Chapter 31: I need to escape

Ana
The sun was just beginning to filter through the curtains when my phone started vibrating insistently on the nightstand. I looked at the screen and saw that it was Martin. I answered immediately, knowing that he might have more crucial information about my life.
"Hello, Martin," I said, trying to keep my voice low.
"Ana, good morning," Martin began urgently. "I have more details about your past life. It is imperative that you go see Paolo at the hospital. His condition remains critical, and your presence could be vital."
A knot of anxiety formed in my stomach. Despite not remembering who Paolo really was, something about his words resonated deeply with me.
"I understand, Martin. I will do everything I can to go today," I replied, although my mind was already looking for a way to do it without raising suspicion.
Before I could add anything else, the door to my room opened and Dante and my uncle Marco walked in. I quickly hung up the phone, trying to hide my surprise.
"Ana," Dante began, with a serious expression. "We have an important meeting this morning. As the leader of the mafia, it is crucial that you attend. There are decisions that need to be made and your presence is indispensable."
I looked at both men, feeling the pressure of their expectations.
"What is this meeting about?" I asked, trying to remain calm.
"It's about a new alliance," my uncle Marco said, crossing his arms. "We need to discuss terms and make sure all the details are clear. Your leadership is essential to consolidate this union."
I felt a knot in my stomach. I knew my responsibilities were important, but my mind kept coming back to Paolo and what Martin had told me.
"I understand," I said, nodding. "I'll be ready in a few minutes."
Dante and Marco nodded and left the room, leaving me alone to get ready. I got dressed quickly, trying to focus my mind on the task at hand. I knew I couldn't let my emotions get the better of me. I had a role to play and I needed to do it well.
We arrived at the meeting place, a large conference room in one of our secure buildings. The tension in the air was palpable. The key members of the mafia were already there, awaiting my arrival. Dante and Marco sat down next to me, showing their support.
"Alright, let's get started," I said, trying to sound authoritative and confident.
A burly man stood up and began talking about the new alliance and the proposed terms. I listened attentively, taking mental notes and asking questions when necessary. Although I didn't remember all the details of my past life, my instinct told me to be careful and strategic.
"We need to make sure this alliance benefits both parties," I said, looking the man directly in the eyes. "We can't afford any weaknesses."
The man nodded, showing me respect.
"We agree, Ana. We want this alliance to be strong and lasting. We have proposed these terms, but we are open to any suggestions you may have."
I looked at Dante and Marco, seeking their approval before continuing.
"The terms seem fair, but we need to ensure that there is clear and constant communication between both parties. Any misunderstanding could be fatal," I said, trying to be as clear as possible.
The meeting continued for several hours, and by the time we were finished, I felt like we had made significant progress. Despite the doubts and confusion in my mind, I knew I had made the right decisions.
When the meeting finally ended, I felt exhausted but relieved. I turned to Dante and Marco, who were waiting for me at the end of the room.
"You did a good job today, Ana," Marco said, patting me on the back. "I'm proud of you."
"Thank you," I replied, trying to smile.
Dante approached and took my hand.
"Let's go home. You need to rest after all this."
I nodded, grateful for his support. But my mind kept going back to Paolo. I knew I had to find a way to go see him, to understand my connection with him and to find out more about my past.
On the way home, my phone vibrated again. It was Martin again. I answered, dissembling as best I could.
"Hello, Martin. What's up?" I said, trying to sound casual.
"Ana, I need to see you. Paolo is still in critical condition and you really need to go see him. There's something you need to remember about him, about you both. It's important," Martin said urgently.
"I understand, Martin. I'll try," I replied, casting a quick glance at Dante, who was driving without suspicion.
"Is everything okay?" Dante asked, looking at me sideways.
"Yes, everything's fine. Just a small work problem I need to take care of," I lied, smiling to reassure him.
Finally, we arrived home. As I headed to my room, my mind kept searching for a way to fulfill my responsibilities and at the same time, find a moment to go to the hospital to see Paolo. I knew I couldn't raise suspicions, especially not with Dante and Marco watching me so closely.
I sat on the bed, staring at the ceiling, trying to come up with a plan. Confusion and uncertainty continued to plague me, but one thing was for sure: I needed answers, and I was willing to do whatever it took to find them.
The clock struck 2 AM. The house was completely silent, and every step I took echoed in my head. I had made the decision to go to the hospital and see Paolo. I couldn't keep postponing it.
I slipped down the hallway, making sure not to make any noise. I reached the front door and carefully opened it, trying not to alert anyone. However, just when I thought I had managed to escape, a figure emerged from the shadows.
"Ana? Where do you think you're going?" Dante's voice made me stop in my tracks.
I turned slowly, trying to find a quick excuse, hating that he always caught me before I could manage to do what I had planned.
"Dante," I said, forcing a smile. "I couldn't sleep and..., I have a severe stomach ache. I need to go to the hospital, plus I feel like everything is spinning, I have a severe headache. I'm a pretty big girl, Dante, I think I can take care of myself at the hospital, don't you think?"
Dante looked at me with suspicion, but he nodded, somehow naively, I thought I had this under control, but I knew I was wrong as soon as I heard him.
"For your safety, I have to go with you." His tone was firm, making it clear that there was no room for discussion.
"Alright," I agreed, knowing I had no other choice. I tried to sound as convincing as possible. "Let's go."
We drove to the hospital in his car, the silence filling the space between us. My mind was working frantically, looking for a way to see Paolo without Dante suspecting a thing.
When we arrived at the hospital, a doctor greeted us and began to examine me.
"What are your symptoms?" the doctor asked, taking my blood pressure.
"A sharp pain in my stomach," I said, trying to sound convincing.
After a few minutes of examination, the doctor frowned, but found nothing out of the ordinary.
"Everything seems fine," he said, finally. "Maybe it was just a passing discomfort. Rest and stay hydrated, I can assure you that tomorrow you will be as good as new, Ana, there is nothing to worry about."
"Thank you, doctor," I replied, trying to hide my relief.
Before we could leave the hospital, I looked at Dante and asked him for a favor.
"Could you get me some water? My throat is dry, I'm sure it's all due to stress, I'll try to stay more relaxed to avoid this kind of problem."
Dante nodded, although he seemed reluctant to leave me alone.
"I'll be back in a minute, stay here." he said, heading towards the vending machine in the hallway.
I took advantage of his absence to quickly head to the intensive care unit. I stopped in front of the glass that separated the room from the hallway and saw Paolo. He was lying in bed, surrounded by machines and tubes. He looked weaker than I had imagined, and a pang of pain shot through my chest.
"Paolo," I whispered, placing my hand on the glass. "I don't remember everything, but I know I love you. Something in my heart tells me that you're important to me. Please wake up."
My voice cracked, and tears started streaming down my cheeks. At that moment, I heard footsteps behind me.
"What did you say?" Dante's voice made me spin around, my heart pounding in my throat.
He was there, holding a bottle of water, with a look of surprise and suspicion on his face. The tension in the air was palpable, and I didn't know how to get out of this situation without raising more suspicion.
"Dante, I..." I began, desperately searching for an excuse that could save me.