The soft golden light of morning filtered through the curtains, gently kissing the faces of Zayan and Nora as they slept peacefully, limbs tangled, warmth shared. The calm didn't last long.
"Mamaaaaa! Daddyyyy!" a chorus of voices rang out.
The twins, Seraphina and Lysander, bounded into the room with little Liam toddling behind them, his giggles like music. They jumped on the bed, bouncing happily until Nora and Zayan opened their eyes, blinking into the light.
Nora smiled sleepily and pulled her children into a warm embrace. "Good morning, my babies," she murmured, kissing each of their cheeks.
"Morning, Mama!" the twins beamed.
"Morning, loves," Zayan added, stretching an arm out to hug them all in.
"Good morning, sleepyheads!" the twins chorused, and Liam laughed, clapping his chubby hands. Nora giggled and kissed his forehead, her heart full.
After a morning of cuddles and laughter, everyone got dressed and ready. Nora was on a work break and planned to stay home. But Zayan had other ideas.
"How about you come with me to the office, darling?" he said, giving her a cheeky grin.
"Whyyyyyy?" Nora groaned, already curled back on the couch with Liam in her lap.
"Let's gooooooooooooo," Zayan insisted, scooping Liam up in one arm and gently nudging Nora toward the changing room.
Moments later, she emerged in Zayan's oversized hoodie, joggers, and her glasses—looking effortlessly beautiful and a little embarrassed. He smiled at her like she hung the stars.
At the company, the staff lit up.
"Hi everyone!!!" Nora called out brightly.
"HI MRS. NORA!!" they all replied in unison, some chuckling. She giggled and waved like a queen.
Inside the office, the Black Scar Lords were already waiting.
"Hey, Nora!" they greeted her.
"Hi, Black Scar Lords," she replied with a teasing smirk.
Alex stepped forward. "Zayan, the Camorra from Italy and the Bratva from Russia are in the meeting room waiting for you, sir."
"Oh hiiii Liammmmmm!" Alex cooed, pinching Liam's cheeks gently. The baby laughed and leaned into his touch.
"Let's begin," Zayan said firmly, taking his seat. Each representative came forward, presenting their proposals and placing their payment on the table — a staggering £80 billion in cash. The rest was allocated to both companies.
"Good," Zayan said simply.
But the calm shattered.
Suddenly, the door slammed open—Nora stormed in, her eyes wild with panic. Liam was burning up in her arms, crying uncontrollably.
"ZAYAN! Liam's burning up!" she cried.
Zayan immediately stood, his face tightening as he touched Liam's forehead. "He's burning," he muttered, dialing Arion. "Get here with the medical team. Now."
Then Nora's gaze landed on the Bratva men—and her eyes flared with rage.
"You!" she snarled. "You're the idiots who touched me!"
The Russians paled instantly.
"Darling… they're the ones you beat up?" Zayan asked, amused and impressed.
The Bratva stammered, "S-S-She's your wife, Mr. Kai?"
Nora handed Liam to Zayan and, without warning, grabbed a decorative umbrella. She leapt onto the conference table like a fury unleashed and began smacking the men with swift, precise hits.
"Ouch! Ouch! OUCH!" they cried, trying to dodge her fury.
The Camorra edged back, half in fear and half in amusement. Some even laughed.
"Nora, love… get down, please," Zayan said gently, chuckling.
She paused and stared them all down. "Find someone who loves you. Don't go around destroying people's marriages for fun."
"Y-Y-Yes, ma'am!" the Bratva groaned in unison.
"Good." She stepped down, took Liam back, and swept out of the room like a queen after war.
Zayan burst into laughter, and the Camorra followed, shaking their heads in disbelief.
"I'll be in both countries with my family," Zayan declared. "I'll oversee the companies myself. Absolutely nothing should go wrong."
"Yes, Mr. Kai," they all nodded quickly.
Back in Zayan's office, Arion was already there, giving Liam an injection. To everyone's surprise, Liam didn't cry—instead, he giggled at his mama, clapping.
"Mama's boy, huh?" Arion teased.
"Yessss!" Liam said proudly.
"He's healthy and active," Arion reassured. "Just put him to bed early tonight."
Nora exhaled in relief, hugging Liam tightly. He kissed her cheek, making her smile again.
Zayan, seeing Nora's mood lift, turned to Arion. "You're coming on the trip with us. Xandira wants you there."
Arion blinked, blushing. "I-I'll pack. Thank you."
"You're welcome, mate," Zayan replied in his best British accent.
To cheer Nora up even more, Zayan brought her four boxes of warm cinnamon rolls—her favorite. She devoured a few, saving some for the twins and giving a small piece to Liam too.
Later that day, they returned home.
The twins, now on holiday, met them at the door with their school results.
Lysander had earned mostly A's and B's. Seraphina had done well too, but there was one C and a dreaded D.
She looked nervous as she handed the report to Zayan. "Here, Papa…"
Zayan and Nora scanned the sheet.
"One D?" Zayan said. "Impressive, love. But why the long face?"
Seraphina's eyes lowered. "A lady scolded her daughter in school… I thought… I thought you'd be mad."
Lysander kissed Liam's chubby cheek to cheer her up, and Liam laughed loudly.
Zayan knelt to Seraphina's level, cupping her face. "Baby, you passed. That's not bad. Just study more next time, and keep training. Got it?"
She nodded, tears gone, and hugged him tightly.
That night, while the children drifted off to sleep—Max curled by their side—Zayan sat in his study, smiling to himself. He had plans.
Plans for his queen.
A very, very, very special birthday.