The sun was rising as the private jet touched down gently on the white sand-lined runway of Bora. The turquoise waves shimmered in the early light, as if nature itself had been waiting to soothe the fury that had erupted back home.
Nora stirred, still resting on Asher's shoulder. Her lashes fluttered before her eyes fully opened. She blinked at the brightness streaming through the jet windows.
"Where…?"
"We're here," Asher said softly, brushing hair from her face.
"Welcome to Bora."
Zayan stood, stretching his arms, wearing a plain white shirt with the top two buttons undone, black slacks, and a relaxed energy that felt unfamiliar — almost like he was trying to not look like himself.
"Let's go. Villas are ready."
Nora said nothing. She got up, steady but slow. Rex and Neal kept their distance, a little guilty. Shaw gave her a nod — respectful, calm.
The heat in Bora was gentle, the air smelled like coconut and ocean salt. As they stepped off the jet, luxury jeeps awaited. Zayan signaled for Nora and Asher to get in with him, the others took a separate one.
The villa was insane.
White marble floors, glass walls that faced the ocean, infinity pools, private beach access — luxury on a level that didn't scream money, it whispered power.
Nora walked inside, still quiet. She glanced at the sea, at the wide space, at the peace… but none of it reached her soul yet. She was still carrying too much weight.
Zayan followed behind her, watching her every move.
"We'll be here for five days," he said, setting his bag down.
"Try not to kill anyone in that time."
She shot him a glare.
"I can't promise that."
Zayan smirked.
"Didn't expect you to."
Later that evening, Asher was swimming with Rex, Neal, and Shaw. The sun had set, casting a purple-orange glow over the beach. Music played low from the open patio. Nora was on a lounger, wrapped in a robe, sipping a cold drink.
Zayan walked out, holding two glasses. He handed her one.
"You didn't eat lunch," he said.
She took the glass without saying thanks.
"I wasn't hungry."
He sat beside her, looking out at the waves. The silence between them was almost more honest than words.
"I saw everything," Zayan finally said.
"On the cameras."
Nora didn't flinch.
"Then you saw how easily people break things they should've protected."
Zayan nodded.
"I also saw a woman who's been holding everything in for too long."
She turned to him, her voice low.
"They always say they had no choice. They always say they did what they had to do. But none of them ever came back for me."
Zayan leaned closer.
"I came."
That made her pause. Her hand tightened around her glass.
"Yeah," she said, voice almost a whisper,
"But you don't get to leave. Not you."
The words lingered in the air.
Zayan smiled faintly.
"I won't."
Later that night, Asher and Nora were in their shared suite. Nora had just come out of the bath, towel-drying her hair. Asher was on the bed, playing music softly on his phone.
"I missed this," he said.
"Being around you like old times."
Nora looked up. She gave him a small, real smile — the first in days.
"Yeah. Me too."
Asher patted the space beside him. She walked over and laid beside him, resting her head on his chest. His heartbeat was calm. Safe.
"Are you okay now?" he asked quietly.
She didn't answer. Instead, she closed her eyes and mumbled,
"I don't know what okay means anymore."
Elsewhere in the villa, Zayan stood on the balcony, phone in hand, talking to Shaw.
"You've secured the place?"
"Every corner, boss. No one gets close without us knowing."
Zayan nodded.
"Good. And the ring?"
Shaw chuckled.
"Arrives tomorrow morning. You sure you wanna do this here?"
Zayan's eyes stayed locked on Nora's suite window, where the light had just gone off.
"I'm going to marry her, Shaw. One way or another. If I have to propose in hell itself, I'll do it."
Shaw paused.
"Let's just hope she doesn't kill you first."
Zayan smiled coldly.
"Let her try."