Maya's POV
"Water? Really?" Penny's voice dripped with disbelief as she approached, her lips twisted in that familiar mischievous smirk. "You're at the biggest party Sterling Wineries throws all year. Have you completely lost your mind, or should I start shopping for baby clothes?"
I watched her glide toward me, clutching two wine glasses like weapons of persuasion. She thrust one in my direction, her eyebrow arched in challenge.
"Penny..." I let out an exaggerated sigh, though her joke struck uncomfortably close to home. Something twisted uneasily in my stomach. "Keep disappearing into dark corners with Dominic like that, and you'll be the one needing maternity clothes."
Her laughter bubbled up as she took a long, deliberate sip. "The man just spent time in Ostaria. I'm entitled to some serious catch-up time."
"Sebastian's been just as busy," I muttered, scanning the crowd for his familiar silhouette. "And we can barely steal a moment together."
