Chapter One – The untold pains

Sniffing

The morning sun poured gently through the tall glass windows of the Richard's Mansion, spilling across polished floors and brushing against the milk colour curtains that danced ever so slightly with the breeze.

How will i be able to earn more money, for Danny treatment. Victorine said to herself. Tears welled up her eyes as she head towards the living room, her body Is present but her mind isn't she carried a heavy debts and burden that troubles her.

The house was still, save for the soft sound of a vacuum and the light scent of fresh vanilla polish.

Victorine moved quietly through the sitting room, her hands moved as you neatly arranged and dust the living room.(parlour)

She looked at her reflection in the window. Once a lively girl plump and cute with her emerald eyes and rare white hair, is now lean and ugly the only thing that is looking attractive is her white long hair and charming eyes.

She’d been in this house for nearly a year now, long enough to know every corner of the building.

The Richard's Mr Alex Richards and Mrs Juliana Richards — were kind in their own way. Their marriage was most girls and ladies dream marriage. They have been married about three years and are still winning the awards of the ideal couple.

From the staircase, Juliana’s soft voice drifted down. A lady of about 5.2 height tall,slim,with elegant stature. And her black short hair gave her a unique face. She is in her early thirties.

Victorine, honey, make sure the vegetables for tonight's dinner are washed and picked properly,I will be making dinner myself.

Why the sad face?.She asked.

Nothing ma'am, Victorine replied while deep down her mind is restless she owes a lot to this couple.

And please, water the lilies in the conservatory. I noticed they’re beginning to fade.

“Yes, ma’am,Victorine replied with a polite smile, lowering her gaze as Juliana descended the stairs, her silk green gown catching the light like liquid gold.

Alex followed shortly after 6.7 tall man,fair and hairy skinned with his blue eyes and well combed hair looking demeour in his well pressed black suit. Smiles to his wife.

“Ready?” he asked his wife softly, holding the car keys. His voice, though gentle, carried a weight of reassuring smile— the kind that comes when hope has been tested too many times.

Juliana gave a small nod, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Another round,” she murmured, almost to herself.

Victorine watched as they stepped out together, the door closing softly behind them. She sighed, glancing around the quiet house her mind still worried.

The sound of a Mercedes maybach car engine faded down the street, leaving behind a silence that seemed almost too thick for comfort. Victorine stood by the doorway for a moment, her hands resting against the cool frame, before turning back into the house.

She started cleaning and arranging things the way it pleases her boss. Should I ask Mrs Juliana for help she kind and good to me. Maybe she will offer help to me even it means spending my entire life working for them.

Her brother’s face flashed in her mind.

Daniel.

Only fifteen, yet already worn thin by hospital walls and the sharp scent of disinfectant. His laughter, once bright and cheeky, had turned too skinny cause of illness if only there parents were alive.

Victorine wiped a tear that threatened to fall, shaking her head as if the act itself could chase the sadness away. “You’ll be fine,” she whispered to no one, to him, to herself. “You’ll be fine, Danny.”

She walked into the conservatory, watering the lilies just as Juliana had asked. The white petals were drooping, faintly spotted with brown. They reminded her of the woman who had just left — beautiful, but tired. Juliana Richards had everything a woman could dream of: a loving husband, fame as a painter, money enough to buy peace. Yet, Victorine had seen the truth hidden in her eyes — that quiet ache of someone whose arms longed to hold a child.

By midday, the house she was done with chores,she was making meal for herself and her brother when, her phone buzzed she looked at it

It was a message from the hospital.

Her heart jumped. She grabbed it with trembling hands, reading the words slowly:

“Miss Victorine Hollow, the results for your brother’s test are out. Please come to the hospital as soon as you can.”

Her stomach tightened. Cause she knew anytime such messages comes from the hospital it means bad news.

Without a second thought, she grabbed her bag, and dashed into the street of London with a wearily and praying heart. The street of London is filled with people going about their day,chatting and streaming noises the street is alive. But Victorine was lost in thought she just want to reach to the hospital.

She didn’t know it yet, but that single afternoon — that single phone call — would lead her straight into a deal that would change everything.

The hospital was busy filled with doctors and nurses walking around and some running to save their patients. And scents of methylated spirit and disinfectant fill the air that makes up the hospital.

She hurried past the wards before her brother own , clutching her worn handbag close to her chest. Her heart was racing — half from fear, half from hope. When she reached Daniel’s ward, she paused by the door, trying to gather herself.

