Chapter 5 I don't care

Alya asked suddenly, unaware that her inner thoughts had slipped out.

Sean looked at her, his expression hardening.

"Because I don't want to make the same mistake. Leon only needs someone to nurse him, not a replacement mother. I don't want him growing up with unrealistic hopes."

There was pain in his voice, even though he tried to hide it. Alya didn't press further. She knew something in Sean's past had shaped him into who he was now. But she didn't want to force her way into knowing it either.

Just then, Leon's cry filled the room. Alya immediately picked him up and held him gently. She could feel his small body squirming, searching for comfort. Slowly, Alya began to nurse him, her back turned.

Sean watched in silence. His eyes were no longer just observing-there was something deeper in them. Something almost like admiration.

Alya lowered her gaze, focusing on Leon. She didn't know where all of this was going to lead, but one thing was certain-taking this job had changed her life. And perhaps, it was also beginning to change the heart of someone who had long kept it shut.

But she still didn't know how deep her involvement would affect her.

Alya sat in her new room, staring at the ceiling with mixed feelings. The room was spacious, designed in a minimalist style with calming neutral tones. Although it was far more comfortable than the house she once shared with Adrian, Alya felt something was missing.

In the crib, Leon slept peacefully. His breathing was steady, his tiny face serene. Alya still couldn't fully get used to the fact that she was now this baby's wet nurse. Every time she looked at Leon, guilt over Rey came rushing back.

"I'm fine," she whispered softly, as if trying to convince herself.

But before she could drown any deeper in her thoughts, a knock on the door startled her. She got up and opened it, finding Sean standing there with his usual unreadable expression.

"How's Leon?" he asked directly, without small talk.

Alya swallowed. "He's fine. Just fell asleep."

Sean gave a small nod, his eyes glancing into the room to check on his child. After a few seconds of silence, he looked back at Alya.

"I want to talk."

Alya frowned slightly. "About what, sir?"

Sean stepped inside without waiting for an invitation, making Alya feel a bit awkward. He walked toward the window, crossing his arms.

"I want to make sure you fully understand our agreement."

Alya sighed. "I understand. I'm only here to nurse Leon. Nothing more. No emotional involvement. I've heard everything, Mr. Sean."

"Good." Sean looked at her sharply. "I don't want any misunderstandings. You're here to provide breast milk, not to take the place of his mother. I don't want Leon confused."

There was something in his tone that made Alya's chest tighten.

"Mr. Sean... he's just a baby. He needs love. I'm not trying to take anyone's place. I just want to take care of him properly."

Sean was silent for a moment, then let out a deep breath.

"I just don't want the same thing to happen again."

Alya tilted her head slightly. "What do you mean?"

The man hesitated, as if unsure whether to answer. But finally, he said,

"His mother left him. I don't want him growing up with the wrong hopes."

His words stunned Alya. She never really knew what had happened between Sean and Leon's mother, but it was clear the man carried deep wounds.

"I understand," Alya said softly. "I won't confuse Leon. I just want to do my job well."

Sean looked at her for a moment, then nodded.

"Good. Just make sure you remain professional."

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving Alya with a swirl of unanswered questions in her head.

The days that followed settled into a steady rhythm. Alya cared for Leon with full attention, ensuring the baby received enough nourishment. Each time she nursed him, a warmth spread through her chest-a feeling she had almost forgotten since losing Rey. But she always reminded herself of her boundaries. This wasn't her child. She was just a wet nurse, nothing more.

Sean was rarely home. The man was always busy with work, often returning late at night or not at all. But whenever he was home, the atmosphere felt heavier. Sean was a man full of mystery, closed-off, and hard to read.

One night, after putting Leon to sleep, Alya decided to go to the kitchen for a cup of tea. But as she came down the stairs, she heard a voice from Sean's study.

"I don't care-make sure the stocks stay stable!" Sean's voice was cold and sharp.

Alya paused in front of the slightly ajar door. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop, but his tone was too intense to ignore.

"You think I don't know your game?" Sean continued, his voice filled with fury. "Don't even think about betraying the trust I gave you."

Alya swallowed hard. It was the first time she had heard Sean speak with such icy authority. As she turned to leave, the door suddenly swung open-and there he stood, eyes piercing.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, his tone accusatory.

Alya froze, caught off guard. His gaze was so sharp it took her breath away.