Denarius Mansion, Ad-Din's Quarters.
Maria walked out of the bedroom and saw Ad-Din holding some papers in his hands. She was dressed in a blue dress that stopped at her knees. They were about to attend the monthly dinner of the family. Maria went into the kitchen and removed a bottle of water and unscrewed it. She drunk it as she walked closer to Ad-Din.
''What's that? You look too serious; I hope that's not my exam report?'' Maria asked as she stood next to him and saw that it was a medical report. The same one Kobby said he would deliver it to them when it was out.
''Is really mine. Let me have a look, what does it say?'' Maria said and Ad-Din turned to look at her. He sized her up from head to toe making Maria nervous ''what is it? Why are you looking at me like that? Did the report say that there is something wrong with me?''
''Oh, the medical report said that something serious is wrong with you. Maria, have you being feeling well lately?'' Ad-Din asked in a serious tone.
''I feel well. Besides, feeling nausea and dizzy most of the time, I feel alright. Why? Am I sick?'' Maria asked nervously.
''Maria, the report here says that apart from one thing that is happening to you, every other thing is fine. The report says that there is something growing in you'' Ad-Din said.
''Something is growing in me? Oh my God, Ad, do I have cancer? I am just 31 years, how could the deity by this cruel to me? I haven't even given you any children and I'm going to die already?'' Maria said.
''Maria, relax. I was just messing with you'' Ad-Din said and Maria glared at him before hitting him.
''How could you mess with me this way? You scared me'' Maria screamed at him as tears formed in her eyes 'I thought I was really going to die''
''I'm sorry. Come here, I have good news for you'' Ad-Din said and pulled her into a hug.
''Don't try to patronise me after scaring me. I won't forgive you that easily'' Maria said.
''I have good news for you. the report just now states that you are fine. There is nothing wrong with you and that you are pregnant'' Ad-Din finally announced and Maria looked up at once.
''What did you just say? I am pregnant?'' Maria asked again and Ad-Din nodded his head. He lifted her up and she wrapped her legs tightly around his waist ''Ad, am I really pregnant?''
''Yes, my love. You are three weeks pregnant. You are going to give birth to our child, Maria'' Ad-Din said and Maria kissed him.
''This is the best news I've received since Alecia died. This great'' Maria added.
''Is time for the dinner. Let's go and shock everyone with the news and when we return, I will give you a gift'' Ad-Din said and held Maria's hand and they went out.
Denarius Main Mansion.
Ad-Din held Maria's hand and they entered the hall and saw that everyone was already seated at the table.
''Maria, Ad, we were waiting for you two'' Mona Lisa said.
''Why are you holding her hand so delicately for? Can't Maria walk anymore?'' Old Mr. Denarius said and everyone shook their heads. They would probably never understand his jealousy towards Maria.
''Grandpa, Maria is in a delicate state right now. I have to be careful with her every step'' Ad-Din said and pulled the chair out for Maria to sit.
''Why is she in a delicate state? Is not like she is pregnant?'' the old man grumbled and Maria blushed. The table turned silent and looked at them.
''Wait. Maria is really pregnant?'' Max Denarius asked.
''Yes, my wife is pregnant'' Ad-Din said proudly and smiled as he sat beside Maria.
''When? How?'' Calia asked.
''Sis, what do you mean how?'' Gibson asked Calia and the latter glared at him.
''Maria, is it really true that you are pregnant?'' Mona Lisa asked.
''We found out this evening when the medical report came in'' Maria announced.
''Maria, this is wonderful news. Come and mom will give you a hug'' Mona Lisa said and stood up to hug Maria.
''Big brother, aren't you going to congratulate me?'' Ad-Din asked his elder brother.
''I should be congratulating Maria not you'' Max said a little annoyed. He turned to Maria saying ''Maria, congratulations. I will send you a gift soon''
''Thank you, big brother'' Maria said.
''Did you hear that? We need to work hard and also have our own baby soon'' Max turned to Marvel who was sitting quietly beside him and said making her flush. She turned and glared at him.
''Big brother, can you not always break the rules? Stop putting pressure on sister in law'' Gibson said.