He was there lying on the bed, pale as white with tubes running from his arm to a machine that beeped softly beside him. Yet, when he saw her, his lips curled into a small smile.

“vicky,” he whispered. “You’re here.”

“Of course I am,” she said, forcing brightness into her voice. “Where else would I be?”

He gave a weak laugh that turned into a cough. “You’ve got work. You shouldn’t keep running down here.”

Victorine brushed a hand across his forehead. Don’t worry about that. I got it covered just focus on recovery

Before she could say more, the door opened and Dr. Henry stepped in with a kind-faced man in his late fifties; who had been treating Daniel for months. He smiled at Victorine, signaling to come to his office, though his eyes told her everything before he even spoke.

“Miss Hollow,” he began softly, “we’ve reviewed Daniel’s latest results.” He hesitated, adjusting his glasses. “The medication has helped, but it’s not enough. The only real option left is a bone marrow transplant.”

Victorine's heart sank. “A transplant?”

“Yes,” he replied. “It’s his best chance. But it needs to happen soon. The problem is… it’s expensive, and we’ll need a compatible donor.”

She felt her throat tighten. Expensive — that word always found a way to crush her.

“How much?” she asked, though she could barely push the words out.

He sighed, mentioning a figure that made her world blur. It was far beyond anything she could earn, even if she worked day and night for years.

She went back to her brother's bed side, Victorine sat beside Daniel’s bed in silence, holding his hand. His skin felt cold, fragile.

“Don’t cry,” he whispered slowly. “You always cry when you think I’m asleep.”

She bit her lip, smiling through her tears. “I’ll find a way, Danny. I promise. I don’t know how, but I will.”

Outside, the sky had turned grey, the clouds heavy with rain. Victorine stood by the window, watching raindrops trail down the glass. Each drop felt like a ticking clock, reminding her time was running out.

She didn’t know that, at that very moment, across the city, Juliana and Alex Richards were sitting in another hospital room — the fertility specialist’s office — being told that their third IVF attempt had failed.

Two lives, two kinds of pain,tired hearts.

Chapter Two – Another failed attempt

Juliana Pov

Juliana’s heart is pounding eagerly waiting for the results. Alex held her hand, rubbing it slowly to help her relax.She was noticeably stressed. They both looked at the doctor waiting for him to say something.

“Another failed attempt,” the doctor said gently, trying his best to assure them.“I’m afraid the chances remain slim.”

Juliana ’s lips trembled. She blinked back tears, forcing a polite smile that felt hollow even to her own eyes. “So… what are our options?” Doc she whispered, her voice shaky and tense.

The doctor hesitated. “There are other options. Surrogacy is one. With the right person, it could give you both a child you can call your own.”

Alex’s jaw tightened. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture Juliana knew too well the one he made when he felt powerless, when he wanted to fix something and couldn’t. “

A surrogate…” he repeated, almost as if the word tasted strange on his tongue.

“Yes,” the doctor confirmed. “It’s a complex process, of course. It requires careful screening, legal arrangements, and emotional preparedness. But it could work where IVF has not.”

Juliana ’s hands shaking and cold sweat broke on face. She looked at Alex, searching for a reaction, for a spark of hope that wasn’t there. Instead, she found him silent, staring out at the London skyline, the light from the overcast sky falling across his features and casting shadows that seemed to make him older than his thirty-five years.

“I…” Juliana began, hesitating, “I know someone who could help.”

Alex turned sharply to look at her, a mix of curiosity and wariness in his gaze. “Who?” he asked, his voice low but edged with tension.

Juliana exhaled slowly. “Victorine” She works in our house and she is responsible and good. We can offer her a good amount of money and take care of her. My love we have to try her first before we check other candidates

Alex’s expression darkened, the lines of stress and grief deepening around his eyes. “You’re suggesting we… ask her to carry our child?”

Juliana nodded, barely able to meet his gaze. “I know it’s unusual. And I know it’s… complicated. But she’s kind. She’s selfless. And, Alex… she might understand our situation more than anyone.”

The room fell silent. Outside, the drizzle against the window picked up, tiny beads running down the glass like fragile tears. Alex pressed a hand to his forehead, exhaling slowly. “Juliana … you know I… I’m not sure I can ask anyone to do this. Not truly.”We can't just lift our burden on her. She is still young and having her future to secure is a very huge decision honey.

