It had been nine long months since Nora was brought to the secret orphanage for her safety. The Iron Tanks stood watch outside, day and night. She never left the building. Zira, Shaw, Rex, Kiernan, and the doctors kept her company, while Asher visited often. Zayan, her husband, balanced running the mansion and the company, but every evening, without fail, he came to see her. He missed her fiercely and constantly monitored her through live cameras on his iPad while he worked.
Nora had grown tired. Her pregnancy had taken a toll—her belly was enormous, her energy fleeting. One afternoon, Zayan found her outside in the backyard of the orphanage, kneeling in the sand and playing with water and mud, her hands stained, a small smile on her lips.
"Hey, my darling," he said gently, crouching beside her. "What are you doing?"
She giggled, eyes twinkling. "I'm making a really, really big castle, Z!"
He smiled. She still had that childlike spark, and he loved her more each day for it.
Inside the orphanage, life had shifted. Love was blooming. Zira and Shaw had grown closer—an undeniable attraction simmering between them. Kiernan and Maia had also quietly fallen in love, their bond strengthening. Even Aaila and Asher had become inseparable.
But Nora… she had grown restless. Her belly was so large she could barely walk without assistance. She cried often, painted the walls with bright colors, sang lullabies to her unborn twins, and longed deeply to see her Zayan.
One morning, as Zayan was away at a high-profile meeting, she broke down. "I want to see Z," she cried, sobbing uncontrollably. Shaw tried to calm her, "Nora, love… you can't go out. It's dangerous, for you and the babies."
"I DON'T CARE!" she wailed, clutching her swollen belly. "I want Z! Pleaseeeee…"
Maia entered, worry etched on her face. "Nora, sweetheart… you're due in four days. You need rest."
"B-but… I wanna see Z!" she sniffled, wiping her tears with the back of her hand.
Eventually, everyone gave in. Rex brought out a wheelchair, and Nora nodded excitedly. Asher handed her warm milk and coordinated massive security—over 60,000 armed men and five bulletproof cars escorted them toward Zayan's company tower.
Meanwhile, Zayan sat in a high-level meeting with Mr. Mercan… and Nathaira, the ghost from their past. Nathaira's eyes softened upon seeing Zayan.
"Mr. Zayan," Mercan said with a cordial nod.
"Good to see you again," Zayan replied, cold and composed.
"H-hello, Zayan," Nathaira added nervously.
Zayan simply nodded in response.
When the meeting ended, Nathaira spoke again. "I… I'm sorry. For everything. I was immature. I also owe Nora a deep apology… for what I did… and the orphanage."
Zayan's arms folded across his chest. "All is forgiven now."
"And… how is Nora?" she asked softly.
"She got into an accident. Leon hit her with iron. It caused brain trauma. She's in a childlike state now… and carrying twins," Zayan said flatly.
Nathaira's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wow…"
Just then, Alex entered the room. "Sir, Mrs. Nora has arrived. With four others."
Zayan stood. "Come see for yourself."
They stepped into the hallway, where Nora sat in her wheelchair, singing happily.
"Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty is a weasel.
He sat a wall,
Down goes the weasel!
Granny is a weasel!"
Nora beamed at everyone, her eyes sparkling with innocence.
"Why is everyone standing? Please sit, sit!" she called out sweetly to the guards.
One of them muttered, "She's so kind, even in her condition…"
Nathaira's heart skipped when she saw her—this was not the fierce Nora she remembered. This girl was soft, glowing, almost childlike.
Zayan smiled gently. "Hey, my darling princess," he said, kneeling to kiss her cheeks and rub her belly.
Nora giggled. "Z! I don't wanna stay inside anymore! Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Pretty please?"
Just then, Nora turned to face Nathaira, her smile briefly faltering.
"Hello… I'm Nora!" she said sweetly.
She leaned closer to Nathaira, tilting her head. "A…are you okay?"
Suddenly, flashbacks hit her like a tidal wave. Screams. Fire. Blood. Her grandmother's voice. The trauma flooded her mind.
Her eyes widened in horror.
"You… YOU HURT… MY… BABY… FIRE… NANA!" she growled, gripping Nathaira's neck with terrifying strength.
"NORA!" Zayan shouted, rushing forward.
"You… KILLED MY NANA!!" she screamed.
Zayan struggled to pull her back as her body trembled with rage and pain.
Then, Nora let out a blood-curdling scream—
"Z!!!"
Her hands went to her stomach.
"My tummy… it hurts!"
Zayan didn't hesitate. He lifted her into his arms and bolted out.
Arion Hospital
The team was ready. Aaila administered a light sedative as Nora writhed from the pain. The contractions had started early—she was supposed to deliver in three days, but the babies had other plans.
"She'll deliver in four hours," Dr. Maia confirmed after an urgent checkup. "Everyone, get ready."
Shaw called Aveline. Her daughters, Darba and Lisa, rushed to get baby clothes and supplies. Sora and Frya gathered items. Miska, Neal, Damian, Rex, Kiernan, and Maverick all sprang into action. Asher and Zayan changed into sterile clothes. Zayan never left her side.
Nora, barely conscious, whispered weakly, "Z…"
"I'm here, my love," he said, holding her hand tightly.
"W-what's… happening?" she asked faintly.
He kissed her forehead. "Our babies are coming now… they're ready to meet their mommy."
Nora blinked. "Really? They… coming out now? From my tummy… like poop?"
Zayan chuckled, despite the worry in his chest. "Yes, love. Just like that."
Everything was ready.
And Zayan never let go of her hand.