PART 11 – I Asked for Independent Advice About the Surrogacy Agreement, and Suddenly the Questions I Had Avoided Became Impossible to Ignore

Two days later, I attended the private appointment at the clinic.

Daniel believed I was going for a routine checkup.

I didn't correct him.

I wanted one conversation where I didn't have to worry about his reaction.

The coordinator greeted me in the waiting room.

She took me into a small office.

There was a desk, two chairs, and a stack of files.

She asked how I had been feeling.

I told her about the pregnancy.

Then I explained the conversation I had overheard.

She listened without interrupting.

When I finished, she asked whether I had spoken to Daniel.

"Only a little."

"Do you feel safe discussing your concerns with him?"

I looked down.

"I don't know anymore."

She nodded.

Then she explained that the clinic could review the documentation with me, but I should obtain independent legal advice regarding my specific rights and obligations.

I asked whether anyone could change the intended-parent arrangements without my involvement.

She said the answer depended on the signed agreements and applicable law.

She did not speculate.

That was important to me.

I didn't need another person making promises.

I needed facts.

We reviewed the documents I had brought.

I asked questions about the medical process.

I asked about the birth arrangements.

I asked what would happen if I discovered that someone had misrepresented important information.

The coordinator encouraged me to have the legal professional review everything before making any decisions.

When I left the clinic, I felt exhausted.

But I also felt stronger.

For months, I had allowed Daniel to lead every conversation.

Now I was beginning to understand that I had a voice too.

On the drive home, I stopped outside a small coffee shop.

I ordered tea and sat near the window.

I watched people walking along the sidewalk.

A mother pushed a stroller.

A man carried shopping bags.

A young couple laughed while crossing the street.

Ordinary lives.

Ordinary problems.

I wondered how many people were carrying secrets they couldn't explain.

Then my phone rang.

Daniel.

"Where are you?"

I looked at the cup in front of me.

"Getting something to drink."

"Didn't you have an appointment?"

"Yes."

"How did it go?"

"Everything is fine."

He was quiet.

Then he asked something unexpected.

"Did Graham call you?"

My fingers tightened around the cup.

"No. Why?"

"Nothing. I was just asking."

I ended the conversation a few minutes later.

I sat there until my tea became cold.

Why had he asked about Graham?

Click here to continue reading: PART 12: When Daniel Suddenly Started Asking Whether Graham Had Contacted Me, I Knew My Questions Were No Longer Just in My Head