It was 11:58 p.m.
The mansion was unusually quiet.
The ticking of the clock could be heard clearly in the small kitchen as Lilith and Nikolai stood together, carefully preparing a birthday cake for their daughter.
Both parents had insisted on making it themselves.
Lilith looked at the cake while Nikolai checked the time.
The clock continued ticking.
11:58 p.m.
11:59 p.m.
Then—
12:00 a.m.
"Done," Nikolai said.
Lilith smiled softly.
They picked up the cake and quietly walked toward a small room where their daughter, Mila, was peacefully asleep.
Lilith pushed the door open slowly.
Mila was curled beneath her blanket, completely unaware that her fourth birthday had arrived.
Lilith walked toward her and gently rubbed her little face.
"Hi, sweetie," Lilith whispered.
Mila's eyes slowly opened.
"Mama?"
"Okay?"
"Baby, okay?"
Mila mumbled sleepily while holding Lilith's hand and rubbing her eyes.
Lilith smiled.
"Happy Birthday, darling," Nikolai said softly.
Mila opened one eye and looked at him.
"Mil birfthday?"
"Yes, baby. Your birthday," Lily said.
Mila slowly sat up.
Then she saw the cake.
Her sleepy expression immediately changed.
She folded her little hands together.
She knew exactly what she wanted to pray for.
"Still same thing," Mila whispered.
Everyone waited quietly.
"Almighty…"
She took a deep breath.
"Happy Home."
Lilith's smile grew.
"Happy Family."
Nikolai looked at his daughter affectionately.
"Good life."
Mila continued.
"Mama an Dada love bigggg…"
Her little voice became emotional.
"An all my sissy come home."
Lilith's eyes softened.
"I wuv my Mama an Dada big."
Mila looked upward.
"Tank ooo Almighty."
She then held up her little pinky.
"No break Mil pinky promise, okay?"
"Okay?" she whispered.
She folded her hands once again.
Then she blew the candles.
The flames disappeared.
Mila clapped happily.
She cut the cake with the help of her parents.
She fed Lily first.
Then Nikolai.
Both parents kissed her cheeks.
Mila giggled.
Then her little hand reached toward Lilith's bump.
She gently patted her mama's belly.
At that exact moment, Lilith felt a kick.
She smiled at her daughter.
Mila smiled back.
"Baby sissy," she whispered.
Lilith kissed her forehead.
By sunrise—
"MIL!"
"MIL MIL MIL!"
"MILLLLLLLLLLLLL!"
"MILAAAAAAA!"
Ella's high-pitched voice echoed through the mansion.
"Gosh!?" Ethan shouted.
"Watttt!????" Mila shouted back.
Mila came running down the hallway.
Then everyone shouted together—
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MILLLL!!!"
Mila gasped.
She stopped in her tracks.
In front of her was a huge birthday cake.
And sitting proudly on top of it was the number 4.
Mila was four years old now.
"Wawwww!" Mila exclaimed.
She stared at the cake.
Then her eyes became watery.
She became emotional.
Tears gathered in her eyes.
She waddled toward everyone and hugged them.
Everyone hugged her back.
She cut the cake and fed everyone.
Nikolai sniffed emotionally while holding Mila's little hand.
They had already agreed that Mila would go to school at the same school as the other children.
Nikolai had already filled out the school form.
Everyone at the school already knew that Mila was Nikolai's daughter.
She would begin school when she turned five.
She would start in Grade 1.
Meanwhile—
The Harbinger of Ruin couldn't stop thinking about Charvi.
He was on the plane heading toward Norway for Mila's birthday.
"Boss, we are about to land," the man said.
He hummed.
The plane began descending.
Soon, the aircraft touched the ground.
As he stepped outside, the cold Norwegian air immediately surrounded him.
He wore a mask.
The cars were already waiting.
He entered one.
The convoy drove away.
Back at the mansion, Lilith was sweating.
The pain in her bump had increased.
The doctor carefully prepared the hospital bed while a gynecologist entered the room.
Her name was Dr. Raili.
She approached Lilith and began checking her.
Nikolai wiped the sweat from Lilith's face.
Gloria held Lilith's hand.
