panache

agreed to carry a baby for my sister because she couldn't have children. But by the seventh month of my pregnancy, I was secretly planning to disappear with the baby still in my womb. My name is Clara, and I never imagined that helping my own sister would turn into the worst experience of my life. When she asked me to be her surrogate, I agreed without hesitation. She promised to take care of me, support me financially, and treat me with love throughout the pregnancy. But everything changed once I became pregnant. She controlled what I ate, complained whenever I rested, and accused me

of being lazy whenever I said I was tired. Sometimes, she would remind me that the baby wasn't mine. "Don't forget you're only carrying my child," she would say whenever we argued.

Eventually, I gained admission into the university she chose. I hated every moment of it. I struggled with my courses, made no friends, and dreaded going to lectures. Whenever I complained, my mother reminded me how much money she was spending on my education. After two years, I made a decision. I stopped attending lectures, ignored my assignments, and eventually dropped out without telling her. I thought seeing her disappointment would make me feel better.

I'm 24, and I work at a clothing company in Shanghai. His name was Li Wei. He was 29, handsome, hardworking, and always treated me kindly. Whenever I made mistakes, he helped me without complaining. I slowly fell in love with him. My friends warned me not to confuse kindness with love, but I believed there was something special between us.