Chapter 16

The sun peeks through the curtains of the bedroom, casting a warm, golden glow over the quiet morning. The early light gently illuminates the room, highlighting the calm before the day’s chaos begins.

Alastair stirs first, her body stretching instinctively as her mind shifts from the softness of sleep to the demands of the day ahead. She rises swiftly, already mentally organizing the tasks she has planned. A quick glance in the mirror reveals the familiar, confident woman she’s become—focused, composed, and always a step ahead. She pulls on her tailored suit, the fabric hugging her form with precision. She checks herself one last time in the mirror, making sure every detail is perfect. Alastair Dee doesn’t believe in mistakes, especially when it comes to appearances.

After her morning preparations, she makes her way downstairs. Her eyes flicker briefly to the kitchen, where she’s prepared something special for Zaviya. It’s a simple gesture, but it speaks volumes—two women who share a complicated past, yet have come to rely on each other in ways neither could have predicted.

On the kitchen counter, a plate of avocado toast, sausage, and bacon sits waiting, beside a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee. A single stem of sunflower—Zaviya’s favorite—rests beside it. Alastair’s touch is unmistakable in every detail, down to the carefully folded napkin and the note she leaves next to the plate.

The note reads, “Have a good day, Zavi. Take good care. ---- Alastair.”

It’s an odd kind of intimacy, born out of necessity and the strange dance of rivalry and shared history that defines their relationship. But for all the complexities of their situation, this moment—this simple act of kindness—feels genuine. Alastair smiles to herself, her heart light as she knows Zaviya will appreciate it in her own way.

With that, she heads out the door. The day calls, and her business empire won’t run itself. She steps into her car, driving away from the house that has become a second home, leaving behind a feeling of quiet contentment, knowing she’s done what she can. Now, it’s time to get to work.

Zaviya woke up to the soft glow of sunlight filtering through her bedroom window. She stretched leisurely, letting the calm morning air fill her lungs before heading to the bathroom to freshen up. Her routine was as effortless as always—quick, efficient, but with a touch of grace. When she finished, she made her way to the kitchen, the scent of freshly brewed coffee guiding her steps.

As she entered the kitchen, she was greeted by a delightful sight: her favorite breakfast waiting on the table, along with a folded note that unmistakably had Alastair's handwriting. Her lips curled into a smile as she picked up the note, reading its contents with a warmth that spread through her chest.

“What a sweet start to the day,” she murmured to herself, feeling the love Alastair always managed to sneak into every little moment.

After savoring her breakfast, Zaviya took a moment to appreciate the quiet start to her morning before preparing for her busy workday. She selected a stylish outfit, confident it would complement her mood. Once ready, she grabbed her things and headed out the door.

Her car purred to life as she drove through the city streets. The smooth, sleek vehicle mirrored her own poise as she arrived at her company. Stepping out with purposeful strides, she was ready to face the challenges of the day, her presence commanding attention even as she entered the building.

Jane, her loyal secretary, was already waiting for her at the entrance.

“Good morning, Mrs. Dee,” Jane greeted, her usual cheerfulness lighting up the morning. “One of Ma'am Alastair’s staff dropped off a package for you. It’s in your office bedroom.”

Zaviya raised an eyebrow at the mention of a package but thanked Jane before heading to her office bedroom, curiosity piqued. When she stepped inside, she was met with the sight of a large, baby pink box tied with a glittering fuchsia ribbon. The sight was so perfectly Alastair that it made Zaviya’s heart skip a beat.

She carefully opened the box, revealing an elegant dress in soft hues and a pair of silver shoes. Nestled inside was an invitation card, the handwriting unmistakably hers.

“Hello my beautiful wife! You are invited for a romantic dinner with your handsomely beautiful wife, Alastair Michelle Dee. Please wear this dress because surely you’ll look more beautiful in it. I’ll fetch you at 6:30 in the evening. I won’t take no for an answer. — AMD ❤️”

Zaviya couldn’t help but laugh softly to herself, the note filling her with warmth. She hadn’t expected this, but Alastair always had a way of making even the smallest moments feel special.

From the doorway, Jane’s voice reached her, full of admiration. “Ma'am, that’s so sweet of Ms. Alastair!”

Zaviya nodded, still smiling. “Yes, it is. She’s full of surprises.”

As she sat down at her desk, a gentle wave of nostalgia washed over her. It was hard to believe that they had already been married for a month. Time had flown by, but every day felt like a new adventure with Alastair by her side.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she remembered something. She picked up the phone and called Jane, who was busy organizing papers for Zaviya to sign.

“Jane, could you pick up Alastair's watch from the Bulgari store?” Zaviya asked. “It’s her gift that I bought last week.”

