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“Of course.” I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. How can I bring another child into a world shadowed by danger? My thoughts race to the men who share my life—the fathers of my children—and the secrets that bind us.
“Mommy, let’s celebrate!” Gina chimes in, her innocent enthusiasm momentarily piercing through my worries.
“Sure, darling,” I say through clenched teeth, masking my trembling hands as I rise from the bed. “Let’s go home and make some cupcakes.”
“Yay!” Gina claps her hands, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me.
As we leave the sterile room behind, my thoughts crash like waves against the shores of my mind. The weight of my secret grows heavier with each step, and the shadows that surround us seem to cling even tighter.
“Annalise,” Dr. Langford calls after me, her voice like a beacon in the darkness. “Remember to take it easy. Your health is crucial for both you and the baby.”
“Thank you, Doctor,” I reply with a sigh, my heart heavy as we exit the building.
As I hold Gina’s hand, walking into the fading daylight, I vow to protect my children at all costs, even if it means burying my secrets deeper within myself. The storm inside me rages on, but one thing remains clear—no matter the consequences, I will shield my family from the dangers of our world.
“Mommy, you okay?” Gina’s soft voice pulls me back into the present as we walk hand in hand toward our home. Her blue eyes, full of concern, anchor me to the here and now.
“I’m fine, sweetheart,” I assure her, squeezing her hand gently. “Just a little tired.”
“Maybe we can rest together,” she suggests, leaning against my side. The warmth of her small body beside mine steadies me, a reminder of the unbreakable bond we share.
“Sounds perfect,” I agree, though my thoughts continue to race beneath the façade of calm. The bratva’s shadows loom at the edges of my vision, an ever-present threat that grips my heart with icy fingers.
“Mommy, when is the baby coming?” Gina’s innocent question catches me off guard, my pulse quickening as I struggle to find an answer that won’t betray my true emotions.
“Um, it’ll be a while yet,” I manage to say, swallowing hard. “We have plenty of time to prepare and make sure everything is perfect for the baby.”
“Can I help?” she asks, her eyes lighting up with excitement.
“Of course, darling,” I reply, forcing a smile. “You’ll be such a wonderful big sister.”
“Yay!” Gina squeals, skipping ahead of me. “I can’t wait!”
My heart aches as I watch her bound through the lush green grass, sunlight dancing in her brown hair. How can I protect my daughters from the darkness that threatens us? From the twisted web of secrets that binds our family to the ruthless underworld?
“Mommy, come on!” Gina calls, beckoning me forward with a grin.
“Coming, sweetheart!” I respond, pushing my fears aside for the moment. For my daughters, I will wear this brave mask, even as uncertainty gnaws at the edges of my soul.
As we enter our home, I can’t help but think of the future, of the potential consequences should my true identity and the paternity of my children be revealed. The sins of the past have a way of clawing their way to the surface, and I must do everything in my power to keep those claws at bay.
“Mommy?” Gina’s voice brings me back once more, her concern etched into her delicate features.
“Sorry, baby,” I whisper, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. “Just lost in thought.”
“Let’s make cupcakes!” she exclaims, tugging on my hand with renewed enthusiasm.
“Alright, let’s do it,” I say, taking a deep breath and allowing myself to embrace the present moment. For now, Gina is my anchor, her love and support a beacon of light amid the encroaching darkness.
But as we laugh and play together, mixing batter and frosting cupcakes, the storm of questions and concerns continues to churn within me, a silent tempest that threatens to consume us all.
37
ANNALISE
The sun casts a warm glow over the small, bustling café as Isabella and I find a table by the window. The scent of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries fills the air, mingling with the faint sound of laughter from the other patrons. Leaning back in my chair, I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, feeling the weight of recent events momentarily lifted.
“Did you see that cute dog outside?” Isabella gushes, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement. “I wanted to pet it so bad!”
