The morning air was filled with goodbyes, kisses, and intense warnings.
Each wife gave her husband a thorough list of routines, habits, and "do not mess this up" instructions. This vacation was earned—and it came with serious terms.
"Elco doesn't like cold milk, Shaw," Zira said, pointing a firm finger at him. "And read his night book. Play with him too, alright?"
Shaw rolled his eyes but smiled, hugging her tightly before giving her a kiss. "I got this, Zee."
Rose cupped Azara's face in her hands and pulled him close. "No other women. I mean it."
He chuckled, amused by her fire. "Baby, no one can take me away from you."
Max barked excitedly, already pacing around as if ready to lead the household.
"Max!" Nora called. "Watch the kids. Zayan, play with Liam, okay? Boy stuff." She patted the dog's head, then turned to Zayan.
He was quiet, arms crossed, eyes fixed on her.
Nora walked up to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "You'll be okay."
He didn't answer. Instead, he held her hand tightly as the women loaded into the cars.
"BYE!!!" they all called out, waving and blowing kisses from the convoy.
The men stood in a line, faces blank but hearts aching.
Inside the mansion, the reality hit harder. Zayan walked back to the living room with Liam wobbling behind him.
"Dada?" the toddler said, snapping Zayan from his thoughts.
"Hey, boy," he said, picking him up.
Liam's little hands cupped Zayan's cheeks. "No sad. Smiles. Mama okay… hm?"
Zayan couldn't help but smile. "Yeah, Mama's okay."
The mansion was calmer now. Only Mrs. Jane and six maids were on duty. Security was heightened. School had resumed, and the kids were heading off to their new term.
Shaw dressed Elco in a little suit and fixed his tiny bowtie.
Salvius helped Silsia into her glittery sneakers at Lilith mansion.
Damian packed Nixie's lunch at the Kai estate, Donomie dressing Deo while Desmon and Miska handled the twins.
Asher was already dropping Heal off.
Zayan gently slipped Liam into a blue shirt and a black pinafore, matching blue shoes, and a little backpack.
"Alright, let's go, big boy," Zayan said, carrying him with Max trotting behind.
"Good morning, Mr. Zayan," Alex greeted when they arrived at the Bratva building.
"Hi Liam!" he said, tickling the little boy who giggled and tried to hide in Zayan's neck.
"Max!" Alex laughed as the dog barked excitedly.
Zayan smiled. "Morning," he said, striding into his office, Liam on his hip.
"LIAM!!!" the men from Black Scars shouted as the boy waved at them like a prince.
Back with the women, the jet touched down in the Maldives. Sunlight painted the sky gold as the wives arrived at their private resort.
"WOAHHHH!" they chorused, eyes wide with wonder.
The rooms were sprawling and elegant. The wives shared the largest suite, while Catalina and Aveline took ocean-view private villas.
By nightfall, phones buzzed as each wife called home.
Zayan answered with Liam in his lap and the twins lying across his legs.
"Hey, my babies!" Nora said, her face glowing on the screen.
"Hi Mama!!" the kids squealed.
She turned the camera to show the ocean waves lapping at the shore. "Look, Z. The view!"
Zayan's eyes softened. "Wow… It's really beautiful, love."
"I miss you," he said, voice tinged with sadness.
"I miss you too, baby."
The next morning brought laughter and sun-kissed joy. The girls gathered for breakfast before heading down to the private beach. Some joined the volleyball game, while others splashed in the pool.
Nora, Kenna, Rose, Valencia, and Xandira floated in the water, laughing as they played a silly guessing game.
"Now this is what we needed," Rose said, eyes closed, floating in pure bliss.
Nora had a mischievous glint in her eyes. She whispered something to the girls, who immediately burst into laughter, then separated, each with a secret mission.
Back in London, Zayan was in a meeting with major investors, Eryx and Alex beside him.
His phone buzzed.
A text from Nora:
Be alone before opening this.
Zayan arched a brow but obeyed. He smiled as he peeked at the photos—soft, sensual, teasing, and intimate. He quickly pocketed his phone, jaw tightening with desire.
Eryx and Alex had similar expressions, their phones lighting up too.
After the meeting, Alex turned to Zayan, nervous. "Mr. Zayan… Do you think Dabria will reject my proposal?"
Zayan smirked. "Hold on."
He dialed Dabria. "Hey, bitch."
"Hi, devil."
"You love drama. Tell me—if Alex proposes, would you say no?"
She laughed maniacally. "First, I'll scream. Then I'll say: 'Took your ass long enough.' Zayan, why can't Alex marry me NOW? If I see him with another girl, I'll shoot her brains out and braid my hair with it. Ugh!"
Alex grinned, red-faced, and they all burst out laughing.
"I'm gonna start planning," Alex said. "Thanks for everything."
They hugged.
Later that evening, Zayan sat with Lysander combing Winter's hair gently.
"Hey, Papa," Lysander said.
"Hey guys," he replied softly, brushing through Winter's soft curls.
Once the kids were tucked in, Zayan returned to his room and opened his phone again. This time: videos.
Nora, wearing a tiny bikini, strutted for the camera, showing off her curves, teasing him with a wink and tongue-out grin. One shot lingered on her backside—just for him.
"Oh my damn days…" Zayan whispered.
He quickly snapped a picture of his growing reaction and texted her.
Nora!! Look what you've done to me.
Nora giggled, curled on her beach bed, blushing as she typed back.
Good. Now wait till I get home, my love.