HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BROTHER!
The morning of April 2 continued with celebrations at the Devereaux mansion.
Nikolai had barely finished celebrating his birthday with Lilith and their daughters when the rest of his family arrived to join the festivities.
His siblings were the first to approach him.
"Happy birthday, Brother!!"
Their voices rang through the mansion.
Nikolai turned toward them, a broad smile spreading across his face.
Before he could say anything, they surrounded him and pulled him into a group hug.
He laughed, shaking his head at their enthusiasm.
"All right, all right. I can barely breathe."
"Good!" one of his siblings exclaimed. "That's what happens when you have too many people who love you!"
Another laughed.
"Happy birthday, Nikki!"
Nikolai smiled warmly.
He hugged each of his siblings individually, kissing their cheeks and thanking them for coming.
"Thank you, everyone. I'm glad you're all here."
"Of course we're here!" they answered.
One of them pointed a finger at him.
"You'd better not forget our birthdays after all this!"
Nikolai raised an eyebrow.
"When have I ever forgotten your birthdays?"
They exchanged looks.
"That's not the point!"
He laughed again.
Lilith watched the entire exchange from nearby, smiling as she observed her husband surrounded by his family.
For a man who was accustomed to carrying enormous responsibilities, Nikolai looked wonderfully relaxed.
He was simply a brother celebrating another year of life with the people who had known him long before he became the man everyone recognized.
Then the two groups arrived.
"Happy birthday, Boss!"
Their voices echoed through the room.
Nikolai turned toward them.
The men and women stood together, smiling as they greeted him.
He returned their greetings with a nod.
"Thank you."
Another voice rose from the gathering.
"Happy birthday, Kaal!"
The Indian Punjabi family had arrived, and their affectionate greeting immediately brought another smile to his face.
"Thank you," Nikolai replied.
He greeted them warmly, accepting their blessings and well wishes.
For a while, the mansion was filled with laughter, conversations, and the sounds of people celebrating together.
Lilith moved around the room, making sure everyone had what they needed.
She served Nikolai his food, placing it in front of him before leaning down to kiss his cheek.
"Here you go, birthday boy."
Nikolai looked up at her.
"Thank you, Bambi."
She smiled.
"Eat properly."
"Yes, ma'am."
She laughed at his response.
Nearby, Nyxara was crawling around with her sisters.
The babies were in an exceptionally energetic mood.
They moved across the soft play area, their little hands reaching for toys while their voices filled the mansion.
"Ba ba ba ba ba baaaaaa!"
One of them shouted enthusiastically.
Another responded with a string of babbling sounds.
Then all the girls seemed to decide that they needed to contribute to the conversation at once.
The result was absolute chaos.
Nikolai turned toward them.
He stared at his daughters for a moment before laughing.
"My goodness. What's happening over there?"
Lilith looked in their direction.
"They're having a meeting."
"A meeting?"
"Yes."
"About what?"
She shrugged.
"Probably something important."
Nikolai shook his head, smiling.
His daughters were loud, energetic, and wonderfully unpredictable.
And he loved every second of it.
Lilith picked up their bottles.
"Milky time, sweeties!"
The girls immediately recognized the bottles.
Their reactions were instantaneous.
Several of them turned toward their mother.
Others began crawling faster.
Nyxara moved with particular determination, her little hands and knees working as quickly as she could manage.
Lilith laughed.
"Slow down, my princesses! There's enough for everyone!"
That did not stop them.
If anything, they crawled even faster.
Nikolai watched the scene with an amused expression.
"Apparently, nobody in this family believes in waiting patiently."
Lilith glanced at him.
"Take a good look in the mirror, Nikki."
His siblings burst out laughing.
Nikolai stared at his wife.
"Bambi!"
She simply smiled sweetly.
He shook his head before looking back at his daughters.
His home was noisy.
His family was chaotic.
And he would not have traded any of it for the world.
THE LITTLE GIRL WHO WOKE NOLAN
Meanwhile, in Nolan's bedroom, a tiny voice interrupted the silence.
"Mhmm! Mhmmm!"
Nolan remained asleep.
The little girl lying beside him moved her hands.
She tapped his face again.
"Mhmm!"
Nothing.
She stared at him.
Then she reached forward and tapped him once more.
Nolan finally shifted.
He stretched his arms, his expression showing the irritation of a man whose sleep had been interrupted.
The baby watched him closely.
He slowly opened his eyes.
For a moment, he looked confused.
Then he saw her.
She was staring at him with her beautiful lavender-gray eyes.
Her soft white curls had grown longer, framing her tiny face.
Nolan blinked.
The baby immediately gave him a gummy smile.
He sighed.
"Good morning to you too."
She made a delighted sound.
He sat up and carefully lifted her into his arms.
"Couldn't let me sleep for another five minutes, could you?"
The baby giggled.
Nolan looked at her.
"You're enjoying this."
She waved her little hands.
He shook his head, but the corner of his mouth lifted slightly.
"Come on. Let's get you ready."
This had become part of his everyday routine.
Every morning, Nolan woke up and took care of the little girl.
He bathed her gently, making sure the water was comfortable and that she was never left unsupported.
He cleaned her carefully, washed her hair, and paid particular attention to her delicate curls.
Her white hair had grown noticeably over the past weeks.
Sometimes, when the light caught it, it seemed almost silver.
The baby loved bath time.
Especially the rubber ducks.
Nolan had bought her several of them, along with little floating boats that could move across the water.
The moment he placed the toys in the tub, she became fascinated.
She reached for a yellow duck.
It floated away.
She tried again.
This time, she caught it.
Her face brightened.
Nolan watched her.
"Congratulations. You've captured your enemy."
She squealed happily.
He moved one of the little boats across the water.
Her attention immediately shifted.
She reached for it, splashing a little water with her hands.
Nolan carefully kept her comfortable while allowing her to enjoy the toys.
"You really like these things, don't you?"
The baby smiled.
He shook his head.
"Of course you do."
Once bath time was over, Nolan dried her gently and dressed her in clean clothes.
He also checked and cleaned her hearing aid carefully, making sure it was fitted properly and comfortable for her.
He had become attentive to every small detail.
He remembered the instructions the doctors had given him.
He knew that her hearing needed ongoing assessment and that the hearing aid was only one part of making sure she received appropriate support.
He took those responsibilities seriously.
After dressing the baby, Nolan prepared himself for the day.
He took his own bath, brushed his teeth, and dressed in his office outfit.
Then he looked toward the little girl.
She was sitting on the bed, happily playing with a soft toy.
Nolan adjusted his watch.
Usually, he left her at home with the people who helped care for her.
But he had noticed something.
Whenever he left for work, the baby cried.
Sometimes she settled after a while.
Other times, she remained upset for much of the day, and by the time Nolan returned home late in the evening, she would reach toward him as though she had been waiting for him to come back.
It had begun to bother him.
He did not like the idea of her spending the day distressed.
He also could not deny that he had grown accustomed to having her nearby.
Nolan looked at the baby.
She smiled at him.
He sighed.
"All right."
She blinked.
"You're coming with me today."
Her little face remained cheerful.
Nolan picked her up.
"Don't get too excited. It's an office, not an amusement park."
She made a happy sound.
He looked at her.
"You're not listening."
The baby giggled.
He shook his head.
"Just like everyone else around here."
He gathered her things, made sure he had everything she needed, and placed her securely in her baby seat in the car.
Then he drove toward his office.
For the first time, Nolan was bringing the little girl who had appeared in his life on that rainy night into his working world.
And he had no idea how much that decision would change his days.
