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.