Chapter 12: Something Much Bigger

Ana
It was still early when I found Valeria in the kitchen. She was making coffee, her movements mechanical while her mind was clearly elsewhere. I approached, trying to shake off the weight of the conversation I had overheard the night before.
"Good morning, Val," I said, trying to sound casual as I poured myself a cup of coffee.
She gave me a tight smile.
"Good morning, Ana. Did you sleep well?"
I nodded, though the truth was I had spent most of the night replaying what I had heard.
"More or less, but I'm glad you can stay at the house these days. It's been a bit chaotic, you know? And in fact, I wanted to talk to you about something I heard last night." I took a sip of coffee, searching for the right words. "I passed by Marco's office and I heard him and Dante talking. It sounded like a pretty serious conversation."
Valeria stiffened for a moment, but quickly regained her composure, although her eyes betrayed a spark of concern.
"Really?" she tried to sound unconcerned. "Maybe they were discussing business matters. You know how men are."
I watched her, feeling a slight discomfort at her response. There was something about her tone, something that didn't quite add up.
"It seemed like more than that, Val. There was a tension... something I didn't want to interrupt. I don't know, it just left me uneasy."
Valeria let out a nervous laugh, waving her hand in the air as if trying to dispel my concerns.
"Oh, Ana, don't worry so much. Marco and Dante are always up to complicated things. It was probably just another one of those discussions."
"Maybe you're right," I admitted, though doubt still lingered in my mind.
I decided to change the subject, though I was still on a worrying path.
"I've been thinking about Paolo's proposal. Maybe an alliance isn't such a bad idea. It could give us a significant advantage."
Valeria tensed up again, this time clearly uncomfortable with the topic.
"Ana, I know it seems like a good opportunity, but I don't trust Paolo. Something about him doesn't sit right with me."
"Do you really think so?" I asked, surprised by her reaction. "I thought we had agreed that it was at least worth considering, and that way we could get more information about his relationship with my uncle."
"I told you last night, it was a mistake to think that someone in your family could betray you."
"I know what I saw, Valeria. Marco trying to betray me to take over the mafia power doesn't seem so far-fetched to me, honestly."
Valeria took a sip of her coffee, looking out the window as if searching for a way to express her thoughts.
"It's just... I don't know. I don't want you to get the wrong idea about your aunt. And I feel like Paolo has his own interests. What if he betrays us? We can't risk everything for a promise that could be broken. He's a mobster, Ana, I highly doubt his word is worth anything."
I looked at her carefully, trying to understand her concern. There was something else, something she wasn't telling me.
"What's really worrying you, Valeria?"
"Ana, I just want you to be safe. And I think trusting Paolo could put you in danger. We've worked hard to stay strong and united. I don't want anything or anyone to divide us."
Her words resonated in my mind. Valeria had always been protective of me, but now I felt like there was more at stake, something she wasn't telling me.
"I understand your concern, Val, but we need allies. We can't face all the threats alone. Marco and Dante seem to be up to something big and complicated too. I feel like there are too many secrets around."
Valeria nodded slowly, her gaze soft but still concerned.
"I know, Ana. But please, be careful. If you decide to go ahead with Paolo, do it with your eyes wide open. Don't trust him blindly, or anyone for that matter."
"I won't," I promised, though part of me still wanted to believe that Paolo could be the key to our safety.
Valeria came over and gave me a quick hug, whispering in my ear.
"I just want what's best for you, Ana. Don't forget it."
I pulled away, nodding as I tried to dispel the doubts that were gathering in my mind.
he conversation from the previous night still lingered, and now, with Valeria's words, the uncertainty only grew.
The day progressed, but the feeling that something big was about to happen wouldn't leave me. The pieces of the puzzle still didn't fit together, and the alliance with Paolo, Valeria's concerns, and the mysterious conversation between Marco and Dante were just parts of a whole that I still couldn't grasp.
The day dragged on slowly, each hour filled with a subtle but constant tension. I tried to focus on my work, but my mind kept returning to the conversation with Valeria and the mysteries surrounding Marco and Dante. I was lost in thought when my phone rang, breaking the silence of the room.
I looked at the screen and saw Paolo's name. I felt a mix of curiosity as I answered the call.
"Hello, Paolo."
"Ana, how are you?" His voice was smooth and friendly, as always.
"I'm fine," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
"I am too, thank you so much for asking."
"Let's cut to the chase, why are you calling me?"
"I wanted to see if you thought about my proposal."
I sighed, knowing I couldn't keep evading the topic.
"I've been considering it, Paolo. But I need more time."
"I understand." He paused, and I could hear the sound of a lighter and then a deep inhale. "To make things easier, why don't you come to my place tonight? We can talk more in depth and have a drink."
The idea immediately made me uncomfortable. Being alone with him couldn't be good. I wasn't sure if I wanted to be alone with him, but before I could respond, Paolo added something that made my heart race.
"In fact, I'm waiting for you outside."
I jumped up and went to the window.
Sure enough, his car was parked in front of my house.
"Paolo, I don't think that's a good idea..." I started to say, but he interrupted me.
"Please, Ana. I just want to talk. If at any point you feel uncomfortable, I'll bring you back right away. Promise."
"What guarantees that Paolo Di Marco keeps his promises?"
"You'll have to take a leap of faith and trust me, that's the only way you'll know. Besides, it's not the first time we'll be alone."
I was about to respond when Dante appeared at the door, his expression tense. He had heard my conversation.
"Ana, you shouldn't go." His voice was firm, almost authoritative.
I covered the phone with my hand, looking at him with frustration.
"Dante, it's just a conversation. I need to know more about what Paolo has in mind."
"It's dangerous. I don't trust him." Dante took a step forward, trying to take my hand. "Please, don't go."
I felt a mix of sadness and anger. Dante had been an important part of my life, but things had changed. He had broken my heart, and now I could only see him as a bodyguard, someone who was getting in the way of my decisions.
"Dante, I appreciate your concern, but this is something I have to do. It seems like no one trusts Paolo."
"Because he's a lunatic!"
"I want to trust him." I freed myself from his grip and brought the phone back to my ear. "Paolo, I'll be out in a minute."
I hung up before Dante could protest again.
His eyes showed a mix of pain and desperation, but I couldn't let that stop me.
"Ana, please, think this through." Dante tried one more time, his voice soft but full of emotion.
"I've thought it through, Dante." I opened the door, my decision made. "You're just my bodyguard now. Stop trying to protect me from everything. I need to handle this on my own."
Without waiting for a response, I walked out and towards Paolo's car. He was standing by the passenger door, smiling at me with that characteristic confidence. He opened the door for me and I got in, feeling Dante's gaze on my back.
Paolo closed the door behind me and walked around the car to get into the driver's seat. He started the engine and we set off.
"Thanks for agreeing to come, Ana," he said softly, turning briefly to look at me. "Just a conversation."
I nodded, looking out the window as we drove away.