Final Semester, First Heir: Pregnant by the Billionaire CEO

Raven's POV

The scent of cinnamon, pine, and freshly baked cookies filled the air as Christmas lights twinkled from every shop window. Snow dusted the sidewalks, turning the city into something straight out of a holiday movie.

For the first time since my pregnancy started, I actually felt excited.

I had made it through midterms, finished my final projects, and now? Now I could finally breathe.

With Christmas break in full swing, I could do something I had been waiting months for—baby shopping.

And there was only one person I wanted by my side for that.

"Okay, we are officially doing this," Riley said, linking arms with me as we stepped into the giant baby store. "Let's go buy some ridiculously cute stuff."

I laughed, shaking my head. "I can't believe this is real."

Riley shot me a look. "You better believe it, babe. You're really having a baby."

I exhaled, rubbing my growing belly. "Yeah... I really am."

Shopping for the Baby

The moment we walked into the store, I was overwhelmed.

Cribs, strollers, car seats, onesies in every color and pattern—it was a lot.

Riley must have noticed my panic because she nudged me. "Don't freak out. We'll start small."

She grabbed a tiny baby onesie that said Mommy's Little Star and held it up. "Look at this. Adorable."

I grinned, running my fingers over the soft fabric. "It's perfect."

Before I knew it, our cart was filled with things—onesies, blankets, little socks that made my heart melt.

Riley picked up a stuffed elephant. "This has to be the baby's first stuffed animal."

I laughed. "You're gonna spoil them so bad."

She smirked. "That's the job of the cool aunt."

The realization hit me hard—this was really happening.

I was going to be a mom.

For the first time, it felt real.

Telling Riley About Roman

After we finished shopping, we went to a cozy café, our bags filled with baby clothes and essentials.

Riley stirred her hot chocolate, glancing at me. "Alright. Spill."

I blinked. "Spill what?"

She gave me a pointed look. "You've been weirdly calm today. Suspiciously calm. And I know you, Raven." She narrowed her eyes. "Something's up."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Fine. Roman called me."

Riley's entire body went still.

"...What?"

"He asked to meet up," I said. "We talked. About the baby. About what happens next."

Riley leaned back, crossing her arms. "And?"

I hesitated. "He... wants to be involved."

Silence.

Then—

Riley laughed.

But it wasn't a happy laugh. It was sharp, disbelieving.

"Oh, really?" She arched a brow. "So, Mr. Ice King himself suddenly gives a damn?"

I swallowed. "He admitted he was wrong."

Riley's expression darkened. "Yeah? And what about when he made you feel like trash? What about when he acted like you were some random gold-digger?"

"I know," I said quietly. "I haven't forgotten."

Riley shook her head. "I don't trust him."

I looked down at my cup. "Neither do I. Not yet."

That made her pause.

I sighed. "I told him that if he really wants to be in this baby's life, he has to prove it. No words. Just actions."

Riley studied me for a long moment.

Finally, she exhaled. "And what's his first action, then?"

I bit my lip. "He's coming to my next appointment."

Her eyes widened. "Wait. He is?"

I nodded. "Yeah."

She leaned back, letting out a slow breath. "Wow."

I shifted in my seat. "Riley, I know you don't like him. I don't even know how I feel about him. But..." I placed a hand over my stomach. "I have to give my baby the chance to have both parents. Even if it's hard. Even if it scares me."

She was quiet for a moment before softening. "I get it."

I blinked. "You do?"

She sighed. "Look, I love you. And I hate seeing you hurt. But if you really think Roman might step up, then... I'll support you."

Tears burned my eyes. "Thank you."

She smirked. "Besides, if he screws up? I'll kick his billionaire ass."

I laughed, wiping my eyes.

That was Riley.

Always in my corner.

Roman's POV – Preparing for the Unknown

I had never been nervous for a meeting in my entire life.

I had sat across from presidents, billionaires, world leaders—and never once had I felt what I was feeling right now.

But this wasn't business.

This was real life.

And I wasn't in control.

I sat in my office, staring at my phone.

The appointment was in two days, and I had no idea what to expect.

Would she even want me there? Would she look at me with the same disappointment Ezra had?

I ran a hand through my hair, exhaling.

I wasn't sure what kind of father I could be, but I knew one thing—

I wasn't going to run.

For the first time in my life...

I was going to try.