Morning light poured into the grand halls of the mansion, but the tension was anything but peaceful. Nathaira's plan had failed—again. Her patience was wearing thin, and her fury only deepened as she stormed downstairs, her heels echoing sharply against the marble floor.
Zayan's mother had left early that morning for another country, leaving the house quieter than usual. Nora, already dressed, was on her way out, headed for the orphanage to visit Asher and Nana.
Just as she reached the door, Nathaira's shrill voice cut through the silence.
"Hey, maid. Nora!"
Nora stopped, exhaling deeply. She turned slowly, her face a mask of restrained anger.
Nathaira strutted toward her with that smug expression she always wore.
Nora clapped her hands together in frustration and snapped, "Please, for God's sake, leave me alone! Just don't bother me. I'm only working. I don't know his whereabouts—for fuck's sake, jeez!"
She didn't wait for a reply. Turning on her heel, Nora stormed out, the door slamming shut behind her. Nathaira clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms as her face twisted with rage.
The orphanage was quiet as Nora arrived. Her irritation still lingered from the morning confrontation. But her mood shifted as she stepped inside and saw a familiar figure in the main room.
Zayan.
He was seated, talking softly with Nana, holding Asher gently in his arms. The little boy was asleep on his shoulder.
"Nana?" Nora called softly.
"Ah! There you are, my dear princess," Nana said with a warm smile, opening her arms. She hugged Nora tightly, giving her a gentle peck on the forehead.
Zayan offered a faint smile.
Nora walked toward him, eyes falling on Asher. Her expression softened as she checked on the boy—he looked safe, comfortable, and well.
Still, the sting from Nathaira's words lingered in her mind.
"What's wrong, darling?" Zayan asked, noticing the tension in her face.
"Oh, it's your crazy soon-to-be wife," Nora muttered, crossing her arms. "She keeps getting on my nerves. Sometimes, I feel like setting her on fire."
Zayan laughed quietly, pulling her gently closer.
"That's funny. Calm down, love," he said. "Also… I've made some plans. She's going to pay for everything—soon."
The way he said it made Nora's skin tingle. There was a glint in his eyes, something calculated and dangerous.
He's planning something, she thought.
Later, Nora dozed off on Nana's lap, safe and warm. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Zayan carefully picked her up, not wanting to wake her. She stirred slightly but didn't open her eyes. In his arms, she looked peaceful, beautiful, almost ethereal.
He carried her to the car and drove her back to the mansion. Once inside, he laid her gently on the bed and covered her with a soft blanket, brushing a few strands of hair from her face.
He stood there for a moment, watching her.
Then—
"Nora…"
A cold voice broke the silence.
He turned. Nathaira was standing in the hallway, eyes burning with jealousy.
"What does she have that I don't?" she hissed, stepping closer.
Zayan's gaze hardened as he stood straight.
"I know you think I love you," he said coldly. "But I don't. And I never will."
Nathaira's lips parted in shock.
"Don't bring her into this. Or else…" He paused, voice low and dangerous, "…you'll be done for. Understood?"
The weight of his words hung in the air like a blade. Nathaira's fists trembled, but she turned away, defeated—for now.
Zayan didn't look back. He knew what he had to do next.