Three days had passed since the twins were born.
Zayan never left Nora's side—not for a second. He helped her to the bathroom, changed her clothes, fed her, held her through her moments of discomfort, and whispered soft encouragements every time she winced from the pain.
Today, they were finally going home.
Zayan carefully dressed her in a soft dark brown gown and black flats. She could walk now, but only slowly. He supported her every step, one arm always around her waist.
After six hours of final checkups and instructions, the twins were gently tucked into a double stroller. Nora giggled as they clutched her fingers with their tiny, soft hands.
"So, love," Zayan asked, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "What are you going to name them?"
Nora looked down at their angelic faces, her heart full—but her mind blank.
"Nora… doesn't know yet, Z…" she whispered, almost embarrassed.
"That's alright, darling," Zayan said with a soft kiss to her temple. "Let's head home first and think of some names on the way, hm?"
She nodded.
Zayan gently lifted her and placed her in the wheelchair. Nurses wheeled the twins beside them as they made their way out of the hospital and toward the car that would take them back to the mansion.
Once they arrived, Zayan got down first. He arranged the stroller and then lifted Nora carefully from the car, setting her into the wheelchair again with such tenderness that even the guards watching couldn't help but smile.
Asher rushed out as soon as he saw them.
"Hiiiii! Mama Nora!" he shouted, throwing his arms around her.
He kissed her cheek, and Nora giggled softly.
Asher bent over the stroller. "Well, hello there, you adorable little potatoes. I'm Uncle Ash," he whispered, tickling their tiny feet.
Zayan pushed Nora's wheelchair while Asher guided the stroller ahead. But a few feet from the entrance, Nora squirmed in her seat.
"I wanna walk now. My ass hurts," she grumbled.
Zayan laughed, scooping her up without a word. She placed her hand in his palm and leaned against him as they walked together into the mansion.
Inside, the family had prepared a surprise.
The hallway was decorated with blue and pink hearts. A banner hung proudly:
WELCOME BACK HOME, NORA!
WELCOME HOME, TWINS!
Sora clapped excitedly. "They're here!" she shouted.
Everyone turned to greet them. Even Nathaira was present, standing quietly in a corner. Nora spotted her and froze. For a moment, the room held its breath.
But then, Nora stepped forward.
"I'm… sorry, Miss," she said softly.
Nathaira smiled gently. "It's alright, darling. It's not your fault."
The tension melted instantly. They embraced, and the room filled with warmth.
Maverick, watching Nathaira from across the room, blinked in awe. Shaw nudged him with a laugh.
"Love at first sight?" he teased.
Maverick smiled. Maybe it was.
Later, Nora held her babies in her arms while Zayan sat beside her holding the little girl. They both looked down at the peaceful infants.
Still no names.
Asher leaned in. "Still stuck?"
Nora nodded.
Suddenly, her eyes lit up.
"I… I think I'll name her after Nana. Her second name will be Lilly, just like hers."
She smiled, heart full, imagining her grandmother's face.
Later that evening, as everyone chatted in the lounge, Nora was flipping through a book. Two names caught her attention—unusual, powerful, beautiful.
She jumped to her feet and ran into the living room.
Climbing up onto the center table, she shouted, "I FOUND NAMES!!"
Everyone turned.
"Hey, hey! Get down, little warrior!" Zayan called out with a chuckle.
She pointed at the page, trying to pronounce them. "L… L…"
"Let me help," Kiernan said, taking the book from her. He read out loud:
"Lysander and Seraphina."
He looked around, impressed. "Lysander means liberator, and Seraphina means fiery or angelic."
Everyone stared at Nora, wide-eyed.
"Mama Nora," Rex said, rushing to hug her. "Those are amazing names!"
Her brothers followed, embracing her one by one. Even the girls cheered.
Nora beamed and ran to Zayan, bouncing on her toes. "Is Daddy Z happy?" she asked sweetly.
Zayan laughed, pulling her into his arms. "I'm very, very happy, love."
He kissed her deeply while the whole room clapped again.
That night, peace settled over the mansion.
Catalina and Aveline bathed the babies, dressing them in fresh clothes. Their tiny yawns melted everyone's hearts.
In the master suite, Zayan bathed Nora. They stood in the warm water together, her forehead against his chest, his arms gentle and safe.
Afterward, he helped her into soft pajamas, then tucked the twins into their bassinet next to the bed.
Nora couldn't stop giggling at her babies. She leaned over and kissed them both.
"I love you," she whispered, tapping their little noses. "And you."
"Alright, Mama Nora, time for bed," Zayan said, lying down beside her.
She turned and kissed him. "I love you."
"I love you more than anything, darling," he whispered back.
She smiled as her eyes closed, falling asleep to the soft breathing of her children.
As the moon rose high, Zayan sat quietly at his desk, files spread before him.
He hadn't told Nora yet—but her operation had been planned for months. He, Arion, and the doctors had been preparing everything behind the scenes.
Soon, she would be healed completely.
And this time, he would be the one to bring her back.
He looked at her sleeping form and whispered, "I'll keep every promise."