36. Annalise

36

ANNALISE

T he warm, golden rays of sunlight stream through the open kitchen windows, casting a glow on the breakfast table. A gentle breeze carries the scent of freshly blooming flowers as I sit down with my daughters, their giggles and chatter filling the room with a sense of home.

“Mommy! Look at my drawing!” Gina exclaims, holding up her masterpiece. Her blue eyes twinkle with pride, and my heart swells with love for this vibrant little girl.

“Wow, Gina, that’s beautiful,” I say, forcing a smile despite the unease that washes over me. The food on my plate suddenly loses its appeal as I try to focus on my daughters’ conversation, but my mind feels foggy and distant.

“Come on, Franny! Your turn to show Mommy your drawing,” Gina urges her sister, the excitement in her voice contagious.

“Here,” Franny mumbles as she hands me her paper. A simple yet elegant rendition of our family graces the page, warming my heart, but something still feels off.

“Great job, sweetheart,” I tell her, reaching out to ruffle her hair. “You’re both such talented artists.”

As my girls continue to chat about their drawings, I can’t help but wonder if I’m imagining things. Why does everything feel so…wrong?

Suddenly, Isabella bounds downstairs, her energy evident in her quick steps. “Mommy, guess what? The aquarium is finally open again! Can we go there today and swim with the whales?”

I attempt to muster enthusiasm for her suggestion, but a sudden wave of nausea hits me like a ton of bricks. Clutching my stomach, I fight the urge to gag, my face contorting in discomfort.

“Are you okay, Mommy?” Gina asks, concern etching her features as she reaches out to touch my arm. It’s moments like these that remind me just how strong our bond is, even in the toughest of times.

“Y-yeah,” I stammer, trying to catch my breath. “I’m fine, sweetie. Just not feeling so great right now.”

“Maybe we can go to the aquarium another time?” Franny suggests, her soft voice full of understanding and empathy.

“Of course, baby girl,” I reply, forcing a smile once more. “We’ll definitely go soon.”

But as I sit there, trying to hold myself together amidst the unsettling sensations coursing through my body, I can’t shake the sinking feeling that something is very wrong. And with the dangerous world of the bratva lurking in the shadows, I know I must do everything in my power to protect my children—no matter the cost.

The room spins as I push back my chair, staggering to my feet. My heart pounds in my chest, and every breath feels like a struggle. “I just need some air,” I whisper, more to myself than to my daughters.

“Mommy?” Gina’s concerned voice barely reaches my ears as the edges of my vision blur, my legs suddenly weak beneath me.

“Anna—” is all I hear before the world goes black, and I crash to the floor, unconscious.

Cold, sterile air fills my lungs as I blink open my eyes, disoriented and confused. The scent of bleach assaults my nostrils, making me grimace. Glancing around, I realize I’m lying in a bed, unfamiliar white walls surrounding me. Panic claws at my chest, but then I see her—Gina, my sweet Gina, sitting beside me, holding my hand.

“Mommy, you’re awake!” she exclaims, relief flooding her features. “You scared us when you fainted. We brought you to Dr. Langford.”

“Wh-what happened?” I croak, my throat parched and raw. My mind races, trying to put the pieces together while my body trembles with residual fear.

“You were feeling really bad, and then you fell down,” she explains, her little eyebrows furrowing in concern. “Franny and I were so worried, but Auntie Bella said we needed to get you to our private doctor right away.”

“Thank you for taking care of me, sweetheart,” I tell her, squeezing her hand gently. My heart swells with gratitude and love for my brave little girls, who faced such a terrifying situation head-on. But worry gnaws at me as well—our lives are so entwined with the bratva, and the danger it brings. How can I keep my children safe?

“Mommy, are you going to be okay?” Gina’s voice pulls me from my thoughts, her blue eyes filled with concern.

“Of course I will be,” I reassure her, mustering a smile despite the unease churning within me. “We’ll figure this out, together.”

As I gaze into my daughter’s eyes, vowing to protect her and Franny at all costs, I can’t help but wonder what secrets lie ahead, and how they might change everything. And as the dark and mysterious world of the bratva continues to cast its shadow over us, I know that the path forward is anything but certain.

