CHAPTER EIGHTY

ANYA

Days turned into weeks, each passing day a painful reminder of his absence. My heart ached incessantly, yearning for him. My baby bump had grown noticeably, a constant reminder of the life growing within me.

I wished he could witness this journey, be by my side to share in the anticipation and joy.

I had exhausted every avenue in my pursuit to bring him back. My visits to Emiliano's house proved futile, met with his adamant refusal to help. He had even turned me away during my last attempt, his rejection a heavy blow to my hopes.

Sometimes, the doubt would creep in – what if Vincenzo wasn't really alive? Why would he stay away for so long?

The pain of his absence was almost too much to bear, my world feeling incomplete without him. I was living day to day, finding solace only in the life growing within me.

Alessia's persistence wouldn't allow me to wallow in my sorrow. Reluctantly, I got up from the bed and headed