The plane touched down in Sweden, the cold air instantly brushing against the windows like icy fingers. As soon as they stepped out, a rush of wind hit them — frigid, sharp, and clean. Everyone bundled up quickly in their thick coats.
Zayan carefully dressed Nora: a soft sweater, thick fluffy socks, a sky-blue coat with a black scarf wrapped around her neck, a cozy head warmer, and white gloves that covered her tiny, cold hands.
As they descended the stairs from the plane, Zayan turned to the others, beginning a briefing. "There's going to be a heavy snowstorm soon," he warned. "So let's move quickly. The plane is already being stored in the hangar. We've got two big houses prepared — they're joined together, so no one's far apart."
But while Zayan was speaking, Nora had wandered off toward the snow.
She bent down, scooping up a handful of the white powder with innocent curiosity. A smile broke across her face as she began shaping it, giggling to herself. Then—plop!—a snowball flew across and smacked right into Asher's face.
"What the—?!" he yelped, eyes wide, brushing snow off his cheek.
Zayan turned around, confused—just in time for two snowballs to hit him square in the face. He blinked, stunned.
There she was.
Nora stood a few feet away with a mountain of snowballs behind her, sticking out her tongue playfully at them all. Without warning, she launched into full attack mode, firing snowballs one after the other at everyone — giggling hysterically.
"Nora!" Zayan called, laughing as he dodged a hit. Everyone joined in, running for cover, throwing back playful snowballs. Laughter echoed in the freezing air.
Once her snowball stash ran out, Nora skipped happily inside the airport, jumping up and down like she'd just won a battle. The others followed behind, shaking snow from their coats and boots. The cars arrived shortly after to take them to the house.
When they reached the property, Nora gasped. "Woaaahhh! It's a castle!"
She turned to Asher, wide-eyed. "Is there a princess and a king here, Ash?"
Asher smirked. "No… but there is one now. Let's get inside."
The two houses were more like luxury winter lodges, large and connected, with high ceilings and beautiful architecture. Everyone picked their rooms and settled in. Zayan made sure every fireplace was lit and warm, especially Nora's.
In their respective rooms:
Asher and Aaila cuddled beside their fire, Aaila resting her head on his shoulder.
Rex and Lisa were wrapped up in a blanket together.
Neal was laughing on a video call with Darba. "I'll marry you when I get back," he said, grinning.
In Zayan and Nora's room, Imara gave Nora her nightly injection.
"All done," Imara said gently.
"Goodnight, Nora."
"Nighty night," Nora replied with a sleepy nod, eyes already drooping.
After Imara left, Nora took off her gown, leaving only her pants on. Zayan reached for her shirt, but she stopped him.
"I wanna cuddle like this, Z," she said softly.
He paused — and nodded. "Alright."
He pulled her close, skin against skin, and wrapped the blanket around them both. Her head rested against his chest as she smiled. He kissed her gently, and they spent the rest of the night like that — quiet, warm, and close.
The next afternoon, snow was still falling in soft flurries. Zayan was picked up by four representatives for a business meeting. They drove through the icy landscape to a private hall where Mrs. Esther, the wife of Mr. Viggo, welcomed them warmly.
Two men and two women sat at the large wooden table, already reviewing documents.
"Mr. Kai," Mrs. Esther said, standing. "It's a great honor."
"These are Miss Vera, Miss Cleo, Mr. Oskar, and Mr. Nilsson," she added.
They all extended greetings. "It's a very great opportunity working with you," Cleo said. "Your reputation speaks volumes."
"Thank you," Zayan nodded. "It's a pleasure."
Mrs. Esther glanced at him kindly. "How is your wife doing?"
"She's… still in a fragile state. Her operation has been postponed, but she'll be fine. Thank you for asking."
After the meeting, the group followed Zayan back to the villa. As they stepped out of their car, they were met with a delightful surprise.
Nora was outside, building snowmen. Not just one — but a whole snow family.
"There's the daddy," she pointed, giggling. "And the mama, and the baby one—Z!!!" she screamed joyfully when she saw him.
She ran and hugged him tightly. "Look, I made a snowman and snowwoman!"
He kissed her cheek. "They look perfect."
The visiting group was stunned.
"Oh my Lord…" Nilsson muttered in his Swedish accent.
"You can say that again," Cleo whispered.
"She's… stunning. Absolutely gorgeous."
Nora turned toward them and waved. "Hello everyone!"
"Hello, Mrs. Kai," they greeted in unison.
"Oh—my name is Nora," she corrected with a smile, and they all nodded respectfully.
Two weeks later, after days of exploring, Nora was excited to try new foods again. But one dish didn't agree with her.
After taking a bite of a random foreign dish, she looked confused… and then promptly vomited on Miska.
"I—I'm sorry…" she said weakly, wiping her mouth.
Frya rushed over to clean her up, trying not to laugh as Miska groaned in disgust.
Back at the house, the sickness continued. Nora threw up again and again. Her stomach cramped painfully, and Zayan grew anxious. They called in a doctor, who confirmed it was severe food poisoning. Nora was restricted to doughnuts and milk for the day — the only thing she could stomach — and after eating, she finally drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
Everyone else had already begun packing.
Next up: Mexico.