The next morning, Carina wakes up feeling slightly better but still not at her best. She decides it would be wise to work from home for the morning and head into the office later in the day, allowing herself to rest and recuperate. She sends a quick message to her team, letting them know she'll be working remotely until she feels more up to heading in.

Meanwhile, Maya heads to the office, determined to stay on top of things despite the ongoing complications with the investigation. She's scheduled a meeting with Jack to discuss the latest developments and finalize plans for the upcoming merger.

When Maya arrives at the office, she's greeted by the familiar hum of activity and the buzz of conversations among the staff. She heads straight to Jack's office, where he's already waiting for her.

"Hey, Jack," Maya says as she walks in, setting her bag down. "How's everything going?"

Jack looks up from his desk, offering a warm smile. "Hi, Maya. Everything's good, just busy as usual. I'm glad you're here. I've got some updates for you on the merger process."

Maya takes a seat across from him, her expression serious. "Great. I want to go over the latest developments and see where we stand. Also, I need to discuss some of the issues we've been facing with the financial discrepancies."

Jack nods, pulling out a stack of documents. "Sure thing. Let's start with the merger updates. We've been making good progress on consolidating the departments, but there are a few areas where we're still working through the details."

As they dive into the specifics, Jack outlines the current status of each department's integration, highlighting areas that are ahead of schedule and others that need more attention. They discuss strategies to address any remaining issues and ensure a smooth transition.

After reviewing the merger updates, Maya shifts the conversation to the financial discrepancies. "I've been going over the reports, and there are still some major discrepancies we need to address. Have you found anything new on your end?"

Jack shakes his head. "We're still working on reconciling the numbers. It's been challenging, especially with the recent changes. We may need to bring in additional resources to get this sorted out."

Maya sighs, feeling the weight of the situation. "I understand. Just keep me updated on any progress. This merger is critical, and we need to ensure everything is in order."

Jack nods in agreement. "Absolutely. I'll keep you informed and we'll work through these issues as quickly as possible."

"By the way, Maya," Jack begins, "I've noticed something unusual. Both Lane and Vincenzo have been hanging around the businesses a lot lately. It's more frequent than usual, and it seems like they're spending a lot of time in the offices."

Maya raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "Lane and Vincenzo? That's strange. I thought they were supposed to be stepping back from the day-to-day operations."

Jack nods. "Exactly. It's been a bit unsettling. I've seen them popping in and out, meeting with various departments, and generally being more involved than they were before."

Maya's mind races as she considers the implications. "Do you think they're trying to interfere with the merger process? Or is there something specific they're looking for?"

"It's hard to say," Jack replies. "I haven't seen any direct evidence of them actively obstructing things, but their presence is definitely noticeable. It's worth keeping an eye on, especially given the current complexities with the merger."

Maya sighs, feeling the weight of the situation. "I agree. I'll need to address this with them. We can't have them undermining the progress we're trying to make."

Jack offers a supportive nod. "Let me know if you need any help with this. I'll make sure to keep my ears open and pass along any relevant information."

"Thanks, Jack," Maya says, appreciating his support. "I'll have a chat with Lane and Vincenzo and see what's going on. We need to make sure everyone is on the same page and focused on moving forward."

As the meeting wraps up, Maya glances at the clock, realizing it's almost time for Carina to start heading into the office. "I should check in with Carina and see how she's doing. I'll catch up with you later, Jack."

"Sounds good," Jack replies. "If you need anything or want to discuss further, just let me know."

Maya heads back to her office, quickly sending Carina a message to check in on her. She waits for Carina's response, hoping that she's feeling well enough to make it into the office later in the day.

— — —

As Carina arrives at the office, she's feeling much better and relieved to be back. She walks through the familiar corridors, her steps light and purposeful. She heads straight to her office, where she finds Maya busy with paperwork.

Carina waves to Maya and quickly moves to her desk, picking up the phone to call Jo.

"Hey Jo," Carina says, her voice cheerful. "I'm feeling so much better today. I just got back to the office."

