Chapter 1

Sienna walked into the doctor's office, her heart pounding in her chest. The calm gaze of the doctor did little to soothe her nerves.

“Tell me, doctor, how are the results?” she asked, nervously fidgeting with her fingers.

The doctor looked at her with a steady, professional demeanor. “I’m getting to that, Ms. Hollis. According to the scans, your uterus isn’t damaged. We’re relieved to see that. I know the accident was traumatic, and I’m sorry for what happened. But the good news is, you can still be a mother. There may be some complications, but with proper care, you’ll be able to carry a baby."

Sienna’s heart leapt. She couldn’t hold back the joy. "Thank you so much!" she exclaimed, tears welling in her eyes.

After the appointment, she left the office, her thoughts racing. The last few days had been a whirlwind, and this was the first time in a long while she felt a glimmer of hope.

A few days ago, she’d tripped and tumbled down a set of twenty-four stairs while at work. The fall had left her with severe pain in her lower abdomen, and she feared the worst. But now, the doctor’s words were like a lifeline. She could still pursue the surrogacy, the one thing that had the potential to change her life.

Sienna wasn’t from a wealthy family. Her parents, who lived in the countryside, struggled to make ends meet. Their farm was small, just enough to grow crops to feed themselves and cover their basic needs. Sienna hadn’t been able to go to college or get any formal training, which made it hard to secure a decent job. But after high school, when her father was diagnosed with cancer, Sienna decided to step up. She couldn’t let her father battle illness and still bear the financial burden. So, she took a job as a waitress. It wasn’t glamorous, but it paid the bills and allowed her to support her parents.

Then came the surrogacy offer—a chance to make enough money to fulfill her dream of opening a salon. Sienna had always loved hairdressing, but without the proper credentials, she couldn’t find a job in that field. The surrogacy was a way out, a way to secure her future and give back to her parents for all they had done for her. The money would allow her to start her own business, something she had always dreamed of. She hadn’t thought much about the complications or risks involved—she just knew it was her best shot at a better life.

As Sienna walked toward the restaurant where she worked, she couldn’t help but think of how far she had come. She had made the decision to pursue surrogacy without hesitation, and now, with the doctor’s blessing, there was no turning back.

When she arrived at work, her best friend Becky spotted her immediately. "Oh my gosh, I missed you! Only four days off, and it was crazy here. Old grumpy Gary wasn’t making it any easier," Becky said, laughing as she grabbed Sienna's hand.

"I’m back, in one piece!" Sienna forced a smile, though she could feel the tension still lingering in her chest.

Becky raised an eyebrow. "What did the doctor say?"

"I’m fine," Sienna said, her voice a little too light. "Nothing's damaged."

Becky looked relieved, but then her expression changed, and she lowered her voice. "So, you're still going through with the surrogacy?"

Sienna nodded. "Yes, I've already made up my mind. I’m done with this job. I think I’m going to quit now."

"Like, right now?" Becky asked, surprised.

"Yeah. I’m twenty-six. I need to move forward with my life. This job isn’t going to get me anywhere." Sienna’s voice was firm, her resolve set. "I want to have a future, Becky, and I think this is my chance."

Becky smiled and hugged her. "Good for you, girl. Just stay in touch, okay? Nana’s going to miss you."

Nana, Becky’s five-year-old daughter, was a bright spot in Sienna’s life. Despite her own struggles, she had always made time for Nana, who adored her.

"I will," Sienna said, smiling softly. "I’m sure I’ll learn a lot from you about motherhood."

They both laughed, but the moment was short-lived as they entered the restaurant. Gary, the grumpy manager, was standing in his usual spot, his arms crossed.

"Sienna, my office. Now."

Sienna exchanged a quick glance with Becky before reluctantly following Gary to his office.

“Since you’ve taken so many days off and caused so much inconvenience, I’m cutting your paycheck,” Gary said flatly.

"What? Why? I had an accident in your restaurant!" Sienna protested, baffled.

"You were careless," Gary said, not even blinking. "You should have been more careful."

Sienna sighed, knowing she wasn’t going to win this argument. "Fine, whatever. I’m quitting anyway," she said, her frustration mounting.

Gary smirked. "Oh, you're quitting, huh? Well, that’s going to cost you six hundred dollars. That’s for not giving me notice so I could hire someone else to fill your spot."

Sienna’s mouth dropped open. "Are you serious? You already hired someone to replace me!"

Gary shrugged nonchalantly. "That’s my fee for the inconvenience."

Sienna clenched her jaw. "Fine, whatever."

Gary handed her a small envelope with the remainder of her salary. "Have a good life," he said, almost mockingly.

Sienna took the envelope and left the office, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on her. As soon as she was outside, Becky rushed up to her.

"So, how did it go?" Becky asked.

"He fired me," Sienna said, her voice tinged with bitterness. "He cut my pay and fined me for not giving him enough notice."

Becky nodded sympathetically. "Don't worry, everything’s going to work out. You’ve got a bright future ahead."

Sienna smiled faintly. "Thanks, Becky. I’ll stay in touch. Now go back to work before he fires you too!"

Becky laughed and hugged Sienna before heading back inside. Sienna made her way home, feeling a strange mix of relief and uncertainty. The future was wide open, and she was ready to face whatever came next.