Juliana reached out, resting her hand lightly on his arm. “It’s not about asking. It’s about offering her a chance to help, to save a life. And if she agrees… we’ll take care of her. Properly. We’ll make sure she’s protected.”

He didn’t answer immediately, only staring at the grey sky. Then, after a long pause, he muttered, almost to himself, “If anyone can handle this, maybe… maybe it would be her.”

Juliana nodded, sensing both the weight of his words and the hidden sorrow in his heart. For three years, they had tried, hoped, and lost again and again. Now, at last, there was a flicker of possibility — fragile, uncertain, but real.

“I will talk to her first when we reach home. Okay”,it will be fine. I just hope your mom accepts this method. You know how she is when it comes to me.

Leave her to me I know how to handle no one has the right to determine what we do with our lives and marriage. If you don't also need any children just tell me I will accept.My dearest. He peeked at his wife trying to assure her she had his support.

Doc. We will be leaving now,we will discuss more and get back to you. Alex grabbed his wife's bag and lead through the hospital. Wait here, I will get the car.

Sounds of engine are heard a few moments later.

Alex came down and opened the car for his wife like a proper gentleman.

Honey, let's eat outside tonight. I will take you to this new Chinese restaurant that is across the town. Alex said, smiling at her. Juliana knows her husband is trying to cheer her up; he always hid his pains. She forced a smile pretending to be happy.

She desperately needs a child so that her mother-in-law won't trouble her.

Or try to get Alex a new wife like she did last year. Deep in her heart she knew how lucky she was to be married to him. And she really wants to make him a father no matter the cause.

Juliana sat across from her husband in the soft, amber glow of the Chinese restaurant’s lanterns. The place was warm and fragrant, filled with the comforting scent of ginger, garlic, and sizzling soy. Yet, despite the inviting aroma and the gentle clatter of chopsticks around her, her mind was miles away.

Her husband was speaking about his day — something about a new project at work but Juliana barely caught half of it. She nodded politely, offering the occasional smile, though her thoughts kept circling back to Victorine.

How was she supposed to bring such a delicate matter to her? Victorine wasn’t the type who welcomed surprises. She valued structure, clear intentions, and conversations that didn’t wander into emotional landmines.

Juliana lifted her tea cup, staring into the steam curling upward. If I don’t say something soon, if I don't say something soon things could… her breath heavy

She pictured it: approaching Victorine after work, asking for “just a moment,” and trying to sound calm when her heart would be racing. What if Victorine refused to even listen? What if she misread everything?

Her husband reached for her hand gently. “You seem a bit far away tonight.”

Juliana forced a smile, squeezing back. “Just thinking… about how to say something important.”

And in that moment, she knew she couldn’t put it off much longer.

Victorine in the other hospital sits beside her brother waiting for the rain to stop so she can get back to the mansion.

The monitors beeped as her gaze was just on her brother. Who looks so tired and worn out tears keeps rolling she keeps fighting to hold it back but couldn’t. Her little brother pretends to be asleep. While his heart aches he wishes death will come to him, but he also doesn't want his sister to be alone; he is the only family she has.

Unbeknownst to her that life is about talking about another dimension.

—

Chapter Three: The offer

Beeps (keypad beeps)

Mrs Juliana and her husband Alex were home.

Victorine was in the kitchen, getting necessary things ready dinner,

Sounds of cabinet doors are being heard.

“Victorine,” Juliana called gently from the doorway.

Victorine “yes ma'am”she looked up quickly, facing her boss. Whose face wasn't happy, in any way, she didn't need someone to tell that the IVF failed again.

There was a pause, a quiet moment where Juliana looked as though she might crumble. Instead, she stepped further into the kitchen.

“Could we talk for a moment? Privately?”

Victorine dried her hands and nodded. “Yes, ma’am.”

Alex greeted as he headed to their bedroom hoping for the best.

They moved to the sitting room,Juliana breathing heavily. She doesn't know whether she is doing the right thing or not.

Juliana clears her throat looking at Victorine with pitiful eyes.

“I know this is unusual, Victorine.I hope you’ll forgive me for asking.” She inhaled slowly.

“Alex and I… we’ve been trying for years to conceive but to no avail. And today, the doctor suggested… surrogacy.” He said that is the chance we can be able to have our biological child.