On the other end of the line, Jo responds with a warm, friendly tone. "That's great to hear, Carina! I'm glad you're feeling better. How's everything going?"

Carina takes a seat at her desk, organizing her things as she talks. "Things are starting to get back to normal. Maya and I had to cancel our Valentine's plans, but we're planning to reschedule for when we're both feeling up to it. How's everything on your end?"

Jo chuckles softly. "Oh, you know, just the usual busy stuff. Jack and I are still planning that vacation to France. We've been looking into different destinations and activities. We're both excited about it."

Carina smiles, feeling a pang of excitement for her friend. "That sounds amazing! I'm sure you two will have a fantastic time. If you need any recommendations or help with planning, just let me know."

"Thanks, Carina. I'll definitely keep that in mind," Jo says. "By the way, are you free for lunch later? I thought it would be nice to catch up in person."

Carina glances at her schedule, realizing she has some free time. "I'd love to. Let's plan for lunch. I'll swing by your office around noon if that works for you."

"Perfect," Jo replies. "I'm looking forward to it. See you then!"

Carina hangs up the phone and looks over at Maya, who is still working intently at her desk. She takes a deep breath, feeling a sense of normalcy returning as she settles back into her work routine.

"Hey, Maya," Carina calls out, walking over to her. "I just had a chat with Jo. We're planning to catch up for lunch later. How are things going on your end?"

Maya looks up from her work, her expression a mix of concentration and relief. "I'm glad you're feeling better. Things have been busy here, as usual. I just had a discussion with Jack about some concerns with the merger and the presence of Lane and Vincenzo around the businesses. We need to keep an eye on that."

Carina's eyebrows raise in concern. "Really? That's unexpected. I'll definitely help out with that. Let me know if there's anything specific you need me to do."

Maya nods appreciatively. "Thanks, Carina. I'll keep you updated. In the meantime, I'm glad you're back and feeling better. Let's make sure we keep everything on track."

With Carina back in the office and feeling better, Maya feels a renewed sense of optimism. They both dive into their work, ready to tackle the challenges ahead and move forward with their plans.

— — —

At lunch, Carina and Jo settle into a cozy corner of their favorite restaurant. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, a welcome respite from their busy work schedules. As they catch up, Jo fills Carina in on her and Jack's Valentine's Day plans.

"Jack and I had a lovely evening planned," Jo begins, a bright smile on her face. "We were going to go on a private dinner cruise around the sound. We ended up seeing orcas, which was incredible. I think it was the best date we've had in a long time."

Carina's eyes light up with genuine excitement. "That sounds amazing! I'm so glad you two had a great time. I'm sorry we had to cancel our plans. I just came down with this stomach bug out of nowhere."

Jo nods sympathetically. "That's rough. I hope you're feeling better now. It's such a bummer when you have to miss out on special plans."

Carina sighs, grateful for Jo's understanding. "Yeah, it was disappointing. But at least I'm back at work now. I'm just glad I'm on the mend. How's everything else going?"

Jo adjusts her menu, her eyes landing on the grilled fish. "Everything's been good. Jack's been looking into engagement rings, which is exciting. And we're still planning that vacation to France."

Jo orders the grilled fish with Carina following suit with the same.

Carina's eyes widen. "Wow, that's fantastic. France sounds like a dream. Have you narrowed down any destinations yet?"

Jo is about to answer when the waiter arrives, placing a plate of grilled fish in front of her. The smell wafts through the air, and Carina's face suddenly pales. She tries to ignore it, but her stomach churns at the scent.

Jo notices Carina's discomfort and raises an eyebrow. "Carina, are you okay? You look a little off."

Carina forces a smile, trying to push through the queasiness. "I'm fine, just not feeling the best today. I think the smell of the fish is a bit strong for me right now."

Jo's concern deepens. She watches Carina closely, trying to gauge if there's something more going on. "Do you need to go outside for some fresh air? Or maybe we should get you something else to eat?"

