After Zara left, Naya decided to pick up Tami from school. The little girl ran toward her as soon as she saw her, her face lighting up with joy. "Mommy!" she cried, wrapping her arms around Naya's legs.
"How was school, Tami?" Naya asked as they walked to the car.
"It was good, but the teacher was really funny today," Tami replied, grinning. "He spilled water all over himself and everyone laughed. He looked so embarrassed!"
Naya laughed. "That sounds funny! You know, sometimes even teachers have bad days."
When they got home, Naya and Tami worked together on Tami's homework. Naya helped her with spelling, giving her small hints and encouraging her as Tami's small hands carefully wrote out the words. The little girl beamed with pride when she completed her assignment, and Naya couldn't help but feel a sense of fulfillment.
"Should we surprise Daddy with dinner?" Naya asked.
Tami's eyes widened. "Yes! Let's make something really yummy!"
And so, the two of them set to work in the kitchen. Naya had never cooked for Kain before, but today she felt like it was time to do something special. They made a delicious dinner—her first time preparing a full meal for her family. Naya didn't realize just how much she enjoyed cooking until she saw Tami's excited face as they set the table.
When Kain came home, Naya rushed to the door to greet him. She planted a kiss on his lips, feeling his arms wrap around her in a warm embrace. "How was your day?" Kain asked, his voice soft.
"Good," Naya replied, her eyes sparkling. "How was yours?"
"Busy," Kain said, lifting Tami in his arms and carrying her into the kitchen. "What's this? You made dinner?"
Naya smiled shyly. "Yeah. I thought it would be nice to surprise you."
Kain was stunned. He had always been the one to cook, assuming Naya didn't know how to cook, and he had never expected her to cook for him. "This looks amazing," he said, genuinely impressed. "I didn't know you could cook."
"I didn't either," Naya said with a laugh. "But Tami and I had fun making it together."
They sat down to dinner, and Naya felt a sense of contentment wash over her as they ate together. Afterward, Naya tucked Tami into bed, reading her a bedtime story and watching as her daughter drifted off to sleep with a peaceful smile on her face.
Later that night, Naya and Kain sat on the couch. She looked at him, her eyes serious. "I need to tell you something," she began.
Kain turned to her, sensing the change in her tone. "What's wrong, Naya?"
"It's about Clarissa," Naya said, her voice trembling slightly. She recounted the events at work, how Clarissa had humiliated her, calling her a homewrecker and a slut. Kain listened intently, his face hardening with anger as he heard about Clarissa's actions.
"I'm so sorry, Naya," Kain said, his voice low and fierce. "She has no right to treat you that way. I'll handle this, I promise."
Naya felt a sense of relief, knowing that Kain was on her side. "I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too," Kain replied, pulling her close. They sat in silence for a while, their arms wrapped around each other. For the first time in days, Naya felt at peace.
As they lay down together that night, Kain kissed her forehead. "We'll get through this, Naya. I'm here for you. Always."
And with that, they drifted off to sleep, their hearts full of love and trust for the future.
---
Naya woke up wrapped in Kain Adeyemi's arms, her head resting against his chest. His heartbeat was steady, strong—the sound grounding her after everything that had happened. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, warm and soft against the sheets. She stayed still for a moment, eyes closed, just listening.
She had finally told him everything the night before. Clarissa's ambush at her office, the coffee, the words that cut deeper than expected. And Kain had listened—silently at first, then with a fury that made her see a side of him she hadn't before.
He had stood up, pacing their bedroom, his hands balled into fists.
"She did what?" he'd asked, his voice dangerously low.
Naya had never seen him angry—not like that. Not cold and burning at the same time. She told him every word Clarissa hurled at her. She held nothing back. Kain had listened with gritted teeth.
"I'll handle it," he'd promised, pulling her into his arms. "No one—no one—gets to do that to you. Not even her."
That moment had sealed something. Naya realized that despite the doubt that haunted her, Kain's love was real. It wasn't pity. It wasn't obligation. It was protection. Commitment.
Now, as she stirred in his arms, Kain blinked awake and looked down at her.
"Good morning, wife," he murmured, voice husky with sleep.
She smiled softly. "Good morning."
He brushed a finger down her cheek. "How are you feeling?"
"Better. Lighter."
"Good. Because today, I want you to rest. Nothing else. No work, no stress."
"I have a few emails—"
He kissed her forehead. "No emails. Just rest."
They shared a quiet breakfast, Tami joining them at the table in her cartoon pajamas. She slid into the seat beside Naya, humming a song only she understood.
"I had a dream you were flying," Tami said, pouring syrup on her pancakes. "Like a fairy."
Naya chuckled. "A fairy? That sounds magical."
Tami nodded. "You had wings and sparkles. And Daddy had to fly to catch you."
"Well, that sounds like Daddy," Kain said, taking a sip of coffee. "Always chasing your mom."
Tami giggled and Naya smiled, heart full.