Chapter 29: We have a deal

Ana
I lay in bed, trying to fall asleep, but my mind kept spinning with everything that had happened recently. I closed my eyes, hoping exhaustion would finally pull me into a deep sleep.
Suddenly, I found myself in a dark place, barely illuminated by the moonlight filtering through a window. The air was thick with palpable tension. In front of me was Paolo, staring at me with an intensity that made me shiver. His eyes seemed to pierce through me, as if he could see directly into my soul.
“Ana,” Paolo whispered, his deep voice resonating in the darkness. “I’ll always be with you, no matter what happens. I’m here because I love you.”
His proximity made me feel a mix of fear and fascination. An odd sensation of desire washed over me, something I couldn't understand but which drew me irresistibly to him. Paolo moved closer, lifting a hand to caress my cheek. His touch was soft but firm, and I felt a spark run through my body.
“What’s happening?” I tried to ask, but the words caught in my throat.
Paolo leaned in, his lips brushing mine in a gesture both delicate and passionate. An inner fire ignited within me, a fire I didn’t know existed.
“We’re not done.”
I woke up with a start, my breathing ragged and my heart pounding. I felt a warmth in my chest and an inexplicable urgency. I sat up in bed, trying to calm down, but the feeling wouldn’t go away. It was as if my body remembered something my mind couldn’t yet comprehend.
I couldn't stay there. I quickly got dressed, feeling an overwhelming need to leave the house. Maybe, I thought, I would find some answers if I followed this impulse. I headed to the door, but just as I was about to leave, I found Dante in the doorway.
“Ana?” he said, surprised. “Where are you going so early?”
My mind raced to find an excuse, and it had to be a believable one, or he wouldn’t let me go.
“Uh…” I hesitated. “I couldn’t sleep and thought I’d go for a walk, you know, get some fresh air.”
Dante looked at me skeptically. “At three in the morning?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
I knew my excuse wasn’t going to convince him, so I opted for another tactic. I stepped closer to him, trying to seem sincere.
“Dante, there’s something I haven’t told you,” I said, lowering my voice. “I’ve been remembering things… things about us. At first, I thought I could avoid it, but it’s all becoming clearer.”
Dante frowned, but his expression softened a bit. “What kind of things?” he asked, visibly interested.
I took a breath, determined to keep up the lie no matter the cost. I couldn't stay in a place where all I heard were lies.
“I remembered that I think I’m in love with you,” I said, trying to sound convincing. “I feel something very strong when I’m with you, something I can’t ignore, and honestly, I don’t want to.”
Dante looked surprised, but then a slow smile spread across his face.
“Ana, you don’t know how much it means to me to hear that,” he said softly, stepping closer. “I’ve always been here for you, and I always will be.”
I felt a pang of guilt for lying to him, but I needed to get out of the house, I needed to find answers about Paolo. I nodded, trying to keep up the facade.
“I know, and I appreciate it,” I said, forcing a smile. “But right now, I need some air. I just want to walk a bit and clear my mind.”
Dante looked at me with concern, but finally nodded.
“Alright, I think some fresh air will do you good. Just be careful, I don’t want anything to happen to you.”
Before I could react, Dante took me by the waist and pulled me close. Our lips met in a passionate kiss, charged with a tension that seemed to have been building for days. I felt his desire and his love, and for a moment, I let myself get carried away. We pulled apart briefly, our breaths mingling.
“Ana…” Dante whispered, his voice husky with emotion.
I didn’t respond with words. Instead, I kissed him again, more intensely. I felt his warm skin under my hands, and he responded to each of my movements with an urgency that made me tremble. The moment was intense, full of a mix of passion and confusion that I could barely comprehend.
Finally, we broke apart, our breaths still heavy. I looked into his eyes, trying to maintain my composure.
"I need some air," I said, still breathless. "I just need to clear my head."
Dante nodded, though I could see the worry in his eyes.
"Alright, Ana. Just don't go too far, okay?"
I nodded, grateful for his understanding. I left the house and headed to the car. I couldn't wait any longer. I needed to know the truth about Paolo and about myself.
My heart pounded as I drove through the dark streets, following the directions I had found on my phone. Something inside me told me I had to go to Paolo's house. Though I didn't know exactly what I was looking for, the need for answers urged me on.
Finally, I arrived at an imposing mansion surrounded by high walls and guarded by several security guards. The place looked like something out of a movie, with strategically placed lights illuminating the path. I stopped in front of the entrance and got out of the car, feeling the guards' eyes on me.
One of them, a tall, burly man with a stern expression, approached me. His name tag read "Martin."
"Miss Ana?" he said, his voice deep and respectful. "What are you doing here at this hour?"
"I need to see Paolo," I replied with determination. "I've lost my memory and I need answers."
Martin looked at me with surprise and concern, but nodded. Several guards lined up respectfully along the path.
"I understand your situation, Miss Ana," Martin said as we walked. "We know it's been a difficult time for you. We've been watching over you from afar. I'm sorry to inform you that our boss is still in the hospital."
"Paolo hasn't left?"
"I'm afraid he hasn't woken up."
Martin picked up one of the photos and showed it to me. In it, Paolo and I were dressed in formal attire, ready for a mission. Seeing the image, I felt a pang in my head, like a flash of a lost memory, but I couldn't grasp any more.
"This isn't enough," I said, frustrated. "I need to know more."
Martin nodded again, his expression serious.
"We'll tell you everything you need to know, Miss Ana. We're here to help you recover your memory."
I sat down on a bench that was luckily in good condition, trying to process the little I remembered. Martin stood by, watching me patiently.
"What kind of mission was that?" I asked, pointing to the photo.
Martin sighed and sat down in front of me.
"It was an important mission. You and Paolo were working together to close a deal with one of our most difficult partners. It was a success, thanks to your leadership and strategic skills."
I tried to remember more details, but my mind was still blank. Frustrated, I ran a hand through my hair.
"What else can you tell me?" I asked, desperate for any piece of information.
Martin looked at me sympathetically.
"You and Paolo were a formidable team. You were his confidante, his right-hand woman. Together, you kept the organization balanced. After the incident that caused your amnesia, everything has been more chaotic."
I felt a knot in my stomach. The responsibility Martin was mentioning was overwhelming. How had I ended up in a situation like this?
"I can't remember any of that," I admitted, feeling the tears welling up in my eyes. "It's like my whole life is an enigma."
Martin leaned forward, his expression serious.
"We'll help you piece it together, Miss Ana. I promise you that."
His words offered a glimmer of hope in the midst of my confusion and fear. I took a deep breath, trying to stay strong. I had to find out the truth, no matter how painful it might be.
"Miss Ana, I know this is a lot to take in. But you're not alone. We're here to support you. You can count on us to help you recover your memory and continue your legacy."
I nodded, grateful for his support. Even though everything felt like a nightmare, knowing that I had people willing to help me gave me a glimmer of hope.
"Thank you, Martin," I said, my voice trembling. "I really need your help."
Martin looked at me with determination.
"We'll do everything we can to help you, Miss Ana. You can count on us."
We were silent for a moment, each lost in our own thoughts. Finally, I stood up and looked at him.
"I want to make a deal," I said with determination. "You'll tell me everything I need to know to get my memory back. In return, I promise to move forward with what I'm supposed to do."
Martin nodded and extended his hand.
"It's a deal, Miss Ana."
I shook his hand, sealing the agreement. Though I still had many unanswered questions, at least now I had a path to follow. I had a new goal: to recover my memory and uncover the truth about my life, no matter the cost.