Carina shakes her head, though her discomfort is evident. "No, it's okay. I think I just need to sit through it. Maybe I should have just stuck to something lighter."

As Jo continues to watch Carina with a growing sense of worry, she can't help but think that Carina's symptoms might be more than just a simple stomach bug. She makes a mental note to keep an eye on her friend and offer support if needed.

Jo tries to shift the conversation to something lighter to distract Carina from her discomfort. "So, tell me more about this dress you've been eyeing. It sounds gorgeous!"

Carina, eager to focus on something pleasant, smiles despite her queasiness. "Oh, it's this beautiful deep blue number. I've been thinking about it for an upcoming event. It's got this elegant cut and just the right amount of sparkle."

As Carina describes the dress, Jo listens attentively, glad to see her friend engage in something that brings her joy.

As they finish their lunch, Carina's discomfort grows due to the lingering smell of the grilled fish. She shifts uneasily and tries to mask her discomfort. Jo, noticing her friend's unease, offers a sympathetic smile.

"Carina, are you okay?" Jo asks gently.

Carina takes a deep breath, her face showing signs of nausea. "I'm sorry, Jo. The smell is really bothering me. I think we should cut our lunch short."

Jo nods understandingly. "Of course. Let's head back to the office."

As they walk back toward Carina's office, Carina's discomfort becomes more evident. She glances at Jo and says, "You know, I was thinking. Since we're cutting our lunch short, how about we stop by a farmer's market I've heard about? It could be a nice change of scenery and might help me feel a bit better."

Jo's eyes light up at the suggestion. "That sounds like a great idea. Fresh air and a bit of strolling might do you good. Let's check it out."

The two friends quickly make their way to the nearest farmer's market. As they arrive, the vibrant atmosphere and the fresh scents of fruits, vegetables, and flowers greet them. Carina starts to relax, her mood lifting with the change in environment.

They wander through the stalls, enjoying the variety of local produce and artisan goods. Carina feels the fresh air and the colorful surroundings help alleviate her previous discomfort. Jo picks up a few fresh herbs and fruits, while Carina finds herself drawn to the flowers.

Carina takes a deep breath, feeling better with each step. "Thanks for coming with me, Jo. This is exactly what I needed."

Jo smiles warmly. "I'm glad you're feeling better. It's nice to get out and enjoy something different for a change."

After their refreshing visit to the farmer's market, Carina and Jo head back to the office. Carina feels much better, the change of scenery and fresh air having worked wonders on her mood and overall well-being.

As they enter the office, Carina takes a moment to appreciate the calm atmosphere and the familiar surroundings. She smiles at Jo. "Thanks for the break and for coming with me. I'm feeling a lot better now."

Jo grins. "No problem at all. I'm glad to hear that. If you need anything else, just let me know."

Carina heads to her office, feeling rejuvenated. She starts catching up on her emails and tasks, her earlier discomfort now a distant memory. The farmer's market visit has given her a much-needed boost of energy and a renewed focus for the rest of the day.

— — —

Maya is in the middle of reviewing some documents at home when her phone rings with a call from Detective Martinez. Her heart skips a beat, knowing this could be significant news about Cecil Furling's case.

"Hello, Detective Martinez," Maya answers, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Hi, Maya. I wanted to update you on the investigation into Cecil Furling's death," the detective says. There's a pause before he continues, his tone serious. "We've conducted further investigation and have now determined that Cecil's death was not due to an accidental overdose, but rather a murder."

Maya's grip tightens on her phone, her mind racing. "Murder? Are you sure?"

"Yes," Martinez confirms. "We found evidence suggesting foul play. It appears that Cecil's death was planned and executed deliberately. We're still working on identifying potential suspects and motives, but this changes the nature of our investigation significantly."

Maya takes a deep breath, trying to process the gravity of the situation. "Do you have any leads on who might be responsible?"

"At this point, we're still gathering information," Martinez says. "However, we're looking into connections with known criminal organizations and individuals who had a motive. We're also reviewing any new evidence or information that might have surfaced recently."

