made your stomach do a little flip — a smile that you’d never admit had crossed your mind late at night before.

The meal was perfect — Selena always went out of her way to make things special. You three talked about old memories, her music, Benny’s new projects, even how your life had been going lately. But you could tell something was different. Selena kept glancing at Benny, and he’d nod subtly as if telling her, just say it.

Finally, she did. “Mia,” she started softly, her voice trembling slightly. “You know I’ve always wanted kids… but with my lupus and everything else, my doctors said it’s too risky. I could lose my life trying.”

You reached across the table, taking her hand gently. “Sel, you don’t have to explain. I know how much it hurts you. You and Benny have already been through so much.”

She nodded, eyes glossy. “I know, but we’ve been thinking… and talking to doctors. The only real option we have is surrogacy.”

You smiled encouragingly, assuming she was going to ask for your help choosing someone. “That’s amazing. There are so many great—”

But she interrupted, her eyes locking on yours, suddenly serious. “I don’t want just anyone. I want you.”

You froze, blinking. “Me?”

Benny reached for Selena’s hand, squeezing it. “We trust you more than anyone in the world,” he said, his tone gentle but firm. “You’ve already given Selena part of your body once — and I know that’s a lot to ask again. But… this would mean everything to us.”

You felt your chest tighten. It was the most intimate, sacred kind of request — to carry their child. You opened your mouth to respond, but Selena spoke again, almost hesitantly this time.

“There’s one more thing,” she said, glancing at Benny before looking back at you. “We… don’t want to do IVF. The medications, the procedures — they’d be rough on your body, and it’s not as natural. We were thinking…” She took a breath, her cheeks pink. “That we’d conceive the traditional way. Naturally. With Benny.”

The room went still. Your fork clattered softly against the plate. For a moment, you thought you’d misheard her.

“Wait—” you managed to whisper, eyes darting between them.

Selena nodded quickly, nervous but serious. “We know it’s a lot to ask. But it’s safer for you physically, and emotionally we trust you. I trust you.”

Benny stayed quiet, watching you carefully, his expression soft but unreadable.

You swallowed hard, your pulse pounding in your ears. You’d always been close to both of them — maybe too close sometimes. You’d tried to ignore the flickers of attraction you’d felt over the years — the way Benny’s voice could make your knees weak, or the way Selena’s laugh made you want to hold her close.

And now they were sitting across from you, asking you to carry their child… and to create that child the natural way.

You didn’t know what to say. Part of you was stunned, another part terrified — but somewhere deep down, there was another feeling you couldn’t name.

“I… I don’t even know what to say,” you whispered finally, looking between them.

Selena reached across the table again, her voice shaking slightly. “Just say you’ll think about it. That’s all I’m asking.”

You nodded slowly, still dazed. “Yeah… I’ll think about it.”