Chapter 2

I could only stand there, lost in thought, watching my husband tenderly spoon-feed Larisa.

Behind me, I heard some employees whispering.

"I thought Ms. Larisa was Mr. Lucian's fiancée. Turns out, he's already married to someone else."

"I feel so sorry for his wife. He never brings her to company events, yet he brings Ms. Larisa along."

Tears immediately welled up and spilled over. I didn't dare step forward. Knowing Lucian's temperament, I was certain he would only blame me.

So, I ran away.

When I reached the gate, I overheard two security guards chatting.

"I feel sorry for our CEO. His wife just passed away. I heard he's looking for a wet nurse for his seven-month-old baby."

"Yeah. My sister-in-law tried to apply yesterday, but unfortunately, she didn't make the cut. It's a shame, the pay is huge if you're a match."

A wet nurse? As it happened, I had an abundant supply of breast milk. In fact, I was often in pain because my breasts would become engorged from producing so much milk.

And right now, I needed an income of my own. My marriage to Lucian was beyond saving. I wiped away my tears and approached the two guards.

"Excuse me..."

They turned in unison.

"Could I please have the address of this company's CEO?"

"Sure," they replied in unison.

After getting the CEO's address, I headed straight there. My mind was racing the whole way.

I had no work experience, right after graduating college, Lucian had proposed to me.

This job was perfect for me. Even if the chances were slim, I had to at least try.

When I arrived at the CEO's house, I was stunned by the sight of the luxurious mansion standing before me.

Lucian had once told me that the CEO of his company was the owner's only child.

I took a deep breath before summoning the courage to step inside.

As soon as I met the head housekeeper, I stated the reason for my visit.

"Excuse me. I’ve come to apply as a wet nurse."

The head housekeeper studied me for a moment, then invited me in.

"Please, come in. But you’ll have to go through a selection process first!"

I nodded and followed her.

It turned out there were already six other women inside who also wanted to apply as wet nurses.

I felt a sudden pang of insecurity. They looked so much more polished and confident.

Meanwhile, I had arrived with my mind in turmoil following the death of my baby and Lucian’s infidelity.

The head housekeeper—who introduced herself as Aunt Margaret—explained the selection process.

"You will all have the chance to try nursing our master's baby. If he takes to you, you’ll be hired."

I nodded.

Shortly after, a maid brought in a baby boy.

"This is Young Master Liam."

I was instantly captivated when I saw him. The baby was incredibly handsome.

He had a tiny, adorable face and cheeks that made me want to reach out and stroke them. For some reason, seeing Liam made my chest ache.

My own child had been a boy, too. I should have been holding my own baby right now.

I should have been hearing his cries, smelling his scent, and nursing him myself. I hurriedly held back my tears.

One by one, the women tried to nurse Liam according to their registration numbers. But they all failed.

Liam kept crying and turning away whenever they brought him close.

Aunt Margaret looked increasingly anxious. Finally, it was my turn—the last candidate.

I stepped closer, my heart pounding. As soon as Liam was in my arms, a strange feeling filled my chest.

I held him carefully and rocked him gently.

"Hello, Liam."

I smiled, even as my eyes began to well up with tears.

"Let me introduce myself—I'm Elara. You can call me Auntie Elara."

Liam gazed up at my face.

I held him tighter, filled with affection. It felt just like holding my own child. I missed my child so much. Missed him terribly. Tears threatened to fall, but I quickly wiped them away.

Auntie Margaret and the other servants looked surprised. Unlike before, Liam seemed perfectly at ease in my arms. He didn't cry. In fact, his tiny body seemed to grow even calmer.

"Liam, are you thirsty?" I looked at him tenderly.

After getting the go-ahead from Auntie Margaret, I unbuttoned my shirt and slowly began to nurse him.

At first, I was worried Liam might refuse, just as he had before. But I was wrong.

Liam latched on and began to nurse eagerly. He drank my milk without the slightest protest.

"Oh my goodness! The Young Master is finally accepting it!" Auntie Margaret exclaimed enthusiastically.

The other servants looked happy, too.

I could only smile, deeply moved, as I continued to stroke Liam’s head. This little baby seemed to offer a ray of light, giving me the strength to endure this dark life.

Aunt Margaret immediately took out her phone and called someone she referred to as Mr. Lorenzo.

After finishing his feed, Liam fell soundly asleep in my lap. I gazed silently at his face.

"Congratulations, Elara. You’ve been accepted as the Young Master’s wet nurse," Aunt Margaret said.

"Thank you," I said, overcome with emotion.

"We can discuss the salary directly with Mr. Lorenzo later. However, he is currently attending an important event and won't be back until tonight." She continued, "Mr. Lorenzo left word that if you’re able to start this afternoon, you can move in and stay here right away."

I shook Aunt Margaret’s hand, my eyes welling up with tears.

"Thank you, Auntie. In that case, I’ll go home to pack my clothes. I’ll come straight back here this afternoon."

"Alright. Take care on your way."

I nodded.

Finally, I had a job.

I looked at Liam one last time before handing him over to Aunt Margaret.

Now, all that remained was to file for divorce from Lucian.

I had already lost my own child. I didn't want to lose my dignity by remaining someone who was always viewed as a burden.

If Lucian still loved his ex-girlfriend, then I would let him go.