Chapter 37: Plans

Ana
The sun streamed through the window, casting a warm glow over the room. I was sitting on the oversized couch in my living room, surrounded by bridal magazines and fabric swatches. Valeria, my best friend, was by my side, flipping through a catalog of dresses.
"What do you think of this one?" Valeria asked, holding up an image of a lace gown with a long veil.
"It's beautiful," I replied, though my mind was elsewhere. I felt a knot in my stomach, a mix of excitement and anxiety. I was going to marry Paolo, but there were so many things I still couldn't remember.
Valeria looked at me, noticing my distraction. She closed the catalog and took my hands in hers.
"Ana, what's wrong?" she asked, her voice full of concern.
I sighed, trying to sort through my thoughts.
"Valeria, I have strong feelings for Paolo, but I can't remember anything about our past together. I'm worried that if I get my memory back, it could change everything I feel now. What if I find out something I can't handle?" My voice trembled slightly.
Valeria squeezed my hands gently, her eyes showing a mix of compassion and doubt. She seemed to want to say something, but didn't know how.
"Ana, I know this is a difficult situation. But I want you to know that you don't have to do anything that you don't feel in your heart. Getting married is a big step, and if you have doubts, maybe you should reconsider. You shouldn't feel guilty, because changing your mind takes courage too."
I looked at her, feeling a lump in my throat. Valeria had always been my rock, but this time, she seemed as lost as I was.
"The wedding is in a few days, Valeria. It's too late to back out now. Paolo has been incredibly patient and loving, and I don't want to hurt him. Besides, everyone expects me to go through with it."
"I'm sure not everyone expects you to marry him."
"You know what I mean. This alliance has brought great benefits to both mafias, Paolo's and mine. It wasn't the alliance the world expected, but it turned out to be much better than that. We're achieving great things, and just like my Uncle Marco wanted, we're gaining power and recognition.”
“Your grandfather was an old man who kept living his dreams through his son, and when your father and mother died, he had no choice but to leave you as the heir to the mafia. But you’re much more than that, Ana. You have passions, hobbies, so many things that you rather be doing than getting your hands dirty with blood, believe me."
"So, I didn't want any of this?"
Noticing the seriousness of my question, Valeria decided to change the subject, perhaps to avoid giving me more information.
"Don't pay much attention to me, weddings make me a bit tense, that's all." Valeria sighed and hugged me. "I just want you to be happy, Ana. If at any point you feel like this isn't the right thing, I promise I'll support you, no matter what you decide."
We fell silent for a moment, hugging each other, before Valeria pulled away slightly to look me in the eyes.
"I know this is sudden, but you have to be sure this is what you want. Don't feel obligated to go through with it just because of pressure from others," she added, her tone serious.
I nodded slowly, appreciating her honesty.
"Thanks, Valeria. I needed to hear that. But I think I don't have a choice. I have to go through with it and trust that everything will work out," I tried to sound more confident than I felt.
Valeria smiled sadly and opened the dress catalog again.
"So, let's see which one of these will make you feel like a queen on your wedding day," she said, trying to lighten the mood.
We spent the rest of the afternoon looking at dresses, discussing wedding details, and although I tried to stay focused, doubts lingered in my mind. I knew I needed answers, and soon. But for now, I could only go forward and hope for the best.
As Valeria and I finished discussing the final details of the dress, the afternoon turned into evening. The warm sunlight was fading, leaving a dim twilight in the room. I knew I had to go see my uncle Marco. I had to ask him to walk me down the aisle. After all, he was the only family I had left.
"Valeria, I think I need to go see my uncle Marco," I said, getting up from the couch. "I want to ask him to walk me down the aisle."
Valeria nodded, her eyes showing support and concern.
"Sure, Ana. That's a good idea. I'm sure he'll appreciate it very much. After all, you're still family. I don't think he'll object to your request. Good luck."
I hugged Valeria goodbye and left the house. I drove in silence to my uncle's mansion, my mind full of thoughts and doubts. When I arrived, one of the guards greeted me and guided me to Marco's office.
"Ana, my dear, what brings you here?" Marco said, getting up from his desk and approaching me for a hug.
"Uncle Marco, I need to talk to you about something important," I said, taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk.
Marco sat down in front of me, his expression full of curiosity.
