Chapter 39 The doorbell chimed-a sound that still felt alien in this house. I watched from the kitchen as Maya practically skipped to answer it, her energy too bright for the quiet tension coiling in my gut. I heard them before I saw them. My father's low, measured tone. Serena's light, melodic laugh. And then another voice-deeper, more relaxed-Caine's. They filed into the living room like a parade of my complicated history. Raffaele's eyes scanned the space, nodding in approval at the changes Maya had made-the splash of color from her art on the walls, the lived-in comfort of it all. This was our second family dinner. The first since the renovations. Eight months since I'd been shot. It took me three of those to recover. Serena embraced Maya like a daughter. "The house looks beautiful, darling." "Thank you for coming," Maya beamed. I could see the genuine warmth in her eyes. She'd wanted this. A family. Caine hung back, hands in his pockets, offering me an easy nod from across the room. "Brother." "Caine," I nodded back. The word still felt unfamiliar on my tongue-but not unwelcome. I moved to greet my father. He clasped my shoulder, his grip firm. "Raziel. You look well." "Feeling better," I said, voice neutral. That's when I overheard him murmur to Maya, his tone playful, though edged with intent:"Beautiful home. Perfect for a family. You give me a grandchild by the end of next year, I'll put ten million in an account for you." Annoyance crept up my spine. He was always outdoing me. Maya just laughed, light and unfazed. "You better keep your promise, Raffaele." She drifted back to my side, looping her arm through mine. Her smile never wavered, but her whisper was meant only for me."Fix your face. You promised to be nice. He's trying." I forced the tension from my shoulders and gave a curt nod to the room."Drinks are on the island." Dinner was... lively. Maya and Miyori kept the conversation flowing, a buffer against lingering awkwardness. Priest was silent and watchful-until Maya reached for the last dinner roll. His hand shot out, snatching it from the basket just before her fingers could close around it. "Mine," he said, flat. Maya's eyes narrowed. "Give it to me. This is my house." "No." Miyori sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Will you two ever stop? You're worse than children." "He started it," Maya muttered, kicking Priest under the table. I watched the exchange, a strange sense of normalcy settling over me. This was her family. This bickering, ridiculous love. And now-somehow-they were mine too. When dessert was served, my father leaned back in his chair, looking between Maya and me with a contented expression. "This is good," he said. "You're a blessing, my girl."And he meant more than the food. Maya smiled, sweet as pie, then turned her bright eyes directly on him. "Raffaele," she said, all innocence. "About that offer earlier..." I tensed. What offer? She tilted her head and smiled with all her teeth."Can I get fifteen million if I get you that grandkid in six months or less?" Serena choked on her wine. Miyori's eyes went wide. Priest just stared. My father studied her for a beat. Then a deep, slow laugh rumbled from his chest. He pointed a finger at her, eyes crinkling with amusement. "You drive a hard bargain, girl. Fifteen million-and my undying gratitude." Maya's grin widened."Well, get your money together, Grandpa, because in six months-" I cut in, voice dry. "You indulge her too much, Father."He kept buying her expensive gifts. "You can't keep giving her-" Then my brain caught up to her words. "You're pregnant?" Her smile didn't falter. "You're a little slow, huh?" she teased. Everything inside me stilled. Forks clinked. Chairs creaked. Laughter buzzed around me like static, but it all faded as I locked eyes with her. She looked... calm. Happy. I stood slowly, the chair scraping against the floor. "You're serious?" I whispered. She nodded, biting her bottom lip. "I wanted to tell you earlier, but... tonight felt right. Especially with fifteen million sitting on the line." I stepped around the table, my body moving on instinct. My hand slid to her waist. My other cupped her face. "You're carrying my child?" "Yes." "We're getting married tomorrow." Maya blinked. "What?" "You heard me." "I'm not the marriage type," she said, looking almost scared. "You are now." Five-year-old Annie, who can understand animals, saved Landon Hawthorne, a wealthy businessman, from suicide. Now she's his whole world and he's her legal cheat-code against every villain fate throws ...