One morning, as Carina was getting ready, Maya walked into their bedroom to find her standing in front of the mirror. Carina was adjusting her outfit, and Maya couldn't help but notice a subtle but definite baby bump starting to show.

Maya's eyes widened with a mix of awe and excitement as she approached Carina. "Wow, look at you!" she said, her voice filled with warmth and admiration. "I can definitely see the baby bump now."

Carina smiled, her hand resting gently on her growing belly. "Yeah, it's starting to become more noticeable. It's kind of exciting and surreal to see it getting bigger."

Maya reached out and placed her hands on Carina's sides, feeling the gentle curve of her belly. "You look amazing. I can't believe how fast everything is progressing. It feels like just yesterday we were finding out about the pregnancy."

Carina chuckled softly, leaning into Maya's touch. "I know. It's incredible how quickly time flies. I'm getting used to the changes, but I have to admit, it's a bit overwhelming sometimes."

Maya nodded, her eyes still fixed on Carina's bump. "I can only imagine. But you're handling everything so well. And I promise, we'll figure everything out together. I want to be there for you every step of the way."

Carina turned to face Maya, her eyes reflecting a mix of gratitude and affection. "I know you will be. And I'm really grateful for that. Having you by my side makes all the difference."

Maya smiled, leaning in to kiss Carina's forehead. "And I'm grateful for you, too. Seeing this bump makes everything feel so real and wonderful. I can't wait to meet our little one."

Carina rested her head against Maya's shoulder, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "Me neither. It's going to be quite the adventure."

They stood there for a moment, embracing the reality of their growing family and the journey that lay ahead. The baby bump was a tangible reminder of the new chapter in their lives, and Maya and Carina were both excited and eager to experience it together.

— — —

Laura, the private investigator, arrived at Maya's office with a stack of documents and a serious expression. She was here to provide an update on the ongoing investigation into the financial discrepancies and Sarah's involvement. Maya, Jack, and Carina gathered around the conference table, their anticipation palpable.

"Thanks for coming in, Laura," Maya said as she motioned for her to begin. "What have you found?"

Laura took a deep breath and began to lay out the information. "I've reviewed the financial records and conducted further investigations into the discrepancies. I've found some troubling connections. Specifically, there's a link between some of the money transfers to Sarah and one that ties back to Lane."

Maya's eyes widened with concern. "Lane? Are you saying my father is involved?"

Laura nodded slowly. "It appears that way. There's a transfer that connects to an account associated with Lane. However, it's important to note that the connection is not entirely clear yet. There's no direct evidence that Lane personally facilitated these transactions, but the link is concerning."

Carina's face paled slightly, and she looked at Maya, worry etched on her features. "What about the other links?"

Laura continued, "For some of the transfers, we've identified links to fictitious entities within the organization. These entities don't have real counterparts and seem to be created specifically to obscure the flow of money. We're still trying to trace these back to their origins."

Jack leaned forward, his expression serious. "So, the situation is more complex than we initially thought. What does this mean for our next steps?"

Laura replied, "It means we need to be more thorough in our investigation. We need to follow the money trail more closely and determine who might be behind these fictitious entities. It's crucial to verify whether Lane's connection is direct or if he's being used as a cover."

"Laura," Maya began, her voice steady but resolute, "after reviewing everything we've uncovered, I believe it's time to turn all of this evidence over to the police. We've identified a connection between the money transfers, Sarah, and now even potentially Lane. It's clear that there's more at play here than just financial discrepancies."

Laura nodded, flipping through the detailed reports and documents in front of her. "I agree. The evidence you've provided is substantial. The links to Sarah are clear, and the connections to Lane, while still needing further investigation, are significant. Handing this over to the authorities is a prudent step."

Jack leaned forward, adding, "We need to ensure that everything is transparent and that the investigation can proceed without any further obstructions. This situation involves multiple layers, and it's important that the police have all the information to get to the bottom of it."

Carina, who had been listening quietly, spoke up, "I'm concerned about the potential fallout from this. It could affect the businesses and our families. But I understand the importance of making sure everything is out in the open."

Maya took Carina's hand, squeezing it gently. "I know it's going to be difficult, especially with how it might impact everyone involved. But we've been dealing with so many lies and deceit. It's time for us to be transparent and ensure that everything is handled correctly. If there's any involvement from Lane or anyone else, it needs to be addressed properly."

Laura nodded in agreement. "The police will need a comprehensive overview of the evidence and the connections you've made. I'll help you organize everything and ensure it's presented clearly."

