The next morning, Kairo was already awake, quietly watching his two worlds sleep peacefully. His heart was full, and for the first time in years, his soul felt at peace. He gently tucked a stray strand of hair that had fallen across Sara's face and smiled at the softness of the moment.
Suddenly, she stirred, flinching as if she had seen a bad dream. Her eyes fluttered open, landing on him, wide and startled.
"Morning, baby," he whispered softly, leaning in to place a gentle peck on her lips.
She pushed him back at once.
"Ouch," he laughed, holding his chest dramatically. "That's a rude thing to do to your husband first thing in the morning."
Sara ignored him and turned toward Zayn, pulling the boy closer to her. Kairo only grinned and slid closer, wrapping one arm snugly around her waist, pressing his face into her shoulder.
"You didn't even wish me good morning, baby," he mumbled against her skin.
"Get away from me before I kick you out," she muttered sharply.
He only chuckled, tightening his hold. "Don't be so savage this early, baby. God, you look so hot when you're mad." His voice dipped teasingly near her ear.
Sara tried to push him away again, but he clung stubbornly, giggling like a boy. "Wild," he whispered dramatically. "Damn, I like it."
She huffed, refusing to entertain his nonsense, but he just buried himself deeper against her neck, breathing her in.
"Mmm… this feels like heaven," he murmured, exaggerating deliberately. "Waking up with my wife and my child in my arms. Pure heaven."
"Stop it, you asshole," she grunted, shoving him again.
He grinned into her skin. "Thanks for the nickname, darling. Asshole. Cute, actually."
Her lips twitched despite herself, but she quickly hid it, snapping, "Get out of me."
"Nope," he said lazily. "This is our first morning after marriage. You think I'm wasting it? Hah. By the way..." his grin turned wicked, "we should have been planning a sibling for Zayn by now… but no worries. We'll start slow. For now, I'll just cuddle my wife."
"Fuck yourself, asshole," she said bluntly.
He burst into laughter, kissing the side of her neck. "Thanks for your valuable advice, darling. I'll treasure it."
Sara squirmed and tried to push him off, muttering absurd curses that only made him giggle like she was blessing him first thing in the morning. He held her close, playful and lovesick, nuzzling her neck as he laughed softly.
Then his tone shifted, softening. "Take some rest today, baby. Eat well. You look pale." His fingers brushed her hair gently. "You don't have to come to the office. If you still want to work, you can do it from home. That way, Zayn can be with you all day. He needs you."
Her head turned slightly, eyes narrowing at him. "I don't need favors or special treatments." Her voice was firm.
"You do, baby." His eyes searched her face, tender. "Look at you. My soda glass looks drained. You need to rest. And Zayn… he's missed you so much. Give him everything you couldn't have all these years. He deserves it."
For a moment, her chest squeezed at the quiet sincerity in his tone.
Kairo pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I have to go to the office. I'll be back soon. Until then, Zayn is all yours."
Her eyebrow arched. "And after that?"
He smiled, mischief sparking. "After that, he's mine. I need time with him too, don't I?"
Before she could argue, he leaned down and brushed a quick kiss over her lips, then sprang off the bed before she could throw a punch.
"I love you!" he called out cheerfully as he rushed out the door.
The pillow she hurled smacked against the doorframe. She muttered under her breath, glaring at the empty doorway, while her lips fought against the faintest twitch of a smile.
Sara sat on the edge of the bed, Zayn still sleeping, the pillow from her half-hearted attack resting beside her. The room was quiet now, the only sound the soft breathing of her sleeping son.
Her mind, however, was anything but quiet.
Was he… really different? she wondered, staring at the spot where he had just disappeared. His words, his tenderness, the way he had watched over them, they were intoxicating and frightening all at once. Could she trust him? After everything he had done, after years of pain and betrayal, could she really believe that this wasn't just another game?
She traced Zayn's tiny fingers, still curled on the bed, and felt a protective surge. No. I can't let him manipulate me again. Not for Zayn's sake. Not for mine.
But then she remembered the way he had spoken, how his voice had softened, how every word had carried a weight she hadn't heard before. The confession about his mistakes, the jealousy, the regret… it had sounded real. Too real to be false.
Sara hugged Zayn a little closer. Maybe… maybe he really has changed. Or maybe he's just good at pretending. I can't… I can't let my heart make the decision for me. Not yet.
Her chest tightened with a mix of longing and fear. I want to trust him. I want to believe him. But what if I'm wrong again? What if I let him back in and it all comes crashing down?
She shook her head and exhaled slowly, trying to calm the storm inside her. "Focus, Sara," she whispered to herself. "You have a son to take care of. Everything else… can wait."
She fed Zayn his breakfast, making sure he was happy and comfortable. Every giggle, every innocent smile from him eased the tight coil of anxiety in her chest. Yet, Kairo's words lingered, echoing softly: "I want both of you… You are my world."
Sara didn't know if she should feel comforted or scared. The line between love and fear had blurred so completely that it made her dizzy. She wasn't ready to answer the emotions surging inside her.
By the time she dressed and prepared Zayn for the day, the sunlight had shifted to a brighter, sharper angle. She glanced at the clock; he would be at the office by now.
Taking a deep breath, she carried Zayn downstairs, trying to shake off the lingering confusion. Her thoughts raced as she locked the door behind them: Stay alert. Protect Zayn. Be careful. Don't trust too quickly.