Chapter 1

As I was fixing my clothes before going to the club's stage, I suddenly felt like something was bothering me inside my chest.

"Leyla, are you okay?" madam Edz asked me, the manager of the club.

"I'm fine, madam." I forced myself to smile even though my chest was pounding so hard, I stroked away the idea in my mind. I need to focus so that I can earn more money and buy toys for my brother. Psalm is turning 7, and I am saving money to get him heart surgery and prepare for his birthday. We were orphaned three years ago, our parents died in an accident that was not given justice until now.

I took a deep breath before opening the curtain connected to the club's stage. A dazzling light and deafening screams and applause from the crowd greeted me when I came out. I wear a Hawaiian swimsuit with a white robe and a golden mask. Furthermore, I didn't show my face to them; I only danced in front of many people. Yes, indeed, I am a woman stripper, but don't judge me without knowing my reason. I am not a disgusting woman because I don't do table because I need to protect my dignity, even if this is something I can be proud of in front of my future husband.

 

I have been working here at the club for two years, after I found out that my brother had a heart disease, due to lack of money, I stopped studying. I dream to be an educator but maybe that is the end for me. I don't regret it because my brother's welfare is my top priority than mine.

 

"Congrats, Leyla, you're fantastic at dancing, so we got countless tips from the viewers."

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"Mommy Leyla, are you okay?" I heard the cracked voice of my brother Psalm. I wanted to cry, but I couldn't. He called me mommy since our parents died. After all, I'll never be alright without him because I have nothing to spend on his illness.

"I'm alright darling. What do you want to eat?" I asked him as he came to me and hugged me.

"I need bread with a lot of mayonnaise." I looked at his small body and my heart sank because how can I save him? I love him and I can't imagine a day without him. I smiled at him and nodded before going to the kitchen.

After breakfast, I went to the hospital with Psalm. When I entered the hospital, I saw Doctor Joeren. He is the doctor of my brother and helps with everything about Psalm. I am deeply grateful because he is always here for us, I don't know how I can repay him.

"Good morning Spider-Man," He said with a smile and Psalm giggled happily because he likes this doctor, sometimes he prescribes me here.

"Good morning, handsome doctor." Psalm joked as he ran towards Joeren. He then picked up Psalm and nodded to me before entering the ward to do my brother's labs.

After some time, he came out.

"Leyla, can I talk to you for a second?" He asked, and I nodded, but this is what I fear the most in this life. I had no idea what the doctor wanted to tell me, but I knew it was about my brother's health. I hope it's good news, but I'm still scared.

"Psalm's health is getting worse. We should do the surgery as soon as possible" My heart shattered into pieces as I heard him.

Tears came to my eyes involuntarily. Why did this happen to us?

"Leyla, I know you have money problems. I'm so sorry because there's nothing I can do." he patted my shoulder. I sighed because regardless of what happens, I will find money for his surgery and heal him, I am ready to sell even my body just for him.

"Doc, I'm going to find some money," I said while wiping my tears.

"You have a maximum of ten months. It will be great if you could find it right away" I nodded and looked at Psalm on the glass wall, and he was smiling at a nurse while talking. I will not allow anything to happen to him because he is the only person I have, he is my life and my heart.

"Psalm must stay in the hospital from now on." I'm still looking at Psalm. He is just cute, and he will be handsome in the future, so as his sister, I must protect him and take care of him.

“Alright doctor” With that I entered the ward and sat on the bed next to him.

"Am I going to die, Mommy Leyla?" I tried not to let my tears fall because I wanted to avoid crying in front of him. I forced a smile and brought her onto my lap as I began stroking her bright mocha-brown hair.

"No. You'll be fine soon, okay?" I kissed his head and put my chin on his head.

"That's great" He started giggling. I clenched my jaws because I didn't want to cry. My heart hurts, and it feels like someone is squeezing my heart very tightly.

"I love you so much, my baby brother," I said, kissing his little cheek.

"I love you more Mommy Leyla, I know you're having a hard time because of me, so I'm sorry Mommy Leyla." With that, he kissed my forehead. I bit my lower lip because of the pain I felt in my heart, but no pain can compare to the pain in my brother's heart.

"Baby, you have to stay here for a few months. Is Psalm okay?" I asked and he nodded with a happy smile.

"I'm going to play with Doctor Handsome all day and encourage him to flirt with you," He said as he jumped. I smiled at him and stood up to leave.

"But Mommy Leyla, you come to see me every day, don't you?" He snorted as he bit his small lip.

"Yeah. I will" With that, I left the hospital and went home. I had to go to the club, but my mind was messy, so I went straight home. After I got home, I jumped on the bed and started crying because I was tired, and I was afraid for Psalm's life.

After I cried, I went into the bathroom and washed my face and changed into new clothes. Then I heard someone knock on the door and opened the door. When I opened the door, I saw Aunt Clara, our neighbour.

"Leyla, are you crying?" She asked as I tried to smile. Then she asked what happened, and I told her everything that my heart was feeling and about my helplessness. She let out a deep sigh and pulled me into a warm hug. She is like a mother, always taking care of me and Psalm, but now she is getting old, and I can't bother her with our things and Psalm.

"Leyla, I'm sorry because I don't have any money." He said with a sigh. "but I have something to say, and I know it will help you."

"Tell me Aunt Clara, at this point I don't care what it is, I will do everything for my brother's life. Even if I sell my body" I said as my tears flowed.

"I don't know, Leyla, it's okay with you," I quickly nodded to her and she sighed. "A rich family looking for a surrogate mother. They want to have an heir as soon as possible, and they will pay 15 million pesos just for the surrogacy." she said and looked into my eyes. My heart beat faster and I looked down. A Surrogacy, meaning I will sell my womb? Does that mean I have to give birth to a baby for a rich family?

"What are their conditions?" I asked. I looked at Aunt Clara's face and I knew she was sad, and she wanted to avoid seeing me like that. She is the woman who taught me to wait until our destiny and will be the father of my future child.

"You have everything they need. Beauty, intelligence, and virginity. And you have those things beyond what they expect" I closed my eyes and thought carefully. So, I have to donate my Uterus? It's okay everything will be fine, and I'm doing this for my brother, it doesn't take away from my work at the club.

"I accept it. I will be their surrogate, but please don't let Psalm know anything about this" I said while smiling at him. I saw the hurt expression on her face, but she nodded at me and forced a smile. She cared about me and I will always be grateful to her.

"I'll let them know, and I'll take you there." I nodded, and then he stood up and left. I sighed and looked up at the ceiling. Is this what will happen in our lives, Mom and Dad? I lost my parents, and now I am impoverished.