《The baby swap》Chapter 16: Baby agreements (part 2)
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I tapped my feet impatiently staring at the clock in my bedroom.
It was eight o'clock, Alex was supposed to have already arrived.
He would probably show up any moment, he usually arrived whenever he was least expected.
My lawyer hadn't arrived either.
The need to make this night perfect was getting the best of me. Whenever people were late, things ended up being rushed and that's what I was avoiding. I rushed to get pregnant now I'm in this mess with Alex.
I had moved some furniture around to create more space, making the place look a little more professional at the same time homey.
The door bell rang, breaking into my thoughts.
I rushed to the door, my shoes clicking against the wooden floor.
I had changed into a floral, casual dress.
The wait was finally over. I had already thought my argument through, I was sure I was going to win this time. Who could have thought debate club would finally be of use.
I opened the door to a nonchalant Alexander wearing a tux, he had both his hands in his pocket, confidence radiating all over him. He managed to make sexy look casual, as if he woke up like that. Too bad he was a ass hat.
A smile formed on his face after I had opened the door. I avoided eye contact looking past him to a man standing behind me.
Behind Alex was a man I assumed was his lawyer. He too wore a matching black tux and large glasses. He was also bold, with his brief case tucked under his arm.
"Please come in," I said stepping away from the door, clearing a way for them.
Alex step in, followed by his lawyer.
I closed the door behind them and welcomed them into the living room.
I had already sorted four store bottles of water, on top of the living room table.
Alexander and his lawyer settled themselves.
Minutes later, the door bell rang again.
I opened the door to a breathless Frederick.
Unlike Alex and his lawyer, Fredrick was dressed in blue jeans and a blazer over his shirt. He held a brief case along with a bunch of unorganized stack of papers.
"Sorry I'm late," he said stepping into the house.
We were finally ready to proceed.
Alex and his lawyer sat opposite Fredrick and I as we all faced each other.
"We'd like to finish this meeting as quickly and smoothly as possible. Its best if all parties try to remain fair to avoid prolonging this meeting." Alex's lawyer began.
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For a moment I felt anxious, afraid that Alex's lawyer would over power mine. With the amount of money he had, I'm sure he only had the best of everything.
"I have already spoken to Zoe about this before, I'd like for her to stop working. For the well-being of my child." Alex spoke in a calm tone, I could tell it was taking a lot in him to remain calm.
I opened my mouth to speak but Fredrick beat me to it.
"That's a bit unfair to my client. She depends solely on the income from her cafe. If she was to close her cafe, even for just the duration of the nine months she would lose a lot, not just customers. It would take her years to recover." Fredrick reasoned.
"I'm aware of that. I'm willing to hire a professional, out of my own pocket to manage her business for the next fifteen months. I'll also sign over the building in her name as soon as the baby is born." Alex answered.
"What do you think about that?" Frederick whispered to me.
It sounded fair. I knew well that it was the best I'd ever get from Alex. Besides, I could use this as a fifteen months vacation. I'll finally be able to complete my to-do list. I couldn't say no to the deal.
"Fine," I answered firmly. "But only if I can monitor the person's progress. I'd like monthly reports to see how everything will be running." I insisted.
Alex held my gaze as if to challenge me. He remained quiet as if he was making up his mind.
I suddenly felt as if the temperature in the room had risen. I opened a water bottle on the table and took a sip to cool myself down.
"Fine," he finally spoke after taking his time.
Alex's lawyer jotted something onto his laptop.
We seemed to be making progress.
"My client would like to be involved as much as possible during the pregnancy." Alex's lawyer spoke.
"About that..." I trailed off. "I need him to give me some space. His presence is constantly stressing me. I've already ended up in the hospital because of that." I said.
Okay, maybe my last statement might have been too desperate, but I was willing to say anything to get him off my back, it wasn't a lie after all.
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Alex glared at me in disapproval.
"It's my child too," he defended.
"Do you really want this baby to be born," I threatened firmly.
It immediately silenced him.
"I need for him to respect my privacy and stop interfering in my personal life." I continued.
I remained adamant. If there is one thing I've come to realize is that people will never take you seriously if you're not confident enough to stand up for yourself.
He sighed defeatedly.
"Fine," he finally spoke. This must have been difficult for him, I could tell he was used to getting what he wanted.
"But I want to be at every single doctor's appointments and be informed if anything happens." He insisted.
"Fine," I agreed, crossing arms across my chest.
"I'd also like to check up on you." He added.
He sounded like he was trying to gain his control over me.
I didn't need him to check up on me. His check ups, meant stressing me out.
"Only twice a month." I said adamantly trying to remain reasonable.
He opened his mouth to speak but he quickly stopped himself. He knew this was the best he was going to get.
"Since she's excluding me out of her life, I'd like it in writing that she can't do anything that will put my childs' life at risk." He said in a cocky tone.
"I'd never do anything to risk my baby's life." I defended.
I don't know what he was trying to achieve by this, maybe he was just trying to get a reaction out of me.
"Then it shouldn't be a problem." He mocked.
"It sounds fair." Fredrick said typing onto his laptop.
I sighed.
We talked about other issues as well. We agreed he'd cover all the hospital expenses and even as far as my maternity clothes. If I hadn't declined, he would have gone as far as hiring a nutritionist.
Things seemed to be running smoothly.
Well, I guess I spoke too soon!
"I'd like for you to move to another place, somewhere more secure." He said.
Just when I thought control freak Alexander was gone, there it was again.
There was nothing wrong with my apartment, nor the security. Infact, you'd have to go through a series of guards before entering the building
"It sounds like you trying to control me again, there is nothing wrong with this place." I snapped.
"I'm just trying to protect you, we won't be able to keep your pregnancy a secret for long, someone is bound to let it slip. You don't know who brutal the press can be." He continued.
As far as I was concerned, the only person I needed protection from was him.
"I can take care of myself." I insisted.
"Have it your way," he said dismissive.
There was a awkward pause for a moment until Fredrick cleared his throat.
"Now for the pending issue, the custody of the child." Fredrick said. " It would be for the child's best interest if you were to agree on sharing custody." He continued.
"I'd like the child to remain with me for the first year." I interrupted.
"That's unreasonable," Alex disapproved trying to keep his voice down.
"Maybe it's not as unreasonable. She would have to breast feed everyday, especially in the first three months." His lawyer reasoned. " However, we can only agree on six months, the child would have been old enough for a bottle by then." He continued.
I nodded in agreement.
Alex sighed sinking his back into the couch.
"What if any part of the contract is broken. I'd like for it to be followed through." I said.
There was a long silence as both our lawyers exchanged looks. There had to be something down to make sure this contract was followed through.
"The stakes couldn't be any higher in this case. I suggest that if either party is to breach any part of the contract, sole custody will be awarded to the other until the said child is six years old." Fredrick spoke.
The tension in the room thickened. I had no problem abiding to the contract, it was Alex who had the problem.
"You can always update the terms to the contract if you both agree." Alex's lawyer spoke.
"Do I have any other options?" Alex asked in a defeated tone.
"No," I answered giving hints of satisfaction in my tone.
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: Thanks for reading, you you guys think that Alex will abide to the contract.
Comments your views on the story.
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