Alya had been unconscious ever since the judge's decision crushed her hopes. Her body had gone limp and collapsed onto the cold courtroom floor. Meanwhile, Hanum's panicked voice echoed, calling her name again and again.
"Alya! Oh God! Help!" Hanum immediately knelt down, patting her pale cheeks. Panicking and unsure what to do, she turned to the nearby security officers. "Please call an ambulance! She needs help!"
Moments later, the wail of an ambulance siren blared outside the courthouse. Medical personnel quickly lifted Alya onto a stretcher and rushed her to the nearest hospital. Hanum followed closely, her hand gripping her friend's weak fingers tightly.
Upon arrival at the hospital's Emergency Room, doctors immediately examined Alya. Hanum stood in the corner of the room, biting her lip, trying to hold back tears. She had never seen Alya this broken. Losing Rey had drained the very will to live from her.
It was then a soft voice, full of surprise, called out to her.
"Hanum?"
Hanum turned, her eyes widening in disbelief as she saw a nurse standing not far from her. Her hair was neatly tied back, her face still the same as it was years ago.
"Dinda?" Hanum blinked, almost not believing her eyes.
Dinda smiled and, without hesitation, pulled her into a tight hug.
"Oh my God, it's been so long! I just realized it was you when I saw you here."
Hanum returned the hug, though sadness still lingered in her eyes.
"Dinda... Alya's suffering. She just lost custody of her child."
Dinda glanced at Alya, who was still lying weakly in the hospital bed. Her breath caught as she saw how frail the woman had become. She remembered the cheerful, spirited Alya from before. Now, what lay before her was only a shadow of that woman.
"How heartbreaking..." Dinda murmured. "I can't imagine the pain of losing your own child."
Hanum wiped her teary eyes. "I don't know what to do anymore, Din. Alya has lost everything."
Dinda took a deep breath and looked at Hanum seriously.
"Earlier, there was also a poor baby left behind by his mother after giving birth."
Hanum's eyes widened. "Left behind? Why?"
"His mother died after childbirth," Dinda said gently. "The baby is healthy, but he needs breast milk. We've been struggling to find a donor because the baby's condition is very sensitive. He really needs someone who can nurse him."
Hanum fell silent, absorbing Dinda's words. She turned to Alya, watching as her friend began to stir. Her eyelids fluttered slowly before opening. Her face was still vacant, as if the world had lost all its color.
"Alya?" Hanum approached, gently holding her hand. "You're awake?"
Alya nodded weakly, but her eyes looked dim.
"I can't breastfeed Rey anymore, Num..." she whispered hoarsely. "My chest hurts... it's full of milk... but I can't give it to my own son."
Hanum turned to Dinda with a meaningful look. Dinda nodded slowly, then stepped closer and gently took Alya's hand.
"Be strong, Al. I know this isn't easy," Dinda said softly and cautiously.
But Alya stayed silent. Her condition filled both Hanum and Dinda with deep concern.
Alya sat on the hospital bed, eyes blank. After the court ruling that shattered her world, she had hit rock bottom. Custody of Rey had gone to Adrian, and she had no choice but to accept that bitter reality. But something else was tormenting her too-her chest felt full, sore, and swollen. The milk she used to lovingly give to Rey now had nowhere to go.
Hanum, who had been by her side the whole time, held Alya's hand tightly.
"Al, you need to eat. You need your strength."
Alya shook her head weakly.
"What for, Num? For who? Rey can't see me anymore... I can't even nurse him now."
Hanum looked at her friend with deep sorrow. She knew how much Alya loved her son, and losing Rey had not only broken her spirit, but her body was in pain as well.
Meanwhile, Dinda, who had been monitoring Alya's condition, re-entered the room. She brought a glass of warm milk and sat by the bed.
"Al, you can't go on like this. I know it's hard, but... there might be something that could help you."
"Din," Hanum whispered, shaking her head-signaling doubt about what Dinda was about to suggest.
"It's okay, Num. Maybe this could give Alya a little hope," Dinda murmured confidently.
Alya lifted her face, her eyes swollen.
"What do you mean?"
Dinda hesitated for a moment before finally speaking.
"There's a baby in this hospital, abandoned by his mother after birth. His father-a wealthy man-is looking for a wet nurse for his child."
Alya fell silent, trying to process Dinda's words.
"A wet nurse? You mean... me?"
