Chapter 59: It’s time

Ana
I had spent months planning this. Every night, as I caressed my growing belly, my mind filled with strategies and tactics. Paolo accompanied me in dreams, and every time I closed my eyes, his voice whispered to me not to give up. I was determined to avenge his death, no matter the cost.
Luisa had become my most fervent ally. Although she had always had her own ambitions, now she seemed to share my pain and desire for justice. We were in the meeting room, a dark and closed place where light barely filtered through the thick curtains.
“We have to make sure there are no mistakes this time,” Luisa began, her voice firm and full of conviction.
“There won’t be. This time, they will pay with blood,” I replied, feeling the fury boiling inside me.
Martin, my bodyguard and right-hand man, nodded as he reviewed the blueprints and maps spread out on the table. His loyalty was unwavering, and I knew I could count on him to carry out this mission.
“Everything is ready. We have the men, the weapons, and the necessary information to strike,” Martin confirmed, looking at me seriously.
“Perfect. We need to attack when they least expect it. We can’t give them time to react,” I said, my eyes fixed on the map.
At that moment, Dante entered the room. His face reflected concern and fatigue. I knew he disagreed with my plans, but I also knew he would never leave me alone.
“Ana, you can’t do this. You’re not only risking your life but also the baby’s,” Dante began, his tone pleading.
“I have no choice, Dante. They killed Paolo. I can’t just sit back and do nothing,” I replied, not taking my eyes off the map.
“I know, but this isn’t the way. There are other ways to seek justice,” he insisted, approaching me.
“And what do you suggest? That I sit and wait for someone else to do something? I can’t. This is the only way to make sure they pay for what they did,” I responded, my voice trembling with rage and pain.
“Ana, please. Think about the baby. Think about your future. Paolo wouldn’t want this for you,” Dante continued, his voice laden with emotion.
"Don't talk to me about what Paolo would want! You have no idea the pain I feel every day. I need to do this, for him and for our child," I shouted, feeling tears well up in my eyes.
There was a tense silence in the room. Luisa looked at me with a mix of pride and concern, while Martin remained silent, waiting for my orders.
"We'll do it tomorrow night. Make sure everything is ready," I finally ordered, ignoring Dante's gaze.
Just when I thought everything was under control, I felt a sharp pain in my abdomen. My breathing quickened, and I looked at Luisa, who quickly approached me.
"Mom... I think my water broke. The baby is coming."
Luisa froze for a moment before reacting. She shouted to get Martin and Dante's attention, who were reviewing the final details of the plan.
"Martin! Dante! We need to get Ana to the hospital, now!"
Martin was the first to appear, his face filled with concern upon seeing my condition. Dante arrived a few seconds later, his expression a mix of panic and urgency.
"Ana, take a deep breath. We're going to get you to the car and then to the hospital as fast as possible," Martin tried to reassure me as he helped me up.
I felt another contraction, and the pain made me double over. Dante held me firmly, his eyes full of determination.
"Don't worry, Ana. Everything will be fine. Just breathe, okay?"
I nodded, trying to focus on my breathing. Luisa opened the door and guided us to the car. Each step felt like an eternity, and the pain only increased.
"Stay calm, dear. We'll get to the hospital soon," she tried to soothe me as they settled me into the back seat of the car.
Martin took the wheel, flooring the accelerator, while Dante sat beside me, holding my hand.
"Everything is going to be okay, Ana. I'm here with you."
Dante's words offered some comfort, but the pain and concern for the baby were overwhelming. Each contraction made me fear the worst.
"Hurry up, Martin! We can't waste any time!" Luisa shouted from the passenger seat.
The journey to the hospital was chaotic. The traffic seemed endless, and every second counted. Contractions grew stronger and more frequent, and I felt the world closing in around me.
“Ana, breathe with me. Inhale… exhale…” Dante guided me, trying to keep me calm.
Finally, we arrived at the hospital. Martin parked the car in front of the entrance and rushed to seek help. A team of doctors and nurses quickly emerged with a stretcher.
“Please, my daughter is about to give birth. We need urgent assistance,” Luisa explained as the doctors transferred me onto the stretcher.
Seeing the professional faces of the doctors brought relief, but also a growing sense of fear. Something wasn’t right. I could feel it.
“We’ll take her to the delivery room immediately. Prepare for whatever is necessary,” one of the doctors ordered as they hurriedly wheeled me through the hospital corridors.
Dante and Martin were by my side, with Luisa following closely. The chaos of the situation reflected in their faces, yet their hands remained steady, conveying strength.
“Don’t worry, Ana. We’re here with you. You won’t be alone,” Dante assured me.
I was grateful for their presence, but the pain and worry were almost unbearable. We entered the delivery room, and the doctors began preparing swiftly.
“We’ll perform an ultrasound to check on the baby. Stay calm and follow our instructions,” the doctor’s words echoed in my mind as I tried to maintain composure. I felt the cold gel on my abdomen as the doctor moved the transducer over my skin.
“There’s something that doesn’t seem quite right…” the doctor murmured, furrowing their brow as they examined the screen.
Fear gripped me. I looked at Dante, seeking answers in his expression.
“What does that mean? What’s happening?” My voice trembled with desperation.
The doctor glanced at their team and then back at us.
“It appears the baby is in a complicated position. We’ll do everything possible to ensure a safe delivery, but we need you to remain calm and trust us.”
Though the doctor’s words didn’t entirely calm me, I focused on my breathing, reminding myself that I was in capable hands. Dante and Martin stayed by my side, their hands holding mine, conveying strength and determination.
"Ana, you are the strongest person I know. You can do this. For you, for Paolo, and for your baby."
I nodded, feeling a mix of pain and determination. I knew this moment would be crucial, and that I had to gather all the strength I had left.
The doctors began preparing for the delivery, and I felt a new wave of pain as another contraction hit me. The chaos around me was overwhelming, but I tried to focus on Dante's words and the promise I had made to Paolo.