Zayan stirred from his sleep, his hand instinctively reaching for Nora beside him. But the space was empty.
His brows furrowed.
"Where is she?" he thought, pushing back the sheets. A chill swept through him as he sat up, the ghost of last night's warmth now gone.
He quickly dressed and made his way downstairs. The faint sound of movement led him to the dining hall, where he found Nora quietly cleaning the tables. Alone.
Without a word, he walked over to her, checking around to make sure no one was in sight. Then, in a deep, husky voice that sent shivers through her spine, he asked,
"Why did you leave the bed?"
Nora's breath hitched. A flurry of feelings rose in her chest at the sound of his voice.
"N-n-nothing," she stammered, eyes locked to the ground, refusing to meet his gaze.
Last night flashed in her mind—his touch, his whisper.
"Nora, darling," he said, closing the distance. He bent down to her level and softly kissed her lips.
Then, pulling back, he murmured, "They're so soft."
Blushing, Nora bolted to the other side of the table—just as a guard stepped in.
"Sir, there's a man here… with others. Your mother and Lady Aveline are present too."
Zayan's expression sharpened. He turned as the man entered.
"Ahh, Zayan. What a pleasure to meet you in person. I've heard a lot about you."
"And you are?" Zayan asked warily.
"Shaw. Shaw Lilith."
The room shifted. Nora froze. Aveline paled like a ghost. Both women turned slowly to face him.
Shaw stood tall—broad-shouldered, with brown eyes and dyed hair streaked black and red. He wore a sharp crimson suit that demanded attention.
"I heard someone here bears the same last name as mine," Shaw continued.
Zayan narrowed his eyes. "Who told you that?"
"A friend of mine," Shaw said.
"Before my father died, he confessed to having a child with a maid… a child he never met. He was forced to marry my mother."
Aveline staggered back, lips trembling.
As the conversation grew heavier, a guard entered once more.
"Miss Nora—" he paused.
She didn't respond. She was lost in a storm of thoughts.
"The doctor is here regarding Asher's condition," he finished.
"M-Mrs. Nora Lilith?" the doctor called gently.
"Y…y…yes," she finally answered, stepping forward.
Shaw's eyes followed her, narrowing slightly as he observed the small birthmark on her arm—identical to the one his father had. Her eyes—his father's eyes.
Turning back to Zayan, he asked softly,
"Is it her?"
Zayan gave a single, solemn nod.
Shaw then looked at Aveline.
"I know you. I saw your photo in my father's diary… you were that maid, weren't you?"
Aveline's voice was barely a whisper.
"Yes."
She sighed, heavily burdened.
"But… she doesn't know yet. Please, don't tell her—not like this."
She began to explain everything, while Nora quietly discussed Asher's condition with the doctor in the corner of the room.
After listening, Shaw nodded.
"I'll be staying here for a few days. But you have to tell her soon. Understood?"
Zayan said nothing. He simply turned his gaze to Nora, watching her, wondering, "What will happen next?"
The doctor approached Zayan.
"Asher is awake now. He can go home."
"Alright. Thank you."
All eyes turned to Nora, who looked terrified—torn between truths she didn't yet know and the fear she felt.
Zayan gave her a silent look of reassurance. She met his eyes and nodded slightly before picking up her mop and walking away.
Catalina approached Aveline.
"You need to tell her. She deserves the truth."
"Fine," Aveline replied after a long pause, her shoulders heavy.
Zayan watched her leave, thinking to himself,
"No matter what happens next, I'll be by her side—every step of the way… my darling."
Later, Nora changed into her clothes and prepared to leave.
"Where are you going?" Shaw asked, eyeing her curiously.
"I need to pick someone up. I'll be back soon," she replied.
As she disappeared beyond the door, everyone remained in the living room… waiting.
Waiting to see what truth would rise.
Waiting for the next storm to break.