Chapter 2 Losing the Meaning of Life

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?"