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Josephine's POV

Blinding rays of sunlight seeped into my eyes, causing me to squint in my slumber. As I made to turn around, I realized that I was laying on a soft, fluffy bed, and my eyes flew open instantly.

“Thank goodness you are awake. How are you feeling now, dear?” Madam Louisa asked, as she stood up from the chair that was beside my bed.

“I-I'm good, thank you,” I replied, taking a quick look at the magnificent interior of the bedroom.

“You've been out for a day and I was starting to worry,” Madam Louisa revealed. “Thank you so much for coming back. The doctor will be back in the evening or I could ask Pablo to call him if you still feel unwell.”

“No, you don't have to. I'm fine, really,” I replied. “Thanks for taking care of me. I'd like to take my leave now.”

As kind as Madam Louisa seemed, I still had no idea who she truly was.

Hell, I didn't even know if she was a human trafficker or even worse, an organ harvester, that could kill me for her own benefits after making me trust her.

“I'm sorry dear, but I can't allow that,” She said. “You are still very weak and visibly pale. At least recover before leaving, please.”

“Thanks for your kindness but I'm okay, really,” I responded.

I had no time to waste there because I had to start looking for another job immediately.

Now that I thought of it, I doubted I'd ever be able to go back to law school, talk less of becoming a lawyer like I had always wanted.

Everything about my life sucked.

“Okay, then at least have breakfast before you leave, hm?” Madam Louisa bargained, and I inwardly considered accepting her offer for a second but quickly decided against it.

However, as I opened my mouth to give her a response, an irritating clump clogged my throat, causing me to speed into the adjoined room, which thankfully happened to be a bathroom.

I held onto the toilet bowl for dear life as I puked into it. When I was done, I was so weak that I could do nothing but sit on the floor and try to regain my strength.

Just then, the door opened and Madam Louisa walked in, her expression that of concern, as she rubbed soothing circles at my back.

“Sorry, dear,” She replied. “I have asked Pablo to call the doctor but he's in the middle of a surgery. I will try to find another doctor immediately.”

I shook my head in negation and that proved to be a mistake as bile rushed into my throat, causing me to hug the toilet again.

“You know he thinks you might be pregnant,” Madam Louisa said, as I raised my head from the toilet bowl. “He even asked me to give you these.” She continued, and from the corner of my eyes, I saw her remove something from her pocket.

Facing her, I saw a packet of pregnancy test strips in her hand and couldn't help but huff.

There was no way the universe would play such an evil game with me.

I had cried and prayed every night for the past one year for the universe to make me fertile, and they had never listened.

Only for them to make me miscarry the pregnancy I never even knew about, and as if that wasn't enough, I was likely pregnant.

“Okay,” I simply said, collecting the packet from Madam Louisa, who gave me a sympathetic gaze.

“I will be outside, dear. Good luck,” She said, patting my back.

When she left, I did as the instructions on the packet said. Thereafter, I looked at the wall clock and waited for the five dreadful minutes to pass, while inwardly and desperately hoping that I wasn't with child.

But as usual, my bad luck prevailed and lo and behold, two lines appeared on every single one of the five strips I had used.

Where was this sort of luck when I needed it a year ago? I thought, tears rolling down my face.

Now that I had no place to call a home or even a cent to my name, I was now miraculously fertile.

The universe was the biggest comedian ever.

As I stared at the strips, I wished I had magic, so I could make them negative.

Wiping my tears away, I placed the strips into the sachet which I kept in the sink, before washing my hands, a firm resolve etched into my mind.

There was no way I was keeping this baby.

For one, it's father and I were done forever.

Secondly, I had no money to raise it, and lastly, I didn't want it.

“Are you okay in there, Josephine?” Madam Louisa's voice wafted into the bathroom.

“Yes, ma'am,” I replied, before heading out to meet her.

“So?” She looked at me expectantly as I sat on the bed.

“I'm pregnant and I'm not keeping it,” I replied, repressing the urge to burst into fresh tears.

To think a year ago, I would have given everything to get pregnant but never did, and now that I didn't want one, I was as fertile as ever.

“I respect your choice, dear,” Madam Louisa replied, standing up to sit beside me on the bed. “It's your body after all.”

If only Francesco’s mother had half of Madam Louisa's pleasant character, my life would have been slightly better after my diagnosis.

“Thank you,’’ I replied, to which she nodded, giving me a gentle hand squeeze.

“So do you stay with your family or friend?” She asked.

“Actually, I'm divorced,” I replied. “I'm basically an orphan since my mum is dead and I don’t know my dad. I have no friends. I dropped out of law school in my first year. My marriage hit the rocks after I was diagnosed with infertility. Then I miscarried even though I didn't know I was pregnant. I got fired from my job yesterday because my employer wanted me to look less miserable. There you have it, a summary of my life.”

“Oh, I'm so sorry about that, dear. That employer of yours must be silly for making that statement,” Madam Louisa said. “I doubt she can go through everything you underwent and still come out a good person who helps old people.”

In response, I just smiled, as the burden on my chest lightened. It felt good to share my experience without being judged.

“Thanks for listening, ma'am.”

“You are welcome, darling,” Madam Louisa replied. “Let me tell you about myself. I came here to vacation for a month. I live in Australia where I own one of the biggest law firms. My only child and son died some years back. I have a grandson, his child, who lives in New Zealand and has his own chain of companies.”

“Wow,” I replied, impressed by her achievements. “By the way, I'm sorry about your son.”

“It's not your fault, darling,” She smiled. “Believe it or not, I was in an abusive marriage with my ex-husband who made me quit law school to be his housewife but I escaped and worked my way to the top. I recently retired from being a family lawyer. Trust me when I say it wasn't easy, but I did it, and I will help you do it.”

“You are going to help me?” I asked, and she smiled, nodding.

“Why wouldn't I help my angel?” She questioned. “You saved my life, and I owe it to you to give you everything you want.”

“Thank you so much, Madam Louisa,” I said, utterly touched by her kindness.

“It’s my pleasure, dearest,” She said. “Do you feel you can eat anything yet? I can ask the maid to make you some porridge.”

“No, not yet,” I replied, caressing my stomach. “Does that mean you're taking me to Australia with you?”

“Yes of course.” Madam Louisa laughed heartily.