SECURED

SURPRISE.

• THIRD POINT OF VIEW •

In the quiet stillness of the early morning, the house stirred to life as David, Ivan, and the brothers woke up earlier than usual. Kirril and Ray had already left for the gym, Roman was busy making his coffee, and Ivan sat in a corner, engrossed in his early reading. David stood near the window, phone pressed to his ear as he spoke with Peter, discussing something important. Ciya, still nestled in her bed, slept peacefully, unaware of the commotion slowly building around her.

As the rest of them readied themselves and descended the stairs, the absence of Ray and Ciya didn't go unnoticed. It wasn't long before the silence was interrupted by the sharp sound of the doorbell, drawing everyone's attention. At that moment, Ray appeared, descending the staircase with casual grace, folding the sleeves of his shirt as he came. The maid, poised to answer the door, was quickly halted by Ray.

"I've got it. Could you make some coffee, please?" he asked, and she nodded, scurrying off to fulfill his request.

Ray reached the door and pulled it open. Before he could even react, a familiar voice greeted him.

"How much time does it take you to open a door?" she said, slipping inside without any warning, her presence as bold as ever.

"Bi, what are you doing here?" Ray asked, taken aback by the sudden appearance of the lively visitor.

Bi tilted her head, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, Ray, you act like you're not thrilled to see me," she teased, giving him a playful nudge. "Don't worry, I'm not here to mess with you today. I've got more important things on my agenda."

Ray raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

"Like Ciya, obviously!" Bi said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. She waved her hand dramatically. "I've been thinking about her all morning. So, I decided-why not come and visit my favorite person in the whole wide world? And no, that's not you, in case you were wondering," she added with a wink.

Ray leaned against the wall, folding his arms as well. "You know, it wouldn't kill you to give me a heads-up. Maybe a 'Hey, Ray, I'm popping over'? I don't know, something a little more polite?"

Bi rolled her eyes, dramatically waving a hand. "Polite? Since when do we do polite? It's more fun surprising you. Besides," she added with a grin, "I like seeing that little spark of confusion when you have no idea what's going on."

Ray sigh, shaking his head. "You're impossible."

"And you're predictable." Bi said, going towards hall.

"Where is she? Where's Ciya? I want to see her! How's she doing, anyway" she called out as she made her way to the dining hall, her tone light but determined.

Ray sighed, knowing he couldn't keep up with her whirlwind energy. He followed her into the dining room, where Roman was quietly sipping his coffee, not expecting the burst of energy that was Bi.

Ray's expression softened at the mention of Ciya. "She's been a bit under the weather, but she's tough. She's resting upstairs."

"Roman! Where is Ciya?" Bi asked, her voice bubbling with excitement, her hands clasped together like an impatient child waiting for a surprise.

Roman, taken aback by her sudden appearance, glanced at Ray, then back at Bi. "She's upstairs, in the medical room," he finally said, giving her a soft smile.

Bi's playful demeanor shifted for a moment, her concern evident. "She's okay, though, right?"

"Yeah," Ray nodded, "she's alright. Just needs some time."