I look around the sterile room, the scent of bleach invading my nostrils. My mind races with the realization that our involvement with the bratva prevents us from seeking medical help at a regular hospital. The danger we face every day weighs heavily on me.

“Annalise, how are you feeling?” a voice asks, breaking me out of my thoughts. Dr. Langford, an older woman with graying hair, enters the room and approaches me.

“Uh, I’ve been better,” I admit, my voice shaky. “I feel dizzy and hot.”

Dr. Langford checks my vitals and nods thoughtfully. “It looks like you have high blood pressure and anemia, Annalise. It’s not uncommon, but we’ll need to address it.”

“High blood pressure and anemia?” I echo, my chest tightening with concern. How could this happen? And how will it affect my ability to protect my daughters in this dangerous world?

“Mommy, don’t worry,” Gina says, squeezing my hand gently. “You’re strong, and we’ll get through this together.”

Her words warm my heart and strengthen my resolve. If anything, I owe it to my girls to take care of myself and find a way out of this darkness.

“Thank you, sweetheart,” I tell her, my voice filled with determination.

“Let’s focus on getting you well, Annalise,” Dr. Langford interjects, her eyes kind yet firm. “We’ll develop a treatment plan and monitor your progress closely.”

“Okay, doctor.” I nod, knowing I must trust her expertise.

As Dr. Langford leaves the room to retrieve some medication, my thoughts swirl with uncertainty. Am I strong enough to navigate these murky waters and shield my children from the bratva’s reach? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—I am willing to fight tooth and nail for the safety and well-being of my precious daughters.

My heart races as I try to process Dr. Langford’s diagnosis, the room closing in on me like a suffocating embrace. Gina’s laughter cuts through the fog of my thoughts, pulling me back to reality.

“Mommy, you’ve been working so hard,” she giggles, her blue eyes dancing with mischief. “Maybe too much stress?”

Dr. Langford nods thoughtfully as she re-enters the room, her gaze shifting between Gina and me. “Stress can certainly contribute to these conditions, Annalise. It’s important that you find ways to relax and take care of yourself.”

I force a smile, attempting to mask my unease. “Of course, doctor. I’ll do whatever it takes to get better.”

“Good,” she says with an approving nod. “One way to help alleviate your symptoms is by engaging in calming activities, especially now for the sake of the baby.”

The word “baby” echoes in my mind, leaving me breathless. I blink rapidly, trying to comprehend what she just said. “Baby?” I stammer, my voice barely a whisper.

“Yes, Annalise,” Dr. Langford confirms gently. “You’re pregnant.”

My thoughts swirl like a hurricane, threatening to engulf me. How can this be? The dangers our lives are entwined with, the secrets I must keep…I can hardly protect the children I already have, let alone bring another life into this treacherous world.

“Mommy?” Gina’s concerned voice pierces my maelstrom of thoughts. “Are you okay?”

I squeeze her hand, forcing a brave smile onto my lips. “Yes, sweetheart. Everything will be fine.”

In that moment, I vow to myself that I will do whatever it takes to protect my family from the shadows that haunt our lives. My love for them knows no bounds, and I will not allow fear to dictate our future. With unwavering support from my daughters, and the strength of our bond, I know we will weather any storm that comes our way.

I blink, allowing the truth to settle in like a storm cloud. “Pregnant?”

Dr. Langford’s eyes hold nothing but warmth and confirmation. “Yes, Annalise. You’re pregnant.”

“Are you sure?” My voice trembles with fear and uncertainty.

“Absolutely,” she replies, handing me the test results. “There’s no doubt about it.”

“Congratulations, Mommy!” Gina exclaims, beaming at me. But her excitement only stirs the dark storm within me, my heart pounding like a wild animal trying to escape its cage.

“Thank you, sweetheart.” I force a smile, but deep down, a whirlwind of thoughts threatens to consume me. The bratva, our dangerous ties, and the life I’ve tried so hard to protect—all of it feels like it’s hanging by a thread.

“Annalise,” Dr. Langford says gently, grounding me back to reality, “it’s essential that you take good care of yourself during this pregnancy. I recommend starting prenatal vitamins immediately and scheduling regular checkups with me.”

“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 fa?ade 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.