I always knew James’s family thrived on drama, but I never expected to be the main act in one of their most twisted plots. It started with a “family meeting” at his mother Diane’s house. James was tense, warning me to keep an open mind. That was the first red flag. At the meeting, Matt—James’s younger brother—announced he was engaged to a wildlife photographer in Ethiopia who, due to health issues, couldn’t have children. Diane jumped in: “Which brings us to… you.” They wanted me to be their surrogate,

Though stunned, surrounded by pleading faces and promises of compensation, I agreed. The pregnancy was brutal. I never heard from Matt’s fiancée, and every excuse felt more suspicious. When I pressed, they blamed poor signal and a rare bird she had to photograph. It all felt off. Then, during labor, James stepped out to take a call and returned—with her.Rachel. His ex. The one I caught him obsessing over years ago. She beamed, thanking me for making their dream come true. My blood ran cold. “You knew,