Chapter 23: You’re Going to Be a Father
The SUV maneuvered smoothly into the expansive compound of the Manhattan grand estate, its sleek black body gleaming under the golden hues of the setting sun. The vehicle came to a gentle halt on the stone-paved driveway, the sound of the tires crunching against the gravel echoing faintly across the estate's tranquil grounds. The engine cut off with a low growl, and the door to Megan’s side was pulled open swiftly by one of her escorts.
Megan stepped out with an unmistakable air of confidence, her designer slippers tapping rhythmically against the polished stone as she descended. Her every movement carried purpose, from the way her tailored silk dress swayed elegantly with her stride to the defiant arch of her brows as she surveyed the grounds. She turned to the man holding the door open, her tone sharp yet composed.
"Fetch me my sister," she ordered, her voice cutting through the serene air like a blade.
"Yes, ma’am," the man responded immediately, nodding once before straightening up.
“And be fast about it,” Megan added, a slight edge of impatience creeping into her tone. Without waiting for a response, she turned toward the mansion's grand entrance, her head held high and her heels clicking against the stone with a commanding rhythm.
The man muttered another hasty, "Sure thing, ma’am," before taking off in the direction of the junior suites, his polished shoes pounding against the pavement as he sprinted to carry out her command.
Megan pushed the towering double doors open with both hands, her strength belying her slender frame. The doors creaked slightly as they swung inward, revealing the sprawling marble-floored foyer bathed in the soft glow of a crystal chandelier. The pristine silence of the house enveloped her as she strode purposefully toward the grand staircase. Her movements were smooth yet deliberate, her slippers skimming the polished marble as she ascended the steps.
Arriving at the master suite— her shared haven with Carlos— Megan’s voice rang out as she pushed the door open without hesitation.
"Honey? Where are you? I’ve got some good news!" Her voice carried a playful lilt, excitement bubbling just beneath the surface.
She stepped inside, her eyes scanning the luxurious bedroom. The king-sized bed was immaculately made, its silver-and-gold satin sheets shimmering under the soft glow of recessed lighting. The room, however, was empty.
“Carlos?” she called again, stepping further in. Her brows furrowed slightly as she glanced around.
Still no answer.
Megan reached for her phone inside her pocket, her perfectly manicured fingers scrolling through her recent calls until she found Carlos’s number. She pressed it, and the call connected almost instantly.
“Are you okay?” Carlos’s voice came through, a mixture of concern and urgency in his tone. “What did the doctor say?”
Megan’s lips curled into a soft smile as she leaned against the ornate doorframe, the cool wood pressing against her back. “I’m fine,” she assured him, a hint of amusement in her voice. “More than fine, actually.”
Carlos paused on the other end, his silence betraying his confusion. Megan pushed off the doorframe and began strolling leisurely down the hallway, her heels echoing softly against the marble floors.
“I’ve got good news,” she teased, her voice light yet brimming with anticipation. “Where are you?”
“What news is that?” Carlos asked, his curiosity piqued.
“Guess,” Megan replied, drawing out the word playfully as she reached the grand corridor leading to the backyard.
I'm not that good at guessing,” Carlos admitted, a chuckle in his voice. “Just tell me.”
Megan smirked, biting back a laugh. “Oh, trust me, this is news I’d much rather deliver in person. Now, where are you?”
“I’m by the pool,” Carlos said finally. “In the backyard.”
“Perfect. Stay right there,” Megan instructed before ending the call with a click. Her pace quickened as she made her way through the sprawling mansion, her excitement mounting with every step.
The backyard stretched out like a scene from a magazine spread, the turquoise pool glinting under the soft evening sunlight. Palm trees swayed gently in the breeze, their shadows dancing across the sleek stone deck. Carlos was lounging on a modern canopied daybed, his muscular frame reclined as he soaked in the mellow warmth of the evening sun. He wore a casual linen shirt, unbuttoned at the top, and tailored slacks that hinted at his effortless style.
The moment Megan stepped into view, Carlos sat up, squinting slightly as he shaded his eyes with one hand. She strode confidently toward him, her figure silhouetted against the fading light, her hair cascading down her back like a waterfall of molten gold.
“What’s it? The good news?” Carlos asked, his voice tinged with curiosity as his gaze locked onto hers.
Megan stopped a few steps away from him, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. “I’m pregnant,” she announced, her words hanging in the air like a thunderclap.
Carlos froze, his hand dropping to his side as he stared at her in disbelief. “What?” he breathed, his voice barely audible. “You’re… pregnant?”
“It’s true,” Megan confirmed, her smile widening as she watched the realization dawn on his face.
Carlos shot to his feet, towering over her now as his expression transformed from shock to elation. “You’re not joking, are you?” he asked, his voice rising with excitement.
“Would I joke about something like this?” Megan teased, placing her hands on her hips.
Before she could say another word, Carlos let out a triumphant laugh, scooping her up in his arms and spinning her around. Megan’s laughter rang out, mingling with his as they shared the moment of pure joy.
“You’re pregnant!” Carlos exclaimed, his voice brimming with pride and disbelief as he set her down gently. “I can’t believe it.”
“It’s true,” Megan repeated, her tone softening as she placed her hands over his, which were now resting protectively on her stomach. “You’re going to be a father.”
Carlos’s eyes softened as he stared down at her, his hands rubbing gentle circles over her stomach. “You’ve finally proven yourself useful,” he said with a teasing smirk, though his voice carried a hint of genuine affection. “Not like your useless sister.”
Megan’s smile faltered for a brief moment, but she quickly recovered, brushing off the jab with a light laugh. “Oh, don’t worry. I’ll make sure she knows just how ‘useful’ I’ve become.”