Riyana stood nearby.
"Is she okay?" Nikolai asked.
Dr. Raili examined Lilith carefully.
"Well, it is her sixth month, and her bump is growing much bigger. She will be having some symptoms," Dr. Raili explained.
"Like?" Nishi asked.
"Like very large abdomen, significant pressure on the bladder and stomach, frequent urination, reflux, shortness of breath, back pain, swelling of the feet and legs, difficulty walking or standing for long periods, and pronounced fatigue."
Everyone listened carefully.
"And serious mama mood swings, depression, and anxiety of motherhood," Dr. Raili continued.
"She may be crying a lot, so avoid fighting and arguments with her."
Nikolai nodded.
"Thank you," he said while holding Lilith's hand.
"We will keep her under observation for at least seventy-two hours," Dr. Raili said.
Nikolai nodded.
Lilith slowly opened her eyes.
"N…Nikki…"
He immediately leaned closer.
"I'm here, baby."
"Mil b…birthday?"
"Mama, shhhhh. You napping and slweep," Mila mumbled.
Lilith smiled weakly.
"I'm sorry, baby," she whispered.
"Shhhhh… nighty Mama an sissy," Mila said.
Nikolai gently carried Mila.
Before leaving, Mila slowly leaned toward her mother.
She kissed Lilith.
"Nighty, Mama."
Lilith smiled.
"Nighty, baby."
Mila rested her head against Nikolai.
Lilith slowly closed her eyes.
She fell asleep.
The cars stopped at the mansion.
The Harbinger of Ruin stepped out.
They walked inside.
Mila was happily unwrapping her gifts when she suddenly looked up.
"Unca!!"
She waddled toward him.
He caught her and threw her gently into the air.
Mila giggled loudly.
"I miwss you bigggg!" she said, hugging him tightly.
"I missed you too," he replied.
"Happy Birthday, Mimi!"
"Tank oooo!!" Mila replied.
"How old are you now, love?" the man asked.
"I 4!"
Mila proudly showed him four fingers.
Nikolai walked into the room holding a list.
"Hey," he said, rubbing his forehead.
They shook hands.
"Where is she?" the man asked.
"Asleep," Nikolai answered.
The man was Knox Archer Mikhailov.
Half Australian.
Half Russian.
Leader of The Opal Empire.
Many trembled whenever they saw him.
Many more trembled whenever they heard his name.
Knox looked around the mansion.
Nikolai smirked.
The Opal Empire smirked back.
There were eight women and four men.
Drusilla, half Irish and half Swiss, known as The White Opal.
Irene, half Danish and half American, known as The Opal Matriarch.
Akari, half Japanese and half Russian, known as The Opal Reaper.
Inaya, half Pakistani and half Italian, known as The Opal Oracle.
Elodie, from Corsica, known as The First Opal.
Tamara, half Serbian and half Russian, known as The Opal Huntress.
Kiara, half Indian and half Spanish, known as The Mistress of Fear and Blood.
Danica, half Serbian and half Romanian, known as The Crimson Countess.
And the four men—
Cassiel, half Serbian and half Argentine, known as The High Consigliere.
Magnus, half American and half Greek, known as The Opal Emperor.
Bastian, half Georgian and half German, known as The Opal Absolute.
Axton, half Lebanese and half Canadian, known as The Opal Phantom.
Knox held Mila.
She proudly held her gift.
"Tank oo, Bigger Unca," Mila said.
"Welcome, love," Knox replied, rubbing her cheeks.
"Is she okay?" Axton asked.
"Pregnancy issues," Nikolai answered while working on his laptop.
Diya entered.
She carefully placed a warm blanket over Lilith.
"Amma, milk is cold now," Diya said.
"Amma?" Kiara repeated.
"Yeah. My Amma," Diya said.
She folded her hands respectfully toward Lilith and touched her feet.
"Come, baby," she said again as she held Mila.
"Ba ba!" Mila said, waving at everyone.
"Is she also?" Kiara asked.
"My daughter. Yes."
Nikolai continued checking the list.
"My wife adopted six kids when she ran away from home and raised them. They are hers and mine too," he said.