Jane’s response was immediate. “Of course, Ma’am. I’ll get it right away.”

Zaviya hung up the phone, her smile lingering as she thought of her wife. Tonight, they would celebrate their love, and Zaviya couldn’t wait to see what other surprises Alastair had in store.

As the evening sky turned to dusk, Zaviya stood before her mirror, putting the finishing touches on her makeup. The dress Alastair had sent her fit perfectly, a masterpiece of elegance that made her feel like she could conquer the world. She adjusted her hair one last time, her fingers lingering on the silky strands as she glanced at herself. The excitement of the moment was palpable, but it was also laced with a sense of curiosity. What was Alastair planning this time?

Just as she was about to take a deep breath to calm her racing thoughts, the soft knock on the door interrupted her.

"Ma’am, Ms. Alastair is here, waiting for you," Jane’s voice echoed through the room.

Zaviya nodded, grabbing her purse and heading towards the door. "Thank you, Jane."

As she stepped out into the hallway, she was led by Jane to the elevator. She couldn’t help but wonder, why were they going up?

"Why are we going up, Jane?" Zaviya asked, her brow furrowing in confusion.

Jane smiled knowingly. "It’s a surprise."

The elevator hummed as it ascended, and soon the doors slid open to reveal the rooftop. Zaviya stepped out onto the helipad, blinking in surprise when she saw the breathtaking sight that awaited her. There, standing beside a sleek gray helicopter, was Alastair, looking every bit the vision of sophistication in a tuxedo that perfectly complemented Zaviya's dress.

Alastair’s lips curled into a smile as she strode toward Zaviya. "Happy monthsary, my dear wife."

Before Zaviya could respond, Alastair leaned in and kissed her forehead, a gesture that made Zaviya's heart skip a beat. As if on cue, Jane quietly stepped away, wishing them a good night as she disappeared into the elevator.

Zaviya, still caught in the whirlwind of emotions, gasped in delight. "This is amazing, Alastair."

Alastair’s grin widened, mischief dancing in her eyes. "Just wait, there’s more. Come on, let’s go."

Without another word, Alastair guided Zaviya into the helicopter, taking the pilot’s seat with effortless confidence. As the helicopter began to lift off, Zaviya looked out the window, her breath catching at the sight of the city sprawling beneath them, the lights twinkling like a million stars.

Zaviya turned to Alastair in awe. "I can’t believe you can fly a helicopter."

Alastair chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with a hint of pride. "I’m an Air Force reservist. Flying is second nature to me."

Zaviya, still in awe of the entire experience, leaned back in her seat, trusting Alastair to guide them on this unexpected adventure. The night had only just begun, and already it was shaping up to be one to remember.

After a 30-minute flight, the helicopter touched down gracefully on the helipad of Alastair's company. The air was crisp, and the area was nothing short of magical. Fairy lights twinkled around the perimeter, casting a soft glow over the surroundings, while petals from a thousand flowers scattered across the ground like confetti. A romantic two-table setup was arranged perfectly, and in the center of it all was a fresh bouquet of sunflowers, the warm yellow petals bright against the dimming twilight. It was an arrangement that spoke volumes of Alastair’s attention to detail and care.

Zaviya, breathless from the unexpectedness of it all, couldn’t help but let out a quiet exclamation, her voice tinged with awe. "This is breathtaking," she said, her eyes scanning the picturesque scene in front of her.

Alastair, ever the gentleman, gestured toward the chair, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "Your seat, my lady," she said, and Zaviya, smiling, took her place at the table.

As they sat, a waiter appeared to serve them a dinner of the finest French cuisine. They were treated to delicacies like escargot, coq au vin, and crème brûlée. The meal was exquisite, and the atmosphere only made it all the more special.

Zaviya, in her playful way, raised an eyebrow. "You’ve outdone yourself, Alastair," she remarked, the sparkle in her eyes showing how much she appreciated the gesture.

Alastair, ever teasing, leaned back in her chair, a mischievous grin tugging at her lips. "I have to keep impressing my beautiful wife, don’t I?" she replied, the words holding more meaning than the light tone suggested.

They shared a few more playful exchanges, their laughter blending with the soft sounds of the night. Alastair, noticing how stunning Zaviya looked, couldn’t help but voice her admiration. "By the way, you look stunning tonight."

Zaviya, always quick with a retort, shot back with a grin. "You don't look too bad yourself."

With a sense of finality, Alastair raised her glass. "To us," she said, the words carrying a weight that only the two of them could understand. "One month down, and more to go."

Zaviya blushed, her heart swelling with a mix of affection and surprise at the tenderness in Alastair’s voice. She clinked her glass against Alastair’s and echoed the toast. "To us."

