"H-Huh? Surrogate?" I asked in disbelief, pointing at myself. "M-Me?"

She nodded slowly and motioned for me to come closer. Though confused, I still obeyed and stepped toward her.

"It's a secret, okay? The truth is, I went to that bar because I know Mamita. I was going to ask her help in finding a surrogate-"

"But didn't you say you already have an agency?" I cut her off. "Why not just look for one there? What if the person you get has HIV or something? You'll just put yourself in danger."

She quickly gestured for me to lower my voice. We were still in a coffee shop, and anyone might overhear our conversation. I nodded in understanding.

"In our agency, the supposed parents have to be the ones to go there themselves," she explained. "But in my cousin's case, they can't leave the country. The family mustn't know. Her husband doesn't want to tell anyone that she can't get pregnant, so..."

"If they can't go abroad, then just bring the surrogate here," I interrupted again.

She shook her head and sighed heavily. "That's not allowed in our agency. So I had no choice but to come home to the Philippines and look for someone who can be their surrogate mother."

I fell silent. Not because I was considering it, but because I couldn't believe such a thing existed. The world was truly unfair, wasn't it?

Teenagers who have unprotected sex get pregnant so easily, while married couples who are ready and longing for a child can't conceive at all. Those who don't want children end up having them, and those who dream of having one... never do.

I let out a long sigh and shook my head. The world was never equal for everyone.

"Lyana?"

I blinked and returned to reality when Dr. Vallero called my name. I looked up at her, confused, and she sighed once more.

"Please, say yes," she pleaded. "I know you're still confused right now, but I'll explain everything carefully if you'll just agree-"

"W-Wait." I raised my hand to stop her from talking. "W-Why me? There are so many other women out there. Why me? And didn't you hear? My child-my child died-"

"But that wasn't your fault," she interrupted firmly, and I fell silent. "You had a healthy pregnancy, didn't you? You even said it only took one time, and you got pregnant right away. You didn't miscarry even though you were working back then. You gave birth smoothly. Everything... you would be a perfect surrogate, Lyana."

I blinked several times, unsure how to respond. Finally, I shook my head and sighed. "I'm sorry, but I'm not into that kind of thing. And pregnancy isn't easy, you know," I refused softly.

"Lyana, my cousin is rich-really rich. You'll only carry the baby for nine months, and that's it. You'll have no responsibility for the child afterward, and you'll get paid. My cousin can pay you millions just so they can have a baby. Come on, Lyana. Please say yes."

I bit my lower lip, silent. I didn't know what to say. Yes, I needed money... but not that way.

What if I couldn't let the baby go? What if I grew attached? I already knew how hard pregnancy was-that alone made me hesitate.

"You should ask someone else, Dr. Vallero. I'm sure plenty of women would accept your offer, especially since you said your cousin would pay a huge amount. But if you're asking me... I'm sorry, but no," I said, lowering my gaze.

She sighed deeply, making the air between us heavy.

"Lyana, this isn't charity. It's a job-a legal one. After nine months, you'll be free again. You can go back to college, find a better job afterward. This is a good opportunity for you."

Even with that tempting offer, I still shook my head. No amount of money could ever replace motherhood. I didn't even know if surrogates could still be called mothers.

"I'm really sorry. Please offer it to someone else," I said, standing up. "Thank you for the coffee and the offer, but I can't accept it."

"Lyana..."

I let out a deep sigh and gave her a small smile. "I hope your cousin finds a surrogate soon so she and her husband can have a baby. I'll include you in my prayers. Thank you-and I'm sorry again. I really want to repay the help you gave me when I gave birth before, but... not this way. I'm sorry. I'll go ahead."

I was about to leave when she stopped me, holding my wrist before standing up. She reached into her bag and placed something in my hand. My brows furrowed when I saw what it was.

"That's my calling card," she said. "If you ever change your mind about the offer, just call me. I'll wait for your call, okay?"

"H-Huh? But I already told you I'm not interested-"

"Just in case you change your mind," she interrupted, patting my shoulder lightly. "It would be a waste if you did and couldn't contact me, right? Lyana, I trust you. If I'm going to find a surrogate, I'd rather it be someone I know-and someone I trust."

"But still..."

