Chapter 58: I’ll be waiting

Dante.
The past few months had been a blend of chaos and forced calm. Ana was determined to avenge Paolo’s death, but her pregnancy was progressing rapidly, limiting her movements and actions. Each day was a struggle to maintain a balance between revenge and preparing for her child’s arrival.
Luisa hadn’t stopped pushing Ana toward her darker side. Day after day, her words were poison, filling Ana’s mind with thoughts of vengeance and power. Yet, glimpses of the true Ana—the strong, loving woman Paolo had adored—still shone through.
One quiet afternoon, I decided to accompany her to her weekly check-up. I’d witnessed how pregnancy transformed her physically, but her essence continued to fight to remain intact. We walked together to the clinic, and though the atmosphere was tense, there was a fleeting calm I appreciated.
“How are you feeling today?” I attempted to break the silence, seeking respite from our intense days.
“Tired, Dante. These last few months have been exhausting. But I can’t stop thinking about what I need to do.”
“I know, Ana. But remember, your health and the baby’s come first now.”
“Yes, I know. But every day that passes without justice for Paolo feels like a defeat.”
We arrived at the clinic, where we were promptly received. Ana lay down on the examination table as the doctor prepared the ultrasound. I watched as her features relaxed slightly upon feeling the cold gel on her belly.
“Let’s see how the baby is today,” the doctor said, smiling as he moved the device over Ana’s abdomen.
The screen displayed the black-and-white image of her child. Relief and excitement filled Ana’s eyes each time she glimpsed her baby.
“Everything looks great. The baby is growing perfectly. In fact, it seems you could give birth at any moment now.”
Ana looked at me, her eyes a mix of anxiety and happiness.
“Really? So soon?”
“Yes, very likely. Just make sure to rest and be prepared for any signs that labor might be starting.”
“Thank you, doctor.”

We left the clinic and walked slowly to the car. I could see that the news had affected her, and I knew this was a crucial moment for her.
“Ana, this is real. Your baby will be here soon. You have to be ready for him, to be the mother Paolo would have wanted you to be.”
“I know. But every time I close my eyes, I see Paolo's face, and I feel the need to do something.”
“And you will. But first, you need to be well for your child. He needs his mother, more than anyone.”
Ana sighed, and for a moment, I saw the woman Paolo had loved, the woman fighting to stay afloat amidst the pain.
“You’re right. I need to focus on my baby. Paolo would want me to do that.”
“Exactly. He would be proud of you for being so strong.”
We got into the car and drove back home. During the drive, Ana remained silent, lost in her thoughts. I knew she was struggling internally, trying to find a balance between the pain of losing Paolo and the hope of the life growing inside her.
When we arrived, we found Luisa waiting for us in the living room. Her presence always brought a palpable tension.
“How was the check-up?” Her tone was casual, but her eyes were always calculating.
“The baby is fine. He could be born any time now.” Ana headed to the kitchen, looking for something to drink.
“That’s good. But you mustn’t forget what we need to do. Vengeance can’t wait.”
“Mom, I know. But I also have to think about my baby.”
“Your baby will need a safe world, a place where he doesn’t have to worry about the enemies who killed his father. And we can only give him that if we finish what we started.”
“It’s not that simple, Mom. I can’t risk my health or the baby’s.”
“I’m not asking you to. But you can’t let your guard down. You can’t forget what Paolo meant to you, to all of us.”
“I’ll never forget. But I also need to be strong for my son.”
I stepped in, feeling the tension rising.
“Luisa, Ana knows what she has to do. But right now, she needs to rest and be ready for the baby. There’s time for everything else later.”
“I hope you’re right, Dante. Because we can’t afford any more mistakes.”
Luisa left, leaving Ana and me in the kitchen. I walked over and put a hand on her shoulder.
“Ana, don’t let her manipulate you. You need to do what’s best for you and your baby.”
“I know, Dante. It’s just that everything feels so overwhelming sometimes.”