Dinner passed with ease, the conversation flowing naturally as they shared stories, jokes, and moments of quiet reflection. It was a night that felt like it was woven from magic. When the plates were cleared, Alastair reached for a small box resting beside her plate, her smile never wavering.

"For you," Alastair said, presenting the box to Zaviya.

Zaviya opened it carefully, revealing a diamond bracelet. The initials "Z" and "A" were delicately engraved, the lock serving as a subtle yet powerful symbol of their connection. "It’s beautiful, Alastair. Thank you," Zaviya whispered, her eyes filling with emotion.

Zaviya, in turn, handed Alastair a box of her own. "And this is for you," she said, her voice soft but confident.

Alastair opened the box, revealing a stunning Bulgari wristwatch, one she had long admired. A grin stretched across her face. "You remembered. Thank you, Zavi."

As if on cue, soft music began to play, the gentle notes filling the air. Alastair stood, extending her hand with a gesture that was both formal and intimate. "May I have this dance?"

Zaviya smiled, taking her hand, and the two of them moved together under the stars, the night surrounding them in a quiet, perfect embrace. Alastair sang softly into Zaviya's ear, her voice barely above a whisper as the words of "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran drifted from her lips.

Zaviya, her heart fluttering with something deeper than mere affection, leaned in closer. "You might fall in love with me if you keep this up," she teased, her voice low and playful.

Alastair, her confidence never faltering, replied with a grin. "Not afraid to fall, haha."

Zaviya, in a playful twist, reminded her of a rule they had jokingly established before. "Rule no. 10, Alastair."

Alastair, with a mock sigh, acknowledged the rule. "Alright, no falling in love!"

Zaviya, ever the one to seize a moment for fun, then suggested, "Ohh, let’s take a picture. Then don’t forget to post some pictures of us tonight on Instagram with sweet captions."

Alastair, fully committed to the playful dynamic between them, saluted with a grin. "Yes, boss!"

After their dance, they returned to the helicopter for a city tour, the glow of the night lights below them adding an extra layer of magic to the evening. The city sprawled out beneath them, a breathtaking landscape of twinkling lights and shadowed streets. They soaked in the sights, their time together stretching into a perfect evening.

Finally, they arrived home, their hearts full but their bodies tired. They headed to their respective bedrooms, the events of the evening lingering in their minds as they prepared for bed.

Standing at the door to her room, Alastair flashed Zaviya a smile, the kind of smile that was both tender and mischievous. "Happy monthsary again, Zavi."

Zaviya, walking up to Alastair, gave her a light hug, the warmth between them undeniable. "Thank you for tonight and happy monthsary, Alastair," she replied softly.

With that, they both retreated into their rooms, the content smiles on their faces telling the story of a night that neither would soon forget. Their hearts were full, and the future seemed as bright as the stars under which they had danced.

**********************A

few weeks had passed, and Alastair, dressed in a gray pantsuit, exuded the kind of confidence that only comes from years of hard work and a deep understanding of one’s craft. As she stood in the midst of a business meeting with investors, her commanding yet graceful aura captivated the attention of everyone in the room. Her words carried weight, and the room, filled with business professionals, seemed to hang on her every statement as they discussed the upcoming partnership.

Alastair leaned forward slightly, her tone sharp and assured, “...and with this partnership, we project a 20% increase in revenue by Q4.”

Her statement wasn’t just a projection—it was a fact, one that was backed by the meticulous research and planning her team had put in. Her success wasn’t a fluke, and she was the embodiment of the kind of leader that others admired.

As the investors murmured among themselves, one whispered to another, “She’s really something, isn’t she?”

The second investor smiled, a glimmer of respect in his eyes. “Yep, no wonder she’s one of the youngest CEOs in the country. And she’s married to Zaviya Porsild. Talk about a power couple.”

It was impossible to ignore the energy Alastair and Zaviya created, not just in business but in every aspect of their lives. They were a duo that commanded attention, and Alastair couldn’t help but feel proud of that fact. She had earned her place at the table, and having Zaviya by her side made it all the more rewarding.

Just then, her secretary, Nicha, entered the room quietly, her steps barely a whisper on the carpet. She approached Alastair and spoke in a soft voice, “Boss, your wife, Mrs. Dee, is in your office.”

The mention of Zaviya’s name caused some of the businessmen to exchange knowing glances, a few nodding approvingly, recognizing the significance of the woman who had just entered the scene.

Investor 1, still in awe of Alastair’s presence, turned to her and said, “Alastair, your vision for this partnership is truly inspiring.”

Investor 3 added, “You’re a lucky woman, Alastair. Zaviya is quite the catch.”

A smile tugged at Alastair’s lips, and for a brief moment, the room felt like it had shifted focus entirely. “Yes, I am,” she replied with pride, her voice steady and full of affection. “Gentlemen, let’s adjourn for now. Thank you for your time.”

