Chapter 3 An Unexpected Offer

"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.