Nothing Greater
The compassionate woman had always exemplified selflessness. When her best friend and her husband shared their struggles with infertility, she immediately stepped up.
She agreed to be their surrogate, a remarkable gesture of love and friendship that would eternally link their families.
Yet, she had no idea that this selfless act would trigger a chain of unexpected events, unraveling their lives in profound ways.
From Day One
At 40, Kathleen Parker had always been the reliable friend, the steadfast anchor in her social circle.
She had known Jayden since childhood; their mothers were best friends as well. They grew up in Santa Monica, married, and settled there together.
When Jayden and Jeffrey Smith revealed their difficulties in conceiving, Kathleen instantly offered her support. "I can be your surrogate," she said, her heart swelling with compassion and excitement at the thought of helping her friends create the family they desired.
A Big Ask
Kathleen had always shared a deep bond with her best friend Jayden, filled with countless memories and secrets.
When Jayden and her husband Jeffrey disclosed their infertility challenges, Kathleen and her husband Steven volunteered to be surrogates, eager to bring joy to their friends.
The arrangement seemed ideal, a way to strengthen their friendships even further. However, neither couple was prepared for the journey ahead.
It’s Only Natural
Initially, Steven, Kathleen’s supportive husband, had some reservations, but he couldn’t ignore his wife’s kind spirit.
After all, Jayden had been Kathleen’s closest friend since childhood, and Jeffrey felt like family too.
They discussed the logistics and financial aspects seriously. So, they embarked on this journey together, united by friendship and love. But they were unprepared for the challenges that awaited them.
Seven Months Pregnant
After months of preparations, legalities, and medical evaluations, the day arrived for Kathleen’s 7-month ultrasound.
The four of them entered Dr. Sparse’s office, filled with nervous anticipation, their laughter echoing in the sterile space. They had grown accustomed to medical appointments by now.
Dr. Sparse, a seasoned obstetrician, welcomed them warmly and began the procedure. Little did he know the secrets hidden behind closed doors.
The 4D Scan
It all began at Dr. Sparse’s clinic during the ultrasound appointment. Kathleen lay on the examination table, her heart racing with anticipation and anxiety.
Jayden sat beside her, gripping her hand tightly, her eyes sparkling with hope. Jeffrey stood at the foot of the bed, his face a mixture of excitement and restraint.
Dr. Sparse, an experienced obstetrician, began the scan, focused intently on the screen. But he was oblivious to what he was about to uncover.
The Doctor First Noticed
As the months rolled on, Kathleen embraced her role as a surrogate with joy and commitment. The baby was healthy so far, and Jayden ensured she had the best care.
She attended all her prenatal check-ups with Jayden by her side, both women eagerly looking forward to the baby’s arrival.
However, during a routine ultrasound at seven months, the atmosphere shifted drastically. Dr. Sparse, usually cheerful, grew pale as he examined the screen.
On The Bed
As the cold gel was applied to Kathleen’s belly, she gripped Jayden’s hand tighter, their excitement building.
The ultrasound machine beeped to life, and Dr. Sparse’s expression turned serious as he focused on the screen.
Steven, ever observant, noticed the doctor’s sudden shift in demeanor. "Is everything okay, Doctor?" he asked, concern lacing his voice. But he was unprepared for what was to come.
He Saw Something
Dr. Sparse’s complexion paled further as he scrutinized the screen. "I need to make a call," he said, his tone urgent. "Jayden, could you step outside for a moment?"
Confusion swept through the room. Jayden looked at Kathleen, worry etched on her face. "What’s wrong?"
"It’s just a precaution," Dr. Sparse reassured, but his tone lacked certainty. "Please, step outside." The anxious mother-to-be had no inkling of what was unfolding.
Asked To Leave
Reluctantly, Jayden exited the room, her mind swirling with fear and uncertainty. She settled in the waiting area.
Jeffrey followed closely, murmuring reassurances she barely registered. Kathleen and Steven exchanged worried glances, their hearts racing.
The doctor sat in front of them, intently studying the screen. He referenced his notes, flipping through pages, before glancing back at the display. Something was amiss.
A Suspecting Doctor
The doctor eyed the couple sitting across from him. He didn’t look happy at all. His forehead had small beads of perspiration trickling down the side.
The couple were nervous and curious and kept asking him what happened, but he didn’t say. He was reading something in the file.
Just then, Dr. Sparse picked up the phone, his fingers trembling as he dialed. "This is Dr. Sparse at St. Mary’s. I need immediate assistance in Room 12. It’s urgent."
The Baby's Face
Steven was confused, he didn’t know what the doctor called for. Kathleen’s eyes darted to the ultrasound screen, her breath catching in her throat.
The image of the baby’s face flickered, and a cold shiver ran down her spine. She couldn’t take her eyes off the captured image.