"Alya, I know this isn't easy," Dinda said softly, cautiously. "But here, in this hospital, there's a little baby who desperately needs breast milk. His mother died during childbirth, and he hasn't received enough milk."
Alya looked at Dinda with misty eyes. "That baby... doesn't have a mother?"
Dinda nodded. "Yes. He lost the mother who gave birth to him. Just like you're losing Rey, that baby has lost his mother too."
Tears began to well up in Alya's eyes. She clenched the blanket tightly, overwhelmed by a wave of emotions she couldn't quite explain. The pain of losing Rey still gnawed at her heart, but there was something in Dinda's words that touched the deepest part of her soul.
Dinda continued, "You're still lactating, and I know it must be painful not being able to express your milk. That baby needs breast milk, and you need a way to cope. This might be a solution for both of you."
Alya looked down, her mind in turmoil. She never imagined herself in this kind of situation. How could she possibly breastfeed someone else's baby when she couldn't even nurse her own son anymore?
"I don't know, Dinda... This is too hard for me."
Dinda offered a gentle smile. "I understand. But, Al... maybe this is also God's way of helping you through this hard time. That baby needs you, and you need something to hold on to. At least, think about it."
Alya turned to Hanum, as if asking for her opinion. Hanum held her hand and said, "Think it over, Al. Maybe this could help you get back on your feet. At the very least, you'll still feel needed."
Alya took a deep breath. Maybe they were right-maybe this could help her survive. And more importantly, she needed a job. She had nothing left. No money, no home, no Rey. If she kept going like this, how could she even live?
"Alright," Alya finally said, though her heart was still full of doubt. "I... I'll try."
The next day, Dinda arranged a meeting with the man looking for a wet nurse for his child. Alya sat in a private room at the hospital, feeling awkward and nervous. The door opened, and a man walked in with steady steps.
Sean Alexander.
Alya instantly recognized the name. He was a successful young entrepreneur, the owner of several major companies in Jakarta. The man had a handsome face with a strong jawline, sharp eyes, and a cold aura that was hard to penetrate. His black suit was flawless, reflecting his status and wealth.
But what caught Alya's attention the most wasn't the man's looks-it was the small baby in his arms. A tiny infant with fair skin and rosy cheeks, sleeping peacefully wrapped in a blue blanket.
Sean looked at Alya with a blank expression, then took a seat across from her. "Nurse Dinda said you're willing to be a wet nurse for my son."
Alya swallowed, nervous under his sharp gaze. "Yes, but... I'm not sure if I can really do it."
Sean studied her closely, as if evaluating her. "Have you breastfed before?"
Alya nodded. "I just lost custody of my child... and I'm still lactating."
Sean's expression softened slightly, though only for a moment. "Then it shouldn't be difficult. I need someone to breastfeed Leon exclusively. Just for six months."
Alya glanced at the baby in his arms. "Leon... that's his name?"
Sean nodded. "My wife died after giving birth. I have no choice but to find a wet nurse for him."
Alya felt a deep sympathy. Leon was so small, so innocent, yet already abandoned by his mother. Just like Rey, now so far away from her.
"What are my duties and responsibilities?" she finally asked, trying to stay professional despite her tangled emotions.
"You just need to nurse Leon according to the schedule. I'll provide housing, a proper salary, and cover all your needs. My one condition: you must not become emotionally attached to Leon."
Alya was stunned. "What do you mean, sir?"
"I don't want any drama. I just need someone to provide milk, not a replacement mother. When the contract ends, you walk away. No strings attached." Sean's voice was so cold, it seemed he wanted to eliminate any possibility of an emotional bond.
Alya took a deep breath. She knew this wouldn't be easy. But what other choice did she have? She needed a job, a place to stay. And most importantly, she needed something to fill the emptiness in her heart.
She looked at Leon once more, then said, "Alright, I... agree."
Sean nodded, then handed the baby into her arms. "Then from now on, Leon is your responsibility."
As Leon settled into her arms, Alya felt something stir within her. The baby was so warm, so small and helpless. She gazed at his tiny face, and for the first time since losing Rey, she felt something that resembled hope.
But what she didn't know was that this decision would change her life forever.
Alya stood in front of Sean Alexander's luxurious apartment.
The cool night air brushed against her face, bringing with it the nervousness that increasingly took hold of her. Since their meeting at the hospital earlier that afternoon, everything had happened so fast. Now, she was actually about to live in a stranger's home to care for a baby that wasn't even her own.
