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“Anna, are you okay?” Isabella asks, her eyebrows furrowed in worry.
“I’m just…” I pause, searching for the right words. “I’m afraid of what will happen when they find out about my daughters and the tangled web I’ve woven with all three of them.”
“Hey,” she says, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand. “You’re strong, and you’re not alone. We’ll figure this out together.”
I force a smile, grateful for her support. But deep inside, I know that once the truth comes to light, there’s no turning back. The consequences will ripple through our lives, and I may never escape the grasp of the bratva or the men who have captured my heart.
My heart races as I make a decision, reaching for Isabella’s hand. “Promise me you won’t tell your brothers about my pregnancy. It’s crucial that we keep this a secret for now.”
“Of course, Anna. I swear on my life,” she replies, her voice laced with sincerity.
“Thank you,” I exhale, feeling the weight of uncertainty still bearing down on me. My mind drifts to Sienna, my best friend and confidante, who I have yet to share my secret with. How will she react when I break the news?
“Anna, what are you thinking?” Isabella asks, breaking through my introspection.
“Sienna,” I admit, biting my lip. “I haven’t told her anything yet. I don’t know how she’ll take it.”
“Ah, your bestie.” Isabella smirks, leaning back in her chair. “Well, just remember that I’m here too, okay? And I can be quite the shoulder to cry on if need be.”
“I know, Isabella. You’re an amazing friend,” I say, touched by her support.
“Then let’s make it official,” she declares, playfully flicking a piece of food at me. “From now on, I am your best friend!”
“Hey!” I exclaim, feigning offense while wiping the food from my shirt. The momentary levity helps to lighten the heavy atmosphere, but I know that the path ahead is laden with difficult choices and potentially devastating consequences.
“Okay, okay,” Isabella laughs, raising her hands in mock surrender. “But seriously, Anna, you’ve got two people who care about you deeply. Lean on us when you need to.”
“Thank you.” A genuine smile tugs at my lips, and I feel warmed by her compassion. But as much as I appreciate her love and loyalty, my heart remains entwined with her dangerous and alluring brothers.
I can only hope that, when the time comes to face the truth, I’ll have the strength to protect my children and myself from the shadows that surround us.
I can’t help but let out a hearty laugh at Isabella’s playful food flick, momentarily forgetting the weight of my secret. For now, I revel in the genuine smile that graces her face, a rare moment of levity amidst the storm brewing within me.
“Alright, you win this round,” I concede, wiping away remnants of food from my cheek. “But don’t think it’ll be that easy to replace Sienna as my best friend.”
“Who said anything about replacing?” Isabella replies with a chuckle, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “There’s more than enough room in your life for both of us, isn’t there?”
“Of course there is,” I agree, my heart swelling with gratitude. Despite the tangled web I’ve woven, having friends like Isabella and Sienna by my side offers a sense of stability that I desperately need.
“Good,” she says, leaning back in her chair. “Now eat up, girl. We’ve got a lot to do today, and you’ll need all the energy you can get.”
As we continue our meal, I savor every bite of my delicious French toast, knowing that the coming days will bring countless challenges. But for now, I allow myself to find solace in the warmth of our friendship and the comforting hum of the café around us. This respite, however brief, is a balm to my weary soul.
“Promise me one thing, Isabella,” I say, my voice soft but firm. “No matter what happens, let’s always have each other’s backs.”
“Always,” she swears, her eyes locking onto mine with unwavering conviction. “You’re not alone in this, Anna. Remember that.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, tears pricking my eyes. Though the road ahead is fraught with danger and uncertainty, I know that with Isabella by my side, I can face whatever comes my way. Together, we are stronger.
“Alright, enough of this mushy stuff,” Isabella teases, standing up and grabbing her purse. “Let’s get out there and live our lives—one unpredictable day at a time.”
“Agreed.” I stand, feeling a renewed sense of determination coursing through me. As we step out of the café and into the bustling streets, I vow to navigate the treacherous path that lies ahead with courage and resilience, for the sake of my children and for myself.
38
ANNALISE
Moonlight filters through the curtains, casting an eerie glow on the room. I toss and turn in bed, unable to escape my restless thoughts. The fight between Cassius and Damian replays in my mind like a broken record, their angry words and heated glares tearing at my heart. Nikhil’s proposal weighs heavily on me, but it’s not just that—I’m pregnant.
