Chapter 327: You Just Want to Rearrange My Intestines

Adrian let out a watery laugh, a huge smile spreading across his face.

"I’m going to be an uncle."

Maya smiled and nodded. "I could’ve told you over the phone the moment I found out, but... I wanted to tell you in person. I wanted to see your reaction."

Adrian smiled warmly. "I’m glad you waited. Honestly, this is the best news I’ve heard in a very long time."

His eyes lingered on her face before slowly dropping to her still-flat stomach. With gentle hesitation, he reached out and rested his palm against it, stroking it lightly as wonder filled his eyes.

"I still can’t believe there’s a baby in there."

He looked back at her. "How’s Connor treating you through all of this? And don’t sugarcoat it. I want the truth."

Maya gently rubbed the back of her neck.

"He’s been good," she admitted. "Ever since I moved back in, he’s been doing everything he can to be a good husband. But... I haven’t exactly been making things easy for him." A small smile tugged at her lips. "I needed to know he was stepping up because he genuinely wanted to, not just because there’s a baby on the way."

Adrian nodded slowly. "So... he’s really treating you right now?"

Maya leaned back against the sofa, her expression becoming calm and calculating. "Adrian, you know better than anyone how difficult it is to know what’s really going on in a man’s mind."

A faint, knowing smile touched her lips. "Maybe Connor has really changed... or maybe he hasn’t. I wasn’t willing to gamble my future on either possibility. While he was still treating me the way he did before I found out I was pregnant, I had my lawyer begin drafting an agreement. As soon as I confirmed the pregnancy, we finalized it. So when I finally told Connor he was going to be a father, the papers were already waiting for him to sign."

She gave a quiet, satisfied smile. "He was so happy that he signed every page without reading a single line of the fine print. If he ever turns back into the man he used to be, that agreement gives me the power to take everything from him. His companies, his properties, his money... everything. He’ll walk away with nothing, and I’ll walk away with it all."

A proud grin spread across Adrian’s face. "Now that’s my sister." He chuckled. "I still don’t trust Connor after everything that has happened, but hearing that makes me feel a whole lot better."

Maya smiled reassuringly. "You don’t have to worry about me anymore, bro. I’ve got everything under control."

Adrian nodded before pulling her into another warm, protective hug. "I know you do. Congratulations again, sis. I’m so happy for you."

Maya hugged him back tightly. "Thank you, bro."

A proud, wicked grin crept across Adrian’s face. "Now that is a smart move. I sure as hell don’t trust him after everything he put you through."

"You don’t have to worry about me, bro. I’ve got this handled."

"I know you do," Adrian said softly, pulling her in for one more tight, protective squeeze. "Congratulations, once again."

"Thank you, bro."

The rest of the day dissolved into a blur of catching up, covering periods of missed moments and unspoken worries. They sat together through a late lunch, where Adrian immediately shifted into full overprotective mode. He hovered over every plate, scrutinizing ingredients and nagging her about what was safe to eat with the precision of an anxious father.

"Try this, it’s good for you," Adrian insisted, sliding a dish toward her.

Maya laughed, rolling her eyes. "Adrian, it’s fine, I can eat whatever I want."

"No, absolutely not," Adrian shot back, pulling the plate away. "Eat what I told you to. Only what’s good for the baby."

From across the table, Matteo watched the dynamic with an amused, slightly bewildered smile, still trying to wrap his head around how quickly Adrian had transformed into a fiercely protective brother.

After lingering for a few more hours, Maya finally checked her watch and stood up. "I should probably head out before traffic gets bad."

She turned to Matteo, offering a warm smile. "Thank you for taking such good care of my brother."

"You don’t ever have to thank me, Maya," Matteo replied, his gaze shifting fondly toward Adrian. "We take care of each other."

"I’m glad to hear that," Maya murmured. "Alright, I’m off."

Adrian walked her all the way out to the driveway where her car was waiting. Pulling her into one last, lingering hug, he waited patiently as she climbed into the back seat, watching through the tinted glass until her driver pulled away from the curb and disappeared down the street. Only then did Adrian turn around and head back inside the house.

As he stepped back inside, Matteo was waiting for him in the entryway. Adrian’s face lit up, a bright smile spreading across his features as he rushed forward and threw his arms around Matteo in a tight embrace.

