The call came in the evening.
Augustina was curled beside Isaac on the couch, still wrapped in the softness of disbelief, when Isaac's phone vibrated in his hand. He glanced at the screen, then at her, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"My parents," he said quietly.
Augustina stiffened slightly. "Now?"
Isaac nodded. "There's no better time."
He put the call on speaker.
"Mom," Isaac greeted. "Dad."
The excitement on the other end was immediate.
"Isaac!" his mother's voice rang out. "You sounded serious in your message. What's going on?"
Isaac inhaled, then reached for Augustina's hand. "You're going to be grandparents."
Silence.
Then—
"What?"
"Is this a joke?"
"Isaac, repeat yourself!"
Augustina laughed softly through her nerves as Isaac chuckled. "It's not a joke. Augustina is five weeks pregnant."
A sharp intake of breath echoed through the phone, followed by a gasp that turned into joyful laughter.
"Oh my God!" his mother exclaimed. "My baby is having a baby!"
His father cleared his throat, voice thick with emotion. "Congratulations, son. That's… that's wonderful news."
Augustina leaned closer to the phone. "Thank you," she said softly.
"We're coming to City V," his mother announced immediately. "No arguments. We want to see you. Both of you."
Isaac exchanged a glance with Augustina. "We'd love that."
After the call ended, Augustina rested her head on his shoulder. "They're happy," she whispered.
Isaac kissed her hair. "They already love our baby."
THE GOODWILL MANSION
The Goodwill mansion felt warmer that day—less like a fortress and more like a home.
Kiss stood near the grand windows, sunlight spilling over her as she laughed at something Adrian whispered in her ear. His arm was draped possessively around her waist, his thumb tracing slow circles as if reminding the world—and himself—that she was his.
"You're smiling too much," Kiss teased.
Adrian shrugged. "I'm allowed to be happy in my own house."
Before she could reply, the front doors opened.
"Surprise!"
Kiss turned just in time to see Isaac's parents step in, followed closely by Adrian's father.
"Dad?" Adrian blinked in surprise.
His father smiled. "Thought I'd drop by. Family gathering and all."
Grandma Goodwill, seated proudly at the center of the room, clapped her hands together. "Finally. Everyone is here."
The room filled quickly with greetings, embraces, and overlapping voices.
Augustina was barely seated before Grandma reached for her hand. "Let me look at you," she said, eyes sharp and kind. "So this is where my great-grandchild is hiding."
Augustina laughed shyly. "Still very small."
"Still very powerful," Grandma corrected. "Life changes everything."
Conversation flowed easily—about cravings, doctor appointments, and laughter over Isaac's nervousness.
"When is the baby shower?" Adrian's father asked casually.
Isaac's mother smiled. "Soon. Very soon. I want everything perfect."
Kiss watched Augustina glow under the attention, her heart warming. Family—real family—felt like this. Loud. Loving. Safe.
THE STUDIO
Later, the men excused themselves, heading toward the private studio.
As soon as the doors closed, Isaac's father turned serious. "So," he said, folding his arms. "Are you going to let her give birth out of wedlock?"
Isaac didn't flinch.
"I'm proposing," he said simply.
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "You're finally doing it."
Isaac nodded. "Here. At the mansion. I want it intimate. Meaningful."
His father smiled approvingly. "Good. Do it right."
"And business?" Adrian's father asked.
Isaac leaned back. "Handled. This time… I want my family settled first."
Adrian smirked. "Welcome to the club."
THE LIVING ROOM
Back in the living room, the women had formed their own circle.
Names were being thrown around freely.
"If it's a girl, Isabella," Isaac's mother suggested.
"No, too common," Grandma countered.
"She needs something strong."
Augustina laughed. "What about Harmony?"
Kiss smiled. "That's beautiful."
Then Grandma turned slowly toward Kiss, eyes gleaming with mischief.
"And you?" she asked. "When are you giving me my next great-grandchild?"
The room went silent.
Kiss froze.
"I—what?" she stammered.
Augustina burst into laughter. "Grandma!"
Kiss's cheeks burned. "I… I don't think now is the right time. Adrian has so much responsibility. I don't want to burden him."
The women exchanged looks.
"Burden?" Adrian's mother repeated softly.
"Child, a baby is not a burden to a man who loves you."
Augustina leaned closer, whispering dramatically, "Besides… men don't get burdened. They get excited."
Kiss covered her face. "You're all impossible."
Grandma waved her hand. "Tonight. Seduce your husband."
Kiss nearly choked. "Grandma!"
The room erupted in laughter.
"Wear something nice," Isaac's mother added playfully.
"And don't let him sleep too early," Augustina teased.
Kiss's ears burned. "I hate all of you."
Grandma smiled knowingly. "No, you love us."
ADRIAN & KISS
That night, as the mansion settled into quiet, Adrian pulled Kiss into his arms.
"You were very quiet earlier," he murmured.
She hesitated, then sighed. "Your grandma wants a baby."
Adrian chuckled softly. "She's persistent."
"I told them I didn't want to burden you."
He tilted her chin up gently. "You could never burden me."
Her eyes searched his. "Really?"
Adrian kissed her forehead. "Whenever you're ready… I am too."
Kiss smiled, heart full, cheeks warm, surrounded by love, family, and a future that suddenly felt brighter than she ever imagined.
And somewhere in the mansion, Grandma Goodwill smiled—already counting blessings yet to come.