"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?"

Alya asked suddenly, unaware that her inner thoughts had slipped out.

Sean looked at her, his expression hardening.

"Because I don't want to make the same mistake. Leon only needs someone to nurse him, not a replacement mother. I don't want him growing up with unrealistic hopes."

There was pain in his voice, even though he tried to hide it. Alya didn't press further. She knew something in Sean's past had shaped him into who he was now. But she didn't want to force her way into knowing it either.

Just then, Leon's cry filled the room. Alya immediately picked him up and held him gently. She could feel his small body squirming, searching for comfort. Slowly, Alya began to nurse him, her back turned.

Sean watched in silence. His eyes were no longer just observing-there was something deeper in them. Something almost like admiration.

Alya lowered her gaze, focusing on Leon. She didn't know where all of this was going to lead, but one thing was certain-taking this job had changed her life. And perhaps, it was also beginning to change the heart of someone who had long kept it shut.

But she still didn't know how deep her involvement would affect her.

Alya sat in her new room, staring at the ceiling with mixed feelings. The room was spacious, designed in a minimalist style with calming neutral tones. Although it was far more comfortable than the house she once shared with Adrian, Alya felt something was missing.

In the crib, Leon slept peacefully. His breathing was steady, his tiny face serene. Alya still couldn't fully get used to the fact that she was now this baby's wet nurse. Every time she looked at Leon, guilt over Rey came rushing back.

"I'm fine," she whispered softly, as if trying to convince herself.

But before she could drown any deeper in her thoughts, a knock on the door startled her. She got up and opened it, finding Sean standing there with his usual unreadable expression.

"How's Leon?" he asked directly, without small talk.

Alya swallowed. "He's fine. Just fell asleep."

Sean gave a small nod, his eyes glancing into the room to check on his child. After a few seconds of silence, he looked back at Alya.

"I want to talk."

Alya frowned slightly. "About what, sir?"

Sean stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, making Alya feel a bit awkward. He walked toward the window, crossing his arms.

"I want to make sure you fully understand our agreement."

Alya sighed. "I understand. I'm only here to nurse Leon. Nothing more. No emotional involvement. I've heard everything, Mr. Sean."

"Good." Sean looked at her sharply. "I don't want any misunderstandings. You're here to provide breast milk, not to take the place of his mother. I don't want Leon confused."

There was something in his tone that made Alya's chest tighten.

"Mr. Sean... he's just a baby. He needs love. I'm not trying to take anyone's place. I just want to take care of him properly."

Sean was silent for a moment, then let out a deep breath.

"I just don't want the same thing to happen again."

Alya tilted her head slightly. "What do you mean?"

The man hesitated, as if unsure whether to answer. But finally, he said,

"His mother left him. I don't want him growing up with the wrong hopes."

His words stunned Alya. She never really knew what had happened between Sean and Leon's mother, but it was clear the man carried deep wounds.

"I understand," Alya said softly. "I won't confuse Leon. I just want to do my job well."

Sean looked at her for a moment, then nodded.

"Good. Just make sure you remain professional."

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving Alya with a swirl of unanswered questions in her head.

The days that followed settled into a steady rhythm. Alya cared for Leon with full attention, ensuring the baby received enough nourishment. Each time she nursed him, a warmth spread through her chest-a feeling she had almost forgotten since losing Rey. But she always reminded herself of her boundaries. This wasn't her child. She was just a wet nurse, nothing more.

Sean was rarely home. The man was always busy with work, often returning late at night or not at all. But whenever he was home, the atmosphere felt heavier. Sean was a man full of mystery, closed-off, and hard to read.

One night, after putting Leon to sleep, Alya decided to go to the kitchen for a cup of tea. But as she came down the stairs, she heard a voice from Sean's study.

"I don't care-make sure the stocks stay stable!" Sean's voice was cold and sharp.

Alya paused in front of the slightly ajar door. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but his tone was too intense to ignore.

"You think I don't know your game?" Sean continued, his voice filled with fury. "Don't even think about betraying the trust I gave you."

Alya swallowed hard. It was the first time she had heard Sean speak with such icy authority. As she turned to leave, the door suddenly swung open-and there he stood, eyes piercing.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone accusatory.

Alya froze, caught off guard. His gaze was so sharp it took her breath away.