Dinner was done, the house quiet except for the soft hum of water running in the sink. Kairo stood at the counter, wearing a tank top and pajama pants, flexing his muscles, washing the dishes, each clink echoing faintly in the still air.
Sara came, after putting Zayn back to sleep, her steps quiet but the small smile on her face loud enough to be felt.
She walked, watching him for a moment, amused.
"What a miracle," she said finally, with a teasing grin. "The great Kairo, the famous fuckboy, washing dishes."
He didn't even look back, just smirked faintly at the plate in his hand.
"What can I say? When you're married with a kid, responsibilities come knocking." He added with mock tragedy, his tone dramatic enough to earn a laugh.
Sara walked up behind him, gave a playful slap on his butt. "No one asked you to do this, Mr. Married man," she murmured, wrapping her arms around his waist. "You have people who can do the dishes."
"I've got a cook to make food too," he said, glancing at her from the corner of his eye, a soft smile tugging his lips. "But my wife cooked today. So as a husband, it's only fair I do the dishes."
Sara's chest warmed. "Still can't believe it," she said softly. "My charismatic Playboy turned into such a gentleman."
He turned his head slightly, raising a brow. "Excuse me? I've always been a gentleman."
She laughed. "Oh, really? I don't remember that part of you."
"Excuse me?" he turned fully this time, pretending to look offended.
She giggled, eyes sparkling. "You were literally a Casanova, my dear. And now look at you, claiming to be pure."
He chuckled, lowering his head with a grin. "Okay, fine, maybe my soda glass turned me into one."
She laughed, shaking her head, and hugged him tighter. For a moment, time stilled, just the sound of running water and their quiet breaths. He closed his eyes, peace washing over him as he leaned slightly into her warmth.
"Stay like this with me," he murmured, voice dropping low and sincere. "Forever. I swear I'll do anything for you."
Sara smiled softly, pressing a kiss to his bicep. "I'm here. Always."
He smiled, faintly, eyes still closed. But she could feel something deeper behind that smile. That flicker of longing, something raw and tender, he usually hides behind his easy charm. Something so vulnerable that slipped through his charm only when he was like this, bare, unguarded, hers.
Her heart clenched. She kissed his arm again, and again, until his quiet smile turned into a real one.
When the last plate was done, he wiped his hands, turned around, and without a word, scooped her effortlessly into his arms." Kairo—" she laughed, her hands flying to his shoulders. He didn't answer, just carried her straight to the couch, laying her down gently before hovering over her with that lazy grin of his.
She looked up at him and smiled, brushing his hair back. He buried himself against her, his weight familiar and comforting. She wrapped her arms around him, tracing her fingers lazily along his arm.
"Did you talk to your dad?" she asked softly after a pause.
He mumbled. "About what?"
"About Belvana," she said.
His chest rose and fell against her. "He knows. He's probably more worried about Novacore than I am. Or maybe angry at what Belvana's trying to pull."
She stroked his hair gently. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
He lifted his head slightly. "For what?"
"For whatever my dad did and is still doing to you… to your family."
His expression hardened.
"You're my family now," he said firmly. "And he's no longer a part of your life, so don't call him your dad."
Sara gave a soft, sad smile. "Maybe… but I'm still his daughter, even if he abandoned me."
His eyes darkened. "No, you're not," he said quietly but firmly. "You're mine. Just mine. You don't have anyone in this world apart from me and Zayn."
She looked at him for a moment, the mix of pain and protectiveness in his eyes, and her heart softened. Then leaned up and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. "Calm down," she whispered against him. "You're right… Now I belong only to you."
He exhaled slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing as he kissed her back, soft, but with that hint of possessiveness that always showed when he was scared to lose her. Then he pulled back just enough to press one more small kiss on her lips before wrapping himself in her arms again.
Silence returned, soft and safe.
After a while, Sara spoke again. "It seems like Belvana's doing negative PR against Novacore."
His body stilled. He lifted his head, brows furrowed. She met his gaze.
"Think about it. If he just wanted to promote his brand, he could've done just that without dragging Novacore. But he's making influencers compare his products, and only with Novacore."
Kairo's jaw clenched. "What?"
She nodded. "Yes, I came across a few today. All of them are making side-by-side videos targeting only Novacore. No other brand."
His hands fisted. "Which means… he's provoking this again."
Sara ran her fingers through his hair soothingly. "Don't worry, baby. Give me a team, and I'll work on it. I'll definitely come up with a solution."
He looked at her, his gaze softening, trust and hope returning. After a moment, he nodded. "Okay… take whoever you need."
She smiled softly. "Thank you, boss," she teased, hoping to lighten his mood.
And it worked. He exhaled, a small smirk finally tugging his lips. "You know what? I'm lucky I managed to charm such a smart wife."
She grinned. "And I happened to fall for that charm."
