Rain, Mud, and Memories

A week later, Nora was discharged from the hospital. Though her wounds were still fresh, the doctors allowed her to recover at home under tight supervision.

Zayan carried her gently in his arms, cradling her close as they arrived back at the mansion. Her head rested peacefully on his chest, her breath soft and steady. Waiting at the entrance was Miska, arms folded, eyes sharp but warm.

When he saw Nora asleep in Zayan's arms, he approached quietly.

"How is she?" he asked.

"She's fine," Zayan replied. "But the wounds… still fresh."

Miska nodded. "Thank you for being there for them. I appreciate it."

Zayan chuckled. "Ah, come on, man. We've been friends for a long time now. No problem, mate."

Just then, Frya walked over, her ginger curls bouncing slightly. Her light skin and polished accent gave her presence a gentle charm. "Nora?" she whispered, brushing a hand over her sister's head.

Miska glanced at her curiously. "Who are you?"

"I'm Nora's half-sister," Frya said.

He blinked. "Wait—hold on. Your wife is an orphan, right? I heard that from—"

"It's complicated," Frya cut in, her tone firm but calm.

Zayan carried Nora to the living room and gently laid her in the hammock they had set up for her comfort. He changed her into a fresh gown while Frya brushed and fixed her hair.

There was a business meeting scheduled that day with international representatives. Zayan's mansion, as always, was heavily secured—especially now with Nora's condition.

Doctors had been discussing her postponed operation due to her injuries in the other room, where Frya, Sora, the boys, and Asher were gathered quietly. Nora, still asleep, remained unaware of the bustle.

Miska soon returned with the foreign guests:

Four from Paris,

Two from Mexico,

One from Sweden,

Two from Hong Kong,

Five from Australia.

As they walked through the mansion, they passed the living room. One of the French women stopped, eyes wide. "Mon Dieu… My goddess," she whispered in her accent. "She is beautiful…"

"That's Mr. Kai's wife," Miska said quickly. "Now please, let's move to the meeting room."

In the meeting hall, Zayan appeared moments later, but not before checking on Nora and pressing a kiss to her forehead. She stirred slightly but didn't wake.

"Good day, everyone," Zayan greeted the guests with confidence. "It's a great pleasure to have you all here today. Shall we begin?"

Each representative stood and spoke in turn. The meeting stretched for five hours, with presentations, contract talks, and partnership discussions. As the clock ticked past 2:10 PM, the sky darkened, and rain began to pour outside. A loud crack of thunder rolled across the sky.

From the living room, a cry echoed—

"Z!"

Everyone in the hall turned toward the sound.

Zayan's eyes widened. He stood abruptly.

"Who was that?" one of the Mexican reps asked in a thick, mixed accent.

"His wife," Miska said calmly. Alex, Zayan's assistant, nodded silently beside him.

"That sounded like a child," said an Australian representative.

Miska shrugged. "You can ask Mr. Kai about that. I know nothing."

Moments later, Zayan returned with Nora cradled in his arms. Her eyes were wide with fear, hospital band still on her wrist. He sat down in his chair, holding her as he whispered softly in her ear. No one heard the words, but she soon calmed, smiling and nodding.

The room remained quiet.

"Why is she like that?" the French woman asked Miska. "She acts like a child."

Miska sighed. "She had an accident. Since then… she doesn't remember him. Or any of us. Her mind is stuck in a childlike state for now."

He pointed gently toward Nora, who was now clapping her hands happily, her laugh echoing softly through the halls.

Zayan stood, still smiling down at her. "Shall we continue?"

Everyone nodded, and the meeting resumed.

In the end, they reached a strong agreement:

Each company would unite for international expansion.

One month or two weeks in Hong Kong,

Two weeks in Sweden,

Two in Mexico,

Two in Australia,

Two in Paris.

They clapped, pleased with the outcome.

The rain outside hadn't stopped.

From the dining room, a commotion started.

"Nora? Nora?" Zayan called out.

"She's outside, in the rain," the Swedish rep said with concern.

Zayan turned and saw her through the window—soaked, laughing, splashing in the mud like a child.

He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "She's going to catch a cold…"

He grabbed an umbrella and stepped out. "Nora, love, come on. You'll get sick."

"Z! Look!" She pointed at the lightning above with wonder. Then she turned, kissed his cheek, and laughed joyfully.

He couldn't help but smile.

She ran under the gutter stream where water poured from the roof, letting it soak her. Her white gown clung to her skin—revealing the curves he knew too well. It stirred something deep in him.

God, he missed her.

"All clean," she said innocently, giggling as she looked down at her soaked gown.

Zayan blinked, snapping out of his thoughts. "Alright, love."

He called a maid and ordered fresh clothes.

The maid returned, helped her change, and Nora smiled brightly, bowing her head. "Thank you!"

She skipped down the hall to the dining room.

Everyone was seated, enjoying lunch. Nora waited for Zayan. When he came, he guided her to her seat beside him. She ate happily, crumbs on her cheek and hands dancing as she chewed.

When the rain finally stopped, Zayan lifted her in his arms again. Outside, the sky began to clear.

She pointed at the soft clouds. Their faces touched, noses brushing.

"Wanna kiss?" Zayan asked softly.

Nora looked into his eyes and leaned in. "Yes."

She kissed him sweetly. He kissed her back, arms wrapped around her.

Later, by the fire pit, he covered her with a thick blanket. The flames danced gently, warming her soaked skin. He checked her wounds and kissed her cheek.

Guards were stationed nearby for safety.

Zayan stepped back into the hallway where all the representatives and Miska were gathered.

"So, we agree—Hong Kong for a month or two weeks, same for the rest," Zayan confirmed.

"Sounds like a plan," the Mexican rep said with a grin.

"It was a great pleasure having you all," Zayan said, shaking hands.

"You too, Mr. Kai," they replied.

When the mansion was quiet again, Zayan was exhausted—but proud. The deal had gone perfectly.

He returned to the room where Nora lay sleeping, curled under the fire-warmed blanket. He changed into comfortable clothes and crawled in beside her, placing a soft kiss on her lips.

She stirred, sighed, and snuggled into him.

Zayan pulled the bigger blanket over them both, holding her close.

"Goodnight, my love," he whispered.

They slept—he, proud and spent; she, safe in the arms of the man who never stopped loving her.