The nursery was dimly lit, with soft pastel walls and gentle lullabies playing from the speakers. Still, nothing could calm the cries of the twin boys. The nanny looked tired and anxious as she tried again to feed Marvin but he kept spitting out the formula.
"Try the other one," Ada said calmly from the doorway.
She walked in and picked up Maurice from the crib, holding him gently in her arms. His cries slowly faded as she rocked him. Her movements were natural and soothing. The nanny looked surprised and relieved.
"They've been like this since they came back from the hospital," the nanny said. "They don't like the formula. They just won't drink it."
"What can we do?" Ada asked, still holding Maurice as he began to relax.
The nanny hesitated. "There are two options: we either find someone who can breastfeed them or buy breast milk from a certified supplier."
Ada looked surprised. "They sell breast milk?"
"Yes, it's common now. Especially for families who can't breastfeed. The milk is safe; screened and certified."
Ada nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll talk to my brother about it."
Maurice had fallen asleep. Ada carefully laid him back in his crib, tucked the blanket around him, and glanced at the two babies.
"They're strong," she whispered to the nanny. "They'll be okay. Just stay strong too."
Then she left to find Ken, her mind already full of questions.
Ken's voice rose sharply in his office. "Absolutely not! I'm not feeding my kids breast milk from a stranger!"
He paced the room. Ada sat at the large table, calm.
"If they can't get milk from their birth mother, then they don't get any," Ken said firmly.
"Then let's find the surrogate," Ada replied. "Let her breastfeed them for a few weeks."
Ken sighed, rubbing his hair in frustration. "That's complicated. Mara didn't even let me meet the woman."
"Are you saying you can't find her if you really want to?" Ada asked, watching him.
Ken paused. "I guess I could get her details from the fertility clinic."
"Then do it," Ada said. "See if she's willing to breastfeed for just a month or two."
Ken nodded slowly, thinking it through.
"But what about Mara?" he asked.
"We'll deal with her later," Ada said. "Right now, think about the babies."
Ken nodded again, more firmly this time.
As Ada stood to leave, she added, "And don't forget the DNA tests."
She didn't wait for his reply.
***
Ken stormed into Dr. Benjamin's office at the fertility clinic.
"I need the surrogate's details," he said sharply.
Dr. Benjamin looked uncomfortable. "I'm sorry, but that information is confidential. Your wife made it very clear; she didn't want the surrogate identified."
Ken leaned in, his voice low but serious. "Mara has kept me in the dark since day one. My children are suffering, and I won't just stand by. If you don't help me, I'll sue for unethical practices and breach of consent."
The doctor sighed heavily, then slowly pulled open a drawer.
"This could cost me my license," he muttered, handing over a brown folder. "But you didn't get it from me."
Ken opened it quickly. His eyes scanned the documents…and he froze.
A photo clipped to the file stared back at him. Her eyes. The name.
"Lina..."
His hands trembled. No… it couldn't be…
He sank into the nearest chair, staring at the photo.
The doctor asked softly, "Do you… know her?"
Ken didn't answer. He just stared.
Then suddenly, he stood, gripping the file.
"I need to find her. Now."
***
Back in his office, Ken paced, then quickly dialed a number. "Toby. My office. Now."
Within the hour, Toby, his trusted private investigator, arrived. Ken said nothing at first. He handed him the file.
Toby opened it. Seconds passed. Then he froze.
Ken's voice was cold. "How could you not know?"
Toby looked up, shocked. "Sir…"
"I paid you millions to find her, Toby! And she was here the whole time…living in one of my houses! She carried my children, and I didn't even know!"
Toby looked at the photo again, stunned. "Where is she now?"
Ken sank into his chair, drained. "The doctor said her last known address was my house in Orange Island. That's all."
He looked up, his voice heavy. "She was right here... and I still lost her."
Toby said softly, "Your wife might know where she is."
Ken looked at him sharply.
Silence filled the room.
Then, Ken whispered, "That's what scares me."