♥ Chapter 72♥

Isabella Conti.

A month.

A month has passed since I returned to Portevecchio. This period was incredibly difficult, both physically and psychologically. The injury still caused me intense pain, and I was constantly on painkillers to ease the suffering. My routines were filled with frequent exams to check my health and that of the baby—something that mentally drained me, but was necessary.

Alessio didn't leave my side for even a moment. He would only move away when I begged him to take a shower and eat something. His constant presence was a relief, but I felt like a burden because I knew he was sacrificing himself for me. My friends Gabi and Sophia visited me often, and I had to make up an excuse about being shot by a stray bullet. They were shocked, but didn't question anything further, and continued to support me with their visits and words of encouragement.

Alessio took care of me in a way I never imagined, something that doesn't really fit with his personality. He would bathe me and help me change my clothes. He slept in the room with me, although in an armchair next to my bed, always attentive to my every need. Furthermore, he never failed to accompany me to exams, ensuring that I was never alone.

The wound began to heal, finally providing both physical and emotional relief. I was released from the hospital, and now I'm going back to Alessio's house. Right now he's helping me put on a dress, and he's been incredibly careful with me, his every movement full of concern and affection.

'' Okay, I think you're comfortable like this. '' I said, adjusting the dress over my shoulders. I looked at him, seeing the tiredness in his eyes, but also a determination to want to help. Something that makes me love him even more. 

'' It's perfect, thank you. '' I replied, with a weak but sincere smile.

Alessio helped me out of the room with extreme care. He had already arranged everything for my discharge, and every move he made was calculated to avoid any discomfort. When we arrived at the car, Dante, who was standing next to the vehicle, quickly opened the door. Alessio helped me in as gently as possible, making sure I was comfortable before settling in next to me.

'' Let's go home. '' He said, with a dry tone, to Dante, who just agreed and started the car. 

Alessio took my hand and placed it gently on his lap. I laid my head on his shoulder, while Portevecchio's scenes passed by the window. I felt a deep relief to be back in my city, but I still hadn't shared with Alessio what Salvatore did to me—that horrible attempt. Likewise, I don't know if I'll find the courage to tell you today or leave it for later; I'm still deciding. I want to focus on my recovery, but the truth is, I won't find peace until I reveal everything to him.

The nightmares have been constant, full of scary images: Salvatore trying to abuse me, and in some dreams, he kills our son or even Alessio. I know I need to get rid of this anguish, and I can only do that by talking about what happened.

The car slid into the driveway of the mansion, a place I never imagined I would miss so much. Alessio helped me get out of the vehicle with extreme care, as if I were something precious and fragile. I knew he was worried, but just because I was shot doesn't mean I'm that fragile. As we entered the house, the relief of being back was almost palpable.

'' Welcome back, my queen. '' He said, with his soft voice.

'' It's good to be back. '' I replied, with a fond smile.

He supported me with care that made my heart warm, helping me climb the stairs with the utmost delicacy. Even though I knew he could carry me on his lap if he wanted, I preferred to try to move my legs, I didn't want to always be lying down. When we arrived upstairs, he led me to his room. As soon as I walked in, memories of our warm nights and the intimate moments we shared flooded my mind, bringing a soft smile to my face.

Alessio guided me to the bed and helped me sit down with a care that touched me deeply. His gaze was full of concern.

'' Are you feeling any discomfort? '' he asked.

I shook my head, feeling more relieved every moment.

'' I'm much better than before. '' I replied, noticing the guilt that flashed through his eyes. I held her face affectionately, leaned over, and kissed her lips in a long and affectionate peck. ''It wasn't your fault, Alessio. It's not your fault I was kidnapped.

He shook his head, dismay visible in his eyes.

'' I'm to blame, yes. I didn't protect you or our son. I exploded with jealousy and let you be kidnapped. 

Hearing him mention ''our son '' made my heart race in a way only he can. I looked at him with softness and understanding.

'' It's not your fault. I don't blame you for the kidnapping. And about the jealousy, it was just a misunderstanding. I was never mad at you; I was just sad that I thought I would abandon you. But what really matters is that you came for us and saved us. That's what counts for me, Alessio. The fact that you fought for us, and that you faced everything to protect us, is what touches me most.

He kneeled down beside me and laid his head on my lap. I started stroking her hair. 

'' I need to say something. Just listen. '' I say suddenly, with my voice shaking a little.

He didn't respond, he just continued to rest his head on my lap as he listened to me. I took a deep breath and continued to caress his hair, while the words began to come out with difficulty.

'' Salvatore tried to abuse me that day you found me… He entered the room and pinned me to the bed before I could escape to the corner of the wall. He… He kissed me, but I quickly bit his lips, making him bleed. The consequence of this was a slap on my face. When he started to run his hand over my body, despair took over. Luckily, I managed to hit his member, which made him get off me. It was then that I managed to escape from the room and run away. But since then, I've been having nightmares of him killing our son and even you.

I felt tears streaming down my face and my voice cracking as fear set in.

'' I felt so scared, Alessio... So afraid... There are moments when I feel disgusted with my own body, knowing that it touched me. '' I say desperately. 

Alessio looked at me with a calm gaze, but I knew he was struggling with deep anger and hatred. He's trying hard to stay calm, but the tension in his body is evident.

I looked at him desperately.  

'' Please, Alessio… Clean my body, remove everything… Leave your fingerprints on me, so that I can feel that I am safe and that I am yours and yours alone. '' I begged, my voice broken by sobs.

Alessio closed his eyes and took a deep breath, as if trying to maintain control over an internal force that threatened to escape. His face contorted in a mixture of anger and determination. He stood up with an intensity that made it clear how much he was fighting his own feelings.