"What are you doing?" Knox asked.
"My wife's pregnancy list. The doctor gave it to me. I need to get everything on it, including the baby things," Nikolai said.
Knox took the list and began reading it.
"Nick, are you sure she's carrying one?" Irene asked.
"That's what I'm thinking. She doesn't want to tell me about it. She keeps saying the same thing," Nikolai said in frustration.
"Same thing?" Danica asked.
"Watch," Nikolai said.
He stood up.
He walked toward Lilith.
He gently rubbed her hair.
"Baby?"
"Hmm?" Lilith replied sleepily.
"Are you sure we're not having more than one baby?"
Lilith weakly shook her head.
"The...baby has a little m...mansion in my tummy."
She took a breath.
"That w…why a….big one," Lilith said sleepily.
Kiara held back her laughter.
"What?" Knox asked, raising an eyebrow.
Nikolai sighed softly.
"I'll be back, baby."
Lilith shook her head.
"Okay."
He kissed her.
Then he took the list.
He and the guards left to collect everything.
The door closed behind him.
"He gone," Lily said.
"Seven," she said.
"Huh?"
Everyone looked at her.
"Except Knox," one of them said.
Knox raised an eyebrow.
Lilith slowly opened her eyes.
"I….am...having....7...baby...girls."
Silence.
Then—
"WHAT!?"
The Opal Empire shouted together.
Knox chuckled.
"It's your secret from him?" he asked.
"That….h….his punishment....for…..making...me….cry," Lilith said while breathing gently.
Knox wiped her forehead.
Then he kissed her forehead.
"I want to see his reaction," he said.
Lilith sighed softly.
Sleep took her again.
Knox walked around the whole mansion.
He wasn't taking a tour.
Oh no.
He was secretly searching for her.
Charvi.
He stepped outside.
His eyes scanned the area.
Then he saw her.
Charvi.
Writing.
Her nose ring gem moved slightly as she worked.
Her hair was braided into two long braids.
A blue bindi rested between her eyebrows.
Knox stared at her from the shadows.
Charvi took the clay.
She began making pots for the prayers.
Knox didn't move.
For four hours, he remained in the same place.
He watched her.
His dark blood-red eyes remained fixed on her.
He smoked silently.
Meanwhile, Mila's birthday went very well.
She prayed for everyone.
She thanked the Almighty for everyone.
Eventually, Mila became tired.
She fell asleep.
Nikolai came home.
He made dinner for his wife.
When he entered the room, he saw Lilith yawning.
"Hey, baby," he said.
He placed the tray down.
On the tray were:
Diced papaya.
Whole wheat pasta.
Fortified almond milk.
Brown beans.
It was a meal prepared for her pregnancy.
Nikolai carefully adjusted her.
Then he wrapped her gift.
"Here. I got a bump pillow for you," he said.
Lilith smiled.
"That sweet, Nikki."
She looked at him.
"Thank…..you."
Nikolai blushed.
He carefully placed the bump pillow underneath her bump.
Then he kissed her bump.
He fed her.
Meanwhile—
Khushi was sick.
Nihal was getting ready to leave for his work trip.
"Hey?"
Khushi was wrapped in blankets.
"K?"
No response.
There were no signs from her.
Nihal sat beside her.
He touched her body.
His eyes grew wider.
She was hot.
He carefully turned her around and pulled her into his arms.
"You have a fever, sweetheart," he said.
Khushi made a sign.
You will be late. Go. I will be fine. I promise.
Nihal immediately took his phone.
"Yes, sir?" his assistant answered.
"Move all meetings online. The flight is canceled. I'm staying."
"But why, sir?"
"It's an emergency. My jewel is more important than work, so please move them."
"Yes, sir," the assistant replied.
The call ended.
Khushi made another sign.
Why did you do that? It's really important to you!?
Nihal looked at her.
"You are my wife, and you're more important than anything, sweetheart."
He kissed his wife's forehead.
Khushi blushed.
She stared at him.
She had fallen in love with him.
She secretly wrote letters for him.
He took care of her.
Eventually, she fell asleep.
Nihal stared at her.
His heart blossomed even more.
