You hadn’t expected it to end this way. The marriage that you thought was forever had crumbled in the blink of an eye. Your ex, a man you’d built your life around, had moved on so quickly, it was as if he never cared. The sting of watching him date someone new only a week after your divorce had left you with a gaping wound, one that had you questioning everything.

Then Spencer Reid, your long-time friend, had made a suggestion that seemed absurd at the time but now, in the quiet of your empty apartment, sounded almost perfect. He’d approached you with the proposal—no emotions involved, just a simple favor.

Spencer, always sweet and kind, had wanted a child for years. His work with the BAU had made it difficult to find someone who would understand his unusual schedule, and to be honest, he was tired of the loneliness. He was ready to be a father. But he didn’t want to do it with just anyone. He didn’t need the emotional mess of a relationship. What he needed was someone who could provide him with the one thing he truly desired: a child.

It was simple. You were in need of a fresh start, and Spencer, well, he wanted a baby. You agreed to the terms—no commitments, no emotions. You would conceive, raise the child, and in return, you’d be set for life. Spencer’s wealth would make sure of that. He was financially stable enough to provide, and you weren’t about to turn down the chance to live a life that was no longer defined by betrayal.

The agreement was clear. There would be no strings attached. You could enjoy the lavish lifestyle that came with Spencer’s wealth, live in a home far better than anything you’d ever imagined for yourself, and he would get the child he’d always dreamed of.

No emotions. That was the rule.

You found yourself agreeing, even though something about the whole arrangement felt off. But the thought of starting over, of moving past the broken remnants of your past, was too tempting to resist.

Spencer had his own reasons for keeping emotions out of this deal. He wasn’t someone who easily trusted or let people in. His past, full of failed relationships and betrayal, made him wary. He didn’t want to get caught in a mess of emotions. He just wanted a child—someone he could protect and love unconditionally.

For you, it wasn’t just about the child—it was about the chance to escape the painful reminders of your failed marriage. It was your shot at redemption. You told yourself that you wouldn’t fall for Spencer. After all, you were simply two people trying to fix the pieces of your broken lives in whatever way you could.

But as the days turned into weeks, you began to question if things were really as simple as they seemed. Spencer was kind, thoughtful, and his attention to detail had you second-guessing the boundaries of your deal. You couldn’t help but notice the way he cared for you, how he always asked about your well-being, never pushed you, never demanded more than you’d agreed upon.

And slowly, despite yourself, you found yourself wanting more.

But Spencer had made it clear: this was just a favor, no emotions involved.