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.

"I just wanted to make some tea," Alya replied softly, trying to maintain her composure.

Sean studied her expression intently. His face still reflected the tension from the phone call he had just ended. But instead of scolding her further, Sean let out a deep sigh and walked past her.

"It's late. You should go back to your room," he said without looking back.

Alya nodded, choosing not to respond. She didn't want to escalate the situation, especially when Sean was clearly in a volatile emotional state. Still, she couldn't ignore what she had just overheard. Something had clearly upset him-something related to his business.

As she returned to her room, her mind was still preoccupied with the conversation. What exactly had happened? And why was Sean so angry? Did it have anything to do with his past? Alya didn't know, but one thing was certain-Sean was carrying wounds that hadn't healed.

The next morning, Alya woke up earlier than usual. She found Leon still fast asleep. His tiny face looked so peaceful, making her smile softly. Although she had initially doubted her decision to stay, each day she found herself growing more attached to the baby.

While changing Leon's diaper, the bedroom door opened and Sean appeared. He looked sharp in his tailored suit, but his expression remained the same-cold and unreadable.

"I'm going out of town today. I'll probably be back tomorrow night," he said curtly.

Alya raised her eyebrows, slightly surprised. "Yes, sir. Is there anything I need to do besides taking care of Leon?"

Sean looked at her for a few seconds before replying, "Just stick to the rules. And don't ask too many questions."

Alya sighed. "I've never asked anything, Mr. Sean."

He didn't respond, just gave a brief nod before turning to leave. But before the door fully closed, he paused.

"If you need anything, call Mrs. Rina."

Then he was gone, leaving Alya with a head full of questions. She didn't understand why Sean always kept his distance. He clearly had a gentle side-she could see it in the way he looked at Leon. But at the same time, he had built high walls around himself.

That day passed rather peacefully. Alya spent time with Leon, reading him short stories and occasionally talking to him. Even though the baby couldn't understand her words yet, she still found comfort in doing so.

But that calm didn't last long. In the late afternoon, the main doorbell rang. Alya, who was in the nursery, turned toward the sound, wondering who it could be.

Soon, she heard Mrs. Rina's voice outside the room.

"Miss Alya, there's a guest here to see you."

Alya frowned. A guest? Who would be looking for her in this house?

Carefully, she placed Leon back in his crib and stepped out of the room toward the living room. Her heart pounded the moment she saw the figure standing there.

A woman with long wavy hair and an air of confidence stood in front of her. She looked elegant in a beige designer dress that fit her perfectly. Her sharp gaze seemed to scan Alya from head to toe.

"You must be Alya," she said, her voice calm but piercing.

Alya nodded slowly. "Yes. I'm sorry, who are you?"

The woman gave a slight smile, but there was something dangerous behind it.

"I'm Catherine. Sean's ex-fiancée."

Alya felt her body tense. Ex-fiancée?

"I want to talk to you," Catherine continued bluntly. "I hope I'm not interrupting your... babysitting duties."

Alya knew she couldn't refuse. Carefully, she sat on the sofa while Catherine took the seat across from her. There was tension in the air, as if this were no ordinary meeting.

"I'll get straight to the point," Catherine said, crossing her legs. "I want to know what your real relationship with Sean is."

Alya swallowed. "I'm just Leon's wet nurse. Nothing more."

Catherine narrowed her eyes, as if trying to decide whether Alya was telling the truth.

"Just that?"

"Yes. I'm here to care for Leon, nothing else."

Catherine let out a short sigh, then smirked.

"You know, Sean isn't the type to let just anyone into his life. He's very selective about who he lets close. If he's allowing you to live here, there must be another reason."

Alya clasped her hands in her lap. "I don't know what you're implying, Miss Catherine."

The woman gave a cold little laugh. "Don't be so confident, Alya. I just want to remind you of one thing-Sean doesn't trust anyone. And if you think you can change that, you're going to be disappointed."

Alya didn't like her tone. "I've never had such intentions."

"Good," Catherine said shortly, then stood up. "I hope you remember my words. Because in the end, no one truly gets into Sean Alexander's world."

Alya remained silent as the woman walked away, leaving her with a swirl of thoughts.

What was Catherine really after? Why did she feel the need to warn her? And most of all-what had actually happened between her and Sean?

As night fell, Alya still couldn't shake the unease in her chest.

Maybe Catherine was right. Maybe Sean was a man no one could get close to.

But one thing was certain-she was already in too deep in his world.