♥ Chapter 78♥

Alessio Vecchio.

09:20 '' Alessio's house. ''Fourth. ''Portevecchio.

I wake up to a small noise and turn my head to the side, watching Isabella eat the pudding as if her life depended on it. I laughed, unable to hold back the laughter. She is a little startled by the sound.

'' I was hungry. '' She says, making an adorable pout.

I keep laughing and move closer to her, laying my head on her lap.

'' You make me come here at five in the morning, and I find you sleeping like a baby.

She gives a weak laugh and leans down, kissing my lips with a quick peck.

'' I love you. Thank you for buying me pudding.

I just smile and kiss her belly affectionately.

'' I love you too. We have to get ready to go to the hospital.

She nods, and I look at her.

'' Are your friends coming? ''I ask.

Isabella shakes her head, a serene smile on her face.

'' No. They said it would be something intimate and, that this moment was special for both of us. '' She explains, gently squeezing my hand. ''They understood that we needed this time just for ourselves. They promised to come later to celebrate together.

I nod.

'' It makes sense. It's our moment. ''I mutter.

Since the incident, her friends have always found time to visit us. After Isabella was shot, they didn't stop coming, always wanting to know how she was. This irritated me a little at first, but I realized it was important to Isabella. She required that support and that connection with the outside world.

They are good people, and I know I can't be selfish. However, every time they come, I decide to leave. I'm not great at talking to other people, especially when it comes to being warm and polite. And the last thing I want is to be rude to my precious girl's friends.

Lost in these thoughts, I am brought back to reality with a soft kiss on Isabella's forehead. I smile at her.

'' Let's take a shower. '' She says.

I nod and stand up, taking her hand as we head to the bathroom. I stroke her fingers gently as we walk. She goes in first, and I follow her, turning on the shower to the ideal temperature. The warm water starts to flow.

I begin to gently soap her body, each touch filled with affection and care. I run my hands gently over her shoulders and arms, feeling the softness of her skin beneath my fingers. She closes her eyes, sighing lightly, and I can't help but smile at the contented expression on her face.

'' I love these moments with you, my queen. '' I murmur, my voice low.

She opens her eyes and looks at me, a glow of love reflecting in her beautiful eyes.

'' Me too, Alessio. I feel so loved when you take care of me.

I continue to soap her body and wash her hair with the same tenderness, my fingers massaging her scalp carefully. She relaxes even more, trusting me completely. I feel incredibly grateful to have this woman in my life, someone who has brought a new dimension of happiness and purpose.

After I finish washing it, I rinse it slowly, watching the foam slide across the skin and be washed away by the water. I take a soft towel and wrap it around it, drying it just as gently. Every gesture is an expression of the love and commitment I feel for her and our baby.

'' You are everything to me, Isabella. '' I whisper, kissing your forehead tenderly.

She smiles—a smile that lights up my world.

'' And you are everything to me, Alessio.

We dried ourselves and went back to the room, after finishing the rest of the hygiene. Isabella chooses long-waisted pants and a light blouse, which make the ultrasound examination easier, while I opt for casual but elegant clothes: a cotton shirt and dark jeans.

As I get dressed, I can't help but smile as I watch her caress her belly.

'' Our baby is growing fast. '' I comment, approaching her and placing my hand over hers.

She smiles, her eyes shining with happiness.

'' Yes, he is. I can't wait to find out the sex today.

I nod, feeling a rush of emotion at the thought of our child's sex. Furthermore, I run my hand over her face and kiss her softly.

'' Come on. I don't want to be late.

We leave the room hand in hand. I go down the stairs next to her very carefully, keeping my hand steady in hers to make sure she doesn't fall.

'' Are you well? '' I ask softly, my eyes searching hers.

She smiles and nods.

'' Yes, Alessio. I am fine.

We reach the end of the stairs and head outside the mansion, where Dante is already waiting for us. He opens the car door with a respectful wave. I help Isabella into the car and hold her hand as she gets into the seat.

'' Slow down, baby. '' I murmur, making sure she is comfortable before entering.

Soon after, I enter next to him, and Dante closes the door behind me. He sits in the driver's seat and waits for my instructions.

'' To the hospital, Dante. '' I order, my voice firm but calm.

Dante nods and starts the car, starting the journey. I crossed my legs and took Isabella's hand, placing her on my lap. As the car moves through the streets, my thoughts return to the past few months. We had been through so much together, and every sacrifice, every challenge, was worth it. Isabella and our baby are the center of my world, and I would do anything for them. I feel incredibly grateful to have something so great: a wonderful family.

'' Are you nervous? '' I ask, lightly squeezing his hand.

'' A little. '' She admits, her eyes shining with expectation. ''But I'm also excited.

I nod, understanding exactly how she feels. I place my hand on her belly, feeling the life growing inside her.

'' Everything will be fine. '' I assure, my voice full of conviction.

She smiles and lays her head on my shoulder.

PENULTIMATE CHAPTER.