"I'm not forcing you," she said gently. "I'll respect your choice. But if ever... just call me, okay?" She gave me a faint smile.

In the end, I could only nod and say goodbye. I was about to return the jacket she lent me earlier to cover myself, but she refused, saying I might get harassed on the way home. So I thanked her again and left the coffee shop.

My steps felt heavy as I walked away, my mind replaying everything she said. I still didn't fully understand what she meant by "surrogate"-maybe that was one reason I said no. I didn't even know how a baby was made in a surrogate's womb.

Maybe it's normal abroad, but here, it just isn't. Maybe I just didn't know much because I never finished school. Still, the idea felt too complicated for me.

I hailed a jeep and climbed in; my feet were aching badly. I sighed. Ten pesos gone-but I couldn't walk any farther. I just wanted to rest. Too much had happened today, and all I wanted was my bed, even if it was hard and hurt my back. Besides, I still had to pick up Thirdy from Auntie's place.

I hadn't even settled into my seat when my phone started ringing. I took out my old keypad cellphone and frowned when I saw the caller ID. It was Auntie.

That was strange-usually, I was the one who called her to check on Thirdy. Why was she calling me now? Still confused, I answered the call. "Auntie? Why?" I asked right away.

"L-Lyana, it's Thirdy... s-something happened to Thirdy..."

My heart skipped a beat. A wave of fear rushed through me. I swallowed hard. "W-What happened to Thirdy, Auntie? What's going on?"

"Th-Thirdy... he was hit by a car..."

The world stopped. It was as if someone had doused me with ice-cold water.

"W-What?!"

"What do you mean I have to pay? Excuse me, miss. I was driving carefully! Your brother suddenly crossed the road out of nowhere. It's not my fault your brother was stupid enough to-"

"Finish that sentence," I cut in sharply, my voice low and serious, "and you'll be the next one lying here beside my brother's hospital bed."

I exhaled loudly, trying to steady my breath, before glancing at Thirdy, who had just stopped crying. There was a bandage wrapped around his head from the accident, but thank God it wasn't as bad as I'd feared.

"L-Lyana, well, the thing is..." Auntie started hesitantly. "Th-Thirdy was kind of at fault. H-He crossed the road without looking, and then..."

"Oh? You heard the old lady herself," the driver said smugly, his tone dripping with arrogance. I closed my eyes for a moment, forcing myself to calm down.

When I opened them again, I lifted an eyebrow. "You're the one who hit my brother. And tell me, who's the one in the hospital right now? Your car?" I shot back.

Auntie grabbed my arm, telling me to stop, but I ignored her. How was I supposed to pay for Thirdy's hospital bills if he wouldn't take responsibility? My brother's the one who got hurt, and yet we're the ones expected to pay? No way. Especially since... I didn't even have money to begin with.

"Why don't you ask your brother instead? He doesn't look right in the head anyway, probably too dumb to lie," the man sneered.

I closed my eyes again, trying not to explode. God, what an unbearable man.

"Sir, if you were the one injured and lying here, I'd pay you even if I didn't have a single peso, if it was proven that my brother was at fault. But right now, it's him who's hurt, not your car," I said through gritted teeth.

"Your brother's an idiot, and now you're blaming me? Unbelievable. I'm the one inconvenienced here, and you still expect me to pay? Nonsense!"

My eyes widened when he suddenly turned his back on me. I jerked away from Auntie's grip and rushed after him, grabbing his arm to stop him from leaving.

"You're not going anywhere until you pay for what you did to my brother," I said firmly, tightening my grip. He glared at me coldly, but I met his eyes with the same intensity.

He couldn't just walk away. Where would I get the money for Thirdy's bills? He couldn't be discharged unless we paid, and the longer we stayed here, the bigger the hospital fees would grow. He could not leave.

I was about to speak again when he suddenly yanked his arm free. He shoved me so hard that I stumbled back and slammed into the side of Thirdy's hospital bed.

"What the-!" I groaned, clutching my arm. Damn it!

The pain made it hard to get up right away, so I stayed there for a few seconds, gritting my teeth. Two nurses came rushing over, but I shook my head, refusing help. What if they charged me for that, too?

When the pain finally subsided, I looked up, only to realize that the man was gone.

"Damn it," I cursed under my breath and stood up. I turned to Auntie, who just sat quietly in the corner. I sighed heavily. "Auntie, why didn't you stop him?"

