The morning sun streamed gently through the Kai Mansion. Rex was seated at the dining table, happily munching on his breakfast when Nora suddenly walked in with a small cake in her hands.
"Happy Birthday!!" she beamed, placing it gently in front of him.
"Happy Birthday to the best chef ever!" Lisa added cheerfully.
Rex burst out laughing. "Thank you, all of you," he said, rising from his chair to hug both women warmly.
They handed him neatly wrapped gifts. He tore into them with childlike excitement as everyone laughed along.
Meanwhile, Liam was curled up with the other siblings watching cartoons on the living room TV. The twins were lounging lazily too, and Lysander was fast asleep with Max snuggled beside him. Seraphina sat brushing Lyra's hair gently while Winter lay asleep with Hael nestled beside Lysander.
Upstairs, Zayan and Nora had been cuddled up all day. It was now 3:58 p.m., and Zayan had refused to let her go.
"I have to cook, baby," Nora whispered, trying to wiggle free.
"Nope," Zayan mumbled sleepily, tightening his arms around her.
She giggled at his clinginess. Eventually, he dozed off, his head resting peacefully on her chest, breathing softly. She kissed the top of his head, slipped out carefully, and covered him with the soft blue blanket before heading to the kitchen.
Nora glanced at the time, rolled up her sleeves, and got to work. She prepared a feast—various dishes and desserts, carefully plated and covered. She served the kids first, smiling warmly.
"How you go, dearies?" she asked.
"Thank you, Mama Nora!" the children chorused, digging in happily.
Liam was still napping with Max when cars pulled up outside the mansion. The sound of engines caught everyone's attention.
Out stepped Milo, Roya, and Finwick.
"Oh my days!" they exclaimed in unison, marveling at the massive structure.
As they entered, they saw the kids napping together in the living room—Liam and the twins all snuggled up, Max lying protectively beside them.
"Cute babies," Finwick said softly.
"Welcome to the Kai Mansion," Alex greeted with a smile. "Please, have a seat."
Roya's eyes scanned everything. "Whoa… this place is huge," she whispered, taking it all in. Her gaze paused on the large wedding portrait of Zayan and Nora, one in particular where Nora was wrapped around Zayan on his birthday, both wearing matching black shirts and pants. It radiated pure happiness.
Upstairs, Liam stirred. He yawned and giggled as Max licked his cheek, then gently carried him up to Zayan's room in his mouth. Liam slid onto the bed and whispered:
"Dada…"
Zayan's eyes fluttered open, and he smiled as he saw his little boy.
"Hi Dada!" Liam grinned.
"Hey, boy," Zayan said, stretching. "How was your nap?"
"Okie!" Liam replied.
Zayan dressed in a silky blue top and white pants, changed Liam's diaper, and they both bathed and got dressed together. Coming downstairs hand-in-hand, Zayan noticed Lisa and Rex were leaving to celebrate his birthday, leaving Lyra behind with the rest of the family.
As they descended the stairs, Alex was seen blushing while talking to Dabira.
"Wow, what a good couple," Zayan murmured as he passed, making the others laugh.
"Nora!!" he called, standing in the corner of the living room.
She turned, smiling.
"Let's go to the dining room," he said, gesturing toward the hallway.
As they entered, Nora was busy serving dishes. Roya attempted to sit in Nora's chair beside Zayan.
"Hey! That's Mama Nora's seat, so fuck off," Asher snapped, covering little Hael's ears to shield him from the bad word.
"Please move to another seat," Zayan added calmly but firmly. "That's Nora's seat now and forever."
Roya swallowed hard and moved to sit beside Milo instead.
"Hi Papa," Seraphina said, yawning adorably.
"Hey, Lilly," Zayan smiled, kissing her cheek.
Nora entered with a large tray, placing a steaming plate in front of him. "Here you go, love," she said with a wink.
The food was divine—chicken Alfredo, dirty rice, chicken tenders, and her special chicken rice. She placed a plate in front of Roya and leaned in with a sweet smile:
"Be nice, or be dead."
The smile didn't reach her eyes. Roya felt a cold shiver run down her spine. Even the twins looked up, eyes wide.
Everyone began to eat.
"Damn, your wife is a good cook, mate," Finwick said with a full mouth.
"You're right, man," Milo added.
"Thank you," Zayan said proudly, feeding Liam and the twins one after another. Liam climbed onto his lap.
"Yummy yummy yum-yum!" he sang, munching on a piece of Zayan's chicken.
"Hey! That's mine!" Zayan laughed, tickling him, making Nora giggle as well.
Roya watched all of it unfold—the laughter, the warmth, the love. The kids, the food, the way Zayan looked at Nora with pure peace in his eyes.
In her mind, a storm of regret began to swirl.
He looks so happy… peaceful. I hurt him. I pushed him away. But she—she brought him back. He changed because of her. Even his children love her.
What am I doing? This is so f**king wrong…
After dinner, Finwick leaned back in his seat. "I must say, your wife is an amazing cook."
"Do you have a restaurant, Mrs. Nora?" Milo asked.
"Hmm… maybe I will, thanks for the idea," Nora smiled.
As they stood to leave, Roya approached her quietly.
"I'm… I'm so sorry," she whispered. "For being rude. I was angry, and about to make a terrible mistake. I'm so sorry."
Nora hugged her gently. "It's fine," she said with a soft smile.
Zayan, Milo, and Finwick overheard and exchanged knowing glances, all smiling faintly.
"Bye-bye!" Nora called as they left.
"Bye, Mrs. Nora. Zayan Kai," the three visitors said in unison.
As the doors closed behind them, Zayan turned to Nora, pulled her close, and kissed her forehead.
"Come on, love," he whispered.
They walked back inside, hand in hand, hearts full.