There was something disturbingly familiar about it. She swallowed her saliva gathering in her throat and waited for the doctor to speak to them.
Is Something Wrong?
Steven was getting impatient and wanted answers. He wasn’t a very well-spoken man, and the doctor didn’t like dealing with him from the start.
Kathleen cleared her throat to get his attention. "Doctor, what’s happening?" Steven demanded, his protective instincts kicking in.
Dr. Sparse hung up the phone, his face grim. "Kathleen, Steven, there’s something you need to see." The couple held hands, waiting for the doctor to tell them what was wrong.
My Better Judgment
The doctor frowned at them, “In all my years as a doctor, I’ve never seen this before, but I must say, the proof is almost certain.”
The worried mother-to-be had an idea of what he was implying. He turned the screen towards them, and Kathleen’s eyes widened in shock.
The baby’s features were unmistakably familiar, a haunting reflection of a face she had hoped not to see. It was the face of her husband, Steven.
Kathleen Realized
The doctor pointed out the baby’s nose, cheeks, and chin. "No," Kathleen whispered, her voice barely audible. "It can’t be."
Steven’s hand tightened around hers. "What does this mean?" He looked confused between doctor and wife. Were they in trouble?
Dr. Sparse hesitated, the weight of his words pressing heavily on the room. "I’m not sure yet, but I’ve called the authorities. We need to understand what’s going on here."
The Stress
Outside, Jayden paced the hallway, her mind a whirl of anxiety. She had no idea what was happening inside the doctor’s office.
In seven months, this was the first time the doctor asked her to step outside. She felt like she was missing out. But the doctor was still busy with Kathleen.
Jeffrey stood by her side, trying to soothe her. "It’s going to be okay," he murmured, but even he wasn’t sure. After an hour, they decided to leave the hospital. They were in for a big surprise.
Asking Nicely
Inside the office, the tension was thick. "Kathleen, is there any chance...?" Dr. Sparse began, but Kathleen cut him off.
She rubbed her belly. "We didn’t do anything. This doesn’t make sense," she said, tears welling in her eyes.
Steven tried to defend his wife, “She’s my wife, Doctor. What am I supposed to do?” Katheen gave him a deathly stare to keep quiet. He was talking too much and giving away their personal information.
Talk It Out
As the image of the baby appeared, Dr. Sparse's expression shifted from professional concentration to a look of shock.
Steven was starting to get annoyed, “What, Doctor? What is it? Did we do something wrong?” he yelled. His face went pale, and he quickly regained his composure, masking his alarm.
"Steven, could you please step outside for a moment? I need to speak with Kathleen privately," he said, his voice unnervingly calm.
I Won't Go
Steven's eyes widened in concern. "Is everything okay, Doctor?" He didn’t want to leave his wife alone with the doctor.
The doctor was starting to get annoyed at his childish behavior. "Everything is fine. I just need a moment with Kathleen," Dr. Sparse reassured her.
"Jayden, could you step outside for a moment?" Dr. Sparse asked, his voice strained. Jayden hesitated, glancing at Kathleen, but complied, leaving the room with a worried frown.
No Other Choice
Reluctantly, Jayden left the room, casting one last worried glance at Kathleen. She had to face the doctor alone.
Once the door closed, Dr. Sparse turned to Kathleen, his face grave. "Kathleen, I need you to look at the screen," he said quietly.
The expectant mother was feeling uncomfortable, her blood pressure began to rise. She was put on the spot. She had no choice but to respond to the doctor.
What He Looks Like
Kathleen's heart raced as she looked at the ultrasound screen. The baby’s face was unmistakably familiar.
She had seen those features before, but not on Jeffrey. They were Steven's. Panic welled up inside her as Dr. Sparse turned to her with a grave expression.
"Kathleen, we need to talk privately," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need you to be honest with me. Did you have any relations with your husband during the time you were supposed to be inseminated with Jeffrey's sperm?
She Denies It
Tears filled Kathleen's eyes as she shook her head vehemently. "No, Dr. Sparse, I swear I didn't. I would never betray Jayden and Jeffrey like that."
Dr. Sparse's expression softened, but the concern in his eyes remained. "We need to run a DNA test. This is highly unusual, and we need to be certain."
The doctor called the hospital operations manager again. He had to cover all the bases. He didn’t want to get involved in the couple’s mistake.
Above Board
The doctor had to file an official report, he didn’t want to continue seeing Kathleen if something went wrong at the IVF stage.
Kathleen turned her head and gasped. The baby's face on the monitor was unmistakably familiar. It bore a striking resemblance to her husband, Steven.
A wave of confusion and fear washed over her. "How is this possible?" she whispered, her voice trembling. But deep down inside, she knew the answer.
