The Devil And The Maid.

The hospital room still smelled like antiseptic, but Zayan had made it warmer, cozier—just for her. Nora sat up slowly as Zayan entered with a soft smile, holding a pastel pink dress in his hands.

"It's time to go home, baby," he said gently, helping her change.

Back at the mansion, the twins were safe and guarded, nestled under tight security. But today wasn't just any day—it was Asher and Aaila's wedding day.

The grand church buzzed with guests, music, and soft laughter. Zayan held Nora's hand tightly as they walked in, accompanied by Issca and the boys. Nora, dressed elegantly, took her seat quietly. The church doors opened wide, and Aaila walked down the aisle in a glowing white gown. Asher's smile stretched wide, love shining in his eyes. They exchanged vows with heartfelt emotion, promising each other forever.

But Nora suddenly began to cry.

Zayan leaned closer. "What's wrong, love?"

Sniffling, she whispered, "Ash will go to his new house… I won't see my Asher again…" Her voice cracked with emotion.

Zayan couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Baby," he said, brushing her tears, "Asher's not going anywhere. He's still living with us."

Her eyes lit up. "Really?"

He nodded. "Promise."

Though she smiled, a little sadness lingered in her eyes.

Later that evening, during the wedding dinner, the twins giggled and clapped on the dance floor, surrounded by family. Aaila sat beside Nora, wrapped her in a warm, tight hug.

"My beautiful sister-in-law," Aaila said with emotion. "We're staying. I promise you—I will never separate you from your son."

Nora giggled through teary eyes and hugged her back. Asher watched with a warm smile, capturing a photo of the two women laughing together.

That night, Aaila was officially welcomed into the mansion. After a warm bath, Asher joined her in the tub. They talked, laughed, and shared their first night together as husband and wife in peace and joy.

The next morning, Nora wandered through the garden barefoot, picking flowers with soft hands. She carefully tied them with a ribbon and walked back into the mansion, humming softly.

Zofia sat at the breakfast table, stone-faced and calculating.

Nora walked up to her with a hopeful smile. "Here you go! To make your day brighter," she said, offering the flowers.

The Lilith family paused.

Shaw swallowed hard. Zayan raised a brow.

Zofia eyed the flowers coldly and scoffed. "I don't like flowers."

Nora's smile faltered. Her eyes widened. "You're always grumpy and angry," she muttered. "You don't like me at all. And I didn't even do anything to you. That's really, really mean. You're an old meanie!"

With that, she shoved the flowers into Zofia's hands and stormed out of the mansion, heartbroken.

The guards followed her in silence as she returned to her old haven—the orphanage.

There, she lay down on Nana's bed, curled up in a ball, and fell asleep with tears drying on her cheeks.

Issca called Zayan. "She's okay, boss. She's asleep on Nana's bed. No need to worry."

Back at home, the twins were napping on Zayan's bed while Neal talked to Darba nearby, eyes never leaving the babies.

Zofia sat stiffly, looking at the flowers still in her hands. Something stirred deep inside her—something she hadn't felt in a long time. Guilt?

"She needs to sign the empire papers," Zofia muttered to herself. "I'm not leaving it behind."

Suddenly, Zayan's voice came from the shadows.

"Mrs. Zofia… if Nora were in her right mind, she'd give you back everything. She's sweet like that. But you're too greedy, too obsessed with power."

Zofia turned sharply.

Zayan's eyes were unreadable, but his voice held quiet steel.

"Even before her accident, Nora was soft-spoken, always gentle. She's lost more than you'll ever understand. She saw her Nana die. She raised every child in that orphanage. She helped your own grandchildren. She is—and always will be—your grandchild. Your son didn't do anything wrong. You did."

He stepped closer, tone warning now.

"Don't try anything stupid. If Nora gets angry in this state… you'll regret it. She's powerful. Very dangerous. Even I'm scared sometimes. But she's good. Get to know her before your plans destroy you. Walls have ears."

With that, Zayan left the room, leaving Zofia speechless.

Later that evening, Nora returned quietly. Her hair was now a deep cherry color, neatly tied into a long ponytail. She had been using Dr. Kasir's India Hair Oil, and her hair had grown so long it shimmered in the light.

Zayan buried his face into it.

"My princess looks so beautiful," he whispered.

Nora giggled softly. The twins clapped for their mama, now seven months old and always full of cheer.

Later, Arion walked in.

"The bone marrow is here," he told Zayan. "We'll begin soon. Make sure she eats and rests well."

"Will do," Zayan nodded.

Nora was in the living room, chatting with Boris, James, Henry, and Salvius. She playfully braided Boris's hair, his stiff demeanor melting slightly.

"Not bad," Shaw commented with a small smile.

Boris looked in the mirror. "Oh wow," he said in his thick Polish accent.

They all clapped, Nora laughing brightly.

That night, Zayan returned from work exhausted. He collapsed on the bed, pale and burning up.

Nora climbed beside him, instantly worried. "Zayan…?"

She touched his forehead—it was scalding hot. Without hesitation, she ran for cold water, a cloth, and fever medicine. Gently waking him, she helped him sit up and take the medicine. Then, she laid the cool cloth across his forehead.

She stayed by his side all night—3:00 a.m. came and went, and she didn't sleep. Her hand never left his head.

Zofia stood by the door, silently watching. Something inside her shifted once again.

"I need to watch her first. Maybe… maybe she really is what they say."

In the morning, Zayan woke up to Nora yawning beside him.

"You okay? Does your head or body still hurt?" she asked, concerned.

He smiled softly. "You didn't sleep, love?"

She shook her head with a proud grin. "Nope. My Z is sick, so Nora took care of Z."

She giggled, then yawned again and lay beside him, falling asleep within seconds.

Zayan gently brushed her cherry-red hair and whispered, "Thank you… my baby."

He pulled the blanket over her shoulder and held her close, his heart full.