From where I stood, I could see her throat bob slightly as she avoided my gaze. I rubbed my temples, trying to keep my composure.

Then I turned to look at Thirdy, still unconscious from the accident. His head was bandaged, and so were his right arm and leg. The sight of him made my chest tighten, and a few curses slipped out under my breath.

"Lyana?"

I looked up again. "Yes?" I asked softly as Auntie approached me from beside Thirdy's bed. She took hold of my right arm, frowning. "You did get the job, didn't you?"

Instead of answering, I just let out a long sigh and looked back at Thirdy.

She seemed to understand because she sighed too, one after another. "So you didn't get hired... I should've gone after that man, then. I didn't know," she murmured.

"Don't worry, Auntie. I'll find a way to get the money. We need to get Thirdy discharged soon; the longer we stay here, the more we'll owe."

"D-Do you even have money?" she asked. I looked at her and shook my head slowly.

"I still have two thousand pesos left. Thirdy and I made a few sales," she said.

"Auntie, if I take that, you'll lose your capital for your next round of goods," I interrupted.

"But what about the hospital bill? I'll earn it back once this is over. What's important is getting Thirdy out of here." She opened her shoulder bag, took out her wallet, and pressed a few hundred-peso bills into my palm. "Take it. You said it yourself, it'll just cost us more the longer he stays. Stay here for now, I'll try to get more money."

"Auntie..."

"Take it, Lyana. You can pay me back once you find another job," she insisted gently.

I sighed and finally accepted the money. "I'll pay you back, Auntie. I'm sorry for the trouble, again. You're already the one watching over Thirdy and now..."

She just gave me a faint smile and patted my shoulder. I looked away, embarrassed.

"I'll go home first, Auntie," I said. "I'll get some clothes for Thirdy and a few things he needs. I'll also stop by Jasrylle's place, maybe she can lend me some money."

"Alright. But come back right away, okay? You know how Thirdy is, he'll look for you the moment he wakes up."

I nodded in agreement, then looked at Thirdy again. He was still unconscious. I knew he'd throw a fit when he woke up from the pain, and Auntie wouldn't be able to calm him down alone. I had to get back quickly.

The only problem was, where would I even find money? I lived in the slums, and like me, my neighbors barely had enough for themselves. They were kind, sure, but when everyone's broke, even the kindest hearts can't always help.

After saying goodbye to Auntie, I left the hospital. I couldn't help but feel small as I walked out; everyone I passed looked rich, judging by their clothes. To make it worse, I was wearing something too short, I'd worn it earlier when I applied for a job at the bar... a job I didn't even get.

I clutched the jacket tighter around me, it was the only thing covering my skimpy outfit underneath. Thankfully, Dr. Vallero had lent it to me earlier; otherwise, I'd have been even more embarrassed walking around like this.

My head was bowed, too ashamed to look up, so I didn't notice the person walking toward me until I bumped right into him, nearly falling to the floor.

"Miss, watch where you're going," a deep, irritated voice said.

I immediately covered my chest, realizing my jacket had slipped open slightly, revealing the thin fabric of my dress beneath. I lowered my gaze and mumbled, "I-I'm sorry, sir."

The man only frowned, still talking on his phone as he walked away.

"I told you, I want to pursue it. Why are you questioning my decisions? My wife and I already discussed this. I don't care if it's dangerous or not, we want a child. End of discussion," he said, his tone firm before disappearing down the hall.

I froze where I stood, his words echoing in my head. Slowly, I turned to look back, but he was gone. My lips parted slightly as a nervous chill ran down my spine.

Then, almost without thinking, my hand reached for the pocket of the jacket. My fingers brushed against something, the calling card Dr. Vallero had given me earlier.

Dr. Vallero...

Would she... give me money?

"Ma'am, that's not fair. It's only been two months since I missed paying rent. Why are you kicking me out already? I told you I'll pay, didn't I?"

"Well, well, listen to this! You're the one who owes me money, yet you act so bold, as if you're someone important!" I almost screamed when Aling Lena, the landlady of this so-called 'apartment,' threw a fragile mug at me. Thank goodness I managed to dodge it, otherwise, I'd be in the hospital next to Thirdy right now.