It’s My Job
The expectant mother couldn’t control her emotions and started crying in the doctor’s office. She knew that she was in trouble.
Dr. Sparse's eyes softened with sympathy. "Kathleen, we need to talk about this. Have you had any intimate relations with Steven during this time?"
"No," Kathleen insisted, shaking her head vehemently. "I swear, I haven't. This must be a mistake." But the doctor knew that she was lying to him.
Further Tests
The doctor sighed. "We need to conduct a DNA test to confirm the paternity. If the baby is indeed Steven's, it could have serious implications for everyone involved."
Kathleen nodded, her mind reeling. The next few weeks were a blur of anxiety and dread. The DNA test was performed when Kathleen was eight months pregnant.
She could barely sleep, her thoughts consumed with worry about the consequences of this unexpected revelation. Her life was hanging on by a thread.
The Waiting Game
Finally, the day arrived for the results. Dr. Sparse called Kathleen and The Smiths into his office. The pregnant lady sat on the edge of her seat, her hands trembling.
"Kathleen," Dr. Sparse began, "the DNA test confirms that the baby’s father is not Jeffrey." Kathleen's heart sank. "But how? I haven't been with Steven. I don't understand."
"I believe you, Kathleen," Dr. Sparse said gently. "But the evidence is irrefutable. The baby's DNA matches Steven's." How were the Smiths going to react?
You Lied
The doctor tried to comfort his patient, but she was inconsolable. She knew that she messed up and had to confront her best friend.
Kathleen felt tears welling up in her eyes. "What am I going to do? Jayden and Jeffrey paid me $20,000 to be their surrogate. I never intended for this to happen."
Dr. Sparse leaned forward, his expression filled with compassion. "You need to tell them the truth. This is a complex situation, and they deserve to know."
Jayden Didn’t Know
The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on Kathleen. Her friends were waiting outside for the doctor to call them in.
She knew that this revelation would shatter her friendship with Jayden and Jeffrey, but hiding the truth was not an option. Everything was going to change now.
She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the difficult conversation ahead. She had no choice but to confess her awful mistake.
Out On The Table
The tension grew unbearable. At eight months pregnant, the DNA results confirmed Dr. Sparse's suspicions: the baby Kathleen was carrying was not Jeffrey's.
It was Steven's. Kathleen's world crumbled around her as she faced the harsh reality. How was she going to tell her best friend what she did?
She had unwittingly forfeited the surrogacy contract, and now the truth threatened to destroy everything. But still, she had no clue how much worse things were going to get.
Tell The Truth
Kathleen asked the Doctor for a few more minutes before she had to face her friend. She was lost for words.
Dr. Sparse, bound by his ethical duty, refused to deliver the baby unless the truth was revealed. “It’s time Kathleen,” he said in a solemn tone.
He called Jayden and Jeffrey into his office, the tension palpable. Jayden looked at Kathleen, confusion and betrayal in her eyes. She had no clue that her life was about to fall apart.
In The Dark
Jayden and Jeffrey arrived at the clinic, their faces alight with expectation. They were expecting good news about the baby’s health.
When the Doctor called them to the hospital, they didn’t think that anything was wrong. He didn’t tell them what the reason was.
They had no idea of the storm that was about to engulf them. Dr. Sparse led them into his office, where Kathleen sat, her face pale and drawn.
The Doctor Guided Them
The doctor sat behind his desk. "Kathleen has something important to tell you," Dr. Sparse began. He nodded towards the heavily pregnant woman.
Jayden looked at Kathleen, her brow furrowed in confusion. "What is it? Is something wrong with the baby?" She looked into Kathleen's eyes.
Kathleen's voice shook as she spoke. "Jayden, Jeffrey, there's no easy way to say this. The DNA test revealed that the baby’s father is not Jeffrey."
Not The Father
Jeffrey stood up from his chair. "What do you mean?" Jeffrey demanded, his voice breaking. "How is that possible?" He couldn’t believe his ears.
"The baby doesn't have your DNA, Jeffrey," Dr. Sparse said, his voice firm but compassionate. "It appears that Kathleen's husband, Steven, is the biological father."
Jayden's face twisted in anger and disbelief. "Kathleen, how could you? We trusted you!" He stared daggers at Steven who sat there in silence.
He's Not Yours
Tears streamed down Kathleen's face as she tried to explain. "I don't know how this happened, Jayden. I swear, I never meant for this to happen."
The couple looked at the heavily pregnant woman who once carried their dreams. But Jayden and Jeffrey were inconsolable. The betrayal cut too deep.
They had paid Kathleen $20,000 to be their surrogate, and now their dreams of parenthood were shattered. She had to take accountability for her actions.
Not Worth It
Kathleen and Steven sat silently in their chairs as Jeffrey's words sank in. Their life was ruined, all because of one mistake in one night.
