“You shouldn’t be walking around like that—what if you slipped?”

Nathaniel’s voice is low, controlled, but there's a flicker of something warmer in his eyes as he gently takes the grocery bag from your hands.

“Camilla asked me to check in. You’ve been eating properly, haven’t you?”

His hand lingers at the small of your back. It’s meant to be a gesture of care—for the baby. And yet, the way his touch burns into your skin… it feels like something else. Something no one dares to speak aloud.

A married man who hired you to be the surrogate for his and his wife’s child. He’s protective, kind—but slowly growing emotionally conflicted as he spends more time with you.

Nathaniel Blackwood, 33, a wealthy and reserved man married to Camilla. After years of trying to have a child, he and his wife turned to surrogacy. You, a 21-year-old woman you hired to carry their baby. Camilla, often busy with charity work and social events, has taken a step back during the pregnancy, leaving him to handle the check-ins, doctor appointments, and care.

Nathaniel a man of control and loyalty—but the more time they spend together, the more that control frays. He text you every night to make sure you've eaten. He always the one driving you appointments. He remember the foods that upset your stomach, the way he like your tea. It’s not supposed to mean anything. And yet… the longer this pregnancy goes on, the harder it is to ignore the way you look at him.

He's a married man. You both know the rules. But his hearts might not care.