It was a quarter past noon when Seven returned to The Cliffs, where lunch had just been served. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the cozy circular breakfast room, welcoming Sadra, Ami, Kasra, Lara, Kimi, Sana, and the latecomer himself.

  Taking his seat at the table, Seven leaned forward, his voice casual but purposeful. “Uncle Sadra, I’ve taken on a new patient who lives about half an hour away. His father suggested using their helicopter to reduce travel time to and from his estate. Depending on his recovery, I’d need to use the helicopter for about five to ten weeks. Would it be alright to park it on the front lawn? If not, I can park it at my father’s place. I don’t think Kate has sold the house yet.”

  Sadra tilted his head, mildly surprised. “You have a new case?”

  Seven gave a quick nod. “Yes, I just agreed to take him on.”

  “What prompted you to take this on?” Sadra pressed, curiosity threading his words.

  “He has been in a coma for over 27 years. After my acupuncture treatment today, he showed signs of regaining consciousness. From a medical perspective, it’s an extraordinary case,” he explained, his enthusiasm tempered by professionalism.

  Ami’s fork paused mid-air. “Twenty-seven years? That’s... incredible,” she murmured, disbelief etched across her features.

  Seven turned to her as he said, “It is. He was in a car accident that caused a traumatic brain injury.”

  Ami froze, recognition flickering. “That sounds eerily similar to Angus Fortier’s case.”

  Seven blinked, surprise flashing in his ocean-blue eyes. “Aunt Ami, that’s exactly who my patient is. Do you know the Fortiers?”

  Ami set her fork down and briefly explained, “His accident made the headlines back then. It was impossible not to hear about it.”

  Sadra brought the matter back into focus. “You can park the helicopter on the lawn. That’s not an issue. But are you sure you’re not taking on too much?”

  Seven offered a reassuring smile. “I have an agreement with Mr. Alain Fortier. I’ll go early in the mornings, three times a week, so I can return before Sana wakes up.”

  Sadra’s brows knitted together. “Will you be compensated for this?”

  Seven shook his head. “No. I declined. I’m still in the military, and accepting payment wouldn’t be appropriate.”

  Sadra sighed, admiration and exasperation mingling. “You’re a man of principle. As a businessman, I can’t help but feel that those who receive your help, us included, should reciprocate.”

  Warmth spread in Seven’s chest. “Uncle Sadra, I appreciate the sentiment, but I’ll only charge for my products and services after I leave the military. If I’m going to marry Sana, I need to be worth my salt.”

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  Sadra leaned back, studying this brilliant young man carefully. “Are you on paid leave right now?”

  “No,” Seven admitted. “I’m on no-pay leave. Otherwise, the military wouldn’t have approved such an extended period.”

  Sadra nodded thoughtfully. “I understand you initially applied for leave to treat your father. But since he’s passed, would you have considered canceling the remaining leave and returning to active duty?”

  Seven shook his head as he replied, “According to my father’s last wishes, I was to leave the service after his passing, find Kate, and take care of her.”

  Sadra grew pensive, a trace of melancholy in his gaze. “But now, because of saving Sana, you’re in a quandary.”

  “I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat,” Seven reassured, his sincerity clear.

  Sadra’s lips curved slightly, then quickly returned to practical matters. “Since you’re on no-pay leave, you should consider taking a salary from Data Dynamics. You’ve worked hard for us, yet you refuse to be compensated.”

  Seven’s reply was firm. “I have enough savings to last well beyond my leave. Besides, I hold several patents for devices I developed during my military tenure. The royalties from those also supplement my income. Even if I leave the service, these payouts will continue.”

  Sadra was impressed, and his entrepreneurial instincts kicked in. “Alright, when you’re ready to launch your commercial ventures, let me invest. Seed funding can make all the difference.”

  Seven hesitated, taken aback by the offer. “Uncle Sadra, I appreciate your confidence in me, but I wouldn’t feel accomplished if I didn’t build something of my own.”

  Sadra leaned forward, his tone all business. “Listen, kiddo. This isn’t about taking away your independence; it’s about fueling your vision. Promise me first dibs when you’re ready to start.”

  Seven chuckled, his resistance melting under Sadra’s genuine support. “Alright, I promise.”

  Just as his words landed, Sana’s playful teasing came through, “Daddy, you already have four smelly boys. Are you trying to score another one out of nowhere?”

  The room erupted in laughter. Sadra snorted, “My little darling, this man saved your life. Twice! Your smelly brothers can’t hold a candle to him.”

  Kasra and Kimi exchanged amused glances, their competitive streaks momentarily set aside. Kasra, ever the pragmatist, mused, “It’s fine. Let Seven take the title of Smelly #1. I’ll gladly let him bear the brunt of Dad’s endless rants.”

  Kimi, not one to miss a chance at stirring the pot, added, “Dad, did you kick us all down a notch because his name also starts with an ‘S’? Showing your bias now, aren’t you?”

  Seven, catching onto the dynamic, laughed. “Yeah, I noticed all the boys’ names start with ‘K.’ Is there a reason for that?”

  Sadra leaned in, his eyes twinkling with humor. “It’s a funny story, actually. Sana’s mother and I had a pact: sons would carry the first letter of her name, and daughters would carry mine. Well, I lost big time!”

  The room filled with laughter, but something wasn’t adding up, puzzling Seven. “So ‘Ami’ isn’t her actual name?”

  Sadra smirked. “Ami’s her middle name. Coincidentally, my brother and I both married women named Kyra. To avoid confusion, we call my wife by her middle name, since my brother’s wife doesn’t have one.”

  Understanding dawned. “Well, it’s a decisive victory for Aunt Ami—four to one,” he chirped.

  Sadra’s competitive streak flared, rubbing his hands in mock anticipation. “Ah, but I’ve scored another point with you on my team, making it four to two. When you and Sana bless me with grandchildren, their names can all start with ‘S.’”

  Ami’s quick wit surfaced. “Hold your horses, Saddy. Don’t forget we have Little Kate now. Seven and Kate cancel each other out. I’m still ahead by three.”

  Sadra threw up his hands in mock defeat. “Seven, Sana, we’re outnumbered. I’m counting on you two to even the score.”

  The playful banter carried on, laughter filling every corner of the room, the warmth of family camaraderie wrapping around them like a comforting embrace.

  A/N 1:

  This isn’t a straight or singular arc—there are still mini arcs ahead—but from here on out, his presence and choices carry more weight in the story.

  A/N 2:

  Or if you want to read ahead, hit up my.