Late into the night, a woman walked alone through the dark streets. The downpour drenched her hair and clothes, her eyes were red and swollen from crying, exhaustion weighing down every step.
She sank to her knees, bowing her head as fresh tears streamed down her face. A sudden, blinding light forced her to shut her eyes tightly.
"Camilla!" A voice called urgently.
_______FLASHBACK__________
XANDER;
I sighed, listening as my wife recounted her encounter with my mom at the mall today.
Her voice trembled, tears threatening to spill again.
My mother seemed to have despised her... Because, Camilla and i had been married for five years without a child. My mother worried, she often said she was getting old and wouldn't die in peace without a grandchild.
Camilla and i had tried. We had wanted a family. But despite our effort nothing seems to work.
As the only child of Mr and Mrs Revell, i had taken over my father's company when he turned sixty.
Yet my parents concerns weren't about the business... they were about heirs and bloodlines. Camilla's delay in giving me a child only seemed to fuel their disapproval.
I signed again and closed my eyes not knowing how to comfort her.
"Camilla"; i called and she turned to look at me.
I think we should go for an adoption; i suggested.
She became silent.
But..., what if your mom doesn't accept it; she asked.
Yes.... You're right, but we have to try, we'll talk to her about it tomorrow; i replied.
Silence settled again.
"I'm scared....." she whispered but i chose to ignore that.
______________________
CAMILLA;
We had already prepared to visit my mother in law, but instead she showed up on our door step, unannounced and already wearing that cold, judgemental stare that never failed to tighten my chest.
I forced a smile.
Honestly, i was scared.
"Good evening mom"; i greeted softly.
She didn't bother returning the greeting, she only hummed, her eyes sweeping over me like i was a stain.
Where is my son? Go and get him, i need to speak to the both of you; she ordered.
I turned to search for him, but he was already descending the stairs, his face unreadable.
You said you needed to speak with us; Xander said, breaking the heavy silence.
"Yes" Mrs Revell answered lifting her chin.
"I want you both to consider surrogacy"
My heart nearly stopped.
"What?" I whispered.
"You want another woman to carry my husband's child?"
Her lips curled, her voice colder than ice.
"Well can you carry one? Do you have another option?"
We were thinking of adoption; Xander offered.
Mrs Revell scoffed loudly, slammed her hand on the table.
"I will not allow an outsider's child to inherit the Revells wealth!"; she snapped
" Xander, it's either surrogacy or a divorce ".
My breath caught.
She couldn't mean that..... She wouldn't....
Divorce.....? Over this?
We'll think about it; Xander replied.
" Xan....." I tried to speak but he cut me off sharply.
"I said we'll think about it, mom"
She stood, her eyes landing on me one last time, filled with pure disdain before she walked out of the house.