Maya looked around at her team, feeling a mix of determination and apprehension. "Alright, let's prepare everything for submission. We need to make sure we provide a full picture so that the investigation can proceed smoothly."

Carina spoke up, her voice trembling slightly. "Should we confront Lane about this?"

Maya looked at Carina, then at Laura. "I think we need to gather more evidence before making any moves. It's important to have a clear understanding of the situation before we approach him. I want to be sure we have all the facts before taking any action."

Laura agreed. "That's a prudent approach. I'll continue to investigate and keep you updated on any new findings. In the meantime, it's important to maintain discretion and avoid drawing any conclusions without concrete evidence."

As Laura gathered her documents and prepared to leave, Maya, Jack, and Carina exchanged worried glances. The investigation was taking unexpected turns, and the potential involvement of Lane added a new layer of complexity to their already challenging situation.

— — —

Lucia's call came just as Carina was wrapping up her work for the day. They exchanged pleasantries, and Lucia, always attentive and perceptive, quickly picked up on her daughter's subdued tone.

"Carina, you seem a bit off today," Lucia said, her voice filled with concern. "Is everything alright? You're usually so upbeat when we talk."

Carina hesitated, feeling the weight of the secret she had been carrying. She knew it was time to share the news, but it was difficult to find the right words. "Mom, it's... it's been a challenging few weeks."

Lucia's voice softened with understanding. "Is it work? Or something else? You know you can tell me anything."

Carina took a deep breath, her heart racing. "Actually, there's something I need to tell you, and I'm not quite sure how to start."

Lucia's concern deepened. "What's going on, sweetheart?"

Carina's resolve firmed. "Maya and I... we're expecting a baby."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the line before Lucia responded, her voice breaking into a mix of surprise and joy. "Oh, Carina! That's wonderful news! I had no idea. How far along are you?"

Carina felt a wave of relief wash over her as she shared more details. "I'm about 17 weeks along. We just had our first ultrasound, and everything seems to be progressing well. We were planning to keep it quiet for a bit longer, but I couldn't keep it from you."

Lucia's excitement was palpable. "I'm so happy for you both! I'm thrilled to be a grandmother. How is Maya handling everything?"

Carina smiled at her mother's enthusiasm. "Maya's been incredible. She's so excited and involved. We've been busy with the nursery and preparing for the baby. It's just been a lot to manage on top of everything else."

Lucia's tone shifted to a more practical one. "Well, I'm glad you finally told me. We'll need to start planning for this wonderful addition to the family. Have you thought about how you're going to handle the changes?"

Carina nodded, feeling reassured by her mother's support. "Yes, we're working on it. We're making adjustments to our home and planning everything out."

Lucia's voice softened again, filled with warmth. "I'm here for you, Carina. If you need anything—whether it's advice, help with preparations, or just someone to talk to—please let me know. And by the way, a family vacation might be just what you need to relax a bit. Let's talk more about that soon."

Carina felt a weight lift off her shoulders. "Thank you, Mom. I appreciate your support. I'll keep you updated on everything."

That evening, as Maya and Carina settled into their cozy living room, Carina turned to Maya with a thoughtful expression. "I talked to my mom today. I told her about the pregnancy."

Maya looked up from where she was organizing baby items on the coffee table. "How did she take it?"

Carina's face lit up with a mixture of relief and happiness. "She was thrilled. She had so many questions and was excited about becoming a grandmother. I'm really glad I told her."

Maya smiled warmly, sensing Carina's joy. "That's wonderful. I'm so happy for you. We should probably tell my mom too. I know we've been waiting, but it's probably time."

Carina nodded in agreement. "Yes, I think it's best to tell her soon. I'm sure she'll be excited too. It's just... I'm still hesitant about telling your dad. I know he'll find out eventually, especially now that our mothers know."

Maya's expression grew pensive. "I understand. I'm not ready to talk to him yet. It feels like everything with the financial issues is still unresolved, and I just want to focus on us and the baby for now."

Carina reached out and took Maya's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We'll tell him when you're ready. In the meantime, let's focus on enjoying this moment and preparing for the baby."

— — —

The next morning at the office, the atmosphere was tense as Lane stormed into the executive floor, his face flushed with anger. Maya and Carina were deep in discussion about upcoming projects when Lane's sudden and forceful entrance caught them off guard.

"Maya!" Lane barked, his voice echoing off the walls. "How could you and Carina keep something as significant as this from me? You're both involved in the family businesses, and I have a right to know about this pregnancy!"

