That night, after dinner and laughter had settled into soft silence across the Denovan estate, Maya finally retreated to her room. The long day had left her body tired but her mind still busy..the excitement over Isabella’s pregnancy and the sudden wedding plans filled her thoughts like music that wouldn’t stop playing.

She shut her door quietly and leaned against it, exhaling slowly. The sound of her phone vibrating on the nightstand caught her attention. When she picked it up, the screen showed several missed calls — all from Elias.

Her lips curved into a tired smile. “Oh no, he must have been waiting.” She quickly dialed his number back,...