AN EMERGENCY AT THE ESTATE
At the Devereaux company, Nikolai was working in his office.
The birthday celebrations had not prevented him from returning to his responsibilities.
Documents covered part of his desk.
His laptop was open.
Several reports awaited his attention.
He was reviewing one of them when the door opened.
Damian stepped inside.
"Boss?"
Nikolai looked up.
"Yeah?"
Damian's expression was serious.
"Lily's estate called."
Nikolai immediately put down the document.
"What happened?"
"She was rushing to prepare dinner and fell down the stairs. Her leg is broken."
For a moment, Nikolai stared at him.
"What?"
He rose so quickly that his chair moved backward.
"How did it happen?"
"That's what they reported. She fell while preparing dinner."
Nikolai's face changed.
"Where is she now?"
"At the estate."
Nikolai did not wait for another explanation.
He grabbed his keys and hurried out of the office.
Damian followed him.
"Boss, the staff said she—"
"Get the car ready!"
"Yes, Boss!"
Nikolai left the company and drove toward the estate.
His mind was racing.
Lilith.
His Bambi.
The thought of her falling down the stairs made his chest tighten.
He imagined her lying on the floor, injured and alone.
He imagined her calling for help.
He imagined arriving too late.
His grip tightened around the steering wheel.
"No, no, no…"
He drove toward the estate as quickly as he safely could, his heart pounding with every passing second.
When he finally arrived, he got out of the car and hurried inside.
"LILY?!"
His voice echoed through the mansion.
There was no answer.
The lights were off.
He stopped in the entrance.
"Bambi?"
Silence.
His eyes adjusted to the darkness.
Then he noticed something.
The lights along the staircase were illuminated.
And roses had been arranged across the steps.
Nikolai stared.
His expression changed.
He looked around the entrance again.
The darkness.
The flowers.
The carefully lit staircase.
Slowly, the pieces began coming together.
His wife had told him nothing about a surprise.
Damian had said she had fallen.
And now he was standing in a dark mansion, looking at a staircase decorated with roses.
Nikolai's eyes narrowed.
"Bambi…"
His voice was low.
He removed his shoes.
Then he took off his suit jacket and placed it aside.
He loosened his tie and followed the staircase upward.
As he climbed, he heard something.
A voice.
Soft.
Melodious.
Familiar.
Lilith was singing.
Nikolai stopped.
He listened.
The sound of her voice drifted down the staircase, blending with the soft music playing somewhere above him.
His shoulders slowly relaxed.
She was alive.
She was safe.
And she had apparently planned something.
He continued climbing.
As he went, he removed his tie and loosened his shirt, following the trail of roses toward the upper floor.
His expression gradually changed from alarm to disbelief.
Then, despite himself, he began to smile.
His wife had frightened him half to death.
And she was going to hear about it.
But first, he wanted to see her.
A SONG FOR HER HUSBAND
At the top of the staircase, Lilith stood waiting.
She wore a matching maroon satin camisole and shorts set with lace trim, accompanied by a matching robe with delicate lace sleeves.
A red bow was tied around her, completing the carefully prepared birthday surprise.
She looked toward the staircase, waiting for the man she loved.
Then she continued singing.
Her voice filled the room.
"Aaj ki raat kuch khaas hai"
(Tonight is something special)
"Mere dil ke sabse paas hai"
(The one closest to my heart is here)
"Teri aankhon mein meri duniya"
(My entire world lives in your eyes)
"Teri baahon mein meri jannat"
(Your arms are my heaven)
Nikolai stood near the window.
He had finally reached the top of the stairs.
He looked at his wife.
And he stopped.
Lilith continued singing, unaware for a few moments that he had arrived.
"Aaj main Rab se kuch nahin maangoon"
(Today I ask God for nothing)
"Bas tera saath har janam maangoon"
(I only ask to be with you in every lifetime)
Her voice softened.
"Janamdin mubarak ho mere pyaar"
(Happy birthday, my love)
"Tu hi meri duniya tu hi mera sansaar"
(You are my world, you are my entire universe)
Nikolai's expression softened.
She was singing for him.
Every word.
Every line.
Every emotion.
It was all for him.
"Janamdin mubarak mere humsafar"
(Happy birthday, my beloved life partner)
"Tujhse hi roshan hai mera har safar"
(You bring light to every journey of my life)
"Teri dhadkanon mein mera naam rahe"
(May my name live within your heartbeat)
"Tere har khwaab mein mera pyaar rahe"
(May my love be present in every dream of yours)
Lilith closed her eyes briefly as she continued.
"Saat janam bhi kam hain tujhko chahne ko"
(Seven lifetimes are not enough to love you)
"Saari umr kam hai tujhmein kho jaane ko"
(An entire lifetime is too short to lose myself in you)
"Mere sajna mere dildaar"
(My beloved husband, my darling)
"Janamdin mubarak mera saara pyaar"
(Happy birthday, you have all my love)
Nikolai watched her without speaking.
He had expected a birthday celebration.
He had expected gifts.
He had expected Lilith to surprise him with something extravagant.
But he had not expected this.
He had not expected to hear his wife singing a love song that seemed to contain every feeling she had ever struggled to explain.
Lilith continued.
"Jab pehli baar tujhe dekha tha"
(When I first saw you)
"Dil ne chupke se tujhe apna kaha tha"
(My heart secretly called you its own)
"Teri muskaan mein savera mila"
(I found a new morning in your smile)
"Teri baaton mein mera jahaan mila"
(In your words, I found my whole world)
"Tere pyaar ne mujhe poora kiya"
(Your love made me feel complete)
"Mere soone dil ko gulshan kiya"
(You turned my lonely heart into a garden of flowers)
Her fingers moved gently as she sang.
"Tune mujhe jo izzat di"
(The respect you have given me)
"Tune mujhe jo mohabbat di"
(The love you have given me)
"Har saans mein tera shukr karoon"
(With every breath, I am grateful for you)
"Teri bankar hi main jeena chaahoon"
(I want to live my life as your beloved wife)
Nikolai lowered his gaze for a moment.
Lilith had always been capable of surprising him.
She could be playful, stubborn, affectionate, and unpredictable.
She could make him laugh when he least expected it.
She could also reach the parts of his heart that he rarely allowed anyone else to see.
And now she was doing it again.
"Duniya agar mujhse rooth bhi jaaye"
(Even if the whole world turns against me)
"Tera pyaar mujhe gale se lagaaye"
(May your love always hold me close)
"Jab meri aankhon mein aansoo aayein"
(Whenever tears fill my eyes)
"Tere haath mere aansoo mitaayein"
(May your hands gently wipe away my tears)
"Jab meri hansi kahin kho jaaye"
(Whenever my laughter disappears)
"Tera chehra mujhe phir hasaaye"
(May your face make me smile again)
"Tu mera sukoon tu mera qaraar"
(You are my peace, you are my comfort)
"Tu hi meri mohabbat tu hi mera pyaar"
(You are my love, you are my beloved)
The music continued.
Lilith's voice carried through the room.
"Tere kandhe par sar rakhkar"
(Resting my head upon your shoulder)
"Main bhool jaaoon duniya ke saare gham"
(I forget every sorrow in the world)
"Tere seene se lagkar jaanoon"
(Held against your chest, I know)
"Pyaar ka asli matlab sanam"
(The true meaning of love, my darling)
Nikolai smiled.
He remembered the woman he had first met.
He remembered their difficult moments.
He remembered the arguments, the misunderstandings, the days when neither of them knew how to explain what they were feeling.
And he remembered the way they had chosen each other anyway.
Lilith continued.
