4. The New Life

“Nothing was recorded that day, sir. It seems like the CCTV in the whole building was broken that night,” Andrew replied. 

“Why is that? She was nowhere to be found and even the CCTV was broken at that time. Don't you think this is strange?” Felix began to feel that there was something odd about it. 

Andrew responded, “In my opinion, there could have been a malfunction, sir. And since the photos aren't very clear either, then ....” 

Felix gave him a sharp look that prevented Andrew from finishing his sentence. 

“This is strange. I'm even more curious. Who exactly is she? Is it possible that she's not a comfort woman?” he muttered in confusion. 

Andrew was still silent. 

“Have you questioned the staff here?” 

“I have, sir. Twice, in fact. But their answers remain the same. No one knows that woman.”

Felix touched his chin, growing increasingly clueless. 

“It gets weirder. Andrew, investigate again. I don't want to know, you have to find her at all costs.” 

However, day after day passed, Felix still couldn't find the woman he was looking for. 

***

Quebec, Canada

Claire traveled to the next town and started her new life alone in that town. Since she only had a small amount of cash, she decided to rent a small apartment and immediately look for a job. 

Coincidentally, she was easily able to find a job not far from where she lived. Her first job was as a cashier at a minimarket. 

However, after only a few days of work, she felt unwell. She was often nauseous and vomited several times.

“Claire, you ... didn't you try to check it?” Haruka asked, one of her coworkers from Japan with an unpleasant look, as if she was afraid Claire would take offense.

“Check what? What do you mean, Haruka?” Claire asked.

Haruka replied in a whisper, “Pregnancy.”

Claire was wide-eyed. Suddenly her heart was racing rapidly.

She quickly picked up the pregnancy test kit and paid for it then went to the bathroom.

Haruka accompanied the girl anxiously.

As soon as Claire came out of the bathroom and slumped against the wall with a pale face, Haruka knew the result of the test.

“I'm pregnant, Haruka,” Claire said with a shocked expression on her face.

Haruka immediately hugged and calmed Claire, “It's okay, you'll get through it.”

Claire could only cry over her fate.

A few months later, Claire's stomach was getting bigger. 

“Claire, let me take care of this already. I'm sorry about your womb,” Haruka said. 

She immediately grabbed the clothesline containing the dry clothes that Claire had just picked up.

“You just got back, Haruka. You must be really tired,” Claire said, feeling bad. 

“Well, that's okay. I feel sorry for you when you're so pregnant that you have to lift,” Haruka said. 

Claire sighed and stroked her stomach. 

“Alright, you just sit down. Let me put this in the back,” Haruka said quickly.

Claire sat on the sofa in the living room and turned on the television. She searched for her favorite drama.

“Oh my, Claire. Do you still watch that drama? Don't you get bored?” Haruka said as she had returned to the living room. 

“Well, there aren't any other interesting shows. With reality shows, I'm even more bored,” Claire said as she leaned her head against the sofa. 

Haruka handed her a glass of milk, “Here, have a drink. It'll make you healthier. You're going to be born soon, so you need to pay more attention to your nutrition.” 

Claire smiled, “Thank you, Haruka.” 

She then drank the glass of milk. 

Claire, whose pregnancy was entering its ninth month, had taken a leave of absence and now only Haruka was still working.

Even so, Claire still did not want to trouble Haruka and lived off her work and savings. 

Although she sometimes missed her family, she never regretted her decision to leave her extended family home.

If she had stayed and her family found out she was pregnant out of wedlock, she would have been kicked out of the house.

“I'll change it, Claire. Watch the infotainment,” Haruka said.

“Wow, there's news of the engagement of a rich man's son,” Haruka said again, making Claire interested. 

The host's voice came through clearly, “A rather shocking engagement has just taken place. Ludwig Beyer, a rising young businessman, has officially proposed to his girlfriend, Jasmine Michel. The super romantic proposal was held in Paris, nicknamed the City of Love ....” 

Claire's mouth opened wide at once. 

“They're engaged? How can that be?” 

“They're both rich kids, Claire. Yes, it's possible. Uh, they look really good together. They're the envy of us misfits,” Haruka joked. 

“How is that possible? Jasmine and Ludwig?” Claire said, still finding it hard to believe. 

As she was thinking hard, she suddenly felt a pain in her stomach. “Ouch ....” 

Haruka turned around in surprise, “Why, Claire? Does your stomach hurt?” 

Claire nodded slowly, “Please, take me to the hospital!” 

“I-I'm about to give birth,” Claire said with a broken breath. 

“O-okay, Claire. I'll get your things first.” 

The labor went smoothly. Claire gave birth to a baby boy who was named "Sean".

When she first saw the baby, Haruka immediately said, “Your baby is so handsome!”

Five years later, 

“Sean, be good here! Aunt Haruka will pick you up later,” Claire said as she crouched down, looking at her son. 

“Okay, Mommy. Sean's a good boy,” the five-year-old said.

Claire hugged her son and kissed his cheek before handing Sean over to the day care staff. 

After making sure Sean had mingled with his friends who were also children in the care, Claire quickly picked up her motorcycle and drove to work. 

In fact, Claire could afford a car, but her priority at the moment was to provide a more comfortable home for her son, so she was saving her hard-earned money for that. 

The Himalaya Resort. A resort where Claire had been working since three years ago. It spanned acres and was one of the most famous in the city. Its guests came not only from within the country, but also from abroad. 

No wonder Claire was desperate to get a job there. With her skills she had now succeeded in becoming an  assistant manager. 

“Good morning, Ms. Claire,” the staff greeted. 

Claire nodded, “Good morning.” 

When she reached her room, she was approached by the manager, “Claire, there will be a special guest today. From England.” 

“Huh? From England? Who? I don't see a list of guests from outside,” Claire said as she put down her briefcase.