Maya's face hardened. "Lane, we agreed to handle this ourselves. You weren't part of the decision-making process for personal matters, and that includes our pregnancy."

Lane's eyes narrowed. "You think you can just exclude me? I'm a major stakeholder here! And let's not forget the contract. If this baby is an heir, it affects everything! You and Carina falling in love—"

Maya cut him off sharply. "Our relationship and our child are not some chess pieces for you to control. We fell in love and made our decisions without any influence from the contract or your so-called 'mastermind' strategies."

Lane's face twisted with frustration. "You think you're so above this all now? That contract was there for a reason. It wasn't just about the businesses; it was about securing our family's legacy!"

"Securing our family's legacy doesn't mean controlling our personal lives!" Maya shot back, her voice rising. "We've made our choices, and we're happy. The contract was your idea, but we have our own lives to live."

Lane's anger intensified, and he started pacing. "So, you think you can just ignore the implications? This affects the businesses, the merger, everything! And don't think I haven't noticed the discrepancies. You're in this mess too, Maya!"

Maya's patience snapped. "If you really cared about the businesses and their future, you wouldn't be using them as leverage against us. We're dealing with a lot right now, and you're not helping by bringing up the contract and trying to control us."

Carina stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "We're going to handle this pregnancy and our personal lives as we see fit. You need to respect that, Lane. We'll discuss business matters when we're ready."

The argument between Lane, Maya, and Carina escalated as the tension reached a boiling point. Lane's frustration and anger seemed to fuel the conflict, making it difficult for any resolution to be reached.

Lane's face was red with rage as he continued to berate Maya and Carina. "You think you can just ignore me? This affects more than just you two. It impacts the entire future of the family businesses! And you—" he pointed at Maya, "—you're supposed to be responsible!"

Maya's patience snapped. She took a deep breath, her eyes flashing with determination. "Lane, enough. If you don't leave right now, I'll call security. This is our office, and I will not tolerate you threatening us or speaking to us like this."

Lane looked taken aback by the firmness in Maya's voice but quickly recovered his composure. "I'm just trying to ensure everything stays in order. You're jeopardizing—"

Maya cut him off, her voice unwavering. "No, Lane. You're jeopardizing our personal lives with your interference. This is not a negotiation. You have no right to speak to us this way, and you will not do so again. I'm telling you now—leave, or I will have you removed."

Lane's anger turned to shock as Maya's words sank in. He glared at both Maya and Carina, his face a mixture of anger and disbelief. "This is unbelievable," he muttered, his voice a harsh whisper. "You're making a mistake."

Carina stepped forward, her own anger evident but tempered with calm resolve. "Lane, you need to understand that we are taking control of our lives. You are not welcome here if you continue to act this way. We are focusing on our family and our future. If you cannot respect that, then you have no place in this discussion."

Lane's jaw clenched, but he saw the determination in both women's eyes and realized that he was not going to win this argument. With a final, frustrated glare, he turned and stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him.

As the door banged shut, the silence that followed was heavy. Maya and Carina stood together, the weight of the confrontation settling over them. Maya turned to Carina, her expression softening as she reached for her hand.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that," Maya said softly. "I just couldn't let him talk to us like that. We need to set boundaries, for our sake and for the baby's."

Carina squeezed Maya's hand, her own gaze filled with understanding. "It's okay. I'm proud of you for standing up to him. We have to protect our family and our peace of mind."

Maya nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "We'll deal with the aftermath later. Right now, we need to focus on what's important—us and our baby."

Carina leaned in, giving Maya a reassuring hug. "Absolutely. We're in this together, and we'll face whatever comes next with strength and unity."

After the intense confrontation with Lane, Carina felt a surge of determination to help Maya unwind and find some comfort. She reached out to Carlos, their personal chef, knowing that a comforting meal could do wonders for Maya's mood.

"Hi, Carlos," Carina said, trying to keep her tone light despite the underlying tension. "I need a favor. Could you prepare a special dinner for us tonight? Maya's had a rough day, and I think a nice meal would really help her relax."

Carlos, always attentive to their needs, responded promptly. "Of course, Carina. What would you like me to prepare?"

Carina thought for a moment, recalling Maya's favorite dishes. "How about steak and potatoes? You know how much Maya loves that. Maybe with a side of roasted vegetables and a nice dessert, too?"

Carlos agreed enthusiastically. "Absolutely. I'll make sure it's perfect. I'll get started right away."

Carina thanked Carlos and hung up, feeling a small sense of relief knowing that Maya would have a comforting meal to look forward to. She then turned her attention back to Maya, who was still processing the earlier argument.