"Tere naam ki mehndi mere haathon mein hai"
(The henna on my hands bears your name)
"Teri chaahat meri har baaton mein hai"
(Your love lives in everything I say)
"Mere maathe ki bindiya kahe"
(The little bindi on my forehead tells the world)
"Mera dil bas tera hi rahe"
(That my heart belongs only to you)
"Tere naam ka sindoor sajaaoon"
(I adorn my parting with the vermilion of our marriage)
"Har janam mein tujhko paaon"
(May I find you in every lifetime)
"Meri duaaon ka tu asar"
(You are the beautiful answer to my prayers)
"Meri taqdeer ka sabse haseen safar"
(The most beautiful journey written in my destiny)
Lilith opened her eyes.
Her gaze found Nikolai's.
She smiled at him.
He smiled back.
"Tu mera aaj tu mera kal"
(You are my today, you are my tomorrow)
"Tere bina adhoora har ek pal"
(Without you, every moment feels incomplete)
"Mere pati mere humraaz"
(My husband, my confidant)
"Tujhse hi shuru tujhpe hi khatm meri har aawaaz"
(Every word of mine begins with you and ends with you)
The song seemed to grow more intimate with every verse.
"Aaj tere janam ka din hai"
(Today is the day you were born)
"Mere liye sabse haseen din hai"
(For me, it is the most beautiful day)
"Kyunki isi din duniya mein aaya"
(Because on this day, there came into the world)
"Woh shakhs jisne mujhe itna chaaha"
(The man who came to love me so deeply)
Lilith's smile softened.
"Kaash main lamhon ko thaam sakoon"
(If only I could hold these moments still)
"Teri umr se har gham chura sakoon"
(If only I could steal every sorrow away from your life)
"Teri raahon mein phool bichha doon"
(I would scatter flowers along your path)
"Tere hisse ki har khushi tujhe dila doon"
(I would bring you every happiness meant for you)
Nikolai watched her, his heart full.
"Teri aankhon mein kabhi gham na aaye"
(May sorrow never enter your eyes)
"Tere hothon ki hansi kabhi na jaaye"
(May the smile never leave your lips)
"Teri har subah mohabbat se saje"
(May every morning of yours be adorned with love)
"Teri har raat sukoon mein dhale"
(May every night bring you peace)
"Mere Rab se bas itni fariyaad hai"
(This is the only prayer I make to my God)
"Tere chehre par hamesha aabaad muskaan rahe"
(May a beautiful smile always flourish upon your face)
She sang the next lines with particular tenderness.
"Janamdin mubarak meri jaan"
(Happy birthday, my darling)
"Tu hi meri mohabbat tu hi meri pehchaan"
(You are my love, you are my identity)
"Teri khushboo meri saanson mein rahe"
(May your fragrance linger in my breath)
"Teri chaahat meri ragon mein bahe"
(May your love flow through my veins)
"Tere labon par mera naam ho"
(May my name rest upon your lips)
"Teri har dhadkan mein mera paighaam ho"
(May every heartbeat carry my message of love)
"Jab tu mujhe pyaar se bulaaye"
(When you call me with love)
"Mera dil hazaar baar muskuraaye"
(My heart smiles a thousand times)
"Jab tu mere maathe ko choome"
(When you kiss my forehead)
"Meri rooh mohabbat mein jhoome"
(My soul dances in love)
"Tere ishq mein aisi kho jaaoon"
(I want to lose myself so completely in your love)
"Teri aankhon mein apna ghar paaon"
(May I find my home in your eyes)
"Teri baahon mein boodhi ho jaaoon"
(I want to grow old in your arms)
"Tere saath hi duniya se vida ho jaaoon"
(May I leave this world having lived my life beside you)
Lilith's voice softened again.
"Meri mohabbat ka yahi armaan"
(This is the deepest wish of my love)
"Tu mera pati tu meri jaan"
(You are my husband, you are my life)
"Suno sanam ek baat kahoon"
(Listen, my darling, may I tell you something)
"Dil ki saari baat kahoon"
(Shall I tell you everything in my heart)
"Tumse pehle kya thi main"
(Who was I before you came into my life)
"Tumse milkar kya bani main"
(Who have I become after meeting you)
"Tumne meri khaamoshi samjhi"
(You understood my silence)
"Meri aankhon ki nami samjhi"
(You understood the tears in my eyes)
"Mere toote khwaab sanwaare"
(You helped mend my broken dreams)
"Mere dil ko diye sahaare"
(You gave my heart the support it needed)
"Main kaise tera shukr ada karoon"
(How can I ever thank you enough)
"Kaise apne pyaar ko bayaan karoon"
(How can I express the love I feel for you)
"Lafz kam pad jaate hain"
(Words are never enough)
"Jab tere saamne mere jazbaat aate hain"
(When all my feelings rise before you)
She took a gentle breath before continuing.
"Agar Rab mujhe ek aur zindagi de"
(If God grants me another life)
"Toh usmein bhi mujhe tera hi saath de"
(Then let me have your companionship in that life too)
"Main phir tujhe hi chunungi"
(I will choose you again)
"Har baar tujhse hi pyaar karungi"
(I will fall in love with you every single time)
"Na daulat chaahiye na koi jahaan"
(I need neither riches nor an entire world)
"Bas tu rahe mere paas meri jaan"
(I only need you beside me, my darling)
"Meri subah tu meri shaam tu"
(You are my morning, you are my evening)
"Meri har dhadkan ka paighaam tu"
(You are the message carried by every heartbeat of mine)
"Tere naam meri har khushi"
(Every happiness of mine belongs to you)
"Tere naam meri zindagi"
(My life is devoted to you)
"Teri hansi meri Eid bane"
(May your laughter become my celebration)
"Teri khushi meri dua bane"
(May your happiness become my prayer)
"Saat janam kya sau janam bhi kam"
(What are seven lifetimes? Even a hundred would not be enough)
"Tujhse mohabbat hai har janam"
(I will love you in every lifetime)
"Mere sajna mere dildaar"
(My beloved husband, my darling)
"Tu hi mera pehla aur aakhiri pyaar"
(You are my first and last love)
"Meri jaan meri duniya"
(My darling, my world)
"Meri mohabbat meri khushiyaan"
(My love, my happiness)
"Tera haath mere haath mein rahe"
(May your hand always remain in mine)
"Tera dil mere paas rahe"
(May your heart always stay close to mine)
"Aaj bhi tujhse mohabbat hai"
(I am still in love with you today)
"Kal bhi tujhse mohabbat hogi"
(I will love you tomorrow too)
"Jab tak meri saansein chalengi"
(As long as I continue to breathe)
"Meri dhadkan tera naam legi"
(My heartbeat will speak your name)
"Janamdin mubarak mere shauhar"
(Happy birthday, my husband)
"Tu hi meri duniya tu hi mera muqaddar"
(You are my world, you are my destiny)
"Main tujhse kal bhi pyaar karti thi"
(I loved you yesterday)
"Main tujhse aaj bhi pyaar karti hoon"
(I love you today)
"Aur meri aakhiri saans tak"
(And until my very last breath)
"Main sirf tujhse hi pyaar karungi"
(I will love only you)
"Janamdin mubarak meri mohabbat"
(Happy birthday, my love)
The final words faded into the music.
For several seconds, Lilith remained still.
Then she opened her eyes.
Nikolai was standing near the window, smiling at her.
His expression held so much affection that her heart fluttered.
She had wanted to make him feel loved.
She had wanted to give him a birthday surprise that he would remember.
And judging by the look on his face, she had succeeded.
HIS FIRST GIFT
Lilith approached him slowly.
She moved behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist.