A stunned silence filled the room. Jeffrey's face turned ashen, and Jayden looked as if she had been struck.
Kathleen felt a sob rise in her throat. "I don't know how it happened. I swear, I haven't been with Steven. But the test confirmed it. The baby is Steven's."
Why?
Jayden's eyes filled with tears. "But we trusted you. We paid you to carry our child. How could this happen?"
Kathleen's heart ached with guilt and sorrow. "I am so sorry. I never meant for this to happen. I would never betray your trust."
Dr. Sparse intervened, his voice calm but firm. "We need to focus on what happens next. The contract was based on certain conditions, and those conditions have not been met. We need to figure out how to move forward from here."
Not The Same
Jeffrey stood up, his face a mask of anguish. "This changes everything. We need time to process this."
Jayden looked at Kathleen, her eyes filled with hurt and betrayal. "I thought you were my friend. How could you let this happen?"
Kathleen had no words to offer, only a deep well of regret. Dr. Sparse watched the emotional turmoil unfold, knowing that the truth, as painful as it was, had to be revealed.
She Didn’t Know
As they left the office, Dr. Sparse turned to Kathleen, his expression somber. "I'm sorry, Kathleen. I know this is devastating, but you did the right thing by telling the truth."
Kathleen nodded, tears streaming down her face. "I just hope they can find it in their hearts to forgive me."
Dr. Sparse placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Time will heal, but honesty is the first step." He was in an awkward position as their physician.
All For Nothing
As the door closed behind them, Kathleen felt a heavy weight lift from her shoulders, but the road ahead was fraught with uncertainty and pain.
She could only hope that one day, Jayden and Jeffrey would understand that her heart had always been in the right place, even if fate had taken a cruel turn.
They decided to sue Kathleen, demanding their money back and additional damages for the emotional distress and time wasted. They doubted that they would even get a nickel out of her. But for now, the truth was out, and the consequences were theirs to face.
The Legal Route
A few weeks later, the courtroom was filled with tension as the trial unfolded. Jayden and Jeffrey's lawyer presented a compelling case, highlighting the breach of contract and the emotional toll it had taken on the couple.
Kathleen, already guilt-ridden and devastated, struggled to defend herself. It was entirely her fault.
She knew she had no valid explanation for how this had happened, but she desperately wanted to make amends. But what would the judge decide?
In The DNA
Steven, feeling the weight of the situation, stood by Kathleen's side, though their relationship had become strained.
He knew he had no part in the deceit, but the truth of the baby's paternity had driven a wedge between him and his wife.
As the trial continued, the courtroom drama intensified. Jayden and Jeffrey's lawyer called Dr. Sparse to the stand, who confirmed the DNA test results and the impossibility of the baby being Jeffrey's.
A Bland Excuse
The evidence was damning, and Kathleen's lawyer struggled to mitigate the damage. “Your honor, it was not premeditated,” he tried to defend Kathleen.
In a desperate attempt to save face, Kathleen's lawyer argued that the surrogacy agreement had not been deliberately violated and that Kathleen had not intended to deceive anyone.
However, the judge was unsympathetic, citing the clear breach of contract and the devastating emotional impact on Jayden and Jeffrey.
On Paper
As the hearing came to an end, it seemed as though the court was leaning towards The Smiths. It was only fair.
The judge ruled in favor of Jayden and Jeffrey, ordering Kathleen to repay the $20,000 and an additional $50,000 in damages.
Kathleen felt the weight of the verdict crush her spirit. She had not only lost her friends but also her reputation and a significant sum of money. Everything was going to change now.
Not Meant To Be
As Kathleen and Steven left the courtroom, they faced an uncertain future. Their marriage was strained, and their financial situation was dire. Kathleen knew she had to make amends, not just to Jayden and Jeffrey, but to herself and Steven as well.
In the months that followed, Kathleen and Steven attended counseling, trying to rebuild their relationship.
Kathleen reached out to Jayden, hoping to find a way to mend their friendship, but Jayden was too hurt to respond. The bond they had shared seemed irreparably broken.
Different Endings
Kathleen gave birth to a healthy baby boy, a bittersweet moment filled with conflicting emotions. She and Steven decided to raise the child together, trying to find solace in the new life they had created, despite the circumstances.
The experience left a lasting impact on Kathleen. She realized the importance of honesty, trust, and the consequences of actions, even those beyond her control.
The Parkers struggled to pay back the Smiths, but they did. She dedicated herself to being a better person, hoping that someday, Jayden and Jeffrey might find it in their hearts to forgive her.
In order to protect the privacy of those depicted, some names, locations, and identifying characteristics have been changed and are products of the author's imagination. Any resemblances to actual events or places or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.