I took a deep breath and lifted my chin to meet her glare. "I'm not leaving. I told you I'll pay-"

"Then give it to me." She stretched out her hand in front of me, making me blink several times. "Go on, give me the payment so I won't have to kick you out. I'm a person who needs money too, just like you, Lyana. If you're not going to pay rent, then you better leave so someone else can actually make use of that house."

"I said I'll pay-"

"Then give it to me!" she snapped, cutting me off sharply. I couldn't help but scowl as she shoved her hand closer to my face, her palm wide open like she was starving for cash.

Instead of handing her anything, I pushed her hand away and brushed past her.

"Hey! Lyana! Get back here! Damn it, you've got some nerve! Living here rent-free with no shame!" she yelled after me, but I ignored her and stormed straight inside the house.

Expressionless, I began gathering my things and shoving them into my old, worn-out bag. I slammed every item I owned into it, one after another, without caring for the noise. When I was sure I had everything, I glanced around the cramped apartment one last time.

I rolled my eyes when I spotted two cockroaches trying to crawl into my bag, as if they wanted to come along. I stormed out and slammed the door shut behind me.

"Oh, so you're leaving after all. And here you were, acting all tough."

I lifted my chin toward Aling Lena and shot her a glare. My mood soured even more when I noticed the crowd of nosy neighbors who had gathered to watch the scene unfold. Typical. Always hungry for gossip. Maybe they'd be next to get kicked out.

"Honestly, it's embarrassing to live in your filthy little 'apartment' that doesn't even look like one. You charge rent like it's a palace when it's barely livable! Prices keep going up as if I'm asking you for a favor!" I snapped, slinging my bag over my shoulder.

"Why, you ungrateful brat-"

"Aling Lena, you begged me to rent that place because no one else wanted to live there. You should be thanking me for putting up with it. Now, let's see if anyone else will rent that rat hole after me."

With that, I turned on my heel and walked away with my head held high.

I could still hear her complaining and the neighbors whispering behind me, but I didn't bother to look back. Once I was far enough, I let out a long, tired sigh.

Damn it. What's with today? Did the heavens decide to rain misfortune and make me the only one to catch it all?

First, I didn't get the job. Second, Thirdy got into an accident and ended up in a private hospital we can't afford. Third, the driver who hit him ran away. And now, fourth, I got evicted.

Just perfect.

I reached into my pocket to make sure the money I borrowed from Jasrylle was still there. I had stopped by her place earlier before heading home, and thank God she had some extra cash to lend me. She gave me four thousand pesos, her earnings from her shift last night.

Still, the four thousand I borrowed from her and the two thousand from Tiyang weren't nearly enough to cover the hospital bills. And now that I'd been kicked out, I had nowhere to stay. I couldn't keep imposing on Tiyang, she'd already done too much for us. I was sure her husband would start a fight tonight after finding out she gave me their earnings.

I pulled my bag off my shoulder and fished out my old keypad phone. Biting my lower lip, I copied the number that Dr. Vallero had given me earlier. Thank goodness she did, otherwise, I'd have no idea what to do.

My fingers trembled as I dialed her number. Luckily, Jasrylle had loaded some prepaid credit on my phone before we went to the bar earlier, just in case something bad happened and I needed to call her.

My heart pounded while I waited for Dr. Vallero to pick up. She must've been busy, it took two calls before she finally answered.

"Hello? Who's this?"

I swallowed hard at the sound of her voice. Taking a deep breath, I finally spoke. "Dr. Vallero?"

"Yes? Who's speaking?"

"L-Lyana."

There was a pause. The silence on the other end made my stomach twist. "L-Lyana? Why are you calling? Is there a problem?" she asked at last.

I swallowed again. "That offer you mentioned earlier... no one's accepted it yet, right?"

"H-Huh? Offer?" She went quiet for a moment, and I bit my lip nervously. "O-Oh, that. Yes, the offer's still valid. W-Why? Have you thought about it?"

"Yes."

"R-Really?! You're agreeing to it?"

I didn't answer right away. Instead, I exhaled deeply and tightened my grip on the bag strap over my shoulder. "Can we meet tomorrow? I want to talk about it more thoroughly."

"A-Are you sure?"

