Morning light streamed into the bedroom, soft and golden. Liam lay nestled between the twins, all three of them wrapped around each other like little vines. Zayan stood at the door, arms folded, watching them with a soft smile. His heart swelled with love—his children. His world.
Nora stirred beside him, groaning softly before dashing to the bathroom.
"Baby?" Zayan followed her quickly, finding her crouched over the sink, vomiting. He knelt beside her, held her hair back, and gently wiped her mouth.
"I'm okay…" she muttered weakly.
"You need to rest," he said, worry etched on his face.
"I'll be fine. Lisa and I are going shopping. I need more mommy gowns… and clothes for the kids too," she added with a cheerful smile, brushing it off.
Zayan sighed, helping her to her feet. "But you're weak—"
Just then, Asher knocked and stepped in.
"Hi, Mama Nora," he greeted, then leaned in to whisper something to Zayan.
Zayan's expression shifted. "Alright," he said quietly, turning back to Nora. "Baby, let's get you dressed."
He helped her dress carefully, his hands gentle, eyes focused. "You'll visit Zofia. She said she has a gift for Liam, since she missed the party. She's back from Poland."
Nora nodded. "And the twins?"
"In school. They'll bring Liam's preschool form home today."
"Z… is everything okay?" she asked, sensing his tension.
Zayan kissed her forehead. "Yes, my baby. Just need to finish some work."
Nora sat at the edge of the bed, her voice softening. "I'll visit Nana's grave too… I've missed her. It's been years. I know she's angry. But she was my only mother."
Zayan smiled gently, watching her. In his mind, the words echoed silently:
"I love my Nora."
Later that morning, Nora and Lisa giggled as they browsed through racks of gowns and kids' clothing.
"I still can't believe it," Nora said, running her fingers over a tiny backpack. "Li Li's starting preschool tomorrow."
Lisa chuckled. "I cried when Lyra started too. Rex teased me so bad!"
They both laughed, filling their carts with chocolates, toys, and supplies. Nora grabbed a watch Zayan had once admired, slipping it quietly into her bag.
She always knew what he wanted.
And his love for her only grew—day by day.
Meanwhile, at the Kai estate, Asher and the boys dragged Finn into the courtyard. Mr. Smith stood nearby, watching the scene unfold.
"Let me go, you fucking dumbasses!" Finn spat.
"Shut up!" Neal snapped, kicking him hard in the ribs.
Zayan stepped out, cool and composed, and sat on the leather couch, his eyes cold and sharp.
"You really thought you could take my Nora from me and my children?" he asked.
Finn chuckled, blood on his lips. "Yes. I did. I was going to take her away. Start a new life, a family. She's a very gorgeous woman, you know."
Zayan tilted his head. "That… I agree with." He smiled faintly. "But she's mine. Not yours."
Mr. Smith lowered his gaze. "I warned you, Finn. Now face your fate."
Zayan slowly pulled on his black gloves.
And then—he made Finn regret everything.
Nora stood at Nana's grave, hugging the cold stone, her tears flowing.
"NANA!!!" she sobbed. "I'm so, so, so sorry. I didn't forget about you. You're always in my heart. I love you… I'll love you forever—till I meet you on the other side."
Lisa stood nearby, snapping a quiet photo and sending it to the family group chat.
Zayan's phone buzzed. He opened it—and paused.
There was Nora, clinging to Nana's grave.
His chest tightened. He missed Nana too. She had been kind. Sweet. So much like Nora.
He would protect her legacy—through Nora. Through their children.
He picked up the twins from school, filled out Liam's preschool file, paid the fees in full. Of course—the best school. But because of Nora's values, they never bragged. Always grounded. Always humble.
She was the best mother he could have ever imagined for them.
Evening arrived. Nora and Lisa returned home, arms loaded with bags.
"Hey love," Nora said, beaming.
"Hi pookie!" Lisa said to Rex.
"Pookie?!" Zayan laughed, raising a brow.
Rex groaned. "She never lets it go."
Zira walked in, waving a pregnancy test.
"GUESS WHAT?!"
They all screamed: "YES!!!"
Aaila came rushing in. "Nora! The movie we've been waiting for is out—tonight!"
Maia, Nathaira, and Darba followed.
"What does that mean?" Darba asked with a grin.
"FORT!!!" they all screamed.
"What time?" Nora asked.
"8:06 PM!" Aaila replied.
"Alright! Let's go, go, go!" Lisa said, and they all scattered in chaos.
The men watched in amusement.
"Women," Shaw said, shaking his head.
"I agree," Zayan muttered with a smile.
"DADA!!" Liam shouted, running to Zayan.
Zayan scooped him up in the air.
Kian dropped a pile of shopping bags. "Shopping was nice."
"I agree," Russo added, stretching.
"Mama!" Liam called, running to Nora. "Hi Mama!" he kissed her cheek.
"Li Li!" Nora cried, holding him tight. "I can't believe you're starting school tomorrow…"
Tears welled in her eyes again.
"Li Li will be fine," Zayan reassured her, resting a hand on her shoulder.
"If anyone hurts him, I'll shoot their eyes out," Kian said proudly.
"What is it with you and violence, mate?" Vincenzo asked.
"It's just… a way of expressing myself," Kian replied.
Liam leaned into Nora, his tiny hand wiping her tears. "No cry, Mama. No cry."
She chuckled softly and kissed his forehead.
That night, Zayan bathed Liam, changed him, and watched as Liam hugged his siblings.
"Larry!"
"Lilly!"
He pulled both of them close.
"Listen to me," Zayan said. "Liam is your little brother. He loves both of you. You must protect him. Always. Understand?"
The twins nodded seriously.
Seraphina held Liam as he dozed off in her arms.
"Don't worry, Dad," she said. "We'll protect Li Li. We love him. Nothing will happen to him."
Zayan kissed each of them on the head.
He headed to the bedroom to rest—only to find Nora packing a blanket.
"Movie night with the girls," she said with a big grin.
He chuckled. "I figured."
"I love you, Z," she said, hugging him tightly.
"I love you too, baby."
"Bye!!" she called, running down the hall.
"No running, love!" he said behind her.
She giggled, disappearing down the corridor.
"My beautiful wife," Zayan murmured to himself, smiling as he finally drifted to sleep.