Chapter 2 - Chapter Two Another Failed Attempt

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. —