Her hands rested against his chest.
Nikolai smiled as he felt her embrace.
She snuggled closer, pressing a kiss against his ear.
"I got lots of gifts for you," she whispered.
Nikolai closed his eyes briefly.
Then he exhaled.
"You almost gave me a heart attack, Bambi."
Lilith laughed softly.
"Sorry, Nikki."
He turned around.
His eyes travelled over her outfit, taking in the matching maroon satin, the lace details, the robe, and the red bow.
He looked back at her face.
Then he smiled.
"My first gift, hmm?"
Lilith tilted her head.
"Maybe."
His hands settled gently at her waist.
She moved closer.
"Hi," she whispered.
Then she kissed him.
Nikolai returned the kiss before drawing back just enough to look at her.
"Gift?"
Lilith smiled against his lips.
"All yours tonight, Papi."
His expression changed.
His eyes darkened with playful intensity.
He drew her closer and kissed her again.
The kiss became more passionate, and Lilith wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
For a while, neither of them spoke.
They had spent so much of their lives carrying responsibilities that moments like this felt precious.
No interruptions.
No meetings.
No demands from the outside world.
Just the two of them.
Nikolai gently removed the red bow from her outfit and set it aside.
He took her hands in his, holding them for a moment as he looked into her eyes.
Lilith smiled.
"Your birthday," she whispered.
He kissed her forehead.
"Our birthday surprise, apparently."
She laughed.
He drew her into another embrace and kissed her deeply.
Then he lifted her carefully and carried her toward the bed.
Lilith laughed in surprise.
"Nikki!"
He lowered her gently onto the bed and leaned closer.
"You're in charge today, aren't you?"
She nodded, breathless from laughing.
"It's your… birthday."
Nikolai raised an eyebrow.
"Then I suppose I should make the most of it."
He kissed her forehead, then her cheek, before returning to her lips.
Lilith smiled against him.
He brushed her hair away from her face.
"You frightened me tonight," he murmured.
Her smile softened.
"I'm sorry."
He looked at her seriously for a moment.
"Don't ever make me think you've been hurt unless you really have been."
She reached for his hand.
"I won't."
He kissed her gently.
Then he drew her close, and she rested against him.
The soft music continued playing in the background.
The roses remained scattered along the staircase.
The mansion, which had initially seemed frighteningly dark, now felt warm and intimate.
Nikolai kissed her again.
"My Bambi."
"My Nikki."
Their laughter gradually softened into whispers as the night continued.
And when the world outside finally grew quiet, they remained together, wrapped in the privacy of their own little celebration.
By sunrise, both were asleep, exhausted after a long night of affection and celebration.
BRELINA
Morning arrived at the hidden mansion.
Nolan sat in his room with the baby girl resting in his arms.
She had grown more comfortable around him over the weeks.
Her little hands reached toward his face whenever he leaned close, and she had developed a habit of smiling whenever she recognized his voice or saw him approach.
Nolan had also grown accustomed to her presence.
He checked on her before leaving his room.
He made sure she had everything she needed.
And he had begun arranging his schedule around her care.
That morning, Jaxon entered the room.
He stopped when he saw Nolan holding the baby.
"Bro."
Nolan glanced at him.
"What?"
Jaxon looked at the little girl.
"Have you thought of a name for her?"
Nolan froze.
He looked down at the baby.
Then he looked back at Jaxon.
For a moment, he said nothing.
The question had never occurred to him in quite that way.
He had been taking care of her.
He had been buying her clothes and toys.
He had been making sure she was safe.
But he had never officially given her a name.
Nolan looked toward the notebook on his desk.
He reached for it and began turning the pages.
He had written down a few thoughts over the past weeks, including the date found on the paper that had been left with her.
He flipped through the pages.
Then he stopped.
His eyes settled on a name he had written down earlier.
"Brelina," he murmured.
Jaxon tilted his head.
"Huh?"
Nolan looked at the baby.
"Brelina."
He said it again, more firmly.
"Brelina."
The little girl looked up at him.
Her lavender-gray eyes met his.
Nolan gently rubbed her soft white hair.
"Do you like that name?"
She gave him a gummy smile.
He stared at her.
Then a faint smile appeared on his face.
"That's a yes, then."
Jaxon laughed.
"Looks like it."
Nolan looked down at the baby again.
"Brelina."
He repeated the name softly, allowing it to settle into the quiet room.
The little girl made a delighted sound.
Nolan adjusted her in his arms and rested her against his chest.
For the first time, the child who had arrived without a name had one.
Brelina.
A tiny girl with white curls and lavender-gray eyes.
A little girl who had been abandoned in the rain.
A little girl who had found her way into the life of a man who had never expected to become attached to anyone so small.
Nolan looked at her.
"Welcome to the world, Brelina."
She smiled again.
And he held her a little closer.
THE WOMAN ON THE TELEVISION
At another residence, Gloria sat watching the news.
The television displayed a report about the changing power structures within the criminal underworld.
The news had spread throughout Russia.
A new leader had emerged.
The Obsidian Circle had a new face at its summit.
The most dangerous and feared mafia figure in the region had become the subject of endless speculation.
Gloria stared at the screen.
Her heart began beating faster.
The name being discussed stirred something inside her.
She gripped the necklace around her neck.
The men in the room noticed the change in her expression.
She barely seemed to hear them.
Her eyes remained fixed on the television.
Tears began gathering in her eyes.
She shook her head slowly.
"How did you turn into this…?"
Her voice was barely audible.
She could not finish the question.
The figure on the screen seemed so far removed from the person she remembered.
So powerful.
So dangerous.
So feared.
Gloria wiped at her tears.
Perhaps the person she knew was gone.
Perhaps the years had changed everything.
Perhaps she needed to stop holding on to a past that no longer existed.
She swallowed.
"Maybe I should just move on now."
Her voice trembled.
"It's the best thing to do."
She stood up and walked away.
The men watched her leave.
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Rodion looked toward Zale.
"I think she knows him."
Zale considered the possibility.
"Maybe."
Rodion glanced at the television.
"Whatever happened between them, it clearly wasn't something she forgot."
Zale nodded slowly.
They continued discussing the matter in quieter voices.
But Gloria was already gone.
And the questions she had carried for so long remained unanswered.
A HUSBAND WHO REFUSED TO LET HIS WIFE WORK
Meanwhile, Nihal returned from his trip.
Khushi was waiting for him at home.
Her pregnancy had progressed, and her bump had grown considerably larger.
When Nihal entered the room, his eyes immediately went to her.
He smiled.
Then he walked over and kissed her bump.
"Hello, little one."
Khushi watched him affectionately.
He placed his hand against her stomach.
"Did you behave while I was away?"
She gave him a playful look.
Nihal laughed.
"That doesn't look like a yes."
She touched his cheek.
He kissed her again before straightening up.
"By the way, I'm having lunch with some old friends tomorrow."
Khushi immediately gestured that she would prepare the meal.
Nihal stared at her.
Then he shook his head.
"Absolutely not, Princess."
She frowned.
He gently guided her toward a chair.
"You're going to sit down and stay beautiful."
Khushi pouted.
Nihal smiled.
"Just us and our guests. No cooking, no working, and absolutely no lifting heavy things."
She folded her arms.
He narrowed his eyes.
"And what exactly were you lifting last night?"
Khushi looked away.
Nihal stared at her.
"Khushi."
She slowly looked back at him.
"What were you lifting?"
She gestured that it was nothing important.
He raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing important?"
She nodded.
He sighed and sat beside her.
"Jaan, these things aren't good for you."
He rubbed her bump gently.