The large door opened automatically after Sean entered a code on the side panel. He walked in without looking back, forcing Alya to quickly follow. The moment she crossed the threshold, she was stunned.
The room was spacious, with high ceilings and a modern interior dominated by shades of black, white, and gray. Every piece of furniture looked expensive and perfectly arranged, giving off a cold and formal impression-just like the man who owned it.
"Follow me," Sean said curtly, walking toward a room in the corner of the apartment. Alya followed silently.
It was the baby's room. Unlike the rest of the apartment, which felt cold and sterile, this room felt warm and cozy. The walls were decorated with night-sky-themed wallpaper adorned with tiny glowing stars. A white crib sat in the center of the room, complete with neatly arranged baby supplies on nearby shelves.
Inside the crib, Leon slept peacefully, his tiny face calm under the soft glow of the nightlight. Alya's heart ached. For some reason, seeing the baby stirred something inside her-something that reminded her of the first time she saw Rey.
"From now on, this will be your room too," Sean's voice pulled her back to reality.
Alya turned to him, surprised. "I'll sleep here?"
Sean nodded. "Leon is still an infant. He needs to be nursed at night. I don't want any delays just because you have to walk from another room. Everything you need is here, including a private bathroom. If there's anything missing, let the head assistant I've assigned know."
Alya looked around the room. Though she never imagined she'd live in a place like this, at least she had her own space and didn't have to feel like a guest in someone else's home.
"All right, sir," Alya finally replied.
Sean nodded, then glanced toward Leon. "Leon's feeding schedule is written on the table. I want everything to run according to that."
Alya frowned. "I understand, but babies don't always follow strict schedules. They need comfort, not just routines."
Sean's gaze sharpened. "That's not your concern. Your job is to provide breast milk, not decide how to raise my son."
Alya bit her lip, holding back a response that nearly escaped. This man clearly needed to control everything, and she didn't want to start a conflict from day one.
"Understood," she said at last, choosing not to argue.
Sean looked at her for a moment, as if ensuring there would be no further objections, then said, "In that case, I leave Leon in your care." Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the room.
Once the door closed, Alya let out a long breath. She approached the crib and looked down at Leon, still fast asleep. His tiny face looked so innocent and fragile. Gently, she reached out and touched his soft cheek.
"Hello, Leon," she whispered. "From now on, I'll take care of you. We're the same. You lost your mom. I lost my child. But maybe you're even sadder... because at least mine is still alive, even though we're in different worlds now. Hang in there, okay?"
Leon stirred slightly, let out a small sound, then fell back into deep sleep. Alya smiled faintly, feeling something warm stir in her heart.
She observed Leon sleeping soundly in the crib. The room was spacious and elegant, with soft blue décor that offered a sense of calm. Only the baby's tiny breaths broke the silence. Her heart still felt heavy, but at least there was something she could do-she could provide milk for this baby.
The first day in Sean Alexander's home felt incredibly awkward.
Alya wasn't yet used to this new environment, especially with the strict rules in place. Sean himself barely spoke to her after their meeting the day before. He gave instructions only through the head housekeeper, Mrs. Rina. Alya was respected as Leon's wet nurse, but still treated as staff.
That afternoon, Alya sat by the window, watching the sky turn orange. She hadn't seen Sean again since morning. The man was always busy, as if his world revolved solely around his business. But behind his cold demeanor, Alya knew Sean cared about his child. After all, he hadn't chosen just anyone to care for Leon.
The door opened quietly. Sean appeared, wearing a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His gaze was sharp as usual, but this time there was a hint of exhaustion in his eyes. He walked over to the crib and looked down at the still-sleeping Leon.
"Is he sleeping well?" he asked, not turning to Alya.
Alya nodded. "Yes. He's a calm baby."
Sean was silent for a moment, then turned to face her. "Are you having trouble adjusting here?"
Alya hadn't expected that question. "Not really, sir. It's just... everything still feels new. I'm still learning to adapt."
Sean gave a small nod. "As long as you follow the rules and take good care of Leon, there won't be any problems."
Alya understood what he meant. She knew Sean didn't want any emotional attachment, and she tried to keep her distance. This was just a job, and she had promised not to get emotionally involved. But how could she keep her heart from getting close to a baby this small?
"Why are you so strict about these boundaries?"