“Three?” My eyebrows shoot up. “How does that... I mean, are we talking about three different babies?”

She shakes her head, “Just one baby, but three fathers. One of them will be the donor, and there will be an egg donor too. Your role will only be to carry the child.”

I take a deep breath, trying to process this bizarre situation. “Okay, so...” I hesitate, knowing this part is always awkward. “How much are they offering?” I lift my coffee to my lips, seeking momentary refuge in its warmth.

Stacey leans forward, her voice steady. “One million dollars.”

I splutter, choking on my coffee. A million dollars?

Stacey looks concerned. “Is that not enough? I can negotiate a higher amount for you.”

Higher? My mind races. This is life-changing money. What would I even do with it? A car? Cars? A house? But is this even real? Stacey’s the agency manager, so it must be legit, right?

“Sofia, they chose you for a reason. You’re young, and your test results show you’re more than capable of carrying a healthy child. They specifically asked for you.”

I’m taken aback, a mix of pride and nervousness bubbling inside me. “So, will I... ever meet them?”

“Yes, you will,” she slides a contract across the table towards me.

I scan through it. The initial sections are pretty standard, focusing on the baby’s health and well-being. But then, I stumble upon something unexpected. The contract states I’m to live with them.

My eyes flicker up in surprise. “So, I’ll be living in their house?”

“That’s right,” Stacey confirms. “You’ll follow a diet prescribed by their doctor, but don’t worry, you’ll have a personal chef to take care of all your meals.”

I hesitate, my voice laced with doubt. “Ms. Stacey, I... I don’t think I can do this whole live-in thing. I don’t even know them.”

Stacey’s expression remains calm but firm. “They are very prestigious clients. They’re unlikely to waver from this decision. However, I could possibly negotiate a higher payment for you.”

“I still don’t know... I really think it’s best if I just stay in my own home.”

There’s a shift in Stacey’s demeanor, her tone turning more authoritative. “They won’t accept that.”

The lure of a million dollars is undeniable, yet the unknowns loom large in my mind. The idea of three men, all wanting to share fatherhood of a single child, sets off alarms in my head. It’s too peculiar, too fraught with uncertainty. And even though Ms. Stacey appears somewhat reliable...

“I need to think about this deal, Ms. Stacey,” I assert firmly.

“I’ll talk to them about your concerns. It’s important you feel comfortable with every aspect of this arrangement.”

I’m skeptical, but the hint of flexibility in her tone offers a sliver of hope. “Do you really think they might consider letting me stay in my own home?”

Stacey assesses me with a look that’s both understanding and unwavering. “Sofia, I know this is a lot to take in. But these clients, they’re not just prestigious, they’re extremely private individuals. Their terms are specific for a reason.”

I shuffle uncomfortably. “But it’s such a big ask, living with them. It feels... invasive.”

Stacey leans in, her voice softening. “I get it, I really do. But think about what this opportunity means for you. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to change your entire life. And we’re here to support you every step of the way. Plus, the increased payment can be quite significant.”

Her words start to chip away at my resolve. The idea of life-changing money is hard to ignore. “How much more are we talking about?”

Stacey opens her briefcase, sliding a revised contract across to me. “They’re willing to go up to 1.2 million. And remember, you’ll have the best of care, a comfortable living environment, everything you need.”

1.2 million. The number echoes in my head. It’s a staggering amount, one that could truly turn my life around.

“And you’ll ensure my safety and well-being?” I ask, seeking one last reassurance.

“Absolutely,” Stacey replies, her tone firm. “Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We’ll be in constant communication, and you’ll have access to everything you need.”

I take a deep breath, my hand hovering over the contract. This decision, it’s monumental, scary, but also potentially transformative. I pick up the pen, my heart racing as I sign my name on the dotted line. This is it, a new chapter, one filled with uncertainty but also immense possibility.