"You need to rest. I can take care of the cooking."
Khushi continued pouting.
Nihal leaned over and kissed her cheek.
"I'm not trying to stop you from doing anything. I just want you to take care of yourself and our baby."
Her expression softened.
She touched his hand.
He smiled.
"Good girl."
She gave him a playful glare.
He laughed.
Then he felt something beneath his palm.
A small movement.
He froze.
Khushi noticed his expression.
She immediately pointed toward her stomach.
Their baby had kicked.
Nihal looked at her.
"Was that…?"
Khushi nodded excitedly.
He placed his hand against her bump again.
For a moment, they waited.
Then he felt another tiny movement.
His face lit up.
"Our baby kicked!"
Khushi nodded happily.
She was practically glowing.
Nihal leaned down and kissed her bump.
"Hello, little one. Papa's here."
Khushi giggled.
He looked up at her.
"Did you see that?"
She nodded enthusiastically.
He kissed her cheek.
Then he rested his hand against her stomach again, smiling as though the little movement had given him the greatest gift of his life.
For a while, they stayed like that.
A husband.
A wife.
Their unborn child.
And a happiness that neither of them wanted to rush past.
OLD FRIENDS AT THE MUARD MANSION
The following day, Khushi was still asleep when Nihal woke up.
He looked at her for a moment.
She appeared comfortable, her breathing slow and peaceful.
He carefully adjusted the blanket around her.
Then he put on her socks, making sure her feet remained warm.
Khushi stirred slightly but did not wake.
Nihal smiled and kissed her forehead.
"Sleep, Princess."
He left the bedroom quietly and headed downstairs.
Sohan and Riyana were away in Bangkok on business, and Karim was also out of the country.
The Muard mansion was therefore relatively quiet that morning.
Nihal had arranged to meet several old friends for lunch.
He had not seen some of them in a long time, and he hoped the gathering would be pleasant.
When the door opened, the visitors entered.
"Wow!"
One of them looked around the enormous residence.
"The Muard mansion is impressive," Cunha remarked.
Another guest laughed.
"Damn, this place is huge."
The group consisted of seven friends: four women and three men.
The women were Mirela, a North American woman; Beatriz, who was half American and half Brazilian; Quillia, who was half Mexican and half British; and Everly, an American-Italian woman.
The men were Cunha, from Florida in the United States; Irving, who was half American and half Norwegian; and Vernon, from California.
They were shown into the sitting room.
"Please take a seat," the maid said politely. "I will inform Sir that you have arrived."
She walked away.
The visitors settled into the comfortable seats, looking around the room.
Everly adjusted her outfit.
She wore an extremely tight skirt and a cropped jacket, with carefully applied makeup that drew attention to her face.
She glanced toward the staircase.
She was hoping to see Nihal.
And when he finally appeared, her attention immediately fixed on him.
Nihal entered the sitting room.
He greeted the men warmly.
"Hey, bro!"
Cunha stood up.
The two shook hands.
The other men followed, greeting Nihal with smiles and friendly remarks.
Nihal then turned toward the women.
He gave them a polite nod.
"Good to see you all."
They returned his greeting.
Everly smiled at him.
He acknowledged her without lingering.
Then he sat down.
"So, what's up?"
The conversation began.
They discussed their lives, work, travel, and the things that had happened since they last met.
Cunha told a story that made Irving laugh.
Vernon added his own comments.
Mirela and Beatriz discussed a recent trip.
Nihal listened, occasionally laughing or responding.
Everly, however, was growing increasingly frustrated.
She had dressed carefully.
She had applied her makeup.
She had expected Nihal to pay attention to her.
But he barely looked in her direction.
Whenever she tried to draw him into a conversation, he returned his attention to someone else.
She watched him laugh with Cunha.
She watched him listen to Irving.
She watched him speak about his business.
And the longer it continued, the more irritated she became.
Eventually, the group moved toward the dining room.
Lunch had been prepared, and the guests took their seats.
They had been eating for about an hour when Everly finally asked the question that had been bothering her.
"So, Nihal, where is your wife?"
Nihal looked up.
"Khushi is asleep."
He returned his attention to his meal.
Everly blinked.
"She's asleep?"
"Yes."
Nihal took another bite.
"She needed the rest."
At that moment, a soft yawn sounded from the doorway.
Nihal turned immediately.
"KK?"
Khushi stood at the entrance.
She looked sleepy but comfortable, one hand resting against her large bump.
Nihal's expression softened.
"Hey, baby."
He stood up and walked toward her.
"How are you feeling?"
Khushi nodded.
"Everything all right?"
She nodded again.
He kissed her forehead.
Then he guided her toward the table.
"Are you hungry?"
Khushi nodded.
Nihal pulled out a chair for her.
"Sit here."
He helped her settle comfortably before serving her food.
Khushi yawned again.
Then she folded her hands politely toward the guests.
Most of them returned the greeting.
Everly did not.
Her expression had grown increasingly sour.
She watched Nihal serve his wife.
She watched him adjust the chair for her.
She watched him make sure she had everything she needed.
And she watched the way he rubbed Khushi's bump while continuing the conversation.
This was not the Nihal she remembered.
The man she had once known had been a party boy.
He had enjoyed going out.
He had enjoyed socializing.
He had been surrounded by people.
Now he was a husband who seemed happiest when his wife was comfortable.
He was preparing for fatherhood.
He was careful.
Patient.
Attentive.
And he looked genuinely content.
Mirela smiled at Khushi.
"Hi! What's your name?"
Nihal answered before Khushi could respond.
"My wife can't speak."
Khushi glanced at him.
He gently kissed her forehead.
Beatriz looked surprised.
"She's mute?"
Khushi nodded shyly.
There was a brief silence.
Then Quillia smiled.
"I understand sign language."
Khushi's expression brightened.
She began signing.
Nice to meet you all.
Quillia watched her hands and translated for the others.
"She says it's nice to meet everyone."
Mirela smiled.
"It's lovely to meet you, too."
The others greeted Khushi warmly.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Nihal Muard."
Khushi blushed.
She lowered her gaze, smiling shyly.
Nihal watched her with affection.
Then Everly spoke.
"So, you're into people with disabilities now?"
The dining room fell silent.
Nihal slowly turned toward her.
"Excuse me?"
His voice was cold.
Everly looked at him.
"What?"
Nihal's expression hardened.
"What exactly did you just say?"
Vernon looked at Everly in disbelief.
"What the hell, girl?"
Everly shifted in her chair.
"I was just saying—"
"No," Nihal interrupted. "You were being disrespectful."
Khushi reached for his hand.
He looked down at her.
She gently squeezed his fingers.
Nihal took a breath.
He did not want to turn the lunch into an argument.
Not when his wife was sitting beside him.
Not when she deserved to enjoy the gathering without being made to feel uncomfortable.
He turned back toward Khushi and placed the food in front of her.
"Here, baby."
She nodded.
He began eating again, rubbing her bump gently with his free hand.
The others gradually resumed their conversations.
But Everly remained quiet.
Her jealousy had become impossible to hide.
She had wanted Nihal's attention.
Instead, she had watched him give his love and care to another woman.
A woman he called Princess.
A woman he served food to.
A woman whose comfort mattered more to him than anything Everly could say.
Nihal did not look at his ex-girlfriend again.
His attention remained on Khushi.
And Khushi, despite the awkwardness, continued eating beside her husband, reassured by the warmth of his hand and the affection in his eyes.
THE ANCIENT TEMPLE
Far away, hidden from the ordinary world, an ancient temple stood in silence.
Inside, an enormous collection of gifts had been prepared for Lilith.
