At night, the townhouse felt strangely quiet, making Ariella uneasy, as if someone was watching her. She couldn't shake the feeling that she didn't belong there. The Armstrong's life seemed perfectly arranged—the spotless furniture, the fancy art, the endless luxury. Yet, something felt wrong, as if their flawless image was just a clever trick.
Ariella followed the strict routine Gabby had created for her: prenatal yoga with a personal trainer, regular doctor visits, and a carefully monitored diet. Gabby was always around, cheerful and polite, but there was something unsettling about her. Her kindness felt like a cover for something darker.
One evening, after a tiring day of check-ups, Ariella sank into the soft couch in the living room. She stared at the ceiling, her thoughts wandering to Wellington. Even after his apology, he kept his distance, speaking to her only when necessary. Still, whenever their eyes met, she felt a strange connection, as if he was a missing piece of her life.
Footsteps interrupted her thoughts. Gabby entered, holding two glasses of sparkling water. Her movements were smooth and almost dramatic, as if she wanted to be noticed.
"I thought we could have a chat," Gabby said, handing Ariella a glass. Her smile was friendly, but her eyes were sharp and calculating. "It must be lonely here with not much company."
Ariella took the glass, even though her instincts warned her to be careful. "It's... different. I'm not used to this lifestyle."
Gabby settled into the armchair opposite her, crossing her legs gracefully. "I can see that. But don't worry. You'll get used to it. This arrangement works for both of us. We're giving you a fresh start, and you're giving us the greatest gift anyone could ever offer."
Her words were meant to reassure, but they felt more like a reminder of Ariella's role in their lives. She was just the surrogate.
Gabby tilted her head, observing her closely. "You know, I see a lot of potential in you, Ariella. You've faced so much, but you've emerged stronger. That's impressive."
Ariella managed a smile, unsure of how to reply. "Thank you."
Gabby leaned in slightly, her voice taking on a false warmth. "I really hope you're happy here. Wellington and I want the best for you. If you ever need anything, just let me know."
There was something unsettling in her tone, as if a hidden warning lay beneath her words. Ariella nodded, feeling relieved when Gabby finally left the room.
Later that night, Ariella struggled to sleep. She tossed and turned, her mind filled with unanswerable questions. Who were these people she had connected with? Why did Wellington seem so familiar, and why did Gabby appear so eager to control her life?
Unable to lie in bed any longer, Ariella got up and wandered through the townhouse, hoping movement would calm her thoughts. The dimly lit halls and plush carpets muffled her steps. She found herself in the kitchen, searching for a snack when she heard voices.
Intrigued, she followed the sound to the study, where the door was slightly open. Inside, Gabby and Wellington were arguing quietly.
Gabby glared at Wellington. "You're being too kind to her. She's just a surrogate. She doesn't need your pity."
Wellington replied in a steady tone. "She's carrying our baby, Gabby. She deserves to be treated with respect."
Gabby rolled her eyes. "She's just a tool for us. Remember why we're doing this."
Ariella held her breath, feeling the tension rise.
Wellington's voice turned serious. "You think I'm clueless about what you're hiding?" he asked, suspicion creeping in. "I'm not foolish, Gabby."
Ariella's heart raced as Gabby let out a harsh laugh. "You're being paranoid. You always are. Just focus on the baby, Wellington. That's what matters."
The conversation ended suddenly, and Ariella quickly slipped away to avoid being noticed. She rushed back to her room, her mind racing. Gabby was definitely hiding something, but what? And why did Wellington seem so torn?
The next morning, Ariella couldn't shake off the feeling from last night. She went through her usual routine, but her mind kept returning to the argument she had overheard. Gabby's coldness hurt, but it was Wellington's words that stuck with her. He knew something was off. What could it be?
On her way to prenatal yoga, she crossed paths with Wellington in the hallway. He stopped, their eyes locked, and for a brief moment, silence hung between them.
"Are you okay?" he finally asked, his voice gentler than she had ever heard.
Ariella paused, feeling torn between wanting to confront him and fearing she might overstep. "I'm okay," she replied, though her voice shook.
Wellington looked deeply into her eyes, as if trying to understand her feelings. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here for you. You don't have to face this alone."
His genuine tone surprised her, and for a brief moment, she felt a spark of trust. But before she could reply, Gabby appeared at the end of the hall, her presence as strong as always.
"Wellington," she called sharply. "We're going to be late."
He gave Ariella a small nod before turning to follow Gabby, leaving her with a rising sense of unease. Whatever the Armstrongs were hiding, Ariella knew one thing for sure: she was entangled in something much larger than she had understood. It was only a matter of time before the truth emerged.