Later that evening, as the aroma of steak and potatoes filled their penthouse, Maya came into the dining area, her mood visibly lightened by the comforting smell. Carina greeted her with a warm smile and guided her to the table where the meal was beautifully arranged.

Maya's eyes lit up when she saw the steak and potatoes, her favorite comfort food. "You've outdone yourself, Carina," she said, her voice softening as she took in the spread. "This looks amazing."

Carina smiled, relieved to see a hint of relaxation in Maya's demeanor. "I thought you might need a bit of comfort food after today. I hope it helps."

As they sat down to eat, Maya took a bite of the perfectly cooked steak and sighed contentedly. "This is just what I needed. Thank you."

Carina nodded, taking her own seat. "I'm glad. We both needed this. Let's try to focus on the positive things and not let the stress of today overshadow everything else."

Maya reached across the table and took Carina's hand, her eyes filled with gratitude. "You're right. We have each other, and that's what matters most."

They spent the rest of the evening enjoying their meal and each other's company, finding solace in the simple comfort of good food and meaningful conversation.

Maya jumped into the shower as Carina finished getting ready for bed. Maya had become accustomed to the uptick in Carina's cravings for sex as the second trimester continued to fuel her emotions.

Maya finished her shower, dried and then got into bed naked next to Carina.

"No clothes, Bambina." Carina smirked

"Well you are just going to take them off me in a minute so I figured I would help us out and skip a step." Maya chuckled pulling Carina in for a kiss.

Carina pulled back the covers allowing her to see Maya's entire body taking in her firm, perky breasts, her nipples standing erect at the feel of the cooler air. Carina's eyes glanced down to her toned, muscular abs, and then to her rapidly hardening dick under Carina's gaze.

"Should I be worried that you are looking at me like a piece of meat?" Maya teased.

"Maya, I am just admiring your physique. I watch you admire mine all of the time." Carina quipped back

"Guilty as charged." Maya responded.

Carina looked at Maya, "I read this position" Carina turned on her side "can feel amazing, can we try this tonight?"

"Whatever you want, amore." Maya smirked as she snugged herself up to Carina.

"Maya, please" she mewled, trying to grind more firmly against Maya's cock, now nearly fully erect, hot and throbbing against the her ass.

One of Maya's hands slid down her abdomen, taking her time as she caressed the soft, little swell of their child growing in Carina's belly before she let it drag down and cup the entirety of her core, heel of her palm pressed against her swollen folds.

"Sowet for me," Maya growled, lips sweeping across the nape of her neck, leaving goosebumps in her wake, before she continued kissing up and down Carina's neck.

"Cazzo," Carina cried.

"Fuck" Maya whispered, beginning to grind her palm against Carina, the pressure, and the contact enough that stars erupted behind Carina's eyelids.

"Guess we need to start watching our language with the baby," Maya's voice rumbled, laced with pride, her chest so full of it that it made her , carrying her thought, no matter how many times a day it occurred to her, still made her tremble with bliss, heavy, uncontrollable pride, and possessiveness.

"Maya please just fuck me right now," Carina mewled, bucking her hips forward against Maya's hand, then grinding back against her cock.

Maya growled against Carina's ear, moving her hand so her deft fingers could begin dragging through her folds, Carina's slick coating her hand as she started lightly circling her clit, relishing in the way her body reacted.

"Maya, Cazzo, Maya" Carina cried out.

"Cum for me baby," Maya encouraged, her other arm snaking underneath her so she could drag her palm up her belly,to her tits, beginning to toy with Carina's nipples, the sensation sending shockwaves through Carina's core, meeting the tight coil in her pelvis and heightening it all to something earth-shattering. Carina found herself on the edge before she could even think about how close she was.

"I'm going to cum," Carina wailed, chest heaving against Maya's hand, her core already fluttering against Maya's fingers.

"Fuck" Maya hummed,squeezingCarina's clit between her thumb and her first finger, the pressuresomuch that her hand flew out, little fingers struggling to wrap around Maya's wrist, trying to pull her away or push her closer,too muchandnot enoughall at once.

Then Carina was coming with a desperatewail, her body snapping loose against Maya's chest and corefloodingher palm.

Carina shuddered through the last lapping waves of her orgasm, body feeling all mushy and soft, but stillhungry, still in fierce need of Maya's cock, to feel her inside of her. She could feel the hot, thick weight of it pressing into the small of her back, and she whined, trying to push back against Maya as she lifted one of Carina's thighs, taking her cock in her other hand and rubbing the leaking tip through Carina's folds.

