The Devil And The Maid.

The air outside was crisp, filled with the scent of fireworks and cold December wind. It was New Year's Eve, 11:00 PM sharp. Everyone gathered in the garden, wrapped in warm coats, laughter and excitement buzzing in the air.

Nora was piggybacking on Zayan, clinging to him like a joyful child.

"Yay, New Year!" she exclaimed, eyes twinkling as the sky lit up with early fireworks.

Asher stood tall and dramatic, counting down with his phone in hand. "Ready, everyone? The countdown begins soon!"

Meanwhile, Nora had slipped off Zayan's back without anyone noticing. Curious and mischievous, she quietly ducked under the outdoor table. There, hidden from view, she pulled out a bowl of grapes.

She remembered something she once heard about Mexico—that if you ate 12 grapes before midnight, you'd have good luck all year.

As she munched the first grape, she whispered a soft prayer.

"I pray that everyone stays healthy and happy… together, forever and ever.

And let Z's happiness and wishes come true…

And… let Nora remember herself again."

She giggled quietly and continued munching.

Back outside, the sky was alive with color. Fireworks bloomed like bright flowers above. Zayan held Seraphina, her wide baby eyes locked on the glowing bursts of light.

"Where's Nora?" Aaila asked suddenly, scanning the area.

Asher turned his head and furrowed his brows. "Uh… Zayan?"

"Yeah?"

"Can you bend down and see what your wife is doing?"

Zayan knelt slowly, peering under the table.

And there she was—Nora, legs folded, cheerfully eating grapes one by one.

"…9… 10… 11…" she counted aloud, mouth full.

The group huddled around, now completely amused.

"5… 4… 3… 2… 1—"

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"

"—12!" Nora shouted, popping the last grape into her mouth with a triumphant grin.

She climbed on top of the table and raised her arms.

"HAPPY YEAR EVERYONE! AND HAPPY NEW YEAR, NANA!!" she shouted, looking up to the stars with a bright smile.

Zayan just shook his head, laughing as he reached up. "Okay, okay, happy New Year, love. Now get down before you fall."

He helped her down gently. She skipped over to the twins, kissing their tiny hands.

"Happy New Year, lovelies!" she whispered.

The twins giggled and cooed, recognizing their mother's voice. Born on September 13th, they were Nora's whole world—her peace, her light.

Back inside the mansion, warmth returned as everyone changed into their nightwear. The twins quickly drifted off to sleep in their crib.

Zayan looked over at Nora as she yawned beside him.

"So," he asked, amused, "what exactly were you doing eating grapes under the table, darling?"

She blinked at him innocently. "I heard someone say that if you eat 12 grapes under a table before the New Year, you'll get good luck… so Nora did it!" she said proudly, smiling.

Zayan chuckled and leaned closer. "You're my good luck charm, darling."

He wrapped his arms around her, and she giggled, snuggling into his chest.

The Morning After

After breakfast, Nora's bandages were carefully removed. Her wounds had healed beautifully. Imara gently applied the Indian hair oil Dr. Kasir had given them.

To everyone's surprise, her hair had started growing back much faster than expected, though it remained short and soft. It suited her.

Life was returning to something close to normal—but Zayan's world was still divided between home and the office.

One day, while Nora was in the hospital for routine testing, Zayan had to bring the twins to work with him. Nora had fallen ill suddenly and was kept for observation. She'd developed a high fever, and Zayan was deeply worried.

At the hospital, Asher and Issca were with her. Nora was unconscious, her body fighting exhaustion. Just then, Frya and Sora entered the room.

As soon as Issca's eyes met Sora's, something shifted.

Their eyes locked for a moment—long, silent, and electric.

Asher cleared his throat, narrowing his eyes. "Are you okay, mate?" he asked, his British accent sharp.

"…Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine," Issca said, shaking it off.

Sora walked over to the bedside and touched Nora's hand. "Oh, my dear Nunu," she whispered.

Nora stirred, yawning awake. "Mmm… what's all the noise?" she mumbled groggily.

Arion came in, clipboard in hand. "How are you feeling?"

Nora blinked at him and smiled weakly. "I feel like… hot shit."

Everyone burst into laughter.

"It's not funny," she pouted, trying not to smile.

Arion administered another dose of medication, and Frya gently tied her short hair into two tiny ponytails. Nora grinned at her reflection.

Later That Night

At dinner, Zayan made an announcement.

"I'll be leaving for work tomorrow morning. I'll be back next week."

Nora looked up quickly, her smile faltering slightly. "Can't I come?"

He shook his head gently. "I would've taken you, love… but you're still recovering."

He visited her in the hospital early the next morning before leaving.

"Hey, my love," he said softly, kissing her forehead. "I'm off now. I'll be back next week—with clothes and everything for the babies."

Nora smiled faintly, still groggy. "Happy Z," she whispered.

In Arion's office, the doctor updated him, "Her fever's very high, but she'll be okay."

Zayan nodded slowly, worry tightening his chest. At the airport, he left with Lisa and Miska for Thailand.

Six Days Later

Nora was finally discharged. It was Sunday morning when she returned home.

Zayan, still abroad, had left a surprise: a short video he'd recorded for her.

The video began with the twins' sweet faces. They were crawling together toward the camera—toward Nora. Behind the camera, Zayan laughed proudly.

"You can do it, my little champs!" his voice encouraged in the background.

The twins giggled as they reached Nora in the video and she clapped for them.

Zayan's proud smile flashed before the video ended.

Back in Thailand, he stood beside his team, phone in hand, watching the video again.

And in that moment, though oceans apart, they were still… together.