Ella's Story 1 I was born with a rare scent and a a begonia-shaped birthmark between my legs. My CEO husband, Benjamin Carter, was addicted to me. Every day, he craved my body like a drug. In three years of marriage, we'd made love everywhere-kitchen, couch, car, even public restrooms. But no matter how wild our passion, my belly stayed flat. I suggested IVF. Finally, I got pregnant-with twins, a boy and a girl. Even after they were born, our passion didn't fade. Looking at my two babies, my heart felt whole. I truly believed I was the happiest woman alive. Until they turned five. One night, a sudden fever rushed them to the hospital. The nurse asked about allergies, then hung penicillin on their IVs. Within minutes, red rashes exploded across their skin. The doctor stormed in. "It's right here in their file! The mother is severely allergic to penicillin. How could I froze. "I'm not allergic to penicillin." She spun the screen to me, her finger tapping a line in glaring red text: Genetic Allergy Risk: Biological Mother-Sophia Miller. Sophia. The name hit me like a lightning bolt. My husband's unforgettable first love. The woman who'd left him years ago. you forget?" And yet... the children I'd carried, birthed, and raised were hers. Hers and Benjamin's. How was that even possible? I stormed into Carter Enterprises, fingerprinting my way up to Benjamin's office. The door was cracked open. Voices drifted out. "Ben, Sophia's back tonight. You sure about throwing her a welcome dinner? She's divorced now, but don't forget-you've got a family." Benjamin's voice was low, restrained. "I haven't forgotten. I only see her as a friend." "A friend?" his buddy scoffed. "When Sophia dumped you and left, who was it that cried for the first time in his life, swearing he'd live the rest of his days in compromise? You married Ella because she looked like Sophia. You had her carry yours and Sophia's kids through IVF. No matter how much they resemble their mom, she'd never suspect. She'd pour her heart into them forever." "Honestly, I almost pity her. She loves you so much. If she knew she was just a surrogate, just free childcare, wouldn't she go insane?" Benjamin's voice hardened, bitter. 12:29 0.2% "I never thought I'd get another chance with Sophia. Having her child-it felt like my only shot at a complete life. As for Ellie....." He paused, then his tone dropped to ice. "She'll never know. In exchange, she'll live her life as Mrs. Carter, the woman everyone envies." Just a door away, my world shattered. Six years of marriage, reduced to nothing but a lie. I stumbled out, the storm outside drenching me to the bone. Memories surged like floodwaters. Six years ago, I had just graduated. My parents, desperate to get $20,000 bride price for my brother, drugged me and shoved me intc a blind date. The man was old, greasy, already pawing at me. I fought with everything I had and escaped, stumbling half-delirious into a private room-straight into a stranger's arms. The drug burned through me. My body begged, trembling, desperate. "Please... help me..." He tried to push me away-until he saw my face. Something flickered in his eyes. "I can help. But it's a deal." His voice was hoarse. "I love someone I can't have. You look like her. I'll be your antidote. You'll be her stand-in. Marry me." It was like a bucket of ice water-sobered me up fast. Even poor, I had my pride. I didn't want to be anyone's shadow. But then I looked up- And froze. The man in front of me, handsome in his suit, was Benjamin. The senior I'd secretly loved for seven years. My last shred of reason snapped. "...Deal." He grabbed me, kissing me like thunder and rain. I knew it was only a transaction. But because it was him, I let myself drown. Soon after, he gave me a wedding every girl dreamed of. In six years of marriage, he never strayed. Whatever other wives had, I had more. The spotlight at every auction was reserved for "Mrs. Carter." When I got pregnant, his hands-used to signing billion-dollar contracts-cooked meals just for me. He skipped projects, sat through every prenatal checkup, read stories to my belly at night. After the twins were born, he still came home on time, no matter how busy. They say love for the children reflects love for their mother. I believed it. I believed his devotion meant he had finally given me his heart. But the truth? 12:29 0.29 He did love the kids' mother. Just not me. He loved Sophia. And me? I was nothing but her shadow. The rain drowned my sobs as I called the housekeeper to pick up the kids from preschool. My children. Not by blood, but by five years of my soul, my everything. How could I face them now? By the time I stumbled home, shivering, the two of them rushed to me. 'Mommy's home!" 'You're all wet! Hurry, take a bath or you'll get sick!" Their tiny hands tugged at mine, warm, trusting. My throat tightened. "Don't worry... Ah!" Out of nowhere, both kids shoved me with all their strength. [ tumbled down the stairs, my skull cracking against the floor. Warm blood trickled down my temple. Darkness pulled me under. 'Yay! Mommy's bleeding! Now she won't stop us from seeing Aunt Sophia!" 'Daddy, hurry! Olivia wants to see Aunt Sophia right now!" Through a slit of vision, I saw Benjamin. He frowned for a second, then his face smoothed over. "Take care of my wife," he ordered the maid. Then, without hesitation, he took Ethan and Olivia's hands and walked away. His deep voice floated back: 'I told you be gentler. Always choose Aunt Sophia over Mom, but next time, do it more smoothly." Ethan shook his head; firm like a little adult. 'No way! Mom's just dumb. We always trick her. She'll believe anything." 'Yeah, ditch her!" Olivia chimed. "If Aunt Sophia were our mom, I wouldn't care if she died. A push is nothing!" Their voices faded as the three of them walked out into the night. Pain tore through my body, but my heart was already ashes. And yet, I laughed. This was the man I loved. These were the children I gave my life to. But since they never belonged to me- I didn't want them anymore. None of them. Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!