They both giggled, the heaviness in the room slowly fading away. The worry that had clouded him moments ago melted into something warm: love, gratitude, and the deep affection he'd longed for through all those lonely years.
Liana stood on the balcony quietly, arms wrapped around herself, her silk robe fluttering slightly as the cold brushed her skin. Her eyes wandered over the skyline, but her mind was elsewhere, tangled in thoughts she wished she could unthink.
She had found out about Belvana's campaign. About how their promotions were conveniently dragging Novacore into the spotlight, forcing comparison, sparking talk.
And it didn't sit right with her. Not because of business ethics, but because she knew who stood behind Novacore.
Charles. And Kairo.
She didn't want to see old wounds reopen. Not again. Not after fifteen years.
"Honey…"
Vector's deep, warm voice broke through her thoughts. She turned slightly, catching his reflection in the glass door, tall, effortlessly composed, holding two glasses of wine.
He walked toward her with that usual softness in his tone that made the world seem gentler. "Why are you standing out here? It's cold," he said, a flicker of concern passing through his eyes.
She smiled faintly, but her eyes, tired, heavy, betrayed the peace she tried to pretend."Come here," she murmured instead.
He smiled, stepping closer, the city lights glinting against his sharp features. He handed her the glass, but instead of taking it, she reached forward and wrapped her arms around him.
Vector froze for a moment, surprised by the sudden hug. Then, gently, he set both glasses on the balcony ledge and pulled her close. His chin rested on her head.
"You okay, honey?" he asked quietly.
She didn't answer right away. Her grip around him tightened. "I love you," she whispered against his chest.
He smiled, warmth flickering in his eyes as he kissed her hair. "I love you too, my love."But when he leaned back to look at her face, her expression made his smile fade.
"What's wrong?" he asked softly.
She hesitated. The words pressed heavily in her throat. Finally, she took a breath and said, "Why are you messing with Novacore?"
His expression stilled, just for a second.The air between them shifted.
"Everything was finished fifteen years ago," she said slowly, voice trembling. "We closed those old chapters and built something new, with Kale, with this life. Don't make me reopen those old stories, Vector. I don't want to go back. I just want you."
Her eyes glistened. The way she looked at him, hurt, pleading, cut right through him.
He reached out, brushing her hair from her face. "What made you think I'm doing something like that?" he asked, calm, his tone smooth as silk.
"I know what's happening," she said quietly. "The negative PR, Belvana versus Novacore. It's everywhere."
He took a slow breath, then smiled faintly, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I'm not doing that, honey," he said gently. "I'm just promoting Belvana. If people compare, if they make it viral, I can't control that. It's their choice, not mine."
She searched his eyes, looking for truth or a crack in them. But his gaze remained steady, tender, convincing.
She looked away, her voice small. "Why did we even have to come back here?"
He sighed, pulling her closer again. "You know why, Liana. I had to grow Vantare, and Belvaria was the right place for it."
She looked up at him again. His words were measured, calm, and rational. He continued, tone softer now:
"Liana, everything I'm doing… It's for Kale. I'm not trying to mess with anyone. I'm just building a future for our son."
Her eyes softened at the mention of Kale. The mother in her couldn't fight that reasoning.
"Don't overthink, honey," he murmured. "I'd never hurt you by dragging anyone into this. You and Kale are my entire world. I'd do anything for you two. If that ends up affecting someone else… well, that's just how business works, honey."
She blinked, trying to take in his words, her heart caught between understanding and unease.
I can't control what others do. But what I can control is protecting you both."
Her walls are slowly dissolving. His voice, his warmth, they always managed to melt through her fears.
"I love you, Liana," he whispered, cupping her face, his thumb brushing her cheek. "You are my only purpose, honey."
Her heart cracked open, guilt seeping in, regret washing over her for doubting him.She wrapped her arms around him again, holding him tightly, whispering, "I'm sorry."
He smiled softly, kissing the top of her head. "That's okay."
"I was just… disturbed," she murmured. "Didn't mean to hurt you."
"Don't feel guilty, honey," he said gently, rubbing her back. "It hurts me more to see you sad."
She pressed her face against his chest, kissing it softly before staying there, her heartbeat syncing with his.
He smiled faintly, but behind those warm eyes, thoughts ran dark and determined. The flicker of something sharp crossed his face for a second before he pushed it away.
He couldn't let her see that part of him.Not her. Not ever.
"You okay now?" he asked after a moment.
She pulled back, nodded with a soft smile. "Yeah… I'm okay."
He smiled back, gentle and reassuring, brushing a thumb across her jaw. "Good. Then let's have that wine, hmm?"
"Sure," she said, her smile finally reaching her eyes.
He handed her the glass, watching the way she took a sip, her face relaxing again. It eased something in his chest, or maybe only buried it deeper.
He smiled, quietly content, but behind that smile, his mind was already elsewhere, clear, sharp, and certain about what he had to do next.