"Maya, I have some additional information for you," Martinez begins, his tone grave. "It appears that Sarah has left the country."

Maya's heart skips a beat. "Sarah? Are you sure?"

"Yes," Martinez confirms. "We've tracked her movements, and it seems she departed for an international destination a few days ago. We're still working on pinpointing her exact location, but she's definitely not in the country anymore."

Maya feels a wave of anxiety and frustration. "This complicates things even further. Do you have any idea where she might be?"

"We're following up on leads," Martinez says. "We know she's been in contact with a few associates who may be able to provide more information. We're also coordinating with international law enforcement to track her down."

Maya rubs her temples, feeling overwhelmed. "This is all happening so fast. Is there anything I should be doing?"

"Right now, just stay vigilant and keep us informed if you notice anything unusual or if you receive any information that might be relevant," Martinez advises. "We're on top of it, but your cooperation is crucial."

"I understand," Maya replies, trying to steady her voice. "I'll make sure to pass along any information I might come across."

As the call ends, Maya feels a heavy weight settle over her. She turns to find Carina, who has been resting on the couch, looking up at her with concern.

"What's wrong?" Carina asks, noticing Maya's troubled expression.

Maya sits down beside her, trying to steady her breathing. "The police just called. They've determined that Cecil's death wasn't an accidental overdose. It was murder."

Carina's eyes widen in shock. "Murder? Oh my God, that's terrible. Do they have any idea who did it?"

"They're still investigating," Maya replies, her voice trembling slightly. "They're looking into connections with criminal organizations and other leads. It's all still very preliminary."

Carina reaches out, taking Maya's hand in hers. "This is really unsettling. I can't believe it."

"I know," Maya says, squeezing Carina's hand. "It's a lot to take in. I just want to make sure we're safe and that this doesn't affect us any more than it already has."

"Carina, there's more," Maya says, her voice trembling. "Sarah has left the country. The police are tracking her down, but right now she's out of reach."

Carina's eyes widen in shock. "Sarah is on the run? This just keeps getting worse."

Maya nods, feeling a deep sense of frustration. "It's like everything we're dealing with is becoming more complicated. I just don't understand how it all connects."

Carina reaches out and takes Maya's hand, offering her support. "We'll get through this. The police are doing everything they can to find her. In the meantime, let's focus on staying safe and supporting each other."

Maya takes a deep breath, trying to find comfort in Carina's words. "You're right. We need to stay strong and stick together. I'll keep you updated on any new information."

Carina nods, her expression thoughtful. "We'll get through this together. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know."

Maya leans in, resting her head on Carina's shoulder. "Thank you. I appreciate your support. For now, I think we should focus on taking care of each other and not let this overshadow our lives."

— — —

As the evening winds down, Maya and Carina find themselves alone in their bedroom, the day's activities behind them. Maya, feeling a surge of affection, pulls Carina close and initiates a long, tender kiss. The moment is intimate and filled with the warmth of their connection.

Maya's hands begin to explore gently, running her fingers over Carina's clothed body. As her touch reaches Carina's chest, Carina pulls away slightly, a look of discomfort crossing her face. "Maya, my breasts are really sensitive right now," she says softly.

Maya immediately halts her movements, her expression shifting to one of concern and understanding. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Carina. I didn't realize. I should have been more mindful."

Carina offers a reassuring smile, appreciating Maya's sensitivity. "It's okay, Maya. I know you didn't mean anything by it. Just a bit of sensitivity from being under the weather."

Maya nods, her eyes filled with genuine regret. "I'm really sorry. I just wanted to be close to you. Let's just enjoy being together without any pressure."

Carina nods, reaching out to gently touch Maya's cheek. "I appreciate that. Let's just cuddle and relax for the rest of the night."

As Maya drifts off to sleep beside her, Carina remains awake, her mind racing. The gentle rise and fall of Maya's breathing provides a comforting backdrop, but Carina's thoughts are preoccupied. She starts to connect the dots between her recent symptoms: the upset stomach, the aversion to strong smells, and the sensitive breasts.

