Chapter One

Stephanie stared at the pregnancy test in her trembling hands as if it belonged to someone else.

"No..."

The word escaped her lips in a whisper.

Her knees gave way, and she slowly slid onto the cold bathroom floor. Tears blurred her vision as her fingers tightened around the tiny plastic stick.

"This... this can't be happening."

She had no husband.

No boyfriend.

No family waiting to celebrate with her.

Just herself... and a child growing inside her womb.

A bitter laugh escaped her lips before turning into silent sobs.

How could one night destroy the life she had spent years struggling to build?

Closing her eyes, the memories she had desperately tried to bury came rushing back.

The luxurious hotel.

The desperate escape from a corrupt manager.

The dark room.

The stranger whose face she hadn't seen until morning.

The world's biggest superstar.

She had believed leaving that room without looking back would erase everything that had happened.

She had been wrong.

Now, the consequence of that night was growing inside her.

Wrapping her arms around herself, she cried even harder.

She didn't know what she was supposed to do.

Just a year ago, she had believed life was finally beginning to smile at her.

She had survived being abandoned as a baby.

She had survived growing up in an orphanage where every child found a family except her.

She had survived sleeping in a church because she had nowhere else to go.

She had survived every rejection life had thrown at her.

But this...

This was a battle she had never imagined fighting.

-Six Months Earlier-

Stephanie had finally stepped into the world outside the orphanage.

Standing in front of the large iron gate, she looked back at the building that had been her home for twenty-four years.

Countless memories flooded her mind.

According to Aunt Martha, the woman who had raised her, Stephanie had been abandoned at the orphanage gate on a cold, rainy night. Her loud cries echoed through the quiet compound, drawing the attention of one of the caregivers.

Wrapped in a soft pink blanket, she had been left all alone with no note, no name, and no clue about who her parents were.

The caregiver quickly carried the crying infant inside, and from that day forward, the orphanage became her family.

They named her Stephanie and raised her with love and care.

Growing up, she made many friends. The children loved one another, and there were no bullies, hatred, or constant fights. It was a place filled with kindness.

Yet Stephanie's heart always carried an emptiness.

One by one, the children she had grown up with were adopted into loving families. She would stand by the window, watching them leave with smiling parents, while silently wondering when it would be her turn.

But her turn never came.

Many nights, she hid behind the old mango tree in the corner of the compound, crying where no one could see her. She often wondered if something was wrong with her.

One evening, Aunt Martha found her there.

"Stephanie," she called gently, sitting beside her. "Why are you crying again?"

Stephanie wiped her tears with the back of her hand.

"Aunt Martha... is there something wrong with me?"

The older woman frowned. "Why would you ask such a thing?"

"If nothing is wrong with me, then why doesn't anyone want to adopt me? Taylor, Sandy, Nat... they've all found families, but I'm still here."

Aunt Martha wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a warm embrace.

"You are not alone, my child. We are your family."

"But I want a family of my own," Stephanie sobbed. "I want parents who will love me the way Taylor's parents love her. I want someone to choose me."

"They will come," Aunt Martha said softly, stroking her hair. "Sometimes God takes longer to write the most beautiful stories. Be patient."

Stephanie nodded, though deep inside, she wasn't sure she believed those words.

Years passed.

No family ever came for her.

When she became too old to be adopted, She accepted her fate. Instead of dwelling on her pain, she chose to become a caregiver at the orphanage, helping raise the younger children just as she had once been cared for.

She taught them, comforted them, and loved them like a big sister. Many of the children cried whenever they were adopted because they didn't want to leave her behind.

Throughout her years at the orphanage, Stephanie was given the opportunity to pursue a good education. The orphanage ensured she completed her studies so she could build a better future.

When she finally reached adulthood, it was time to leave the only home she had ever known.

Determined to make something of herself, She began searching for a job.

Day after day, she walked through the city with copies of her résumé, applying to every company she could find.

Every answer was the same.

"We're sorry. There's no vacancy."

With nowhere else to stay, she sought shelter at a nearby church. The pastor welcomed her with kindness, allowing her to sleep in one of the church's guest rooms while she continued searching for work.

Months went by, but nothing changed.

One afternoon, Stephanie sat alone in the empty church, praying silently for a miracle.

The pastor walked in and sat beside her.

"How is the job hunt going, my child?" he asked gently.

She let out a weary sigh.

"It's as if no one wants me. Every company tells me the same thing—'No vacancies. Try again another time.'"

The pastor nodded sympathetically.

"I understand. Finding a job isn't easy these days. Sometimes all we can do is trust God's timing."

