Inside the towering walls of Zayan's company headquarters, the air buzzed with the quiet tension of high-stakes planning. Zayan sat at the head of the long glass table, flanked by Desmon, Eryx, and Troy. Rhea, clipboard in hand, stood beside him with her usual poise, while Axel and Vincenzo leaned in occasionally with their sharp insights.
This wasn't just a business meeting—it was empire-building.
Across the room, Seraphina sat on a plush couch, unusually silent. No running. No giggles. Her bright eyes were fixed on her father—observing every gesture, every word. She looked almost like a miniature Zayan, her serious gaze taking in the way he spoke, the way others respected him.
Eryx noticed and nudged Zayan subtly.
"Looks like Lilly's going to take after you," he whispered with a chuckle.
Zayan glanced at his daughter, and sure enough, Seraphina broke into a soft smile before letting out a quiet giggle.
He stood and walked over, scooping her into his arms. "You watching daddy work, huh?"
Seraphina just nodded, resting her head on his shoulder. Zayan smiled and returned to his seat, one arm holding his daughter while the other flipped through projections.
Meanwhile, upstairs, Nora was with the girls and a gentle-eyed midwife named Ave. The room was filled with soft music and sunshine as Ave guided Nora through light stretches and prenatal breathing exercises. Nora's bump was prominent, and the babies inside her were full of life—kicking and twisting more than usual.
Just then, the door creaked open and in came Zayan, his arms overloaded with shopping bags. Designer baby clothes, twin sets, matching family outfits—everything meticulously chosen. He'd spent over $800,000 on the haul.
Nora chuckled softly, watching him drop the bags one by one.
"Zayan…" she said in awe, adjusting her position and exhaling softly. The babies were active again.
Zayan noticed and walked over, kneeling by her side and placing a hand on her tummy. "You okay, love?"
She nodded. "Z… do you remember when I used to work as a maid?"
Everything froze.
"A little," she said quietly, looking up at him. "Or the time Nathaira hurt Asher. He was twelve, bleeding… and had cancer. You paid for his treatment. I was seventeen."
Aaila blinked. "You remember that?"
Nora nodded again, this time more certain. "Mm. It's all clear."
Zayan was stunned, unable to find words as his heart beat hard in his chest. Nora giggled faintly at everyone's frozen expressions before slowly drifting off to sleep, her hand still clasped tightly in Zayan's. He kissed her forehead tenderly, letting her rest.
An hour later, a piercing scream tore through the house.
"Z!!!!!!!" Nora cried, clutching her belly as pain overwhelmed her. Her water had broken.
Zayan wasn't in the room.
Kate rushed in first, then Aaila. "Her water just broke!" Kate shouted, trying to calm Nora while Troy called the midwife. Aaila swiftly helped Nora change into a soft cotton robe.
Even Axel and Troy joined in, each one on edge.
Zayan, upon hearing what happened, flew back into the house and immediately changed into a black vest and loose black pants. He ran to Nora's side.
"Mama?" little Lysander said in his baby voice, wobbly on his feet. He toddled toward Nora and gently patted her face. "Mama…"
Nora smiled through the pain, holding his tiny hand.
Seraphina, still silent, sat watching her mother with concern. Her lips trembled as she watched Nora wince and cry.
The inflatable birthing pool had already been set up. Warm, slightly cool water filled the tub. Nora was lowered into it carefully.
Zayan knelt beside her and took her hand. "It's fine, love. Our baby is coming, okay?"
She nodded, gripping his hand tighter.
"Ready? 1… 2… 3… PUSH!" Ave instructed, her voice calm but firm.
Nora screamed, the sound so raw it shook the room. Blood swirled in the water. She whispered Zayan's name over and over.
"It's okay, baby, I'm right here," Zayan murmured, his forehead pressed against hers.
Another scream—this one so powerful it shattered a nearby glass and cracked a window.
"Whoa!!" Vincenzo exclaimed from the hallway.
Seraphina burst into tears, scared for her mother. Lysander crawled over and hugged her, patting her head gently like he'd seen adults do.
Then suddenly, silence—and a sharp cry.
The baby boy was born.
Ave lifted the little one out of the water, crying and perfect. Nora's body slumped forward, blood dripping from her mouth. Zayan caught her, panic flashing in his eyes.
The twins tried to run to her, but Kian and Valencia held them back, gently explaining they had to wait.
Kate quickly cleaned Nora while Ave handled the baby. Hot water was used to reduce pain and ease Nora's wounds.
Once she was safe on the bed, Zayan sat beside her, holding her limp hand in his.
Ave came forward with the baby, wrapped in a soft towel.
Zayan took him into his arms, staring at the tiny, squirming miracle.
"Another beautiful son," he whispered, tears glimmering in his eyes as he looked back at Nora. "You did it, baby."
Nora stirred faintly, her lips twitching in a soft smile as Zayan kissed her forehead once more—his heart full, his world complete.