In the dimly lit room, two hooded figures stepped inside, the door creaking shut behind them. The bald man behind the cluttered desk greeted them with a sarcastic smile.
"Welcome. I hope you had no problem finding the place?"
The taller of the two figures stepped forward, his voice low and impatient.
"Yes, let's get this over with," the hooded man answered.
The bald man nodded, signaling to his assistant, who quickly disappeared into an inner room. The tension in the air was palpable, and the faint sound of a distant whimper could be heard. The hooded woman shifted uncomfortably.
With a tense voice, she asked, "Are you sure the child is a noble orphan? We won't get into any trouble for this?"
"Of course, as promised. A child of noble blood, just what you asked for." the bald man answered while grinning.
Moments later, the assistant returned, cradling a small bundle wrapped in fine silk. The baby was handed to the hooded woman, and as she took the child into her arms, her breath caught in her throat.
If only we could have our little girl…, she muses.
The hooded man stepped forward, producing a small wooden box. He opened it, revealing a pile of gleaming gold coins. The merchant's eyes sparkled with greed as he quickly grabbed the box.
The bald man said, "Thank you for a successful transaction." He grins with satisfaction.
The hooded woman glanced down at the baby in her arms, its small hand brushing against the silk. For a moment, her heart ached, but she knew it didn't matter. She couldn't resist.
Two years later
In a silent room, Lucinda lay in bed, nausea washed over her as the doctor finished his examination. Greg sat beside her, worry etched across his face. The doctor finally broke the stillness.
The doctor gently announced, "I have good news. You're pregnant."
There was a moment of stunned silence. Lucinda's breath caught.
She whispered in disbelief, "Pregnant?" She blinked, her voice trembling. "Are you sure?"
Greg's grip on her hand tightened, and they both looked at the doctor, waiting for confirmation.
The doctor smiled warmly and then said, "Yes, I'm sure. Congratulations."
A wave of joy washed over Greg, and his face lit up.
Greg looked at her wife and kissed her forehead. "We're going to have our baby."
Tears welled up in Lucinda's eyes. She let out a soft, joyful laugh.
Lucinda joyfully said, "I can't believe it... I'm going to have a baby. " She looks up at the doctor, saying, "Thank you. Thank you so much."
"Take care of yourself and the baby. I'll be checking in on you regularly." the doctor said while nodding.
As the doctor left, a small voice broke the moment of bliss.
Ysa looks at her mother and innocently asks, "Mother, will I be a big sister now?"
Lucinda and Greg turned to Ysa, a flicker of hesitation passing between them. Greg knelt beside Ysa, his expression gentle but uncertain.
Greg softly replied, "Umm, yes, you're going to have a sister."
Ysa's face lit up with excitement, and she rushed over to Lucinda, wrapping her small arms around her waist, giggling. Lucinda hugged her back, but her movements were stiff, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts.
They had "bought" Ysa, believing they'd never have a child of their own. She was supposed to be their heir, but now... everything had changed.
Greg stood and joined the hug, wrapping his arm around both of them. Lucinda leaned into him, her voice low and unsure.
Lucinda whispered to Greg, "What are we going to do? We never really bonded with her.
Greg's eyes darkened for a moment.
He murmurs, "I know, but we'll figure it out."
As Ysa clung to Lucinda, not aware of the turmoil within them, Lucinda forced another smile. Ysa had been with them for two years, but now, with a new baby on the way, everything felt uncertain.