Chapter 48: This Changes Everything

Ana
I lay in bed, feeling every fiber of my body on the verge of collapse. The pressure of the past few weeks had taken its toll. Despite regaining my memory, the memories and responsibilities were overwhelming me, and my body was finally giving in.
Paolo entered the room, his expression full of concern as he saw me so weak. He approached and sat down beside me, gently taking my hand.
"Ana, this can't go on. You need to see a doctor."
"Paolo, it's not necessary. I just need to rest a little more. There's too much we need to handle," I replied, trying to sound convincing, even though I knew I wasn't succeeding.
"It's not just exhaustion, Ana. You've been like this for days. Please, let me take you to the doctor," he insisted, squeezing my hand slightly.
"No, Paolo. I can't afford that luxury right now. We have too many responsibilities. The mafia, our operations... I can't show weakness," I tried to stay firm, though my voice was barely a whisper.
Paolo sighed, clearly frustrated but also understanding. He knew how important it was for me to stay strong, but he was also worried about my health.
Just then, the door opened and Martin entered with a serious expression on his face.
"Paolo, we need to talk," he said, gesturing for him to follow.
Paolo looked at me with concern before standing up.
"Ana, please promise me you'll rest and consider seeing a doctor," he stroked my cheek.
"I promise, Paolo. Just... go and do what you need to do," I replied, giving him a small smile to reassure him.
Paolo nodded and left the room with Martin, leaving me alone. I lay back down, closing my eyes and trying to calm my mind. I knew Paolo was worried and he was right, but I also knew I couldn't afford to show weakness at this crucial time.
Shortly after, I heard Martin and Paolo's voices arguing in the other room. Their voices were low, but I could catch snippets of the conversation.
"Paolo, we need you to go on a trip. There's a problem with one of our operations and only you can fix it."
So that's what it was
“Martin, I can't leave Ana like this. She's very weak and needs medical attention," Paolo replied, clearly torn between his duties and his concern for me.
"I understand, Paolo. But this is urgent. If we don't fix this problem, we could lose a significant part of our business," Martin insisted.
The conversation continued, and I felt a wave of guilt. I knew Paolo had important responsibilities and that my health was affecting his ability to fulfill them. Finally, I heard the door open and Paolo returned to the room, his expression full of concern and determination.
"Ana, I have to go on a trip for a few days. There's a problem that needs to be solved urgently. But please promise me you'll rest and consider seeing a doctor."
"Paolo, I understand. Go and do what you need to do. I'll be fine."
"I don't like leaving you like this, but I have no other choice. Promise me you'll take care of yourself," he said, looking into my eyes intensely.
"I promise, Paolo. I'll be fine," I said, giving him a small smile.
Paolo leaned in and kissed me softly on the forehead before getting up and leaving the room. I was left alone, feeling the weight of responsibility and worry. I knew I needed to rest and recover, but I also knew I couldn't afford to show weakness at this crucial time.
The hours passed slowly. I tried to rest, but my mind was full of worries and doubts. The constant tension and stress were taking their toll, and I knew I needed to find a way to balance my responsibilities with my health.
Finally, I got out of bed and went to the window, looking at the city in the distance. The view had always brought me a sense of calm and determination. I knew I had to be strong, not only for myself but also for Paolo and everyone who depended on us.
Just then, I heard a noise at the door and turned to see Martin re-entering.
"Ana, how are you feeling?" he asked, his voice full of concern.
"I've been better, Martin. But I'm trying to rest," I replied, giving him a small smile.
"Paolo is very worried about you. He asked me to make sure you were okay while he's gone," he said, approaching me.
"I know, Martin. And I appreciate his concern. I just need a little time to recover. We've been through a lot in the past few weeks."
"I understand, Ana. But you must remember that you're not alone. We're all here to support you. And if you need anything at all, just ask," Martin said, his voice full of sincerity.
"Thank you, Martin. I really appreciate your support. I promise I'll do everything I can to recover soon."
Martin nodded and left me alone again. I turned back to the window, feeling a mix of determination and hope. I knew I had a long road ahead of me, but I also knew I had people by my side who were willing to fight for me and support me.
The hours passed and night fell. I lay in bed, trying to find a comfortable position to rest. I knew I needed to sleep and recover, but my mind was still full of worries and doubts.
Finally, I closed my eyes and let myself drift off to sleep, hoping that tomorrow would be a better day. I knew I had a lot to fight for, and that with Paolo and Martin's support, I could overcome any challenge.
The day progressed slowly, and although I felt a little better, I was still weak. Paolo had already left, and Martin was busy with his own duties, so I spent most of the day alone in the house. I was in the living room, trying to concentrate on some documents, when I heard a soft knock at the door.
I stood up with a little effort and went to open it. To my surprise, it was Dante. His expression was full of concern.
"Ana, how are you doing?" he asked, his voice softer than I remembered.
"Dante, I didn't expect to see you," I said, a little surprised but also comforted by his presence. "I'm doing better."
The truth is, I was feeling worse, but I didn't want to alert the others, this doesn't have to become a burden for the rest of the people.
"I heard Paolo had to leave and I wanted to make sure you were okay," he said, looking at me intently.
Before I could answer, a wave of dizziness hit me and I felt my legs give way. Everything blurred, and the last thing I heard was Dante's voice calling my name before everything went black.
When I regained consciousness, I was in the hospital. I felt a warm hand holding mine and turned my head to see Dante and Martin by my side. Both of them had worried expressions.
"Ana, how are you feeling?" Martin asked, his voice full of relief.
"What... what happened?" I managed to murmur, trying to remember how I had gotten there.
"You fainted. Dante brought you here immediately," Martin explained, giving Dante a grateful look.
At that moment, the doctor entered the room. He was a middle-aged man with a serious but kind expression.
"Ms. Salvatore, I'm Dr. Rossi. We've run some tests and I have some important news for you," he said, looking at my results.
"What news?" I asked, feeling a knot in my stomach.
"You're pregnant, Mrs. Salvatore. But your condition is delicate. The pregnancy is high-risk due to your recent health status and the stress you've been under," the doctor explained calmly.
I felt the world crumbling around me. A baby. I was pregnant. I looked at Dante and Martin, who shared my expression of astonishment.
"Pregnant?" I murmured, still processing the information. "And will the baby be okay?"
"There are complications, Mrs. Salvatore. You'll need a lot of rest and constant care. Stress and lack of rest could put your health and the baby's at risk," Dr. Rossi replied.
Dante approached, taking my hand firmly.
"Ana, we'll do everything we need to do to make sure you're okay. You need to take care of yourself."
Martin nodded, his expression serious.
"This is more important than anything else right now, Ana. You need to focus on your health and the baby's."
Tears welled up in my eyes. The news had taken me by surprise, and worries began to flood my mind. How was I going to handle all this? And Paolo? He had a right to know, but he was far away.
"Paolo..." I murmured. "He needs to know. But he's out."
Dante squeezed my hand.
"We'll make sure Paolo finds out. But for now, you need to rest. I'll stay here with you until he gets back."
I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and fear. The doctor spoke again, giving me more details about the care I needed and assuring me that they would be closely monitoring my situation.
The hours passed slowly in the hospital. Dante and Martin took turns being by my side, making sure I was comfortable and had everything I needed. The news of the pregnancy had changed everything, and now all our priorities revolved around my health and the baby's.