As the businessmen gathered their things, Alastair swiftly made her way to her office. She had no time to waste, especially when she had Zaviya waiting for her. Nicha opened the door for her, and inside, there she was. Zaviya sat elegantly on a cushion, wearing a body-hugging green dress that accentuated every curve. The moment Alastair saw her, her breath hitched, and she found herself momentarily lost in the beauty of the woman who had been with her for a few months.

Alastair approached her with a grin. “Hey there, beautiful,” she said, her voice low and soft as she leaned down to kiss Zaviya’s forehead.

Zaviya smiled playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “What brings you here?” Alastair asked, teasingly. “Are you checking if I have a mistress to catch away?”

Zaviya raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a sly smile. “Well, you never know. I might just catch you in the act.”

Alastair laughed, the sound full of warmth and affection, before playfully pinching Zaviya’s nose.

Zaviya held up a lunch bag, her eyes glimmering with affection. “Mom cooked lunch, and I packed some for you. I had a meeting nearby and thought I’d drop by.”

Alastair’s heart melted at the thought. “That’s so sweet of you. Join me for lunch?”

Zaviya nodded, already moving to set things up. “Sure, let me arrange this.”

Alastair turned to Nicha, who was preparing to leave the room. “Nicha, take your early lunch too. Here’s my card; use it, buy yourself a delicious lunch,” she said with a smile.

Nicha’s face lit up at the unexpected kindness. “Oww, thank you, boss. I’ll go ahead now. Enjoy your lunch, lovebirds.”

Zaviya and Alastair moved to a small table in Alastair’s office, the lunch that Zaviya had packed laid out before them. The meal wasn’t extravagant, but it didn’t matter—what mattered was the time spent together. They ate, laughing and teasing each other as they always did. The rhythm of their banter was natural, comforting, like the sound of a favorite song playing in the background.

Zaviya, ever the playful one, grinned mischievously. “So, did you charm any investors today?”

Alastair leaned back in her chair, a smug smile tugging at her lips. “As always. And they were impressed, of course.”

She didn’t need to say much more. It wasn’t just her work ethic or brilliance that had won them over—it was the way she carried herself, the quiet strength she exuded.

After their lunch, Zaviya decided to stay in Alastair’s office, now that she had finished with her work for the day. Alastair, ever the professional, returned to her desk to check on the latest proposals. She glanced at Zaviya, who was comfortably reclining on one of the office cushions.

“You can stay here if you want,” Alastair had said, her voice casual. “I have some proposals to review.”

Zaviya nodded in acknowledgment, content to spend some quiet time in Alastair’s company. Her fingers moved quickly over her phone, scrolling through Instagram as she passed the time.

A while later, Zaviya stood and walked over to Alastair’s desk, where the latter was bent over papers, reviewing the fine print. Leaning over Alastair’s shoulder, Zaviya glanced at the screen.

“Need help with those?” Zaviya asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and slight amusement.

Alastair grinned, looking up at her. “Sure, I could use an extra pair of eyes,” she replied, her tone teasing but welcoming.

Together, they fell into a seamless rhythm, working side by side with an efficiency that only close friends—and perhaps something deeper—could achieve. The atmosphere in the office was a strange but comfortable mix of professionalism and personal connection. As they continued their work, the door to the office was suddenly knocked on, the sound soft yet distinct.

A moment later, the door creaked open, and Nicha, Alastair's assistant, stepped in.

“Boss, Miss Jessica Rotherham is here to see you,” Nicha announced, her voice respectful but with the hint of urgency that always came when a client arrived.

Alastair, who had been reviewing a proposal, simply nodded. "Let her in," she replied, her gaze lingering on Zaviya for a moment before she stood up, moving to greet her guest.

The door opened, and in walked Jessica, a stylish and radiant woman in her late twenties. Her energy filled the room the moment she stepped in, her excitement palpable. "Alastair!" she squealed, rushing toward her friend, arms wide open.

Caught off guard, Alastair froze for a second before Jessica reached her and enveloped her in a tight, enthusiastic hug. Alastair quickly recovered, chuckling softly as she returned the hug.

"You look amazing! Wow!" Jessica exclaimed, running her fingers along Alastair’s face, as if taking in every detail of her. She planted a playful kiss on Alastair's cheek, which left her friend a bit startled but smiling nonetheless.

Sitting at Alastair's desk, Zaviya, who had been silently observing the exchange, raised an eyebrow in irritation, her patience already being tested.

"Ahem," Zaviya cleared her throat loudly, her voice dripping with a playful, but noticeable, edge.

