Chapter 50: It's the same person

Ana
After talking to Dante and confirming what I already feared, I lay down on the bed, trying to process the news. The weight of responsibility and the uncertainty of how Paolo would react overwhelmed me. I had barely closed my eyes when I heard the familiar sound of the door opening. It was Paolo.
"Ana, what's going on?" He came in with a worried expression. "It seems like everyone knows something except me."
I took a deep breath, trying to calm down before speaking.
"Paolo, I need to tell you something... something important."
He approached the bed and sat down next to me, his eyes full of concern.
"Tell me, what is it?"
"I'm pregnant," I blurted out, afraid of his reaction.
There was a moment of silence. Paolo stared at me intently, his eyes searching mine. Then, to my surprise, a smile appeared on his face.
"Really?"
I nodded, unable to hold back a tear of relief.
"Yes, it's true."
Paolo took my hands, his eyes shining with an emotion he rarely showed.
"Ana, this is... incredible. You have no idea how happy you make me. We're going to have a baby, the next heir, aren't you excited about the idea?"
I felt a great weight lifting off my shoulders as I saw his reaction. The hardness he usually carried on his face softened, showing a vulnerability he rarely allowed to come out. He hugged me tightly, and at that moment, I knew that no matter what challenges we faced, we would be together.
Paolo would really support me with this and nothing could make me happier.
"I'm so relieved you're taking it this way," I whispered against his chest.
Paolo kissed me on the forehead.
"Never doubt what I feel for you, Ana. This baby will be our eternal bond, one more proof that what you and I have is real."
We spent a few more minutes together, enjoying the tranquility of our little bubble of happiness. But I knew there was someone else who needed to know this. I decided it was time to tell my mother.
"I'm going to talk to my mother," I told Paolo, getting out of bed. "I want her to know the news too."
Paolo nodded.
"Sure, but be careful. You know how she is."
I left the room and went to find my mother directly to Uncle Marco's house. I just hoped I wouldn't run into Dante, it would be awkward. Luisa was in the living room, reviewing some documents. When she saw me, she looked up and smiled.
"Ana, what's up?"
I approached, feeling a little nervous.
"Mom, I have something important to tell you. I'm pregnant."
Luisa looked at me, her scrutinizing eyes evaluating my face.
"Pregnant?" I nodded.
"Yes, Paolo is very happy. We're going to have a baby."
My mother got up and hugged me, but her hug had a stiffness that made me feel uncomfortable.
"That's... interesting. How do you feel about it?"
"I'm happy, Mom. But also a little nervous. It's a big change."
Luisa let me go and looked into my eyes.
"Ana, I want you to think carefully about this. Paolo may seem happy now, but men like him are unpredictable. You have to be careful."
"What do you mean?" I asked, feeling a knot in my stomach.
"I mean that you can't trust him completely. He might be pretending. People in our position always have ulterior motives. You have to protect yourself and your baby."
Her words echoed in my mind. I had trusted Paolo, I had seen his genuine excitement. But my mother had always been cautious, and her warning made me doubt. Could I really trust Paolo?
"I don't know, Mom," I murmured, trying to clear my thoughts.
"I just want you to be safe, Ana. Don't rush into anything. Observe, evaluate, and if you notice anything strange, don't hesitate to act."
I nodded slowly, although my heart was against the idea of doubting Paolo. However, my mother's words stayed with me, planting a seed of distrust.
"Thank you for caring, Mom. I'll be careful," I promised, although I wasn't sure what I really believed.
Luisa smiled at me, but there was something in her eyes that unsettled me.
"That's all I want, Ana. For you to be safe. It has always been that way. You can doubt anyone, but never me."
Curiously, that's what everyone has told me moments before betraying me. I stayed with her a little longer while we chatted, in the end as Martin was waiting for me he took me back home, I was surprised to see my husband's car outside, I thought he would have left.
I went back to my room, where Paolo was waiting for me. When I saw him, the knot in my stomach tightened. Could I really trust him? Or was my mother right to warn me?
"Is everything okay?" Paolo asked, noticing my expression.
"Yes, just that... my mother made me think about some things," I replied, trying not to show my doubt.
Paolo frowned.
"What things?"
"Nothing important. Just... precautions."
He hugged me, and for a moment, I felt safe. But my mother's words were still echoing in my mind. As Paolo comforted me, I couldn't help but wonder if I really knew the person I had married.
That night, as I lay down next to Paolo, sleep would not come. Worry and doubt tangled in my mind, and for the first time since I had regained my memories, I felt truly alone. I would have to be vigilant and protect my child, no matter what it took.
But as I watched Paolo's peaceful face asleep by my side, I couldn't help but wonder: what is it that really hides behind those eyes?
The dawn brought a deceptive calm. The events of the previous night still lingered in my mind, but the morning sun invited me to take a walk to clear my head. I walked through the nearby park, enjoying the fresh air and the birdsong, trying to organize my thoughts and emotions. However, it wasn't long before I saw a familiar figure in the distance. It was Valeria.
"Valeria," I called out, hesitating for a moment if I should approach her.
She looked up, surprised to see me. After a brief silence, she walked towards me.
"Ana, what a surprise to see you here."
We stood in silence for a few seconds, the recent past weighing heavily on us. Finally, I took the initiative.
"Valeria, I think we need to talk. There are a lot of things left unresolved between us."
"You're right," she agreed, a bit nervous. "I know I hurt you and I owe you an apology."
"And me too. We let ourselves be carried away by circumstances beyond our control. But I think, if we really want to, we can salvage our friendship. It won't be easy, but I want to try."
Valeria gave a small smile.
"Me too, Ana. I miss our friendship. I promise I'll do everything I can to make things go back to the way they were."
I nodded, feeling a weight lifting off my shoulders.
"Thank you, Valeria. And there's something else I want to tell you." I had to take advantage of this moment of sincerity and emotion. "I'm pregnant."
"Oh my God, Ana!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "That's incredible! Congratulations."
I smiled, infected by her enthusiasm.
"Thank you. But honestly, I'm also very scared. I don't know if I'm ready for this, and there are so many things I don't understand yet."
"It's normal to feel that way, Ana. It's a big responsibility, but I know you're strong. And you're not alone. You have Paolo and me, if you'll let me be by your side through this process."
"Of course I will. I need all the help I can get. Besides, there's something else I wanted to know. How's the search for my father's killer going?"
Valeria sighed, her expression turning serious.
"I'm getting closer. I've followed some leads and I think I'll be able to identify the culprit soon. I won't rest until I find justice for them."
"Thank you, Valeria. It means a lot to me that you're doing this."
At that moment, I saw my mother approaching on the path. Luisa raised her hand in greeting.
"Hello, girls. I didn't expect to find you here."
"Hi, Mom. Valeria and I were catching up," I replied, smiling.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Luisa. Since you came back, I haven't had the pleasure of talking to you," Valeria added, although I noticed a slight tremor in her voice.
My mother gave us both a quick hug.
"Well, I don't want to interrupt, I was just passing by on my way to a meeting. Take care of yourselves."
"We will, Mom. See you later."
Valeria watched my mother walk away, her face pale and tense.
"Valeria, what's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."
She swallowed hard, clearly disturbed.
"Ana, your mother's voice... it's the same voice as the woman who was blackmailing me to betray you."
I felt like the ground was crumbling beneath my feet.
"What? Are you sure?"
Valeria nodded, her expression full of anguish.
"I have no doubt. Luisa is the woman who almost forced me to destroy you."