Hundreds of bags were arranged throughout the chamber.
Approximately five hundred bags stood in carefully organized rows.
They contained designer shoes.
Luxury handbags.
Jewelry.
Clothes.
Perfumes.
And royal garments prepared specifically for the woman they called their Queen.
The collection was extraordinary.
Every item had been chosen with care.
The clothes were elegant and regal.
The jewelry was breathtaking.
The bags and shoes came from the finest designers.
Nothing about the gifts suggested an ordinary celebration.
These were offerings intended for someone who occupied a position beyond the reach of ordinary wealth.
The Queen.
The woman whose name carried a significance that most people could not understand.
Near the center of the temple, a woman sat beside a burning fire.
Her eyes were closed.
The flames moved around her, illuminating the ancient walls.
She appeared completely undisturbed.
The fire burned fiercely, but she did not flinch.
She was attempting to make herself more powerful.
She breathed in slowly.
Then she breathed out.
Again.
And again.
The ritual continued.
Her face remained still.
Her body did not react to the heat.
The flames reflected in her closed eyelids.
She seemed to be drawing strength from something hidden deep within herself.
At last, the sound of footsteps interrupted the silence.
Several men entered the chamber.
They approached the woman and bowed their heads.
"Hoye geche."
"It's done."
The woman opened her eyes.
She looked at them.
Then she nodded.
Without warning, her body began to rise.
She floated above the ground.
The flames grew higher.
The fire surrounded her, rising with her as though responding to her presence.
Suddenly, her eyes burst open.
"AHHHHHHH!"
Her scream echoed through the temple.
The flames surged upward.
The men stepped back, watching in silence.
For a moment, the entire chamber seemed alive with power.
Then the woman descended.
Her feet touched the ground.
The fire settled.
She stood still, breathing calmly.
A strange expression crossed her face.
She turned toward the temple doors.
"Let's go to our Queen."
The men bowed.
Together, they left the chamber.
The heavy doors closed behind them.
The temple fell silent once more.
The gifts remained.
The fire continued burning.
And somewhere beyond the temple walls, Lilith continued living her ordinary life, unaware that an extraordinary gathering was moving toward her.
THE GIRLS IN THE GARDEN
Back at the mansion, Nikolai was spending time with his daughters.
The garden was bright and peaceful.
The girls had been brought outside to play, and the moment they were settled, their excitement became impossible to contain.
They crawled across the soft grass and around the play area, reaching for toys and calling to one another in their little voices.
Giselle was particularly enthusiastic.
"Bababababbbbsaaaaaaa!"
She crawled toward Nikolai.
He watched her with an amused expression.
"Oh, no."
Giselle continued moving toward him.
Nikolai leaned forward.
"No, princess. Don't you dare."
She giggled.
He smiled.
"You're coming for me, aren't you?"
She crawled faster.
Nikolai moved slightly to the side.
Giselle changed direction.
He laughed.
"Oh, you're clever."
She reached him.
He scooped her up.
"Got you!"
Giselle squealed with laughter.
Nikolai kissed her cheeks repeatedly.
"Got you, little troublemaker."
She waved her hands.
He kissed her forehead.
Then he lowered her carefully back onto the grass.
She immediately began crawling away.
Nikolai stared at her.
"You're leaving already?"
Giselle looked back at him.
Then she giggled.
He shook his head.
"My goodness."
His other daughters soon joined them.
They crawled around him, reached for his hands, and climbed toward him whenever he sat down.
Nikolai allowed them to move around him while making sure they stayed safe.
He kissed their cheeks whenever they came close.
He lifted them into his arms.
He laughed whenever one of them made a particularly amusing sound.
For a while, he was simply a father playing with his daughters in the garden.
The man who could command an entire organization was perfectly content to let a group of tiny girls dictate how his morning unfolded.
And he loved it.
THE LETTER FOR THE QUEEN
Elsewhere, Lilith was attending school.
It was her second semester of third year.
She had returned to her academic responsibilities and was working hard to balance her studies with everything else happening in her life.
She was focused on her future.
Her assignments.
Her examinations.
Her practical training.
And the work experience that would help prepare her for her professional life.
At one point, a guard approached Nikolai with a letter.
"Boss."
Nikolai looked up.
"What is it?"
"A letter."
Nikolai accepted it.
The guard remained standing nearby as Nikolai examined the envelope.
Something about it immediately caught his attention.
There was blood on the letter.
His expression changed.
He turned it over carefully.
Before he could say anything, the blood began to glow.
Nikolai stared at it.
The strange light spread across the surface, illuminating the writing.
He opened the letter.
Inside was a short message.
He read it silently.
Then he read it aloud.
"We are coming to meet our Queen."
The room fell silent.
Nikolai's expression became unreadable.
He folded the letter carefully.
"Tell all the workers to be in the field in twenty minutes."
The guard straightened.
"Yes, Boss."
He left immediately.
Nikolai stood still for a moment, considering the message.
Our Queen.
The words were deliberate.
They were not addressed to an ordinary woman.
They were not a casual greeting.
Whoever had sent the letter knew something.
They knew about Lilith.
They knew enough to refer to her as their Queen.
And they were coming.
Nikolai reached for his phone.
He called Sohan.
The call connected.
"Nikolai?"
"Sohan, I received something unusual."
"What happened?"
Nikolai explained the letter and the message it contained.
Sohan listened carefully.
When Nikolai finished, there was a brief silence.
"We need to understand who sent it," Sohan said.
"Agreed."
"And we need to make sure Lilith is safe."
Nikolai's jaw tightened.
"She will be."
They continued discussing the situation, considering what the message could mean and how they should respond.
Neither man could be certain what would happen next.
But one thing was clear.
Someone was coming to meet Lilith.
And they were calling her their Queen.
THE MAJESTIC MERIDIAN HOTEL
At school, Lilith received an assignment that would become part of her practical training.
She was given a list of students and placements.
She looked through the names carefully.
Then she found her own.
Her placement was at a hotel.
She would be working in the hotel and managing its restaurant as part of the experience.
Lilith studied the information.
The name of the establishment stood out.
The Majestic Meridian Hotel.
She would be working there, learning about the hospitality industry and gaining experience in management.
The placement would require her to become familiar with the hotel's operations, its staff, and the responsibilities involved in running a restaurant.
Lilith collected the necessary documents.
When she arrived at the hotel, she was greeted by the staff.
"Good morning, everyone."
She smiled.
"I will be your supervisor."
The staff listened attentively.
"Please collect your uniforms and schedules. You must also read the rules and regulations carefully."
She distributed the documents.
"Make sure you understand the expectations before beginning your duties. If you have questions, ask."
The staff accepted their materials.
Lilith took her own uniform and schedule.
She read through the rules carefully, making sure she understood the requirements.
Afterward, she participated in the orientation.
The hotel staff introduced her to the different departments.
She was shown the reception area, the guest facilities, the service areas, and the restaurant.
She listened closely as the staff explained how everything operated.
The Majestic Meridian Hotel was a busy establishment, and Lilith knew she would need to pay attention to the details.
She wanted to learn.
She wanted to improve.
And she wanted to make the most of the opportunity.
By the time the orientation ended, she had a clearer understanding of her responsibilities.
She would be supervising staff and managing the restaurant while continuing to develop her professional skills.
It was another step toward the future she wanted to build.
Lilith collected her documents and prepared to return to her other responsibilities.
She had no idea that the message calling her Queen had already reached Nikolai.
Nor did she know that hundreds of gifts were being prepared for her in an ancient temple.
For now, she was simply a student beginning another chapter of her life.