Alastair snapped out of the momentary daze, remembering that she wasn’t alone. She turned to Zaviya with a sheepish grin, lightly scratching the back of her neck. "Oh, right," she said, redirecting her attention to the present. "Jess, this is Zaviya, my wife."

Zaviya stood up, offering a polite, though cool, smile as she extended her hand for a handshake. "Pleasure to meet you, Jessica."

Jessica hesitated for a brief moment, her irritation flashing in her eyes before she reluctantly took Zaviya’s hand. "The pleasure is mine," she replied, her voice tight with forced politeness.

The tension lingered as they all settled on the cushions, and Alastair ordered food to be brought in for them to share. As she sat between the two women, a subtle, almost imperceptible competition began to form. Jessica, with her charming nature, tried to maintain the upper hand. She recounted their shared memories from their time in the U.S., leaning in closer to Alastair and touching her arm frequently. Meanwhile, Zaviya, clearly annoyed, interrupted with sharp, pointed comments.

"Remember that project we worked on?" Jessica asked, a gleam of nostalgia in her eyes. "I still can’t believe how well it turned out."

"Yeah," Alastair smiled, her voice warm, "that was a highlight of my training career there."

Zaviya, feeling increasingly sidelined, interjected. "Oh, I bet Alastair had all the fun while you were working behind the scenes."

Jessica smirked, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "You know, Alastair’s success is something we’re all proud of. Even if it means I didn’t get to be in the spotlight."

The tension in the air was thick. Alastair glanced between the two women, sensing the simmering rivalry beneath their polite exchanges.

Jessica continued, her tone shifting into a more intimate register. "Remember our late-night coding sessions? We made such a great team."

Zaviya’s smile remained tight as she responded, her voice almost too sweet. "Alastair has always been a team player."

Trying to alleviate the building friction, Alastair stepped in, her voice soft yet firm. "Those were good times. But now, I’m lucky to have Zaviya as my partner in everything."

Jessica raised an eyebrow, her smirk never leaving her lips. "Lucky indeed," she muttered, almost as if to herself.

Leaning in closer, Jessica pressed her body against Alastair’s arm, almost provocatively. Zaviya’s eyes narrowed as she watched the display, unable to mask her growing irritation.

Jessica whispered in Alastair’s ear, her voice low and intimate. "We should catch up over lunch sometime, just the two of us."

Zaviya’s gaze hardened, but she kept her composure, her fingers tightly gripping the armrest.

Alastair, sensing the rising tension, quickly responded, glancing at Zaviya. "Maybe we can all have lunch together sometime," she said, her attempt to smooth things over evident.

After an hour, Jessica finally stood up, preparing to leave. "It was great catching up, handsome," she said, her tone light and teasing. "Let’s definitely do lunch soon."

Alastair smiled, relieved to see her friend go. "Absolutely. You take care, Jess."

As Jessica approached the door, she turned back to Alastair, giving her one last hug and, to Zaviya’s visible discomfort, planting a kiss near her lips. The air in the room grew even more charged, Zaviya’s irritation barely concealed as she watched the display.

"Goodbye, Alastair," Jessica said sweetly, then turned to Zaviya with a cool smile. "Nice meeting you, Zaviya."

Zaviya’s response was sharp and sugary sweet. "You too, Jessica."

Once Jessica had exited, leaving only the faint sound of the door clicking shut behind her, the room fell into a heavy silence. Alastair turned to Zaviya, a concerned expression crossing her face.

"Sorry about that," Alastair began, her tone apologetic. "Jessica can be a bit... much."

Zaviya rolled her eyes, her voice laced with sarcasm. "Just a bit. Well, she certainly made her presence known."

With a swift motion, Zaviya threw a pack of wipes at Alastair, her eyes still narrowed. "Please remove those lipstick stains from your face."

Alastair winced slightly. "Oww, I’m sorry," she said, starting to wipe her face. "Jess can be a bit overwhelming, but she’s a good friend."

Zaviya’s eyes were sharp as she watched Alastair, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "I’m sure she is," she muttered under her breath.

Sensing the unspoken tension, Alastair softened her approach, her voice quiet and sincere. "Zavi, are you okay?"

Zaviya sighed, her composure returning, albeit slightly strained. "Just fine. It’s nothing. Let’s continue to work."

But Alastair wasn’t ready to let the matter go. She reached out, gently taking Zaviya’s hand in hers, squeezing it reassuringly. "Hey, you know you're the only one for me, right? I mean, while we're still married to each other."

Zaviya’s lips curled into a smirk as she looked up at her. "You better remember that."

The moment was brief, but meaningful, as the tension slowly dissipated. With a shared smile, the two of them returned to their work, their bond unshaken despite the small battle of egos. United in their unconventional partnership, they moved forward, side by side.