Victorine felt her heartbeat quicken. She lowered her gaze.

“I’m so sorry, ma’am. Truly.”

Juliana nodded softly, her voice trembling. “When I think of someone responsible… compassionate… someone who understands what it means to fight for family… your name came to my mind.”

The room fell painfully silent. Victorine’s chest tightened as Daniel’s pale face flickered through her memory. The doctor’s warning echoed in her ears. A transplant… soon… expensive.

“Ma’am…” she whispered, “are you asking me… to carry your child?”

Juliana ’s eyes glistened. “Only if you’re willing. And we’ll support you properly. Medical care, accommodation, everything… We’ll take care of you, even after giving birth Victorine.”

Victorine swallowed hard. Her hands trembled slightly. “I can’t say yes… not like this. My brother he’s in the hospital. He needs a bone marrow transplant. And the cost is…” Her voice cracked.

Juliana leaned forward immediately. “Tell me what he needs.”

Victorine hesitated, breath shaking. “The hospital said they need a deposit before they can even begin. Without that… he might not survive long enough to find a donor.”

Juliana didn’t blink. “Give me the hospital details”

Victorine ’s eyes widened. “Ma’am?”

You heard me send me the hospital details now so I can deposit the amounts Juliana said gently.

Victorine couldn't believe her ears as tears streamed down her weak face.whispered her conditions carefully, voice trembling:

“I… I will do it, ma’am. But I want to continue working… and I want to be treated with care And when the baby is born… I don’t want to be pushed aside like rubbish.” I don't want to lose my job ma'am.

Juliana ’s expression softened with sympathy. “You have my word, Victorine . You’ll be cared for. Properly.”

Within an hour, the deposit was transferred. The hospital confirmed the alert on Victorine’s phone, and her knees nearly gave way with relief.

Phone buzzed

We promise to find your brother a bone marrow transplant within 2weeks.

Sobbing continues as she keeps looking at the message not believing it is real she thinks it is a dream.

Ma'am thank you Victorine said with a smile on face.

“It’s done,” Juliana said softly.You are under my care now and tomorrow we will sign a contract.

Half of her problems—just like that—lifted.

“I… I don’t know how to thank you,” she whispered, voice strangled with emotion.

“Don’t thank me yet,” Juliana murmured, touching her shoulder lightly. “We have a long way ahead.”

But Victorine couldn’t help it. She stood and hugged Juliana tightly, desperately before stepping back, embarrassed by her own boldness.

Juliana left the quarters with a slow exhale, her steps brisk as excitement bubbled up inside her. She hadn’t expected Victorine to accept, not so quickly, not so bravely. Tonight, at least, something had gone in her favour.

She walked straight to the private wing of the house, pushing open the heavy door of her husband’s room without knocking. He was seated at his writing desk, spectacles perched low as he reviewed some documents. He looked up, mildly annoyed at the intrusion—until he saw the expression on her face.

“Honey,” Juliana breathed, closing the door behind her. “She accepted.”

Her husband’s brows lifted. “Victorine? Truly?”

“Yes!” Juliana rushed forward, excitement shimmering in her voice. “Just like we hoped. She agreed and I’ve already sent the money for her brother’s treatment. The process has begun.”

He leaned back in his chair, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Good. Very good. That means we can move to the next stage without any obstacles.”

Juliana sat on the edge of the bed, finally allowing the tension of the day to leave her body. She sighed with relief, a small satisfied smile curling her lips.

Alex walks towards his wife. Lie beside her the both looked at each other and breathed a sigh of relief.

He kissed his wife passionately. He couldn’t stop looking at his wife. His bundle of joy had smiled truly for the first time in three years. He hoped dearly it wouldn't end in sadness.

I hope this sweet smile of yours never stops, he murmured to himself. Juliana was already fast asleep after a hectic day.

He carried her to the bed side and tucks her in. Patted a kiss on her forehead, whispers goodnight off the bedside lantern and goes back to his desk to keep reviewing his projects.

Down the hall, in her small quarters, Victorine lay curled on her bed clutching her phone. Tears soaked her pillow, not from sorrow—but from a miracle she never imagined could happen. Her brother would live. Her family would breathe again. And for the first time in months, she dared to hope.

She whispered into the dim room, voice quivering:

“Thank you… thank you…”

Little did she know this was only the beginning.

And she… she had just agreed to change her life forever.