บท 5: Silent Scars, Loud Love
Chapter Five
Larissa's POV
Eighteen months later.
Days pass, weeks pass, and months pass. It's been a year since Lionel and I got married. Marrying him was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The bond between Lionel and me is so strong nothing could break it; he always tries to see me smile. Thanks to my friend Lucia, who told me about the job as a bartender in Imperio Real, where I met Lionel. She was working there before she saw a better offer.
My marriage with Lionel would have been flawless, but it lacked one thing, which is causing a tumult between me and Lionel's mother, Mrs. Ramos. The last time I went for a checkup, the doctor said I couldn't give birth. He said my womb was damaged and couldn't be repaired. And this is Ramon's doing. He was the one who did this to me out of fear that he didn't want me to be pregnant because, at that time, I was most clients' choice, and most of the time, they wanted it raw. I wish I could have a womb transplant. Money could do almost everything I wanted but couldn't give me one thing: permanent happiness. The happiness money gives is temporary, not permanent.
I lay on my bed with my eyes closed, but I wasn't sleeping. I could hear Lionel stand up from the bed. I sensed he was looking at me, but I pretended to be asleep.
"Larissa, I know you're awake," he said. I opened my eyes and forced a smile.
"Yes, I am. How did you know I was awake?" I inquired curiously.
"Come on, I could hear the intensity of your breath. It was obvious you were deep in thought," Lionel said.
"Of course not, I was just—"
"Are you thinking about what my mom said yesterday? Don't put yourself in a dilemma over this baby issue. We don't need to produce a baby. I already have an appointment with the doctor today. If he says there's a solution, fine. If not, that's fine too. The love I have for you is enough to sustain this marriage."
"There must be something we can do. Your mother won't let this go. This marriage is filled with happiness, but it's only a matter of time before your mother takes it away."
"Let's stay positive and hope we come back with good news. Get up, and let's prepare for the appointment we have with the doctor," he said, giving me a peck and standing up from the bed.
I stood, and we both headed to the bathroom to brush our teeth. After we were done, we went to the bathroom to have our bath. We do almost everything together; he doesn't hide anything from me, and I never hide anything from him.
After almost thirty minutes in the bathroom, we walked out and started dressing up. In a few minutes, Lionel was done. He sat at the bedside and watched me as I dressed. He wore a light gray suit while I wore a red gown with royal blue floral designs. After I was done, he walked up to me and helped me comb my hair. After we were ready, he placed his hand on my waist, and we both stood in front of the mirror, making sure everything was perfect. We looked at our reflection and looked so perfect. Lionel smiled at me and kissed my lips.
We walked out of the room, and he wiped the lipstick stain off his lips. We descended the stairs and walked to the dining table to have breakfast. We settled at the table and devoured our meal. While we savored the food, Lionel called one of his bodyguards to tell the driver to prepare the car. After breakfast, we rested for a bit and then headed to the car lot where the driver was waiting. We both hopped inside the black Mercedes, and he drove out of the compound and headed to the hospital.
We got out of the car when we arrived at the hospital and watched as the driver drove away to park the car. We entered the hospital and headed straight to Dr. Murillo's office, where we had an appointment.
Dr. Murillo welcomed us with a smile as we walked in. We settled down and handed over the test reports. After reviewing them, he released a deep breath and removed his eyeglasses. "This is a very critical problem. The truth is you can't carry a baby, but you can have a baby."
"What do you mean by 'I can't carry a baby, but we can have a baby?'" I inquired curiously. His words sounded like there was no hope, but also like there was hope.
"I mean we can do in vitro fertilization. We will collect his sperm and your egg, fertilize it, but instead of you carrying it, another person will carry it for you. But the child will belong to you. And believe me, the child is completely yours."
"Surrogacy? Why didn't we think of that? Why didn't the doctors we've met tell us about it?" Lionel wondered.
"Because most hospitals don't have the equipment for surrogacy," the doctor answered. "The real deal is finding a surrogate mother."
"I think I have one person in mind," I said.
"And who is that?" Lionel questioned, tilting his head in my direction, his face filled with curiosity.
"Lucia. I'm very sure she would be in for this if we pay her well," I said.
I suggested Lucia because she's my best friend, and I know she wouldn't betray me. I have heard stories of surrogacy leading to breaking the bond between husband and wife, and I can't stand bringing someone from outside. But the question is, is Lucia really the best decision? Choosing her might be a good decision but might not be the best decision, all I could hope for is that I'm making the right decision. She is still the best option I have right now.
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