It was 5 in the afternoon when Alastair finally drove them home. The day had been long, but they were back in the comfort of their respective spaces. After stepping into the house, they didn’t linger; each of them retreated to their rooms to change. The house was quiet for a few minutes until Alastair made her way to the kitchen to prepare dinner.

She had decided on a simple yet satisfying meal—pasta and chicken. The aroma of the cooking filled the air, but it was quickly interrupted by the sound of heels clicking against the floor. Zaviya entered the kitchen, looking as flawless as ever, her black dress hugging her body in all the right ways. Her makeup and hair were perfectly done, as if she had just stepped out of a magazine. She walked past Alastair and opened the fridge, grabbing a bottle of water.

“Going out, Zavi?” Alastair asked, her voice casual but with a hint of curiosity.

Zaviya didn’t miss a beat as she took a long sip of her water. “Yeah, girls' night out. Yevhen’s picking me up soon,” she replied, already moving toward the door.

“Alright. Take care, and call me if you need anything,” Alastair said, a trace of concern in her voice despite her usual indifferent demeanor.

Zaviya gave a wave and stepped out of the house just as the honk of a car echoed outside. Alastair continued with her evening, finishing dinner alone before retreating to her room to wind down. She settled in front of the TV, her mind seeking escape through the latest episodes of The Secret of Us, a Thai GL drama she had grown hooked on. By the time she finished the fifth episode, her eyelids were getting heavy, the screen blurring as sleep began to claim her.

It was 12:30 AM when Alastair jolted awake, the quiet of the house broken by the familiar chime of her phone ringing loudly. Groggy and still half-dazed from sleep, she answered the call.

“Hello?” she muttered, her voice thick with exhaustion.

“Al, sorry to wake you up, but I can’t drive Zaviya home. She’s passed out drunk. Reika’s here too, but clearly wasted. Can you come get her?” Yevhen’s voice was urgent, but Alastair could still hear the slight laugh in his tone.

Alastair rubbed her eyes, trying to shake off the fog of sleep. “Alright, wait for me there,” she said, her voice starting to clear. “Thanks for calling.”

Yevhen quickly rattled off an address, and without another word, Alastair hopped out of bed, quickly changing into something more appropriate for the task at hand. She grabbed her keys and rushed out the door, heading for the bar.

When she arrived, she nodded at the bouncer, who recognized her and let her pass without hesitation. Inside, she quickly spotted Yevhen, Zaviya, and Reika huddled in a secluded corner, the two girls clearly out of it, leaning on each other for support.

“Vhen, thanks for calling. Can you still drive, or should I take you all home?” Alastair asked as she approached.

Yevhen gave a dramatic groan, clearly exhausted from the night’s events. “Ow, we’re out of your way, Al. The other girls are already home, picked up by their drivers.”

Alastair nodded, her mind already figuring out the logistics. “I see. I’ll just call my driver to take you and Reika home. Let’s go outside.”

Alastair bent down, carefully lifting Zaviya in a bridal carry, her usual coolness not faltering even as she handled the weight of the situation. Another waiter, noticing their dilemma, helped Reika to Yevhen’s car, guiding the pair of them toward safety.

Alastair quickly dialed her driver’s number, giving him instructions to come around.

Minutes later, her driver arrived, his car pulling up to the curb. Alastair waved him over, her voice steady despite the late hour. “Take Yevhen and Reika home. Drive safely, Mark,” she said, making sure everything was in order.

With a final glance at the bar, Alastair watched as Mark carefully loaded the two drunk girls into the car, making sure they were safe for the ride home. As the car drove off into the night, Alastair stood still for a moment, the weight of the evening slowly lifting off her shoulders.

It was 3:30 a.m. when Alastair found herself driving through the eerily quiet streets, the hum of her car's engine the only sound breaking the stillness of the night. In the passenger seat, Zaviya lay slumped over, her head tilted awkwardly against the window, unconscious from a night of overindulgence in alcohol. Alastair shook her head, muttering to herself with a quiet chuckle, "Zaviya, you really went overboard this time." The corners of her mouth twitched, but there was an undeniable softness in her tone as she spoke, her words reflecting the familiarity of their relationship—one that was both aggravating and affectionate in equal measure.

A few moments later, Zaviya stirred, blinking groggily, her disoriented eyes scanning the car before locking onto the blurry figure of Alastair behind the wheel. Panic overtook her as she straightened up, eyes wide, and her voice came out in a frantic stammer. "Where... where am I?"

Her head was spinning, and nothing seemed to make sense in her hazy state. She reached out, trying to push away from the stranger she couldn’t quite place, her movements frantic as she started to punch lightly at Alastair. "Let me go! Who are you?"

