FINALLY I'LL BE A GRANDMOTHER!

The morning sunlight filtered into the grand dining hall of the Astarot mansion, casting a warm glow over the long table where the family was gathered for breakfast.

The air was filled with the clinking of cutlery and the hum of soft conversations.

Valtor, with his regal presence, was discussing some estate matters with Lady Jade, who listened attentively.

Lady Isolde and Lady Seraphina were engaged in a light-hearted banter, their voices adding a cheerful note to the atmosphere.

Diaval sat next to Eva, stealing glances at her as they ate.

He knew that sooner or later, he would have to reveal their engagement to the family.

It was a moment he both anticipated and dreaded. He took a deep breath, gathering his courage, and finally decided it was time.

Clearing his throat, Diaval stood up, drawing the attention of everyone at the table.

The conversations dwindled as all eyes turned to him.

He glanced at Eva, who was blushing but gave him a reassuring nod. Diaval nodded back, feeling a surge of confidence from her silent support.

"Everyone," Diaval began, his voice steady but filled with emotion.

"I have something important to share with you all. As you know, Eva and I have been close since we were children. Our bond has always been special, and over the years, it has grown even stronger."

He paused, taking a moment to look at each family member, ensuring he had their full attention.

"Last night, I proposed to Eva, and she accepted. We are now married and have pledged our lives to each other as husband and wife."

The room fell utterly silent. Every face was a picture of shock or deep thought, processing the unexpected announcement.

The usual clatter of breakfast had ceased entirely. You could hear a pin drop, the silence was so profound.

Even the faint buzz of a fly could be heard, emphasizing the stillness that had settled over the room.

Valtor's usually composed expression was unreadable as he absorbed the news.

Lady Jade's eyes widened slightly, while Lady Isolde and Lady Seraphina exchanged incredulous glances.

Cedric and Adrian looked at Diaval with a mix of surprise and curiosity, trying to gauge the reality of what had just been revealed.

Diaval held Eva's hand, squeezing it gently, drawing strength from her presence. The silence stretched on, each second feeling like an eternity.

He could see the wheels turning in everyone's minds, processing the announcement, trying to understand the sudden shift in their family dynamics.

Finally, Valtor broke the silence. His deep voice resonated in the room, "Diaval, Eva, this is... unexpected. But if this is what you both want, then you have my support."

As the breakfast table settled into a moment of shared relief and acceptance, Diaval felt a mix of emotions swirling within him.

Adrian, always the outspoken one, broke the brief silence with a grin plastered across his face.

"You know," Adrian began, leaning back in his chair with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I've been saying this was bound to happen since we were kids. The two of you, the red lovebirds!"

Eva blushed deeply, shaking his head as he tried to shush Adrian. "Adrian, come on, not now," she chuckled nervously, glancing at Diaval.

The rest of the family joined in, the tension diffusing into laughter.

Lady Jade, who had been quietly contemplating the unfolding events, finally stood up, her expression a mix of surprise and joy.

"Finally, I'll be a grandmother!" she exclaimed, raising her hands in delight.

Turning to Eva and Diaval, she asked eagerly, "How many children are you planning to have?"

Eva giggled softly, clearly amused by the sudden turn of events.

"Oh, I hadn't really thought about that yet," she admitted, shooting a playful glance at Diaval.

"It's all still sinking in for me."

Diaval nodded in agreement, a warm smile spreading across his face as he gazed at Eva.

"It's up to Eva," he said sincerely, placing a reassuring hand on hers.

"Whatever she decides, I'll be more than happy with it."

Just as the atmosphere seemed to settle into peaceful acceptance, Lady Seraphina, ever the provocateur, couldn't resist stirring the pot.

"Eva," she began with a pointed look, "why didn't you choose Adrian instead?"

Adrian quickly intervened, rolling his eyes at his mother's persistence.

"Mother, seriously? Can we not ruin this beautiful moment?" he interjected, his tone half-teasing, half-exasperated.

Lady Seraphina sighed, her expression softening slightly.

"I just want the best for you, Adrian," she explained earnestly, "and having someone like Eva as your wife in our lives is all I've ever wanted."

Eva nodded graciously, understanding Seraphina's underlying sentiment.

"Thank you, Lady Seraphina," she replied warmly, "I appreciate your concern, but I'm happy with Diaval as my husband. "

"What about both...hmmm?"

"Think about it, having two husbands isn't that bad at all,"Seraphina added clapping her hands together.

Diaval looked at the vile woman, wondering how did someone like Valtor marry her.

He detested her in every way possible.

"Seraphina..." Valtor uttered audible to everyone.

That word alone was enough to have Lady Seraphina know that Valtor was annoyed with her at the moment.

Seraphina just kept quiet and didn't utter another word.

With tensions eased once more, the breakfast continued in a more relaxed and jovial atmosphere.

Conversations flowed freely, filled with laughter and occasional teasing, as everyone basked in the happiness of the moment and the promise of a future together.

As the family began to offer their congratulations and well-wishes, the room slowly filled with warmth and acceptance.

Mira bent close to Diaval and Eva whispering softly, "I'm proud of you both."

Her words carried genuine warmth, but as she straightened up, a pang of mixed emotions settled within her.

She couldn't shake the slight pang of sadness that accompanied the sudden announcement of Diaval and Eva's engagement.

Throughout the morning, Mira found herself grappling with conflicting feelings.

Last night, when she was bringing back Diaval's clothes, the faint sound of passionate moans drifting from their room had pierced her heart with a sudden realization.

It was a reminder of the unattainable distance between them.

Inwardly, Mira scolded herself for even considering such thoughts.

She blushed at her own foolishness, knowing deep down that someone like her, a mere maid, could never aspire to marry into nobility.

With a heavy heart, she resolved to bury these feelings deep within and focus on her duties, resigned to the reality that love between them was simply an impossible dream.