Matteo hugged him back, resting a hand on the back of his neck. "You look entirely too excited. What’s going on?"

Adrian leaned in close, his voice dropping to a breathless whisper. "Maya is pregnant."

Matteo’s eyes widened slightly before a warm, genuine smile spread across his face. "Wow. Congratulations. So my baby is about to be an uncle?"

"Yes," Adrian beamed proudly. "A very proud one."

"That’s amazing news," Matteo murmured, his gaze taking on a mischievous glint as his hands slid down to Adrian’s hips. "Come on... let’s go upstairs and make our own babies."

Adrian whipped around to stare at him as though he’d completely lost his mind. "Are you insane? I’m a man. I can’t get pregnant."

Matteo shrugged innocently. "Details."

Adrian scoffed, swatting one of Matteo’s hands away. "No. I’m not letting you rearrange my organs just because you’re feeling inspired."

Matteo burst into laughter. "I wasn’t planning on rearranging anything."

Adrian narrowed his eyes. "That’s exactly what someone planning to rearrange my organs would say. I can’t get pregnant, so leave me alone."

Matteo chuckled darkly, stepping closer until there was barely any space between them. "We’ll figure something out," he murmured. "Where there’s a will, there’s a way."

Adrian laughed, giving him a light shove. "Keep dreaming. I can’t get pregnant. You just want an excuse to use your dick to rearrange my intestines!" he shot back, taking a quick step toward the door. "Nothing’s making a baby out of that. I’ve been out since this morning, I’m exhausted, and I am definitely not dealing with your inner lion tonight."

Matteo stalked toward him like a predator closing in on its prey. "That lion is about to swallow you whole."

Before Adrian could make a run for it, Matteo closed the remaining distance. His hands shot out, and in one swift, effortless motion, he hoisted Adrian over his shoulder. A sharp smack landed on Adrian’s ass.

"Let’s go make our babies."

"Help! Somebody help me!" Adrian squawked, kicking his legs wildly as Matteo carried him toward the grand staircase.

The domestic staff and bodyguards stationed nearby immediately lowered their heads, desperately trying to suppress their laughter.

Adrian twisted around as much as he could and spotted Maxwell standing near the staircase. "Maxwell! Please, help me!"

Maxwell folded his arms across his chest, leaning casually against the banister with an amused smirk. "Good luck, bro. Make sure the war lasts at least ten rounds."

"I am going to fucking murder you, Maxwell!" Adrian shouted, thrashing helplessly over Matteo’s shoulder.

Maxwell only threw his head back and laughed.

Matteo, meanwhile, didn’t slow down for even a second. Completely focused on his prize, he carried Adrian up the grand staircase while Adrian’s protests echoed through the mansion.

Back at Mark and Charles’s side, Mark sat comfortably in the main living room, his attention drifting when he heard soft footsteps coming down the stairs.

Charles came into view, his phone in one hand. As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he walked over to the sofa where Mark was sitting. Mark patted the empty spot beside him with a smile. "Come here, baby." Charles smiled and slid in beside him.

"Honey," Charles murmured, leaning in close.

Mark smiled, wrapping an arm around his shoulders. "Yes, pretty?"

Charles hesitated for a brief second before speaking. "In two weeks, I’ll be going to visit my parents. I’m going to stay for a week or two, so I wanted to let you know ahead of time so it doesn’t feel like I’m springing it on you."

"Alright, babe," Mark replied smoothly, pressing a kiss to his temple. "It’s okay."

Charles looked at him, biting his lower lip. A quiet tension settled between them as he debated how to phrase what he was really thinking, he desperately wanted to ask Mark to come with him, but the right words wouldn’t form.

Sensing the sudden shift, Mark let out a soft sigh, his thumb rubbing soothingly over Charles’s hip. "I’m going to miss you so damn much, you know."

"I’m going to miss you too," Charles whispered back, his eyes searching Mark’s face.

Mark went quiet for a moment, a sudden, bold resolve flashing in his eyes. He turned to face Charles fully. "Can I come along with you to meet my future in-laws?"

Charles froze, his jaw slackening in shock as he whipped around to stare at him. "Are you for real? You actually want to come with me?"

"If I’m allowed," Mark said with a warm, steady grin. "So, what do you say?"