Zayan checked on Nora before leaving for the representatives' company.
"Hey, my darling," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her lips and then to her baby bump.
She placed her head against his chest, sighing.
"I'm tired, Z… I want to sleep."
"Alright, my love. Let's put you to bed," he said softly.
He carried her back to their room, laying her gently on the bed with her head still on his chest. Lysander crept in quietly.
"Hey, Mama," he whispered before curling up beside her.
Zayan watched them for a moment—his whole world right there—before he left.
At the company headquarters, the atmosphere was all business. The representatives presented their latest high-tech systems, and Zayan took notes, every inch the intimidating guest of honor.
But one woman wasn't there for the presentation. Yrsa—an hourglass figure, deep pink hair—kept stealing glances at him, shifting in ways that revealed more thigh than was necessary.
Zayan noticed, of course. He always noticed. But he never looked back. His loyalty to Nora was unshakable.
His phone rang—it was her.
"Hey, baby girl," he answered.
But her voice was trembling.
"Z… do you think I'm fat?"
He paused mid-page, looking at the papers in front of him. "No, baby. Your body is very sexy."
"But… my body feels heavy. I'm eating a lot. Today I saw this curvy woman—she waved at me, patted my bump, and said, 'Don't make your mama fat, okay, little one.' Then she walked away. I looked it up, Z… it says some women get fat and ugly during pregnancy. Husbands stop looking at them, and cheat with beautiful women. Will you… will you cheat on me?"
Zayan chuckled quietly and walked to the glass window, his tone firm.
"Nora, my darling wife… you know what happens to stupid women who come close to me. What happens?"
"They… they always get lost?" she whispered.
"Exactly. There's only you, my love. I love you, you, you—don't forget that."
"I love you too, Z," she sniffled. "If you're coming back, can you bring me samosas and a tub of blueberry and vanilla ice cream? I'll send the money—"
"No, baby. I'll get them for you. Now rest."
"Love you."
"Love you too."
He ended the call with a small laugh, returning to the meeting.
Mr. Frode, the representative, handed him another file. Zayan flipped through it, then asked casually, "Where's the nearest supermarket?"
"Down the street near the church. Why?"
"My pregnant wife wants something. I can't leave, so please send someone to get these." He wrote the list on a sheet of paper, handed over a thick stack of cash. "Make it fast."
"No problem, Mr. Kai," Frode said, giving the task to an assistant.
But Yrsa wasn't done. She sauntered over, voice dripping with suggestion.
"How about a little chance? Just one night?"
Zayan's voice dropped low. "Put your hands on me, and you'll never use them again."
"That's hot… how about you do that in bed?" she teased.
"Ms. Yrsa! Are you insane? That's Zayan Kai—do you know his wife could kill you?" Frode snapped, shoving her away. "My apologies, Mr. Kai."
"It's fine," Zayan said coldly. "Just make sure she never tries this with anyone again. Punish her."
Yrsa's eyes widened. "What? No—"
Zayan ignored her, walking out.
Back at the villa, Vincenzo was pale and hunched over. Arion was checking him.
"This is bad—it'll spread if we don't treat it," Arion said.
Valencia's tone was sharp. "Aren't you a doctor?"
Salvius stepped in. "I remember when Henry was poisoned—Yasia made an herb remedy. She's an expert."
They called Shaw, who patched them through to Yasia.
"Show me the patient," she said. Seeing Vincenzo's face, her instructions came fast. "Get these ingredients. Boil them."
Within minutes, Neal brought the lemon. They squeezed it into the pot, and soon Vincenzo drank the hot remedy. His eyes closed, and he drifted into deep sleep.
"He'll be fine," Yasia assured. "If he doesn't wake in an hour, call me."
"Bye," Nora said softly.
Zayan returned, checking Vincenzo first.
"How is he?"
"Still sleeping. Nora's sister—the Lilith—helped us," Valencia replied.
Zayan nodded, then carried Nora's snacks upstairs. Liam was giggling beside her.
"Mama!!"
Nora laughed, tickling him back.
"Hey, darlings. How are you doing, my love?" Zayan asked, kissing her.
"Hi, Dada!" Liam grinned.
"Here you go," Zayan said, handing her the samosas and ice cream.
"Thank you, love," she beamed.
The twins joined in, hugging Nora, and she fed them while they all laughed together.
Vincenzo woke, feeling better. He found Shaw by the window with Elco.
"Can I have your sister's number?" he asked.
Shaw handed him the phone. Yasia answered with a teasing laugh.
"Well, the thank you I want is your number. I'm too pretty to be single."
Vincenzo's lips curved into a smirk. "Already got it." He winked before hanging up.
He went to Valencia. "You worried about me, huh?"
"Of course," she said, hugging him.
Later, Zayan was rubbing Nora's bump when the baby kicked.
"Ouch!" she gasped.
"She kicked," Zayan said in awe. Nora smiled. The kids were fast asleep on the bed. Zayan and Nora curled into each other, drifting off in each other's arms.