"Of course, tell me, what's going on?" he asked, crossing his hands on the desk.
I took a deep breath before speaking.
"Uncle, I know all of this wedding stuff has been very rushed, and even though I have a lot of doubts, I want you to be the one to walk me down the aisle. You're the only family I have left, and it would mean a lot to me," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "Since Mom and Dad are gone, I think it's only right that you're the one to give me away."
Marco smiled, his eyes full of tenderness and understanding.
"Ana, it would be an honor to walk you down the aisle. Although I must say, I also think this may be a bit rushed," he said, his tone serious but caring. "Don't you think so?"
I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and sadness.
"I know, Uncle. But I feel like I don't have a choice. Everyone expects me to go through with it," I said, trying to justify myself. "We've gained so much from this alliance that I can't back out at the last minute. Besides, Paolo is a good man."
"I wouldn't be too sure about that. He's a mobster at the end of the day, and he does a lot of horrible things to keep the business going. In theory, he's a criminal."
"And so am I. I'm part of this world, don't forget. I understand you think it's rushed, and I'm sure you don't think anything good will come of this. But I have to do this for the sake of my family and the alliance. I can't let them down."
Marco leaned forward, his gaze intense.
"Ana, I want you to know something. Your parents, Antonio and Luisa, got married very quickly. They had only known each other for a couple of months when they decided they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together. It was love at first sight, intense and deep. My brother Antonio always said that when you know, you know. Maybe you don't remember much now, but if you feel something strong for Paolo, you may be following the same path as your parents."
I fell silent, taking in his words. I couldn't remember my parents, but hearing that story gave me a little comfort.
"Thank you, Uncle Marco. That means a lot to me," I said, smiling weakly.
Marco stood up and came over to hug me again.
"I'll always be here for you, Ana. Remember that. No matter what happens, you have a family that supports you," he said, his voice firm and confident.
I stayed at my uncle's house for a while longer, talking about my parents and trying to fill in the gaps in my memory. When I finally said goodbye, I felt a mix of emotions. I wasn't completely sure of my decision, but as I said, it was too late for regrets.
When I got to the apartment, the place was quiet. The soft light of dusk was streaming through the windows, creating an atmosphere of calm. Martin was in the living room, reviewing some documents.
"Martin, where's Paolo?" I asked, putting my things down on the table.
Martin looked up and looked at me with a calm expression.
"He went out a while ago. He said he had some business to take care of," he replied, returning to his papers.
I nodded and slumped onto the couch, feeling the weight of the last few days on my shoulders. Just as I was about to close my eyes and relax, my phone rang. I looked at the screen and saw Dante's name. I answered, curious and a little nervous.
"Hello, Dante," I said, trying to keep my voice neutral.
On the other end of the line, I heard his heavy breathing and the unmistakable tone of someone who had been drinking.
"Ana... Ana, please listen to me," Dante said, his voice breaking. "Don't marry Paolo. I beg you, don't do it."
I fell silent, surprised by his words. Dante continued, his voice full of desperation.
"Ana, we, you and I, had agreed to walk down the aisle together. I love you, Ana. I've always loved you. I can't bear the thought of losing you."
I closed my eyes and suddenly, a fragmented memory flashed through my mind. Dante and I, hand in hand, looking into each other's eyes and vowing eternal love. The promise to get married someday, to spend the rest of our lives together. The memory was so vivid that I could almost feel the warmth of his hand in mine.
"Dante..." I said, my voice trembling. "I think I remember that. I remember when we made that promise."
The silence on the other end of the line was palpable, and I could imagine the mix of emotion and hope on his face.
"Really? Do you remember? Ana, that means there's still hope for us. Don't marry Paolo, please," Dante pleaded, his voice filled with emotion.
I felt a wave of confusion and pain. Everything in my life felt like a jumbled puzzle, and every time one piece fell into place, others crumbled.
"Dante, I don't know what's real and what's not in my life right now. I'm sorry, I can't do this."
Before he could respond, I hung up the phone, my mind swirling with questions and doubts. I slumped onto the couch, feeling tears welling up in my eyes.
What was real? What part of my life was a lie? And most importantly, who was I really? I was lost in a sea of fragmented memories and conflicting emotions, unsure of who to trust or which path to take.