Sitting up slightly, Carina's gaze moves around the dimly lit room. She recalls the times she felt queasy, the moments when certain smells seemed overwhelming, and the sudden sensitivity she experienced. Each symptom seems to be pointing in a direction she hadn't considered before.

Her thoughts turn to recent conversations with Jo and their discussion about her IUD. Carina remembers Jo's subtle questions and the fact that she hadn't replaced her IUD yet. Could her symptoms be related to something more than just a temporary illness?

Carina's mind races with possibilities, her heartbeat quickening with a mix of worry and hope. She knows she needs to be sure about what's going on. Taking a deep breath, she resolves to take a pregnancy test as soon as possible. The idea of starting a family has always been something she and Maya discussed, but they had yet to take definitive steps toward it.

Feeling both anxious and hopeful, Carina gently shifts closer to Maya, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. She decides to wait until morning to take any further action, knowing that her thoughts tonight are best approached with a clear mind and a calm heart.

As she settles back into bed, she allows herself to drift into a restless sleep, hoping that tomorrow will bring clarity and answers.

The next morning, Carina wakes up feeling unrested but determined. She has spent much of the night contemplating her symptoms and their possible implications. As she glances at Maya, still peacefully asleep beside her, Carina realizes she needs to have an open and honest conversation about what's been on her mind.

Carefully, Carina extricates herself from the bed, trying not to wake Maya. She heads to the bathroom, washes her face, and gathers her thoughts. After a few minutes of reflection, she decides to make some coffee and prepare a light breakfast for when Maya wakes up.

Once everything is ready, Carina returns to the bedroom and sits on the edge of the bed, gently shaking Maya awake. "Maya," she whispers softly. "Hey, it's time to wake up."

Maya stirs, blinking sleepily. "Good morning," she murmurs, stretching and reaching out for Carina. "What's up?"

Carina takes a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "I need to talk to you about something important. It's been on my mind all night."

Maya, now more alert, sits up and looks at Carina with concern. "Of course. What's going on?"

Carina hesitates for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "Last night, I started connecting some of my symptoms—my upset stomach, the aversion to strong smells, and the sensitivity in my breasts. I couldn't help but think about whether these could be signs of something more."

Maya's expression shifts to one of concern. "What do you mean?"

Carina continues, "I've been thinking about our conversation with Jo and the fact that I haven't replaced my IUD yet. I'm worried that I might be pregnant. I know we haven't actively tried to conceive, but I need to be sure."

Maya reaches out, taking Carina's hand in hers. "Carina, thank you for sharing this with me. I understand how this could be on your mind. What do you want to do next?"

Carina looks relieved to have Maya's support. "I think I need to take a pregnancy test to find out for sure. I don't want to jump to conclusions, but I also want to be certain."

Maya nods, squeezing Carina's hand reassuringly. "Let's do that. I'll be here with you every step of the way. We'll figure this out together."

As Maya and Carina start their morning, Carina decides to call Jack to inform him that she and Maya will be arriving at the office later than usual. She knows it's important to keep him updated, especially given the circumstances.

"Hi, Jack," Carina says when he answers the phone. "I wanted to let you know that Maya and I will be in late today. I'm feeling under the weather, and we have some personal matters to attend to this morning."

Jack's concern is evident in his voice. "Of course, Carina. Take your time. If you need anything or if there's anything I can do, just let me know."

"Thanks, Jack," Carina replies, appreciating his understanding. "We'll keep you updated."

After ending the call, Maya quickly heads out to get a pregnancy test. She wants to make sure they get the test done as soon as possible. At the store, she picks up a few different brands to ensure accuracy and checks for the best options available. She's determined to get this resolved quickly and with as much certainty as possible.

Maya returns home with the tests and finds Carina waiting anxiously. They both sit in the bathroom, the atmosphere tense but hopeful. Maya hands Carina the tests with a reassuring smile. "Okay, let's do this. I'm here with you."