THE LAST GOODBYE
Six days later, the atmosphere at the Devereaux residence changed completely.
The mansion, which had once been filled with laughter, became a place of grief.
Viktoria had passed away.
She had been fighting cancer.
Despite the love surrounding her, despite the care she had received, and despite the hope that had sustained her family, her condition had reached its end.
She died in the hospital on the morning of May 2.
The news devastated everyone.
Nikolai stood beside her bed, holding her hand.
His expression was empty.
He could barely process what had happened.
Viktoria had been more than his grandmother.
She had been part of his life for as long as he could remember.
She had watched him grow.
She had offered him affection, guidance, and a place to turn when the world became difficult.
And now she was gone.
Nikolai refused to let go of her hand.
He held it tightly, as though some part of him believed that if he remained there long enough, she might open her eyes again.
But she did not.
Lilith stood nearby, crying.
She had loved Viktoria, too.
She had seen the tenderness with which the older woman treated Nikolai and their children.
She had witnessed the love that filled the family whenever Viktoria was present.
Now, all Lilith could do was stand beside her husband and share his grief.
"Grandma…" she whispered.
Her voice broke.
Nikolai did not look up.
He continued holding Viktoria's hand.
Leonid approached him.
He placed a hand on Nikolai's shoulder.
"Nikolai."
Nikolai remained silent.
Leonid's voice softened.
"We need to take her."
The words were difficult to say.
Nikolai looked down at his grandmother.
Then he bent forward and kissed her hand.
"I love you so much, Grandma."
His voice trembled.
He swallowed hard.
"I love you so much."
He pressed her hand against his cheek.
For a moment, he could not speak.
Then he whispered the words again.
"I love you."
Mila stood nearby, crying.
She had not fully understood everything about death, but she understood that her grandmother was no longer responding to her.
She understood that the woman who had smiled at her and held her hands was gone.
Meghan approached her.
"Come on, baby."
Mila shook her head.
Tears ran down her cheeks.
"Granny go," she sobbed.
Meghan crouched beside her.
"I know, sweetheart."
Mila clung to her grandmother's arm.
"No…"
Her little voice broke.
"Granny…"
Meghan tried to comfort her, but Mila continued crying.
Eventually, the adults gently guided her away.
She resisted at first.
Then she looked back at Viktoria one last time.
Her tears fell faster.
Nikolai watched her.
He could barely stand.
But when the time came to leave the hospital, he finally released his grandmother's hand.
He kissed it one last time.
Then he stepped back.
The family prepared to take Viktoria away.
And with her departure came a silence that none of them knew how to fill.
THE FUNERAL IN THE RAIN
Rain fell over the church on the day of Viktoria's funeral.
The sky was gray.
The ground was wet.
The mourners were dressed in black.
Everywhere Nikolai looked, he saw faces marked by grief.
His family stood together.
Lilith remained close to him.
Mila held a small bouquet of flowers in her hands.
She had cried so much that her eyes were swollen.
She was trying to be brave.
But every time she looked at the coffin, her little face crumpled.
She missed her grandmother.
She wanted to hear her voice again.
She wanted to sit beside her.
She wanted to show her the things she had learned.
She wanted to tell her stories.
But she could not.
The service eventually came to an end.
The family followed the coffin to the burial ground.
Viktoria's final resting place had been prepared beside the grave of her beloved husband.
It had been her last wish to be buried beside him.
The family gathered around as the coffin was lowered.
Mila stood close to Nikolai.
She clutched her flowers.
Tears filled her eyes.
When the coffin reached its final resting place, she covered her face and began crying again.
"Granny…"
Nikolai crouched beside her.
He placed a hand on her shoulder.
But he could not find the words to make her feel better.
He was grieving, too.
He missed his grandmother with an ache that seemed to fill every part of him.
Mila slowly lowered her hands.
She looked at the grave.
Then she looked at the nearby grave of her great-grandfather.
Her little face trembled.
She stepped forward.
Carefully, she placed the flowers on the graves.
Then she spoke through her tears.
"I love you both, Granny."
She sniffled.
"And I pray the Lord reunites you with Papa, Granny, till we meet again when I'm big and old."
Her voice grew quieter.
"I love you."
She stood still for a moment.
Then she turned and hugged Nikolai's leg.
He looked down at her.
Without saying anything, he lifted her into his arms.
Mila wrapped her arms around his neck.
She cried against his shoulder.
Nikolai held her tightly.
Lilith stood beside them, tears running down her cheeks.
The rain continued falling.
Nobody rushed to leave.
They remained there for hours, allowing themselves the time to say goodbye.
Eventually, the family began returning home.
But the grief followed them.
It followed Nikolai as he carried Mila away from the graves.
It followed Lilith as she held her husband's hand.
It followed every member of the family who had loved Viktoria.
And it followed them into the mansion, where her absence would be felt in every room.
A HOUSE FULL OF GRIEF
The mansion was quiet.
Everyone had gathered in the living room.
Nobody seemed to know what to say.
The news of Viktoria's death had spread throughout Russia.
Messages of sympathy arrived.
People expressed their condolences.
But none of it changed the fact that she was gone.
Nikolai sat in silence.
His mood was dark.
He had lost his grandmother, and the pain was still too fresh for him to speak about it.
Lilith sat nearby, watching him.
She wanted to comfort him.
She wanted to take away the grief that seemed to weigh down his entire body.
But she knew that she could not erase the loss.
All she could do was remain beside him.
The babies were in the room, too.
Some were sucking on their pacifiers.
Others were lying comfortably in their seats.
Nyxara was crawling around, moving from one place to another.
She eventually approached Rosa.
The next moment, Rosa struck Nyxara's face.
Nyxara blinked.
For a second, she looked confused.
Then she turned toward her father.
Nikolai was sitting nearby.
Nyxara began crawling toward him.
She moved until she reached his feet.
Then she placed her tiny hands against them.
Nikolai felt the movement.
He looked down.
"Hm?"
Nyxara began babbling.
He leaned forward.
"Yes, love?"
She pointed toward Rosa.
Then she babbled again, making little sounds as though she were explaining exactly what had happened.
Nikolai stared at her.
"Rosa hit your face?"
Nyxara nodded.
"Hmm!"
He blinked.
For a moment, he forgot his grief.
He picked her up carefully.
"Come here, sweetheart."
He kissed her forehead.
"I'm sorry, love."
Nyxara rested against his chest.
Nikolai held her quietly.
His expression softened as he looked at her little face.
Even in the middle of his grief, his daughters still needed him.
They still reached for him.
They still trusted him to make them feel safe.
He pressed another kiss against Nyxara's forehead.
"It's all right."
She made a small sound.
He rubbed her back.
Lilith watched them from nearby.
Her heart ached for her husband.
She knew how deeply he had loved Viktoria.
She knew that the grief would not disappear overnight.
So she stayed close.
She allowed him to hold their daughter.
She allowed him to remain quiet.
And when he eventually looked toward her, she reached for his hand.
He took it.
They sat together in the silence.
MILA'S BIRTHDAY LETTER
When Mila's birthday arrived, the mansion was still filled with sadness.
Everyone wanted her to have a beautiful day.
But Mila had been thinking about Viktoria.
She missed her great-grandmother terribly.
She remembered the way Viktoria had spoken to her.
She remembered the affection in her voice.
She remembered how she had smiled whenever Mila came near.
And now she knew that her great-grandmother would not be there to celebrate her birthday in person.
Mila sat quietly as Mr. William approached her.
He was holding a small gift.
"Here, baby."
Mila looked up.
"Great-Grandma got this for you."
Her eyes widened slightly.
She accepted the gift with both hands.