"'We also have an announcement to make'' Max said suddenly and everyone turned to look at him. ''You should also congratulate us. we got our marriage certificate this morning''
Everyone looked at them shocked at the information they were hearing but Max didn't care. He was just pissed that his younger brother was racing faster than him.
''Max, Marriage is a serious matter. Did you two discuss it properly before doing that? I hope you didn't force Marvel to marry you'' Ken Denarius asked knowing very well how stubborn Max could be at times.
''Father, everyone, I was the one who suggested it and we went ahead to get the certificate. Max didn't force me'' Marvel said.
''Wow, Marvel, you are quite daring for a girl'' Calia said.
''Congratulate us'' Max said sternly and everyone found his behaviour ridiculous and cute.
''Congratulations Max and Marvel'' Maria was the first to say it before everyone chipped in.
''Congratulations to you both''
''Congratulations, but next time, let's do things properly. Marvel is a woman. She deserves a good proposal and engagement before jumping into marriage'' Mona Lisa said.
'''We plan to have the wedding very soon''
''That's okay" Ken Denarius said.
''I also have something to say'' Calia cleared her throat and said.
''Don't tell me you are also pregnant or married already? The surprises are enough for one family dinner'' Gibson said.
''What do you want to say, Calia?'' Old Mr. Denarius asked.
''Well, you know Kobby and I have been dating for a while now'' Calia said.
''We didn't know. You have always been secretive about it'' the old man said.
''Grandpa, can you not be this way?'' Calia said and frowned at her grandpa.
''What did I do? Anyways, carry on'' the old man added.
''We are planning to get married and Kobby wants to come and meet the whole family to formerly introduce himself. He wanted to join us tonight but I wanted to inform everyone before'' Calia said.
''So, you are not asking for our permission but you are telling us instead?'' Old Mr. Denarius asked.
''Grandpa, what is it with you? Why are you so jealous? Are you that lonely to always attack us?'' Calia replied back. Everyone kept quiet because it was only Calia who could put the old man in his place.
''I won't be lonely for long. My granddaughter in law is going to give me a grandchild soon. I won't care about you anymore'' Old Mr. Denarius said.
''The food is getting cold. let's eat'' Mona Lisa said.
Everyone turned their concentration back to the dinner and started eating even as they chatted. After the dinner, the women sat at the table while the men occupied the hall and they were doing their own things.
''Maria, do you think is a boy or a girl or twins?'' Calia asked excitedly.
''I don't know but I don't mind'' Maria said.
''That's right. whether the baby is a boy or a girl is not important. What's important is that he or she is coming to meet the best family there is to exist. Maria, I will personally brew some health tonics for you. They are good for pregnant women'' Mona Lisa said.
''Congratulations, Maria. I am happy for you'' Marvel said.
''Thank you Marvel. I am happy you joined us today. The last time you didn't join us, I felt bad about it'' Maria said to Marvel.
''We are a family after all. We should bury all the unpleasant memories behind us and move ahead'' Marvel added.
''How is married life? I can't wait to also get married to my Kobby'' Calia said and the ladies shook their heads.
''Calia, I am happy that you are the one with Kobby. Please, make him happy always'' Maria said.
''I should tell you the same thing. Make sure you are happy'' Calia also said.
''That's right. everyone deserves to be happy. Make sure you are all happy kids'' Mona Lisa said and turned her eyes towards the men. They were also chatting happily. Mona Lisa smiled and wondered when her family became this big and their house bursting with so much happiness.
At the end of their family time together, they all retired back to their quarters for the night. Maria finished combing her hair and saw Ad-Din coming out of the bathroom and smiled. She was finally happy at last. She too even though she thought happiness was a far-fetched thing in her life was now finally happy.
Ad-Din walked closer to her and pulled her up asking ''why are you smiling like that?''
''I was just thinking. My husband is so handsome and loves me so much. He is the best man for me'' Maria said.
''Are you now realising it? I am going to continue to be so good to you, Maria''
'Ad-Din, let's be happy forever''
''Yes, my love. Let's be happy''