Page 87 of Raziel

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.