"I haven't decided yet... but maybe, who knows, I might change my mind and agree to your offer." My voice came out soft, uncertain.

I heard her let out a long sigh of relief on the other end. I lowered my gaze, my chest tightening. I didn't know what was running through her mind, and that made me even more anxious. I didn't fully understand what the job entailed, but right now, I was desperate. Desperate for something that could quickly get me the money I needed, just like she said.

Besides, she told me her cousin was wealthy. If I accepted her offer to become a surrogate mother, I could finally give Thirdy a good life... and maybe I wouldn't have to keep breaking my back just to survive.

It would only be once, after all.

"All right," she said at last. "When are you free? I can come to you anytime. Just tell me where."

"Tomorrow. Is tomorrow okay?"

"Of course! J-Just tell me the place. I'll handle everything else."

I felt a rush of relief. I thought convincing her would be harder, especially after I turned her down earlier, but it seemed like she was more eager than I was.

I thanked her before ending the call. Just in time, a jeepney passed by, so I waved it down and climbed aboard. I couldn't stay out too long. Thirdy might wake up and look for me.

"Fare, please," I said, handing my payment to the driver. When he took it, I finally sat down and tried to relax.

I bit my lower lip again, thinking about Dr. Vallero's offer. I'd forgotten about it for a while because of Thirdy's accident, but after bumping into that man at the hospital earlier, the thought came rushing back.

My chest tightened. What if I end up regretting this? What if something goes wrong? I didn't know anything about the process. In fact, I'd only learned today that such a thing was even possible. The rich really did live in another world.

Still, I told myself I'd survived worse. Maybe I could survive this too.

I took a deep breath, weighing all the possibilities. Why me, though? Why would Dr. Vallero offer this to a complete stranger like me instead of hiring someone through an agency abroad? She said they had one, so why go out of their way to find someone like me... clueless and inexperienced?

It didn't make sense. But maybe, as she said, they just wanted to be discreet. Apparently, the couple's family was keeping a close eye on them.

I pursed my lips. How old were they, I wondered, that they still hadn't conceived? Spending so much money just to have a child... while others got pregnant without even trying.

Whoever that child will be, they're lucky.

A pang of envy hit me. If only I'd been rich too... maybe my baby back then would've survived.

I exhaled sharply and shook my head. Whatever. What mattered now was getting the money to pay Thirdy's hospital bills and his maintenance meds. And after that, finding us a place to live once he was discharged.

Talk about bad luck. Even if Thirdy gets out of the hospital, we'd probably be sleeping on the streets.

I glanced out the window, and my eyes widened when I realized I had missed our stop.

"Stop here, please!" I yelled in a panic.

The driver braked abruptly, nearly throwing me forward. I muttered a quick curse and apologized to the passengers before jumping off the jeep and running back toward the hospital.

"Just my luck," I muttered under my breath.

When I finally reached the hospital, I brushed off my clothes and fixed my hair. The last thing I needed was to look like I didn't belong here. These people already looked intimidating enough, one glance at me and they'd probably think I wandered in by mistake.

Once I was sure I looked somewhat decent, I walked inside, biting my lip again as I passed the clean, well-dressed people in the hallway. I kept my head low and my pace quick until I reached the corridor leading to Thirdy's room.

His room was on the third floor. I was about to take the elevator, but when I saw the polished, high-class faces inside, I immediately backed away and chose the stairs instead. I was exhausted, but what choice did I have? If I rode with them, they'd probably look at me from head to toe.

Better tired than humiliated. Pride's all I've got left anyway.

I climbed slowly, but froze when I crossed paths with a familiar face going down. My heart skipped when our eyes met for a moment, but I quickly looked away, remembering what I'd overheard him say earlier.

He had a wife. What a shame, he looked young.

I widened my eyes slightly at the ridiculous thought and shook my head, walking faster to pass him. He didn't seem to recognize me anyway and continued his way downstairs.

I exhaled heavily and kept going until I reached the third floor. As soon as I arrived, I spotted Tiyang, talking on her phone.

"Tiyang!" I called, running toward her.

She looked up and slipped her phone into her pocket. "What is it? Did you find money? I borrowed three thousand from my friend at the market-"

"Don't worry, Tiyang," I cut her off with a small smile. "We have enough to pay the hospital. I'll be starting a new job tomorrow."