“You’ll get through this. You’re strong, and you have your baby to remind you of what really matters.”
Ana looked at me, and for a moment, I saw the determination in her eyes.
“You’re right. I have to be strong for him. And for Paolo too.”
“And we’ll be here to help you. You’re not alone in this.”
“Thank you, Dante. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
We stayed in the kitchen, sharing a moment of peace amid the storm. I knew the coming days would be crucial, but I also knew Ana had the strength to face them. And as she prepared for her baby’s birth, I committed to being by her side, supporting her every step of the way.
The sun was setting, and the house was enveloped in a momentary calm. Ana lay back on the sofa, her hands gently caressing her belly. I watched her face, seeing the mix of love and pain that defined her now.
“Paolo would be so proud of you, Ana. And I know you’re going to be an incredible mother.”
“I’ll try, for him and for our son.”
I stopped to look at her; no matter the situation, she always looked beautiful.
“Ana, have you thought about names for the baby?”
She was silent for a moment, gently stroking her belly. She had thought of names, of course, but the decision seemed monumental.
“Yes, I’ve thought of a few. I like names like Alessandro, Leonardo... but there’s one that always comes to mind.”
“Which one?”
“Paolo. I think the most sensible thing is to name him after his father. It would be a way to honor his memory, to keep him present in our lives.”
“It’s a beautiful name, and I think it would be a fitting tribute. But... Ana, there’s something I want to tell you.”
She looked at me, noticing a change in my tone, something deeper, more personal.
“What is it, Dante?”
“I’ve been thinking a lot about everything that’s happened, about us. I know this is a difficult time and you’re dealing with so much, but I want you to know that my feelings for you haven’t changed. Despite everything, I’ve always loved you.”
“Dante, I...”
“Please, listen to me. I know Paolo was the love of your life, and he always will be. But I also know that you and I had plans, dreams of starting a family before everything spiraled out of control.”
“I know, Dante. And those dreams still mean a lot to me, but...”
“Let me finish. I want you to know that if you allow it, I’m willing to be by your side. We can raise this baby together, give him the love and family he deserves. I would take care of the baby as if he were my own, and together we could move forward, even within the mafia.”
I hoped that somehow, my words were having an effect on her. I wanted her to accept this, I wanted her with me, it had always been that way.
“Are you sure about this, Dante? Raising a child that isn’t yours, living under Paolo’s shadow...”
“Yes, Ana. I’m sure. I’ve always wanted to be by your side, and if that means helping to raise Paolo’s child, then I’ll do it. Because I love you.”
Tears began to fill her eyes. Maybe this could really work.
“Dante, I don’t know what to say. I’m so grateful for your words, your support. But right now, I can’t think clearly. Everything is so... confusing.”
“You don’t have to answer now, Ana. I just wanted you to know how I feel. I’m here for you, I always will be. And when you’re ready, we can talk about this calmly.”
“Thank you, Dante. Really. It means a lot to me to know that you’re here, that you’ve always been here.”
We stayed in silence, the weight of our emotions filling the space between us. Ana knew she had to make difficult decisions, but at that moment, she could only focus on the baby.
The sun began to set, filling the room with a golden light. Despite the pain and confusion, there was a glimmer of hope.
“Rest, Ana. Tomorrow is a new day, and we’ll make the decisions we need to make when the time comes.”
I started to walk away when I heard her say something that made me stop in my tracks.
“I loved you, Dante, I swear I did.”
“I know. I just regret that my love for you wasn’t enough to keep you away from Paolo.”
“Our enemies were after us, they wanted to destroy the mafia. Many people I cared about died defending this. You have to understand that I had to do the same.”
Even though I understood her reasons, I couldn’t help but think that if she had wanted to, we could have fought a little harder.
“And what did that cost you, Ana?”
“Paolo’s life,” she said. “That’s why I can’t let emotions cloud my judgment again.”
“I understand that. I’ll be waiting when you’re ready.”