Nora had finally mastered the impossible: balancing work and home. She was always early to the office, impressing everyone with her discipline, brilliance, and unwavering calm. Her dedication didn't go unnoticed—within weeks, her paycheck was doubled, reaching a jaw-dropping £5 million.
She remained humble, always saving and putting her family first. New things for Zayan and the kids? Always. Nora made sure they had everything before thinking of herself. Amidst all the hustle, she even forgot that her birthday was only four days away.
But Zayan and the twins hadn't forgotten. With the help of everyone—especially Aveline, who sat with Liam and Crya snuggled on her lap—they had something beautiful in the works. Zayan stayed home with the twins that day while Nora was off handling another full day at the office.
Two people at work, however, had taken a disliking to Nora. Meeri and Ciro—jealous, petty, and determined to see her fall. They couldn't handle how easily she outshined them, even though Nora was always polite and never rubbed her success in anyone's face. They plotted quietly, trying to sabotage her.
One day, they accused her of mixing up vital documents. The supervisor, initially furious, was about to erupt at Nora until Mr. Smith, who had been silently observing everything for months, stepped in and diffused the tension. He knew the truth. And he had a plan.
Back at home, Nora burst into tears as she entered. Zayan was with the boys and Asher when she returned.
She handed Zayan a bunch of flowers through her tears.
"What's wrong, love? Why are you crying?" Zayan asked, concerned.
"Mama Nora, what happened?" little Asher echoed.
Nora vented in frustration.
"I didn't even touch those documents! I didn't! And those two—those stupid people—they're trying to ruin me!" she shouted, her voice cracking. In a surge of emotion, she slammed her fist into the glass table, shattering it.
Zayan instinctively moved back with the boys, startled. Everyone knew—Nora was the strongest person there, even stronger than Zayan himself.
"Calm down, baby, okay?" he said gently.
Just then, Liam toddled over, holding a single blue lily.
"Mama?" he asked sweetly, reaching up to her.
Nora inhaled deeply, crouched down, and kissed Liam gently. He placed the flower behind her ear and said, "Upies?"
A soft giggle escaped her lips. She picked him up, hugged him tight, and the storm within her calmed. After bathing, she fell asleep with Liam curled up on her chest, the twins joining them shortly after.
Later, Zayan received a call from Mr. Smith.
"The company will be visiting your mansion. Some of the university students Nora teaches will be coming along too."
"Okay," Zayan agreed.
The next day, Nora wasn't in the mood for work. Still, she went to the university, taught her students with her usual grace, then headed back to the office to finish some pending cases.
That's when Ciro walked in.
"Ms. Nora," he said, smirking.
"Need something?" she replied, not looking up.
"You," he said boldly.
Nora scoffed. "You know I'm married, right?"
Ciro blinked in surprise. "You… are?"
"Yes. I have three kids—two twins and a baby boy," she said, sliding a completed case file across the table.
Before he could respond, Mr. Smith appeared.
"Let's go," he said firmly.
"Where?" Meeri asked, frowning.
"You'll see."
Twenty minutes later, the group arrived at Kai Mansion.
"Woahhhh!" the students gasped. Even Meeri and Ciro were stunned.
"Oh… no," Nora whispered to herself.
"Welcome to the Kai Mansion," said Alex, one of Zayan's men.
"Nora?" he added, catching sight of her.
Nora subtly signaled him to stay quiet.
"You know him?" Meeri asked, rudely. Nora ignored her.
Inside, the soft cries of Liam could be heard. He was in Zayan's arms, reaching out.
"Mama! Mama!" he cried, tiny fists pounding Zayan's chest.
"Baby, mama's at work," Zayan soothed him.
"HEY!" Seraphina's voice echoed.
Zayan jumped in surprise—so did Liam.
"SERAPHINA LILLY ZAYAN KAI!" Nora's voice boomed as she stepped in.
Everyone turned.
"What the…?" Meeri muttered.
"Why are you shouting at Liam? He's just a baby," Nora scolded, picking up her son.
"Mama!" Liam cried joyfully, wrapping his arms around her.
Zayan smiled. "Hey, darling. Back from work?" he asked, kissing her cheek.
Everyone was stunned.
"B-but your name is Nora Lilith," Meeri stammered.
"Yeah," Zayan said, smirking. "But her full name is Nora Zayan Kai. My gorgeous wife."
"You sneaky snake," Nora teased, pulling Zayan's ear playfully.
"Ow, ow, ow!" he cried, laughing as the kids giggled.
The students interviewed Zayan while Nora prepared lunch. It was 3:47 PM. Liam was perched on Lysander's back, pointing outside the window. Seraphina was out training in the yard.
Nora served the students herself.
"Thank you, Mrs. Nora," they said.
"You're welcome, lovesies," she replied with a smile.
Their eyes drifted to the family portraits on the walls. Among them, one stood out: Nora and Zayan, wrapped around each other in a bold, intimate pose. Their love captured forever. The kids featured in smaller frames around them, but the centerpiece was magnetic.
"We… we were making a huge mistake," Ciro admitted quietly.
"Yeah… a big one," Meeri added.
Mr. Smith walked over.
"Don't even think of messing with Mrs. Nora again. She's kind-hearted, brilliant, and stronger than you'll ever know. Push her, and he will destroy you. Mr. Kai doesn't take it lightly when someone threatens his wife. Understood?"
They both nodded, pale and speechless.
As the sun set, everyone left. Zayan wrapped his arms around Nora, the orange light casting a golden glow on their faces. She leaned into him, calm again, the chaos of the world fading away in his embrace.
Together, they stood at the edge of the world—the empire they built, the love they protected, and the family they'd die for.