It was Monday morning, and the week had just begun. Nora walked into Zayan's office quietly, catching him deeply engrossed in something on his laptop. His brows were furrowed, focused, until she leaned against the doorway and smirked.
"Whatcha doing, Z?" she asked with that soft teasing tone he had come to love.
Zayan looked up and grinned. "Uhmm… hey, baby. Your birthday's on Thursday, so I'm kinda busy getting things ready."
Her smile faded slightly. "I don't want a party. It's a waste of money."
He blinked in surprise. "You don't?"
"Nope," she said with a little nod. "All I want is a painting, and… everyone eating dinner together."
Zayan's lips curved up into a warm smile. "So… you want a painting dinner?"
She nodded again, this time more excitedly. "Exactly."
"Alright, baby girl. That's what we'll do," he said, walking over to kiss her forehead.
Nora beamed. She was turning twenty-two, and instead of loud music and glittering lights, she wanted something that felt like home.
Later that morning, she sprinted into Asher's room like a bolt of lightning.
"Ash! Ash! Ash!" she yelled joyfully.
Asher groaned, rolling under the covers. "Nora… it's too early. What's wrong?"
"I want to go to the orphanage! I want to see the baby!" she said, practically bouncing.
He groaned again and buried himself under the blanket. "Ughhhhh…"
Nora's eyes narrowed.
Without a warning, she yanked the blanket off, grabbed his leg, and started dragging him off the bed.
"Nora!" he shouted as he hit the floor with a thud.
But she didn't stop. She kept dragging him down the hallway like a determined warrior on a mission.
"Let go!" he yelled.
"No!" she yelled back, hauling him across the floor.
By the time they reached the living room, everyone had turned to look.
Rex burst into laughter. Kiernan nearly choked. Damian, Maverick, Shaw, and Neal howled. Even Aaila's giggle danced through the room, soft and sweet.
Asher froze at the sound of her laugh. Something about it stirred a strange, warm ache in his chest.
Zayan descended the stairs, blinking in confusion at the scene.
"Nora, love, what's going on here?"
She looked up, still holding Asher's legs. "Ash won't take me to the orphanage to see the baby! He's being lazy!"
Zayan chuckled. "Okay, okay. He'll take you. Just let him go, sweetheart."
She finally dropped Asher's legs and twisted her mouth in protest. "Hmph."
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the orphanage. Nora rushed inside like the sun breaking through clouds, running straight to Nana's bed and jumping on it joyfully. Isaac arrived shortly after, cradling the baby boy she loved so much.
As soon as she held him, she began to sing softly, her voice like honey, swaying gently. The baby laughed, tiny fingers curling in her hair.
Eventually, both of them drifted off into a peaceful nap on Nana's bed.
Asher stood by the door, quietly snapping a picture of the serene moment and sending it to Zayan.
In Zayan's office, his phone buzzed. He looked up from his paperwork and opened the message.
The photo made his breath hitch.
Nora, fast asleep with the baby, a gentle smile on her lips.
On his desk were two framed pictures—one from Bora, of the two of them smiling at the beach, and another of Nora as a child. Now, this new image tugged at something deep in him.
Maybe… I could make her a mother one day, he thought. But not yet. Let her heal first.
The devil in him smiled softly.
Later that evening, Asher returned to the mansion carrying a still-sleeping Nora in his arms. As he turned the hallway corner, he nearly collided with Aaila.
She wore a sleek black romper that made his breath catch. Her eyes scanned him, then darted to Nora asleep in his arms. A flicker of something unreadable passed through her gaze.
Before he could say a word, she pulled him into a deep, slow kiss. He froze, stunned, then kissed her back, his hand instinctively tightening around her waist.
Her fingers slid into his waistband, teasing, grabbing—
Suddenly, footsteps echoed in the hallway. Kyomi appeared around the corner.
"Aaila," she called. "Come on!"
They pulled apart instantly, breathing heavily. Aaila turned with a mischievous smirk and walked away.
Asher stood there stunned, heart racing.
Just then, Zayan stepped out from the shadows.
"Bloody hell, man!" Asher jumped. "You scared me."
Zayan stared at him, unreadable. "Do you like her? Or is this just for fun?"
Asher opened his mouth, then closed it. He couldn't lie—not to Zayan.
"I like her," he finally admitted.
Zayan nodded, then looked toward the door. "Where's Nora?"
"In her room."
Zayan went in. She was just waking up, eyes fluttering open.
"Z!" she said with a sleepy smile. "Yummies, please."
He laughed softly, scooping her up. "Coming right up, baby."
In the kitchen, he made her mashed potatoes, beef, and her favorite chicken rice. She fed him spoonfuls in between her bites, giggling when he stole a kiss from her mouth.
Later, full and content, they curled up together on the couch. Her head on his chest, his arms around her.
The world could fall apart.
But in that moment—it was just them.
And it was perfect.