The Froggy and the Fever.

Zayan was finally awake. Morning sunlight spilled across the room, but Nora was still asleep—her face pale, lips dry, and her breath shallow. The cold she caught from yesterday's rain had taken a toll on her.

Downstairs during breakfast, the atmosphere was relaxed but busy. The boys and doctors were present. Darba and Lisa had returned to their homes but remained occupied with work and visits. Catalina was seated near Zayan when he cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Uhmm," he started, drawing everyone's attention. "The meeting was successful," he said, his voice firm but thoughtful. "I'll be going on a trip for a month or two—with Nora."

Everyone glanced up.

"I'm not leaving her here again like last time," he added, tone resolute. "The mansion will be secure. I've installed a high-tech security system and tripled the guards."

He paused before continuing, "Asher, the doctors, all six of you—and Frya and Sora too—you're coming with us."

Everyone nodded in agreement. Asher went upstairs to check on Nora but froze when he saw her already moving.

Wrapped in blankets, she was sneaking her way down the stairs, eyes half-open, hair a wild mess. She sneezed loudly.

"Hey, are you okay?" Asher asked.

Nora gave a weak thumbs-up and whispered, "Okay," her voice raspy and barely audible.

"She has a fever," Asher muttered, calling Aaila quickly. Aaila came rushing in, checked her temperature, and gasped. "It's high."

After a warm bath, Aaila dressed her in a green skirt and an oversized sweatshirt—her gowns were still in the laundry—and wrapped a soft white scarf around her head. Nora looked adorably small, cheeks flushed, and nose red from constant sneezing.

As she came down the stairs with Aaila, Zayan stood, completely frozen. His wife looked unbelievably cute—even sick. He smiled, cheeks warming.

Another sneeze.

Everyone scattered to pack their bags. Asher touched her forehead again.

"Oh no. Did you go out in the rain?" he asked.

Nora just smiled and giggled, "Maybe."

Asher gave her a look. She poked his nose playfully and said, "Nora fine."

Zayan stepped forward, touching her neck gently. Flashbacks hit him—of the nights they shared, the warmth, the laughter, the love.

"I told you not to go into the rain," he said softly. "But you never listen, love."

Nora giggled again.

He fed her breakfast and carried her into his office afterward. He also checked her wounds—they were healing, slowly but surely.

As they entered the office, the staff greeted her.

"Hello," she giggled through her sniffles. Miska was already there, waiting for Zayan. His eyes followed Nora as she shuffled to her seat.

"You keep running around and jumping in the rain like a frog," Zayan teased.

Nora gasped. "Huh?! A frog?!" she squeaked. "You called me a froggy! I'm telling mummy!"

She folded her arms dramatically but sneezed again.

Zayan chuckled. "Sit here. Take the iPad. We'll go see your mom soon, okay?"

He handed her some medicine. "It'll make you sleepy but help your cold."

Nora nodded, took the medicine, and began watching an animation while slowly drifting off to sleep.

Lisa checked in on her. Seeing her fast asleep, she gently covered her and joined the meeting.

Hours passed. The meeting finally ended. Zayan, Miska, Lisa, and Alex returned to the office. Nora was still sleeping.

Zayan placed his hand on her forehead. "Her temperature's down… medicine's working fast," he mumbled. He gently touched her stomach. She's probably hungry, he thought.

Aveline messaged: Bring Nora for lunch. It was already 11:06 AM.

He ordered French toast and a milkshake for her.

Suddenly, Nora started mumbling in her sleep. "N…n…n…Nana… fire… help…"

Zayan quickly walked to her, scooping her into his lap. "Nora? Nora?" he whispered.

She jerked awake, trembling. "NANA!" she cried.

Lisa rushed to her side. "Hey, hey, it's okay. Bad dream?"

"Fire… bad dream…" Nora whimpered. Her nose began to bleed.

Zayan grabbed tissues and gently pressed them to her nostrils. Her cold was subsiding, but the bleeding was heavy.

"My head hurts a lot…" she mumbled.

Zayan hugged her tightly, patting her head while still holding the tissues in place. She finally ate, sniffling between bites.

"Z! Can we go meet mummy now? Pleaseeeee?" Nora asked with puppy eyes.

Zayan smiled. "Work's done. Let's go."

"Wait, can I come?" Miska asked suddenly.

Zayan gave him a look. "Why do you want to come, sir?"

"Uhmmm… please?"

Nora gasped. "Yayyy! Let's go!"

"See? She wants me to come," Miska grinned.

"Oh, please, mate. Don't drag my wife into this," Zayan said with a laugh.

They all drove to Aveline's golden mansion. Nora was on Zayan's back, singing as they entered.

"Grany panie! Grany panie!"

Mr. Andrew, Aveline's husband, greeted them warmly. "Mr. Kai! Good to see you."

"Nora, darling, how are you?" Andrew asked.

"Hello Mr. Andy, I'm fine. And you?" Nora replied sweetly.

"I'm fine. Your mother's in the kitchen. Go meet her."

"MOMMY!!!" Nora cried as she ran inside.

"My baby girl!" Aveline said, hugging her tightly.

"Ouch," Nora winced, rubbing her still-healing back.

They sat and ate together. Zayan assured Andrew that Nora's condition had improved and mentioned that Frya and Sora would also join them on the family trip. Andrew agreed.

Inside, Sora saw Nora. "NUNU!!!"

"SOSO!!!" Nora cried as they hugged tightly.

Frya stepped out, her eyes landing on Miska. He froze—she looked beautiful. Frya noticed his new braids and smiled at him.

"NUNU!!" Frya called.

"Nora happy now," Nora said with a big grin.

After lunch, Nora and Sora dozed off together. Zayan informed Frya, "Be at the mansion by six. We leave for Hong Kong tomorrow."

She nodded and woke Sora up gently. Zayan carried the sleeping Nora, and Aveline kissed her cheeks.

"Sleep well, my baby."

"Goddamn," Miska whispered. "Zayan, can I get her sister?"

"Why don't you ask her father in there?" Zayan said, smirking.

Both men laughed.

By 6:00 PM, everyone was packed. Frya and Sora arrived at the mansion, and Nora's bags were ready.

Zayan gently woke her. They had dinner together before heading to bed.

Zayan kissed her forehead. "Good night, darling."

"Nighty night, Z…" Nora whispered sleepily.