Startled by Zaviya's sudden panic, Alastair swerved just a little, quickly parking the car to the side of the road. Her hand instinctively went to Zaviya's arm, trying to calm her down. "Zavi, it's me, Alastair! Calm down!"

But Zaviya wasn’t having it. She continued to shout, her hands desperately trying to unlock the door, her mind still too clouded to make sense of things. Seeing no other choice, Alastair leaned over, wrapping her arms around Zaviya in a firm but gentle hug, pulling her close to keep her from causing more chaos.

"Zaviya, stop! It’s me, Alastair," she repeated, her voice softer this time, trying to reassure her.

Zaviya hesitated, her eyes slowly focusing, and she reached up to touch Alastair’s face. Recognition flickered in her gaze, and her breath came in a little less panicked. "Alastair? Is that you?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of relief and confusion.

A playful glint appeared in Zaviya's eyes as she tapped Alastair’s cheeks, her laughter a little slurred but warm. "You're so good-looking... but annoying. You get on my nerves, you know that?"

Alastair chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Yeah, I know," she said, amused by Zaviya's antics. But there was more on her mind, and she seized the opportunity to ask a question she had been wondering about. "Alright, Zaviya. Tell me, what’s your favorite part of me?"

Zaviya giggled, leaning in closer to Alastair, her gaze playful. "Your chinky eyes. They turn into half-moons when you smile."

Alastair’s heart gave a little flutter at the compliment, a warm smile pulling at the corners of her lips. It was a small moment, but it was enough to remind her of the affection buried under all the teasing and rivalry between them. But there was more she wanted to know, so she pressed on, her voice softer now. "And what should I do to make you fall in love with me?"

Zaviya’s expression shifted for a moment, her usual playful demeanor replaced by something a little more serious. She met Alastair’s eyes, her voice almost thoughtful as she responded. "If you keep being a gentleman, maybe I’ll fall for you."

Alastair took a deep breath, the hope in her chest fluttering slightly at the possibility, but she pushed the thought aside, focusing on what was happening in the moment. "Is there a chance you might fall in love with me?" she asked, her tone a little quieter, as though the answer mattered more than she let on.

Zaviya didn’t answer right away. Instead, she leaned in closer, her eyes locking with Alastair’s, not breaking the gaze. Alastair’s heart skipped a beat as her focus shifted to Zaviya’s eyes, then to her lips. She instinctively wet her own lips, anticipation rising in her chest. As Zaviya drew closer, it felt like the air between them had thickened, the weight of the moment pressing in.

Then, just before their lips could meet, something unexpected happened. Zaviya suddenly leaned back, her face contorting in distress. Without warning, she puked all over Alastair’s chest.

Alastair recoiled, letting out an exasperated groan. "Oh, come on!" she muttered under her breath, her hands moving quickly to assess the situation. Zaviya, utterly spent, slumped back into her seat, her eyes closing as sleep claimed her once again.

With a resigned sigh, Alastair carefully maneuvered Zaviya back into place, buckling her in as she wiped her face with some wipes she kept in the glove compartment. Her chest was covered in puke, but Alastair didn’t seem to mind. She’d been through worse, and the absurdity of the situation had already started to make her laugh quietly to herself.

Once she had Zaviya settled and comfortable, Alastair removed her ruined shirt, grabbing a fresh one from the car’s compartment. As she drove the last stretch home, she couldn’t help but glance over at Zaviya from time to time, a smile tugging at her lips. Despite everything—despite the chaos, the teasing, and the mess—she found herself enjoying the rare quiet moments with Zaviya.

It was early in the morning when Alastair parked the car, her muscles aching from the task of carrying Zaviya inside. Despite the weight of the situation, she moved with a sense of duty. Gently, she laid Zaviya on the bed, her hands soft as she slipped off the sandals that had once been perched so perfectly on her feet. A comforting blanket was draped over Zaviya, the warmth of the gesture contrasting sharply with the coolness of the night.

Alastair, always meticulous, moved to the kitchen. She gathered the necessary items—a towel and basin—and headed back toward the bedroom. As she returned, she noticed Nalin, their maid, arriving home from her day off.

“Ma’am Alastair, what happened?” Nalin asked, her concern immediately apparent.

Alastair sighed softly, the weight of the evening’s events still pressing on her chest. “I fetched Zaviya from a bar. Can you change her into comfortable sleepwear? I’m going to hit the shower.”

With a swift nod, Nalin headed toward the master bedroom, leaving Alastair with a moment of solitude. She turned toward the bathroom, eager to wash away the remnants of the night—the heavy smell of alcohol and the remnants of vomit that clung to her clothes.

The sound of water running drowned out the quiet stirrings of the house, but as she stepped out of the shower at 4:45 a.m., wearing only Calvin Klein boxers and an oversized white shirt, the peaceful quiet was shattered. Zaviya, now in fresh clothes, lay beside her in the bed. Alastair smiled faintly at the sight.

