HIS

Chapter 41

A wave of nervousness washed over me as I realized there might be a chance I'm pregnant—becoming a parent to an actual living being. The thought was overwhelming. I wasn't sure how Domenico would react, but only time would reveal that. After all, I didn't end up in this situation alone.

Right now, I'm overwhelmed—my mind racing with a million thoughts and emotions at the possibility of becoming a mother. I haven't even finished my studies yet, and a baby would undoubtedly shift the course of my plans. But beyond the uncertainty, there's a quiet joy at the thought of bringing a life into the world—a reflection of the love Domenico and I share.

So much has happened since I got back home that I completely lost track of my cycle. Between the holidays, schoolwork, and training, it's no wonder it slipped my mind. Honestly, with everything going on, who would remember—especially when your body doesn't send any clear warnings until it's too late, like mine is now.

It could just be the result of all the stress and how constantly busy I've been lately. As for the vomiting, maybe it was something I ate at Domenico's parents' house.

Right now, I'm trying to consider every possibility other than the chance that I might actually be pregnant. We're on our way to the medical wing at the base to run some tests and find out for sure. My breasts are tender, but that happens sometimes, so I'm telling myself it's normal. I've never been pregnant before, so I honestly have no idea if what I'm feeling are signs—or just my mind playing tricks on me.

We arrived, and Domenico guided me into the medical wing. Waiting there was a striking woman, likely in her late forties, with long, flowing blonde hair and a graceful presence.

She introduced herself as Sandra and began by asking a series of questions—when I last had my period, when the nausea started, and several others in between. After drawing a blood sample, she requested a urine sample as well. I handed over both, knowing the blood results would take two days, but the urine test could give us answers right away.
I did what I needed to do and handed her the cup. She took out a dipstick and carefully inserted it into the urine. We waited in silence for a few minutes... and just like that.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Mancini—you're expecting your first baby," the doctor announced with a bright smile. I stood there, unsure whether to feel joy or panic. The news hit me like a wave, and I wasn't quite sure how to process it yet.

"Are you serious?" Domenico asked, his face frozen in shock.

"Absolutely, Capo—I'm one hundred percent certain," she said with a reassuring smile. "But I'd still like to perform an ultrasound to check the baby's gestational age."

I glance over at Domenico, searching his face for a clue—but his expression gives nothing away. I still can't tell if he's happy or upset.

"Please lie back on the bed so we can check how far along you are," the doctor said, wheeling over a machine covered in buttons and screens.
I gently eased myself onto the bed, trying to get comfortable while sneaking glances at Domenico, hoping to read something in his expression.

"Could you lift your shirt for a moment?" she asked. I complied, and she applied some gel to my abdomen.

"There's your baby," she said with a smile, as we both gazed at the screen. A tiny shape appeared—it looked so small and delicate.

Then she turned on the sound. "That's your baby's heartbeat," she said softly.

Tears welled up in my eyes and gently traced down my cheeks, overwhelmed by the emotion of knowing a tiny life was growing inside me.

I turned to Domenico—his expression was a mix of surprise and emotion. Though men often seemed better at keeping their feelings in check, he couldn't hold back. The moment he heard his baby's heartbeat, he was visibly moved, eyes glistening with tears.