For a moment, she simply stared at it.
Then she opened it carefully.
Inside was a letter.
Mila looked at the handwriting.
She began reading.
The letter was addressed to her.
Dear Mila,
Sorry, my sweet baby.
The Lord took me to meet Great-Grandpa because I missed him so much.
By the time you get this, I must have gone to the afterlife, to a small cottage with him.
But I love you so very much, and I love your sisters, too.
This is a gift from me to you.
Sorry Granny couldn't give it to you herself, baby.
I love you.
Take care of Mama and Papa and your sisters, too.
With much love,
Great-Grandma.
Mila's eyes filled with tears.
She held the letter carefully.
Then she looked up.
"Love Granny," she whispered.
She repeated the last words aloud, her little voice trembling.
Lilith looked toward Nikolai.
He was already struggling to hold back his tears.
The letter had been written before Viktoria's death.
She had known that she might not live to see Mila's birthday.
And she had wanted to leave her great-granddaughter something that would remain after she was gone.
A gift.
A message.
A reminder that she had been loved.
Mila hugged Mr. William.
"Tank you, Grandpa."
He kissed her cheeks.
"You're welcome, sweetheart."
Mila held the letter against her chest.
She looked at it again.
Then she carefully folded it and kept it close.
The family gathered around her.
They celebrated her birthday, trying to fill the day with warmth and affection.
There was cake.
There were gifts.
There were gentle smiles.
But Viktoria's absence remained.
Mila smiled when people spoke to her, yet she occasionally looked toward the place where her great-grandmother would once have sat.
Nikolai noticed.
He moved closer and pulled her into his arms.
Mila hugged him tightly.
He kissed her forehead.
"Happy birthday, princess."
She rested her head against his shoulder.
"Thank you, Papa."
He held her close.
And although the day could not erase their grief, the letter gave them something precious.
A final message from someone they loved.
A message they could return to whenever they missed her.
TWO WEEKS LATER — THE LITTLE GIRL WITH A PLAN
Two weeks passed.
The girls were asleep in their cribs.
The mansion had become quieter than usual.
Nikolai was still grieving.
He missed Viktoria deeply.
There were moments when he would remember something she had said and instinctively turn as though he expected her to be there.
Then he would remember.
And the pain would return.
Lilith was at the hotel, working.
Mila was at school.
The babies were resting.
The adults were trying to continue with their lives, but the loss had changed the atmosphere of the household.
Mila noticed.
She was young, but she was observant.
She noticed that Papa was not smiling as much.
She noticed that Mama sometimes became quiet.
She noticed that everyone seemed to miss Great-Grandma.
She did not like seeing her family sad.
She wanted to do something.
But what could a little girl do?
She sat down with her school materials and began thinking.
"What makes people happy?" she asked herself.
She considered the question carefully.
She thought about Papa.
She thought about Mama.
She thought about her sisters.
She thought about the people who lived in the mansion.
She wanted everyone to smile again.
At school, her teacher had returned a note to her.
Mila looked at it.
Then she raised her hand.
"Ma?"
Her teacher turned toward her.
"Yes, Mila?"
"What makes people happy?"
The teacher smiled gently.
"Well, Mila, people are happy when they feel loved and cared for. Sometimes, surprising them with something they love can make them happy, too."
Mila considered this.
"Surprise them?"
"Yes. It doesn't have to be something expensive. A thoughtful gift, a kind message, or doing something helpful can make someone feel special."
Mila nodded slowly.
She liked that idea.
She could do something.
She could make a plan.
After the lesson, she took out her pencils and a notebook.
At the top of the page, she wrote:
HOW TO MAKE EVERYONE HAPPY.
Then she began listing names.
Mama.
Papa.
Her sisters.
The people who helped care for them.
The people who had been sad since Great-Grandma died.
She thought about each person carefully.
What did they like?
What would make them smile?
What could she do to surprise them?
Mila began making a list.
She wrote down ideas.
Some were small.
Some were more ambitious.
She wanted to find something special for everyone.
She wanted to remind them that even though they were sad, they still had one another.
After school, Mila began asking people questions.
She approached them one by one.
"What do you like?"
"What makes you happy?"
"What's your favourite thing?"
Some people laughed at her questions.
Others answered sincerely.
Mila listened carefully and wrote down their answers.
She took her little mission seriously.
Every answer mattered.
Every person mattered.
She wanted to make sure nobody was forgotten.
By the time she had finished speaking to everyone she could, her list had grown considerably.
Mila looked at it proudly.
She had a plan.
And she was going to carry it out.
THE ARRIVAL OF THE MYSTERIOUS VISITORS
Meanwhile, private jets landed in Russia.
The aircraft arrived one after another.
Their passengers stepped down from the jets, looking around at their new surroundings with curiosity.
Cars were waiting to collect them.
The men and women were escorted toward the vehicles.
Some of the girls looked particularly excited.
"Wow!"
One of them stared at the surroundings.
Another smiled.
"This is beautiful."
A man approached them.
He stood respectfully before the group and folded his hands.
The woman at the front nodded.
He gestured toward the waiting cars.
"This way, please."
They followed him.
The vehicles were prepared to take them to the mansion that had been arranged for their temporary stay.
As they settled inside, their excitement continued.
They spoke among themselves, discussing the journey and wondering what awaited them.
The cars eventually pulled away from the airport.
Their destination was ready.
And their purpose was clear.
They had come to Russia to meet their Queen.
But the Queen did not yet know that they had arrived.
THE LITTLE GIRL'S SECRET PROJECT
Back at the mansion, Nikolai and Lilith were asleep.
The house was quiet.
Mila, however, was wide awake.
She had gathered her list, her pencils, and the money she had been saving.
She had more than ₽3 million available to her.
For a child, it was an extraordinary amount.
But Mila had a purpose.
She wanted to use it to make her family happy.
She had spent time thinking about what each person liked.
She had written down their answers.
Now she was ready to turn her ideas into reality.
Mila carefully reviewed her list.
She checked the names.
She checked the gifts.
She made sure she had not forgotten anyone.
Then she began purchasing the things she needed.
She chose each item with care.
She did not simply buy things because they were expensive.
She wanted the gifts to mean something.
She wanted each person to look at what she had prepared and understand that she had listened to them.
She wanted them to feel loved.
By the time she returned, she had gathered everything she needed.
She carried the items into her room and arranged them carefully.
Then she sat down to work.
She sorted the gifts.
She prepared little packages.
She made sure each person's name was written correctly.
She wanted the surprises to be perfect.
Outside her room, the mansion remained quiet.
Her parents were asleep.
Her sisters were resting.
Nobody knew what she was doing.
Mila looked at the growing collection of gifts.
A small smile appeared on her face.
She imagined Papa smiling again.
She imagined Mama laughing.
She imagined her sisters becoming excited.
She imagined the entire mansion feeling warm and happy.
And for the first time since Great-Grandma had died, Mila felt that she had found something she could do to help.
She could not bring Viktoria back.
She could not take away the sadness that had settled over her family.
But she could remind everyone that love was still there.
She could show them that they were not alone.
She could give them something to smile about.
Mila picked up another item and carefully wrapped it.
Then she returned to her list.
One by one, she prepared the surprises.
She worked quietly, determined not to wake her parents.
The mysterious visitors had arrived in Russia.
The ancient temple's gifts were waiting for Lilith.
The message calling her Queen remained unanswered.
And Mila was preparing a surprise of her own.
Three separate stories were moving toward the same family.
One was filled with mystery.
One was filled with grief.
And one was filled with the pure, determined love of a little girl who wanted to make everyone happy.