"Maya" Carina cried out.

Maya moved her hands to Carina's waist, her cum still on Maya's fingers, now a glistening smear against her skin. "You are so beautiful" she mumbled, then tugged Carina backhard, spearing her on her cock, the tip kissing the mouth of her womb, with how deep she penetrated.

"Cazzo" Carina managed to moan blissed beyond comprehension. She feltsofull, a feeling that she could not get enough of with Maya fully inside of her. Carinamoanedat that, reaching around to grab at her forearm, fingernails digging into Maya's skin.

"I am not going to last long" Maya grunted, teeth bared, ballsachingas she felt Carina's core flutter around her as she thrust back and forth.

"Cum inside me," Carina all butbegged, the hammering of Maya's cocksatisfying her.

Carina was tight andstill getting wetterand after a couple more brutal thrusts she was coming undone, fluttering around Maya's cock, flooding her length, obscenely dripping onto her balls, coating the curly hair at the base of her dick.

"God that feels amazing," Maya stammered, voice tight, her own orgasm right at the crest. Her thrusts grew a little sloppy, a little more desperate, then she was coming, filling Carina as Maya let out a rattling moan against Carina's neck, biting down on the soft skin there, making her cry out for her, her coresofull,the pressure of it somehow pulling another, fluttering little orgasm out of her.

Maya held her there for a moment, "Guess I am going to need another shower."

As they lay together in bed, the afterglow of their intense orgasms still lingering, Maya and Carina cuddled closely under the soft sheets. The room was quiet, save for the gentle hum of the city outside their penthouse. Maya traced lazy circles on Carina's back, her thoughts drifting back to their earlier conversations.

After a few moments of peaceful silence, Carina broke it with a thoughtful murmur. "You know, we've been so focused on everything going on around us. I think it's time we talked more about names for the baby."

Maya shifted slightly to look at Carina, her fingers gently stroking Carina's arm. "I've been thinking about that, too. We should really start narrowing down our choices. It's so exciting to imagine what we'll name our little one."

Carina smiled, her eyes meeting Maya's. "I've been doing a bit of thinking, and I still love the idea of a name that means something special. Something that reflects our hopes and dreams for our child."

Maya nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I agree. I love names with meaning. I've been leaning towards names that are strong and meaningful. Something that reflects our values and the kind of person we hope our baby will grow up to be."

Carina considered this, her eyes wandering to the ceiling as she pondered. "I've always liked names that are classic but with a modern twist. For a girl, I've been thinking about names like Isabella or Sophia. They're elegant and timeless, but still fresh."

Maya smiled warmly. "Those are beautiful. For a boy, I've been thinking about names like Alexander or Benjamin. They have a strong presence but are also really versatile."

Carina's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I love both of those options. And I've been considering names with a bit of a cultural touch as well. Something that reflects our heritage and family history."

Maya's gaze softened as she looked at Carina. "Absolutely. It's important for us to choose a name that resonates with both our backgrounds and our future aspirations for our child."

As Maya and Carina continued to talk about names, their conversation became more focused. They both agreed that finding the perfect names was an important part of their journey into parenthood.

Carina gently ran her fingers along Maya's arm, looking thoughtful. "I've been really drawn to the name Isabella Charlotte for a girl. Isabella feels elegant and timeless, and Charlotte has a lovely, classic ring to it. Together, they sound beautiful."

Maya's eyes lit up with approval. "I love Isabella Charlotte. It has a wonderful flow, and both names are so meaningful. Isabella is a name with a rich history, and Charlotte is equally lovely and strong. I think it's perfect."

Carina smiled, clearly pleased. "I'm glad you like it. And for a boy, I've been thinking about Matteo Alexander. Matteo is a name with a bit of an international flair, and Alexander is strong and enduring. Together, they seem to balance tradition and modernity."

Maya's smile widened. "Matteo Alexander is a fantastic choice. Matteo feels both unique and classic, and Alexander is a name with a strong legacy. They complement each other so well."

They spent a few more moments talking about their choices, imagining their future child and how these names would fit them. Maya gently stroked Carina's hair, her voice soft with affection. "Isabella Charlotte or Matteo Alexander—it's going to be amazing to see our baby with such beautiful names."

Carina leaned in, her heart full of warmth. "I couldn't agree more. I'm so excited to meet our little one and see how these names will become a part of their identity."

They shared a tender kiss, the names they had chosen adding another layer of connection to their growing excitement about the baby's arrival.