Zaque shot Kairo a sharp look, his eyebrows furrowing slightly as the hybrid approached.

The moment Kairo was within reach, Zaque quickly stepped back and gave way to him— and just like that, Coco was yanked from one embrace and straight into another.

Kairo’s arms wrapped around her tightly, his grip firm, but gentle as he held her close against his chest.

"Coco." Kairo called softly. "What’s wrong?"

Coco’s breath hitched, her whole frame shaking with the force of her sobs.

She buried her face in the fabric of Kairo’s shirt to seek comfort, but not daring to return the embrace, and just let the tears stream down her face, wetting the fabric under her cheek as she tried to control her breathing.

"I.. I need to tell you something." She gasped out, making Kairo let out a quiet hum.

The hybrid’s grip loosened slightly as he lifted Coco effortlessly into his arms, and she melted against him instantly, her face pressing into the curve of his shoulder, her tears soaking through the fabric.

He carried her to the living room couch and settled onto it with ease, one hand still securely around her waist, which was just in time for Zaque, Alhai, Heiren, and Quizen to scramble forward, their expressions ranging from concern to outright alarm.

"Okay, wife." Zaque started and stepped closer. "What’s going on?"

Coco peeled herself away from Kairo’s shoulder, her tear-streaked face turning toward the others, with her eyes that were red and puffy locked onto theirs with a quiet devastation.

For a moment, she just stared.

Then, fresh tears spilled over as she choked out. "I’m.. I’m so sorry. I don’t know why I’m crying so much.. My chest feels so heavy."

Her hands trembled where they rested against Kairo’s chest, clinging to him before bringing her hands down onto her lap and clenching them.

Alhai shook his head and sat down beside them, with him reaching out to gently rest a hand on her knee, with his other resting protectively over the slight swell of his stomach.

"It’s okay." He soothed, his voice warm. "Take your time. We’re not going anywhere. Breathe in and out."

He demonstrated slow, exaggerated inhales through his nose and long exhales through parted lips— a clear rhythm for Coco to follow, so she can calm down.

Coco watched Alhai closely, the rise and fall of his chest becoming almost hypnotizing as she focused on his breathing.

Slowly, hesitantly, she began to mirror his movements, taking deep breaths that hitched and stuttered with every exhale, even going as far as her shoulders shuddering with each shaky inhale, her eyes never leaving Alhai’s.

"Just like that." The silver haired mediator murmured. "Just focus on your breathing. In and out."

Alhai stared as Coco followed his breathing, his smile growing wider as she slowly gained control of her emotions and when her breathing began to even out gradually, he couldn’t help the surge of affection that filled him.

"That’s my girl." He cooed and reached out, his touch gentle as he brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face. "I knew you could do it."

Coco managed a small smile, a brief glimpse of lightness in her eyes, but then her gaze dropped, and the moment of peace shattered— her expression hardening once more.

She took a shaky breath before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. "I need to tell you about my wedding with Kairo."

Kairo instinctively tightened his arms around Coco as she spoke, pulling Coco flush against him and trying to offer any comfort he could.

Coco continued, voice wavering with each word. "Mama.. She told Kairo that the officiator is going to be the crown princess, right? She wanted to use my wedding as an excuse to have Her Highness come here."

Zaque blinked, his frown easing slightly as the others exchanged glances, as equally confused as him.

"She saw it as.." Coco paused, lips quivering. "..An opportunity to have her come here."

The words hung in the air for a moment and it was the first husband who broke it, a sign escaping his lips as he looked at his crying wife.

"That’s it?" Zaque mumbled, a look of relief crossing his handsome features. "You’re upset over the princess officiating? Coco.. That’s not even close to a crisis."

He leaned forward slightly. "There’s nothing wrong with that. If anything.. It might be an honor."

"No... you don’t get it." Coco snapped, her frown deepening as she looked at Zaque. "My mother is trying to use the wedding as an excuse so we can confirm if the princess is my sister from my past life."

A heavy silence settled over them.

Zaque’s face paled slightly, Alhai inhaled through his nose, and Heiren stiffened where he sat across them, with Quizen gasping audibly.

Kairo, who had his arms around her, went completely still.

It was silent for a moment, the information getting soaked into their brain, but as usual, it was the third husband who broke the silence because he processed the information faster than them.. 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Alhai exhaled deeply, a small smile playing at his lips. "So that’s how it is.. Isn’t that good news? You’re going to meet your sister—"

"No."

Coco’s sharp word cut through his, a single tear breaking free to trail down her cheek, as she clenched her hands in her lap, voice thick with emotion.

"I want the wedding to be about me and Kairo." She stated, making Alhai flinch.

A pang of guilt shot through the mediator, his eyes zeroing on his wife’s pained expression, and couldn’t help himself from pleading as he backpedaled.

"O-of course." He quickly agreed, forcing a smile. "Of course it’ll be about you and Kairo, no? There’s no reason for it to be otherwise.."

He glanced away from Coco’s eyes, his gaze flickering to Kairo.

His turquoise eyes screamed for help, because he doesn’t have enough experience when it comes to offering comfort to their wife.

What if he said something and it was wrong again?