Lina stood at the door of the big, beautiful apartment. Her mouth was open in surprise. The floor was shiny like glass. A large, sparkling light hung from the ceiling. Everything smelled new, like fresh paint and rich people's homes.
"Mom…" Davis held her hand tightly, his eyes big. "Is this our new house?"
She bent down to his level. "Just for a short time, baby. We're only staying here for a while."
"But… we have an elevator! And a swimming pool?!" He jumped with excitement.
Before she could speak, a tall woman in a neat uniform walked over with a smile. "Good morning, madam. I'm Ifeoma, your personal nurse. Please come this way."
Lina looked confused. "Personal what?"
"I'm here to help you with your pregnancy and take care of your needs."
As they walked in, a man in black trousers and a white shirt tipped his cap. "I'm your driver, madam. My name is Peter."
A voice came from the kitchen. "Madam, lunch is almost ready. Do you eat efo riro?"
Lina felt like the world was spinning. Was this really her life?
She looked at Davis. "We're here because mummy got a special job. A very important one. That's why all these people are here to help."
Davis nodded slowly. "Is it like when you taught extra classes and got paid more?"
"Something like that," she smiled.
Her phone rang. It was Anna.
She paused, then picked up. "Hello?"
"Lina! Thank God! Are you alive? You've been gone for two months! Even your landlord said you moved. What's happening?"
Lina sighed and walked into a soft, fancy bedroom. She saw the nurse watching her. "I'm fine, Anna. I'll explain. Can you come and see me?"
"Now?"
"Yes. I'll send you the address. Please don't tell anyone. Just come."
***
The doorbell rang. Lina stood up, fixing her dress over her pregnant belly. She opened the door. Anna was standing there, shocked.
"Lina… what is this?" Anna said, eyes wide. "You're… pregnant?"
Lina gave a small smile. "Come in, Anna."
Anna walked in slowly, looking around at the shiny floors, soft chairs, and bright lights. "This place looks like a hotel for rich people! Did you marry a billionaire?"
Lina laughed a little. "Something like that. But not really."
Anna turned to her, confused. "You disappeared for three months… and now this?"
Lina touched her stomach. "There are two babies in here."
Anna gasped. "Twins?! What is going on?"
Lina smiled again but more seriously. "Come inside. I'll explain. Not here."
She called out, "Uzo, please make something nice for my friend. Anything she wants."
A voice from the kitchen replied, "Yes ma!"
Anna followed Lina to the bedroom, still looking at everything around her in surprise.
Lina closed the door and drew the curtains. Anna sat down quickly.
"Okay. Talk. I'm not leaving till you tell me everything."
Lina took a deep breath. "You remember Davis got an admission into Great Heights Academy?"
Anna nodded. "Yes. That expensive school."
"Well," Lina said, touching her belly, "this is how I'm planning to pay for it."
Anna looked confused. "How?"
"I became a surrogate, Anna."
Silence.
"You… what?"
"I'm carrying twins for a rich couple."
Anna leaned in, shocked. "Lina, why didn't you tell me? This is huge. Why did you do this alone?"
"I had no choice. My parents still don't help me. I didn't want Davis to lose his big chance because we're poor."
Anna shook her head. "And this couple? Who are they?"
"I've only met the wife. Her name is Mara. She's rich, powerful… and controlling. She gave us this apartment."
Lina sat on the bed and rubbed her belly. "Mara is giving me everything I need. But I feel something is wrong. Like she's watching me. I get strange phone calls. Even after changing my number. And Ifeoma, the nurse… she acts like she's spying for Mara."
Anna frowned. "You think she's spying on you?"
"I feel it. She's always listening. Always around. It makes me nervous."
Anna nodded slowly. "Rich people can be strange. Be careful."
They sat quietly for a while.
Then Anna spoke again. "But Lina, why? Giving away two babies… for one child's future? That's hard."
Lina looked down. Her voice low. "It hurts already. But I'm doing this for Davis. He deserves a better life."
Anna took her hand gently. "You're very strong, Lina. But even strong people feel pain."
Lina blinked fast. "I'm already in pain."
Anna looked at her. "If you think Mara is hiding something, try to find out. Don't sit and wait. Be smart."
Lina gave a small smile. "You remember those boys from our area? The ones who can find anything with small money?"
Anna grinned. "Yes! If anyone can find secrets, it's them."
Lina nodded. "Then it's time to be smart."
They looked at each other and smiled.
Outside the door, someone walked past. Lina narrowed her eyes.
The game had just started.
***
Far away, in a tall office building in Victoria Island, Ken Duru sat behind his desk. The city lights sparkled behind him. His suit was neat, but his face was tense.
A knock came.
"Come in," he said.
His private investigator, Toby, walked in, wearing jeans and a jacket.
"Well?" Ken asked without looking up.
"I think I found someone," Toby said.
Ken looked up fast. "Lina?"
Toby nodded. "Lina Obi. A teacher. Used to live on the edge of Lagos. She matches the woman you described; even the small scar on her eyebrow."
Ken stood up. "Where is she now?"
Toby sighed. "That's the problem. She's gone. I called her three weeks ago. She answered. I knew it was her. But then she went quiet. Since then, the line has been off."
Ken frowned. "You found her and nd you let her disappear?"
"I tried. Went to her school. No one has seen her. Some say she's sick. Others say she traveled. One person said she might be pregnant. But no one knows for sure."
Ken ran a hand through his hair and turned to the window. "Do you have a picture?"
"No," Toby said. "She keeps a low profile. Even her social media is empty."
Ken's voice grew hard. "Find her. I don't care what it takes. I want to see her."
"I'm on it."
Ken looked out the window, hands clenched.
"Lina… where are you?"