Hired To Nurse, Bound To Love

"So... all this time you were just playing with me?" Alya's voice trembled, her puffy eyes still fixed on the man in front of her, filled with heartbreak.

Adrian stood by the bed, buttoning his shirt with a face void of remorse.

"I never played with you, Alya. But I don't love you anymore."

Alya's chest tightened. It felt like being punched over and over with no strength to fight back.

"And you chose her? She knew you were married, yet she still slept with you?"

Adrian let out a long sigh. "Al, we're no longer compatible. You're too busy with Rey, with the house, with everything that no longer interests me. Meanwhile, Stella... she understands me."

"Stella, again!" Alya laughed bitterly.

"You betrayed our marriage for a woman who has no shame? For someone who entered this house behind my back?"

Adrian looked at Alya with a cold gaze.

"Enough, Al. I want to be free. I'll take care of the divorce."

Alya's mouth hung open, eyes wide in disbelief. Her fists clenched at her sides, trying to steady the tremors that ran through her body.

"How could you! What about Rey? Your own son?"

"I'll get custody," Adrian replied casually.

"You know my family has power over everything. I can give Rey a better life. And you? What can you offer besides tears and sadness?"

Alya shook her head, tears falling again.

"You can't take him from me. I'm his mother! I carried him for nine months! I nursed him! I stayed up every night for him!"

"And I'm his father," Adrian cut her off.

"Don't make this harder, Alya. You need to leave."

Alya collapsed to the floor. Their once-warm bedroom now felt like a suffocating stranger. Her heart shattered at the sight of the suitcase Adrian had prepared - heartlessly, without empathy.

"I won't leave without Rey," she whispered, trying to stand.

But before she could move, two guards entered the room. Alya looked at them, confused.

"Escort Mrs. Alya out," Adrian ordered flatly.

"NO!!"

Alya screamed, trying to reach the bed where her son was sleeping.

"Adrian, please! Don't do this! Don't separate me from Rey!"

But the strong hands of the guards dragged her out, while the cries of her baby echoed through the room. Alya shrieked, struggling to break free, but she wasn't strong enough to fight them.

Rey's wails grew louder, as if he understood his mother was being taken from him.

"REY!" Alya cried hysterically.

"ADRIAN, PLEASE! DON'T SEPARATE ME FROM HIM!"

But Adrian stood at the doorway, watching her without a shred of pity.

"Goodbye, Alya."

The door closed. And with it, her world crumbled.

Rain poured as Alya walked aimlessly. Her clothes were drenched, her hair a mess, her gaze empty. Passersby glanced briefly, then continued with their lives.

Her phone vibrated in her hand. The name on the screen brought her a sliver of comfort.

"Al, where are you?" her friend asked, voice filled with worry.

"I'm at Simpang Layang. I... Adrian kicked me out," Alya answered softly, her voice shaking with sobs.

"I'm sorry, Num. I never listened to you all this time."

"Wait there, I'm coming to get you," said the voice on the other end without hesitation.

Soon, a car stopped in front of her. A woman ran toward her and wrapped her in a tight hug.

"Alya... I'm here. It's okay. You're not alone."

That hug broke Alya's last defenses. She sobbed in her friend's arms, releasing all the pain she had held in.

"Hanum... I've lost everything. I lost Rey... I have nothing left..."

Hanum gently stroked her back.

"It's okay, you can stay with me for now. We'll find a way through this, together, okay?"

Alya nodded slowly, feeling slightly stronger knowing someone still cared. But deep inside, she couldn't help but wonder - what should I do now? How can I get my life back? And more importantly, how can I survive in a world that no longer has a place for me?

Alya stared blankly at the divorce papers in her hands. In the grand courtroom, justice felt so far out of reach.

"Custody is granted to the father, based on financial stability and a better environment for the child," the judge's voice echoed.

Alya was stunned.

"No... Your Honor, please! I'm his mother! I gave birth to him and raised him! Please don't take him from me!"

Her cries were ignored. Alya had lost. Once again, she was powerless against Adrian, who held all the power over her.

"Alya!!"

Hanum's voice echoed throughout the courtroom. But Alya didn't respond - the broken woman had already collapsed to the floor.

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?"

"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.