Zayan and the Black Scar Lords had wrapped up their business in Denmark. It was time to leave. Before departure, Nora went on a grand shopping spree — baby girl essentials, more clothes for all the kids, and a few things for Zayan too. By the time she was done, she'd spent nearly $900,000.
On the plane, Zayan was feeling unwell. He leaned his head against Nora's shoulder. Liam sat with Winter, giggling and drawing the sky. Both Zayan and Seraphina were sick, nestled in Nora's arms. Arion checked on them.
"They've got a fever," he said. "Once we land, I'll get the medicine."
Nora kissed their foreheads, patting Liam and Lysander gently.
When they touched down in Bergen, Norway, the peaceful air was a welcome change. Lysander carried Seraphina on his back while Zayan, arms around Nora, leaned on her for support.
"It's okay, baby. We're fine now," she whispered. He nodded.
A white Porsche and SUV were waiting.
"I love family trips," Hael grinned from Aaila's arms. He tapped her small baby bump. "Right, baby sis?" Aaila was four months pregnant with their second child. Maia, Nathaira, and Darba were there too — all pregnant again.
Arion returned with the medicine.
"Open up," Nora instructed, holding a spoonful of syrup. Zayan and Seraphina exchanged a glance.
"We feel better, right, Papa?" Seraphina asked.
"Yeah… we do, baby," Zayan replied.
"Open. Now." Nora's tone left no room for argument.
Both father and daughter drank the syrup, then nodded in unison.
"All done," they said together.
"Like father, like daughter," Nora smiled, kissing them both.
Later, the two were curled up with Liam between them, fast asleep. Lysander sat beside Nora, drawing.
"I love you, Mama," he murmured, hugging her.
"I love you too, baby."
Three Days Later
Zayan and Seraphina had fully recovered. Liam clung to Kaiza's neck as they headed to the company. Zayan gave Nora a deep, tender kiss.
"Bye, my darling baby," he said, hugging her.
"Bye, my love," she blushed.
But before the day could stay light, Melanie approached Zayan with a troubled look.
"Mom just called… Dad's back from Scotland. He's at the mansion waiting for you — and the kids. He says he wants to meet his grandchildren and daughter-in-law."
Neal, overhearing, asked, "What's so bad about your dad?"
"I hate him. I hate everything about him. Sadly, I bear his name. He will not touch my family. He will not touch my wife," Zayan growled.
The anger in his eyes was enough for Liam to notice. He looked out the window and began to sing in his sweet, offbeat way:
"Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall, Humpty Dumpty's a weasel… down goes the weasel!"
Zayan's lips twitched. The song reminded him of Nora, years ago, in a childlike state on his birthday, painting for him while singing the same nonsense tune. He laughed, kissed Liam's forehead.
"Granny's a weasel," he teased, making Liam giggle.
At the Norway company, Mr. Ivar greeted them warmly, sweeping Liam into the air and making him giggle even more. Liam eventually dozed off in Vincenzo's arms while Zayan joined Kian, Kaiza, Eryx, and the rest in the meeting room.
Alex's phone rang. It was Zayan's father.
"Pick it up. I don't care," Zayan muttered, scanning paperwork.
Alex answered, listened, then hung up.
"Sir… your father says he's staying at the mansion with your mother. Four cousins are there too. He wants to meet your wife and the kids. Your mother said, 'Bring them soon.'"
Zayan's jaw tightened.
Back Home
Melanie explained to Nora why Zayan despised his father.
"Dad always pushed him hard. If he failed a test, he got punished. One day, Zayan caught Dad cheating on Mom. He lost it and… shot the woman. That was his first kill. Dad locked him in a cage for four years. He came out broken. Mom washed him, and he mumbled, 'I will be the most powerful man in this city. More than my father. No emotions, no love, no happiness.' After that, he built Grandpa Kai's small company into a global empire. Then you came along, Nora — you and the kids changed everything."
Nora's eyes softened. "I should be the one thankful. After Nana died, I was alone. Zayan pulled me back into the light. I'm grateful for him, for our kids, for everyone in my life."
Later That Evening
Liam padded up to Zayan while he was working.
"Hi, Papa!"
"Hey, baby boy." Zayan lifted him.
"Don't be mad again, Papa. Papa's the strongest man Liam knows."
Zayan's heart swelled. I will never let my kids suffer like I did. And I will never look at another woman. Nora will be my wife until the end of time.
They returned home to find Nora scolding Seraphina.
"What did I tell you about climbing?!"
"I just wanted to do a backflip from the stairs," Seraphina sniffled. Lysander burst into laughter.
"Lilly ended up in the trash can like paper!"
"Larry!" Nora scolded.
"Sorry, Mama," he chuckled.
Zayan examined Seraphina's ankle. "Does it hurt?"
"Ouch…" she whispered, tears in her eyes. Liam climbed onto the bed, hugging her.
"No cry, Lilly. No cry, baby."
After his shower, Zayan lay with his head on Nora's lap.
"There, there, my king. Rest peacefully."
He kissed her and closed his eyes, safe in her warmth.