The time was 11:56 p.m., and the house was quiet—except for the soft rustling in the kitchen downstairs. Zayan and the twins moved stealthily, giggling as they placed the final touches on a freshly baked cake. The sweet scent of cinnamon rolls filled the air, warm and inviting. Liam sat in his little chair, clapping excitedly as if he already knew something special was about to happen.
Zayan picked up the tray. "Alright, team. Let's go wake the queen."
The twins grabbed the cinnamon rolls and followed their father up the stairs. They crept into the master bedroom, where Nora lay asleep with Liam by her side, stirring now at the sound of her family entering.
"Happy Birthday, darling," Zayan whispered, kneeling by her.
"Happy Birthday, Mama!" the twins chimed in.
"Birfday!" Liam echoed, clapping his little hands with joy.
Nora blinked open her sleepy eyes, smiling at the sight. She reached out, pulling her three sunshines close, kissing their cheeks one by one. "Thank you, my babies," she whispered, her heart full.
Zayan leaned in, and she gave him a soft kiss on the lips. "Thank you, my husband," she said, her voice gentle and filled with love.
Together, they cut the cake, and Nora fed each of them. When she fed Zayan, he cheekily licked frosting from her hand.
She shot him a look and whispered, "The kids are here—behave."
He chuckled, not the least bit sorry.
Liam's cheeks were stuffed with cinnamon rolls, crumbs everywhere. Nora kissed his sweet little face, and he giggled, his tiny hands patting her cheeks in return.
The morning sun rose, and Zayan dressed in a crisp shirt. He began the day's secret preparations while Nora got ready to visit the orphanage. She hadn't been there in so long, and her heart longed to reconnect.
With Liam in her arms and Max trotting loyally by her side, she called out, "Bye!"
"Bye-bye!" everyone replied.
As soon as she disappeared down the street, Seraphina grinned. "Andddddddd she's gone! Go, go, go!"
They sprang into action—packing decorations, food, supplies, and surprises into the waiting cars. Destination: Nana's Garden. It was time to make her birthday unforgettable.
Meanwhile, Nora arrived at the orphanage, a place filled with memories. The children were no longer little—they were teenagers now—but their love for her hadn't changed.
"NORA!!!!!!!" they screamed joyfully, running to her and hugging her all at once.
"We missed you so much!" they said.
Nora giggled, overwhelmed. "I missed you all, too."
"Happy Birthday to you!" they sang in chorus, their voices bright and sincere.
Issca and Sora arrived with their one-year-old daughter, Akasha, while Rose came in with Levi, who carried baby Lora in his arms. Lora had been born via surrogacy, and Levi adored her more than anything.
Everyone gathered in the kitchen to help Nora cook. Liam played nearby with Akasha and Lora, the three of them babbling in baby talk, forming their own sweet little circle.
Levi hugged Nora tightly and signed, I missed you so much. How are you?
"I'm okay, Leviiii," Nora said, smiling warmly. "You're such a big boy now."
He nodded proudly.
They set the dinner table and laughed, sharing food and memories like family always does.
By 3:46 p.m., the hard work was done. Picnic tables were laid out with flowers, candles, paints, and an abundance of food. It was all perfect.
"All done!" Zayan said, carrying Lysander on his back.
"Yep!" the twins echoed.
Nora's coworkers and some of her students began to arrive. Meeri looked around in awe.
"Woah," she said.
"Yeah, woah indeed," Ciro added, taking it all in.
Family poured in—Miska and Frya arrived with their baby girl, Crya. Even the once-rival Liliths came, dressed in white with everyone else.
Nora had dressed Liam in a white shirt, matching pants, and soft shoes. She herself wore a flowing silk white dress that shimmered in the golden afternoon light. As they prepared to leave the orphanage and head to the garden, Kenna—a tall, striking girl with purple curls and almond eyes—walked beside her.
"Initiate lockdown," Kenna said into her wrist comm.
The orphanage gates closed with a hiss, and security tech snapped into place. Guards secured the perimeter. Everything was safe.
Nora handed Liam to Kenna and walked toward the garden. Rose followed, and Yarrow, now six, held Kenna's free hand.
When they reached the gate, Zayan stood waiting. He gently took Nora's hand.
"Hey baby," he said, placing a soft kiss on her cheek.
She hugged him tightly.
"Let go," he whispered, pushing the gates open.
And there—standing beneath twinkling lights, surrounded by flowers and white-clad loved ones—was everyone.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NORA!" they all shouted, clapping, cheering, hugging her one by one.
Tears sparkled in Nora's eyes. She had just turned 26. And for the first time… she felt whole.
Even the Bratva and Camorra were present—Zayan had personally invited them and warned them to behave. So far, so good.
With Zayan's arm wrapped protectively around her, Nora cut the cake and fed pieces to everyone. The twins were tired but fought to stay awake.
Nora knelt to them and smiled. "Thank you so much for my birthday. This is my first one with the three of you—my kids. I love you all so very much."
"We love you too, Mama!" they replied, hugging her with sticky fingers and icing-covered mouths.
Zayan hugged Nora from behind, whispering, "I love you, baby girl."
Nora leaned in, whispering back in his ear, "I love you too, my daddy."
Zayan blushed red—completely and utterly hers.
They celebrated late into the evening. Families painted together, feasted on crispy chicken, sweets, and more. Nora sneakily passed her favorite snacks to the twins. They were giggling, full and happy—exactly how childhood should feel.
Zayan watched them from afar, giving instructions to his men in preparation for their trip to Italy. Both gangs departed peacefully after giving their respects.
Then fate intervened.
Kenna accidentally bumped into Erya.
"S-Sorry, sir," she said quickly, her voice polite.
Erya blinked, stunned. She was petite, with purple curls, dark skin, almond eyes, and a face like a painting. He was speechless.
"Uhm… it's fine," he said, barely able to form words.
As she turned to go, he blurted, "What's your name?"
"I'm Kenna. From the orphanage. Nora raised me," she replied.
Erya went straight to Zayan, his face lit up. "I just met the most beautiful girl. Nora raised her. Please, I beg—let her come with us to Italy. I want to get close to her. Maybe she'll fall for me. I'm tired of being the only single one—y'all are married! Please!"
Zayan smirked. "I don't have a problem with it. Ask Nora."
Erya practically sprinted to her. "Nora, please! I want her to come with us. I'll behave. I promise!"
Nora smiled knowingly. "Kenna! Come here."
"Yes, Mama Nora?" she asked sweetly, Yarrow still in her arms.
"Pack up and meet me at the mansion. You'll be coming with us to Italy. Erya will be beside you, okay?"
Kenna beamed. "Yes, Mama!"
She ran off to prepare.
"Thank you, Nora. I owe you," Erya said, deeply grateful.
"Welcome," she replied with a wink.
As the party ended, Nora thanked everyone who came, especially Zayan and the twins.
"This was the most beautiful surprise," she said.
They returned home, sleepy and full of love. As Zayan pulled Nora close, he kissed her deeply, holding her as though the world might disappear.
They fell asleep tangled in each other's arms—peaceful, warm, and ready for the next chapter in their extraordinary journey.