“Thanks, Nalin,” Alastair murmured, her voice thick with exhaustion as she slid back into bed.

Soon, the two were lying together, tangled in sleep. Alastair’s arms instinctively wrapped around Zaviya, protective and warm. And despite everything, Alastair couldn’t help but feel a strange contentment, one that came from simply being close to Zaviya. Within minutes, she fell into a deep sleep.

At 11 a.m., the sound of Zaviya stirring slowly pulled Alastair from her dreams. She blinked groggily, only to find Zaviya practically on top of her. The warmth of her body and the protective embrace Alastair held around her was undeniable. Zaviya, despite her hangover, tried to move, but the groan that escaped her lips spoke volumes.

Zaviya chuckled softly, her voice laced with teasing affection. “You always do this… Sweet and cute,” she whispered, her fingers tracing the contour of Alastair’s face. She traced every detail, from the perfectly shaped brows, the chinky eyes that glinted with mischief, to the prominent nose, and those soft lips that had teased her in countless ways.

Alastair's eyes flickered open, meeting Zaviya’s gaze with a look of quiet affection. “How are you feeling, my wife?” she asked, her voice thick with tenderness.

Zaviya rolled her eyes at the title but couldn’t help but blush. “Ugh... I have a massive hangover. My head is killing me.”

Alastair chuckled at the sight, the sound of her laughter mingling with Zaviya’s groans. “You should drink lots of water and take some meds to cool it down. Come, let’s go to the kitchen. I’m starving.”

Zaviya hesitated, slowly shifting away from Alastair. The space between them felt strangely cold as Alastair rose, stretching her muscles in the way only she could. Zaviya, still half-drunk from the night before, couldn’t help but stare.

Alastair teased, lifting her shirt just enough to show off her toned abs, a playful grin dancing on her lips. “Like what you see?”

Zaviya groaned. “Shut up, go out now and fix yourself in your own room.”

They both laughed at the exchange, the tension of the night easing. After some more teasing, the two of them went to fix the bed, their playful banter continuing as they gathered their belongings.

Alastair headed to the shower in her room while Zaviya took hers. She stood under the hot water, trying to shake the fogginess from her mind, but all that seemed to linger was the pounding headache that wouldn’t go away.

“Aarghhhh… my head is killing me. Vodka and rum is bad news,” she muttered to herself, frowning as she tried to piece together the hazy fragments of the previous night.

She looked at the clothes she wore—different from the ones she had arrived in. Panic quickly settled in as the questions surfaced.

“Did Alastair change my clothes? Did she see me naked?” Zaviya thought, groaning in frustration.

After a few minutes of stewing in her own self-consciousness, she finally joined Alastair at the dining table. The soft scent of coffee and the quiet sound of cutlery clinking filled the air, a stark contrast to the tension that lingered in her mind.

Zaviya broke the silence first, her voice thick with uncertainty. “So... what happened last night? Why am I sleeping next to you again?”

Alastair’s mischievous smile was the only warning Zaviya had before she spoke. “Well, I found you in the bar, kissing an ugly man on the dance floor…”

Zaviya snorted. “That would never happen.”

Alastair raised an eyebrow, her smile never fading. “Can’t remember anything?”

Zaviya’s brows furrowed in thought. Her mind was a blur, but she grasped at the fragments of memory that floated in her head. “All I remembered is that the girls and I were having fun as the booze kept on flowing. Then I settled on the couch, and my head started to spin. Haha.”

Alastair nodded knowingly. “Yevhen called me at 3 a.m., telling me that she couldn’t drive you home. She was drunk too. So, I went there and called my driver to drive Yevhen and Reika home.”

Zaviya’s lips parted as she processed the information. “Thanks, Alastair. Is there anything else? Did I embarrass myself last night?”

Alastair smiled but there was a hint of annoyance in her eyes. “You puked on me in the car. Then I brought you to the room and cleaned you up.”

Zaviya’s eyes widened in horror. “Oh no... I’m so sorry.”

Alastair waved it off with a shrug. “It’s fine. Nalin changed your clothes. You should thank her.”

“I will. Thanks for taking care of me,” Zaviya murmured, feeling a pang of gratitude in her chest.

Alastair’s expression softened. “Next time, don’t drink too much, okay?”

Zaviya nodded, flashing a peace sign in her direction.

After they finished eating, they headed to their separate rooms, the events of the morning settling into the quiet of the house. The laughter and teasing had subsided, leaving only the thoughts of the night before lingering in the back of their minds, the memory of it just enough to make them wonder what would happen next.

------------------------------------Short update.

Hello guys enjoy reading. 😍

#ABF 16