I wear his name like a scar.
Alessandro Rossi stole everything from me; my freedom, my future, the lie I told my father to keep him alive. He thinks I'm a tool to be used, a bride to be displayed, a Fraga to be broken. He thinks the ring on my finge...
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Melinda's eyes widened, and a massive grin took over her face. "Oh my God, that's amazing!" she practically squealed, grabbing my hands and bouncing slightly.
She was completely over the moon, but I couldn't say I felt the same way. For some women, this might have been a dream come true, but for me, it felt like a curveball I hadn't seen coming.
My thoughts were spiraling. Was Alessandro even ready to be a father? Did he even want to be a father? What if he panicked, just like Andrea did when Helena brought up having kids? I could already hear his sharp, frustrated voice. And with the wedding only two days away and his mind set on finding Diego, how could I even tell him now?
"Hey, how are you feeling about all this?" Melinda asked, her cheerful tone softening when she saw the look on my face.
I couldn't hold back anymore. Tears spilled down my cheeks. Whether it was pregnancy hormones or my fears crashing over me, I couldn't tell.
How could I have been so careless? I was sure I never forgot to take my pills, but now I'm second-guessing everything. When did I miss one? I couldn't even remember.
"I don't know," I choked out. "I don't know how to feel. Alessandro and I... we still have so much to figure out. And now this?" I gestured helplessly to my stomach.
Melinda's brow furrowed as she sat down beside me. "What are you talking about? You've always wanted to be a mom."
"I thought I did," I whispered. "But now? I'm not so sure."
She reached for my hand. "Why not? What's really going on in your head?"
"What if Alessandro isn't ready?" My voice broke as I spoke. "What if he doesn't want this baby? What if I'd have to choose between him and my baby? Because I'd always choose my baby, but I don't want to lose Alessandro."
Melinda paused, her face thoughtful as she processed my words. "Okay, but... what if he is ready? What if he does want this baby? What if you don't have to choose? There are so many 'what ifs' running through your mind right now, and you won't get any answers unless you talk to him."
I knew she was right, but fear still had its grip on me.
"Yessie, listen to me," she said, firmly but gently. "You're not alone in this, okay? This isn't just your decision or your fear to bear. Alessandro deserves to know. You owe him that much."
She leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead. "You've got this," she said softly, then got up and left the room, giving me the space I needed to gather my thoughts.