Carina takes a deep breath, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope. She goes through the process of using the tests, and they both wait for the results. Maya stays by her side, holding her hand and offering silent support.

As the minutes tick by, Maya tries to keep the mood light, making small talk and gently rubbing Carina's back.

As Carina and Maya sit together in the bathroom, the minutes feel like hours. Maya holds Carina's hand, offering comfort and trying to ease the tension that's palpable between them. The bathroom is quiet except for the soft hum of the fan and the occasional shuffling of Maya's feet as she paces slightly.

Carina glances at the clock, then at the tests laid out on the counter. "I didn't think I'd be so nervous about this," she admits, her voice a mix of anxiety and anticipation.

Maya gives her a reassuring squeeze. "It's completely normal to feel this way. We've been through so much, and this is just another step. No matter what the results are, we'll handle it together."

Carina nods, trying to calm her racing thoughts. "I know. It's just… there are so many things to consider. I hope we're prepared for whatever comes next."

Maya smiles softly, her eyes meeting Carina's with warmth and support. "We are. We've handled challenges before, and this is no different. We'll figure things out as they come."

The tests' timer goes off, and they both look at the results with bated breath. Carina reaches for the first test, her hands slightly trembling. Maya peeks over her shoulder, her expression a mix of hope and concern.

Carina takes a deep breath and looks at the result. Her eyes widen slightly as she processes the information. Maya's gaze remains fixed on her, waiting for any sign or reaction.

Carina's face shows a range of emotions before she finally meets Maya's eyes. "Well, we have our answer."

Maya's heart races as she searches Carina's expression for any clue. "What does it say?" she asks softly.

Carina takes another deep breath, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside. "It's positive."

Maya's eyes widen, and she pulls Carina into a tight embrace. "Wow. I mean… wow." Her voice is a mix of awe and excitement. "We're going to be parents."

Carina hugs her tightly, a few tears escaping despite her efforts to stay composed. "I didn't expect this to happen so soon, but… I'm excited. And scared. But mostly excited."

Maya gently pulls back to look at Carina's face. "We'll figure everything out. We have each other, and that's the most important thing."

Maya looks at Carina with a mix of seriousness and concern. "I think we should keep this between us for now. It's a big change, and we need to be sure of everything before telling our families. What do you think?"

Carina nods, her eyes reflecting both relief and apprehension. "I agree. It's so soon, and we need time to process it ourselves. But… I think we should tell Jo and Gabrielle. They're our closest friends, and I'd want their support. What about Jack?"

Maya's expression softens as she considers this. "Yes, I'll need to tell Jack. He's my business partner and best friend. He'll need to know, especially since he's been involved in so much of the planning and changes with me."

Carina takes a deep breath. "Okay. Let's make sure we're on the same page. We can tell Jo and Gabrielle later today. They're close, and I know they'll be supportive. But for now, let's focus on us and getting ready for this new chapter."

Maya agrees, squeezing Carina's hand gently. "I'm glad we're in this together. We'll figure everything out, step by step. Let's just take it one day at a time."

As Maya watches Carina, she feels a rush of emotions. Her mind drifts to the future, imagining what it would be like to hold a baby of their own. She thinks about the way Carina glows, both from the inside and out, and how that same beauty would surely be reflected in their child.

Maya finds herself captivated by the thought of their little one, wondering what traits they might inherit from both of them. The idea of a baby with Carina's kind eyes and her own mischievous smile fills Maya with a profound sense of joy and anticipation.

She looks at Carina and feels a deep connection, knowing that this is the next step in their journey together. Her heart swells with love and hope, and she can't help but imagine the future: nights filled with baby cries and laughter, days spent with tiny hands reaching up to her, and a family that feels more complete than ever.

As Carina meets her gaze, Maya offers a warm smile, her heart full of excitement and love. Despite the uncertainties and challenges ahead, Maya is certain of one thing: this new chapter with Carina is going to be the greatest adventure yet.