Then he noticed a book underneath her pillow.
He frowned.
He carefully took it.
He opened it.
It was her private writing.
He began reading.
"I got married to another man, not the groom. He cheated me, just like everyone does.
"If I could speak, I would definitely raise my voice at them.
"But a man who was an important guest from the Muard family took my hand.
"He became my replacement groom.
"Was it out of pity?
"Or maybe to boost his reputation?
"I didn't know what was happening anymore.
"He is very good looking, I can't lie.
"But I heard whispers.
"They called her Party Boy.
"He stays out late.
"Drinks.
"Hangs out with bad companies.
"That made me scared.
"I wanted to run away from him.
"My heart is like a glass.
"It is too soft to be broken.
"I wish I was brave.
"But he gave me space in our marriage.
"I hope this journey goes well."
Nihal continued reading.
He smiled.
He read the whole book.
Then he came to another page.
His smile makes my heart go wild.
Maybe everyone was wrong about him.
Nihal sir...…
is a great husband.
And I...I am very in love with him.
Will he love me back?
I want to tell him how I feel.
But the fear in me consumed me.
I will tell him when the time is right.
I love Nihal a lot.
Nihal stopped reading.
He looked at Khushi.
He smiled.
"I love you so much too, my little kitty," he whispered.
He kissed her cheeks.
During breakfast, everyone began planning Ariz's wedding.
Athrava.
Satamya.
Kishore.
Charvi.
Diya.
The plans continued.
Farhid was pregnant with Hammed's baby.
She was due soon.
As they walked into Lilith's room, The Opal Empire saw them.
Knox's eyes never left Charvi.
Each of them approached Lilith.
They touched her feet.
Then they folded their hands respectfully.
Kishore tapped Lilith gently.
"Amma, here is the offering," he said.
Lily slowly opened her eyes.
She took it.
She folded her hands.
She prayed.
Charvi adjusted her pillow.
Then she adjusted the blankets around her.
Everyone folded their hands again.
"Fari, it...almost time for your delivery, right?" Lilith asked.
"Ji Ammi," Farhid replied.
"Yes, mother," Farhid said.
Lilith smiled at her.
She gently rubbed her face.
Then sleep took her again.
They covered her carefully.
Outside, Sohan was waiting.
Ishaan blew the horns.
Riyana and Karim poured the holy water over him.
His body became wet.
Flowers and different herbs were also placed in the water.
Nikolai held Lily's hand.
Her legs were huge.
Rafsan carefully sat her down.
The prayer began for her.
The women carried the coal pot.
Smoke slowly wrapped around Lilith.
The family took each pot of holy water.
Sohan went first.
He gently poured the water over his daughter's head while chanting.
Mila sat watching.
She waddled closer.
"Dada, why Granny pour water on Mama?" Mila asked.
Sohan smiled.
"Well, sweetie, Grandpa is praying for Mama, and that holy water is so your Mama and sissy can be calm," he explained.
Mila watched quietly.
Sohan lifted the next pot.
He began chanting.
"Gange cha Yamune chaiva
Godavari Saraswati
Narmade Sindhu Kaveri
Jalesmin sannidhim kuru."
He continued the sacred chant.
"May the sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmada, Sindhu and Kaveri be present in this water."
The family remained in prayer.
Then—
"JAI!"
"HAIL!!"
Vishal shouted.
Urlima joined.
The children followed.
"Oyiva!"
"Rohan!"
"Kiara!"
"Austin!"
"Zoya!"
Their voices echoed throughout the mansion.
The twelve pots of holy water were carefully poured over Lily's body.
Lilith folded her hands.
Her eyes closed.
She prayed for her family.
She prayed for her children.
She prayed for her babies.
She prayed for Mila.
She prayed for Nikolai.
She prayed for every person she loved.
And while the sacred water flowed over her, the entire family remained around her.
The mansion filled with prayers.
Mila watched her mother.
Lilith held her hands together.
Seven little lives rested beneath her heart.
And somewhere outside in the shadows—
Knox's blood-red eyes remained fixed on Charvi.
The secret of seven baby girls was still hidden.
And Nikolai still had no idea.
Not yet.