Stephanie lowered her head.

"I'm tired, Pastor. I don't know how much longer I can keep going."

He smiled reassuringly.

"Don't lose hope. Better days are ahead."

They sat in silence for a few moments before the pastor spoke again.

"How would you feel about working here at the church?"

Her eyes widened.

"Really?"

"Yes," he replied with a smile. "The woman who cleaned the church recently got a better job and resigned. If you're willing to keep the church clean and tidy, I'll pay you a weekly salary."

A smile spread across Stephanie's face for the first time in weeks.

"I'll do it, Pastor. I'll do my very best."

"Wonderful. You can start tomorrow."

Tears of gratitude filled her eyes.

"Thank you so much, Pastor. I truly appreciate it."

"You're welcome, my child," he said warmly. "This is only the beginning. I believe something better is waiting for you."

She smiled, unaware that fate was already preparing to change her life in ways she could never imagine.

Nearly six months later, Stephanie had managed to save enough money to rent a small apartment of her own.

Before she left the church, the pastor handed her an envelope containing some extra money to help her settle in.

"I know it isn't much," he said with a warm smile, "but I hope it helps you start this new chapter."

Stephanie's eyes filled with gratitude.

"Thank you so much, Pastor. I don't know how I'll ever repay your kindness."

"You don't have to," he replied. "Just work hard, keep your faith, and never stop believing in yourself."

With his blessing, She rented a modest apartment. It wasn't luxurious, but it was clean, affordable, and finally a place she could call home.

Although she was grateful, she never stopped searching for a better job.

Unfortunately, every application ended the same way—with rejection.

One evening, after another exhausting day of job hunting, She was walking home when a magnificent five-star hotel caught her attention.

It was one of the most luxurious hotels in the country, often featured on television. Celebrities, influential business people, and famous social media personalities were regular guests there.

She stood outside the towering skyscraper for a moment, staring at its dazzling lights.

Maybe they'll have an opening, she thought.

Taking a deep breath, she gathered her courage and walked inside.

The elegant lobby left her speechless. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, while expensive marble floors reflected the warm lights. Guests and hotel staff moved gracefully through the luxurious hall.

Stephanie approached the reception desk.

"Good evening," she said politely. "I'd like to know if your hotel is hiring."

The receptionist smiled professionally.

"You'll need to speak with our manager. His office is on the tenth floor."

"Thank you."

She stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the tenth floor.

Moments later, the elevator doors opened.

She followed the signs until she found the manager's office.

Taking another deep breath, she knocked gently.

"Come in," a voice called from inside.

She opened the door and walked in, instantly impressed by the beautifully furnished office.

"Good evening, sir," she greeted politely.

The manager looked up from his desk.

"Good evening, young lady. How may I help you?"

"I was directed here by the receptionist," Stephanie replied.

"Please, have a seat."

"Thank you, sir."

After she sat down, he folded his hands on the desk.

"So, what brings you here?"

"I wanted to ask if your hotel is hiring. I'm looking for a job."

The manager nodded slowly before shaking his head.

"I'm sorry, but we aren't hiring at the moment."

Disappointment flashed across her face.

"I understand. Thank you for your time."

As she prepared to leave, the manager's eyes slowly wandered over her. He studied her appearance and smiled to himself.

"Perhaps..." he said, stopping her. "I could make an exception."

Stephanie turned around, hope returning to her face.

"Really, sir?"

"Yes."

He rose from his chair and slowly walked toward her.

Stopping only a few steps away, he leaned casually against his desk.

"I could even make you a supervisor."

Stephanie smiled with relief.

"Thank you, sir."

"But..." His smile turned unsettling. "Only if you agree to spend the night with me."

She froze.

"What?"

"You heard me." He stepped closer. "Make me happy, and I'll make sure you never have to worry about finding a job again."

Her expression immediately hardened.

"I'm sorry, sir, but I won't do that."

He reached for her arm.

"Don't pretend to be innocent. This is an opportunity most women would beg for."

She yanked her arm away.

"Stay away from me!"

When he tried to grab her again, she reacted instinctively, driving her knee into his groin with all her strength.

The manager cried out in pain and collapsed to his knees.

"You'll regret this!" he shouted through clenched teeth.

She didn't wait another second.

She threw open the office door and ran.

"Security!" the manager roared. "Catch that woman! She stole something from my office!"

Within seconds, two security guards rushed into the room.

"Don't let her escape!" he barked.

The guards immediately sprinted after Stephanie as she ran through the hotel corridors, terrified and desperate to find a way out.