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Her voice, soft and trembling with emotion, reached my ears. "Matteo," she said, her voice filled with relief, love, and perhaps a hint of reproach.
"I love you," she declared, the words carrying a weight and significance that resonated deep within me.
In that instant, my heart swelled with a profound sense of emotion. It was as if the world had fallen away, leaving only Sophia and me in our private universe.
Her love enveloped me like a warm embrace, and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed.
Tears welled in my eyes, and though I was disoriented and weak, I managed a soft chuckle in response to her declaration. "I'm sorry," I murmured, my voice hoarse and barely audible. "I didn't mean to scare you."
Sophia's words, love, and presence were a soothing balm to my battered body and soul.
As I slowly approached, my gaze shifted downward, and my brow furrowed in confusion. Sophia's stomach, swollen with our unborn child's weight, was now flat. It was a startling sight, and I couldn't hide my surprise.
My reaction didn't go unnoticed, and Sophia's sweet and melodic laughter filled the room. It was a sound I hadn't realized how much I'd missed.
"What's so funny?" I croaked, my throat still rough from whatever ordeal I had been through.
Sophia leaned in closer, her hand gently cupping my cheek. "Our baby is just fine, Matteo. She's sleeping peacefully in her crib."
Relief washed over me like a soothing balm. Sophia filled me in on everything that had transpired in the past few days, the rescue mission and the fact that our daughter was now safely with us.
My eyes shifted to the crib on the other side of the hospital bed, and when I saw her for the first time, my heart swelled with emotions I couldn't put into words.
I had imagined this moment a thousand times during Sophia's pregnancy, but the reality was infinitely more profound.
With Sophia's gentle assistance, our precious baby girl was placed into my waiting arms. It was a moment of pure magic.
I cradled her fragile form, marveling at the delicate features, the tuft of dark hair, and the tiny fingers wrapped around my thumb.
Tears welled in my eyes as I looked down at our daughter, overwhelmed by the love and protectiveness that surged within me.
In that instant, as our daughter slept peacefully in my arms, I knew that my family was my greatest treasure, and I would do anything to keep them safe and happy.
I looked down at our sleeping daughter, a profound sense of responsibility and love filling every corner of my being. Sophia's words about not naming her yet tugged at my heartstrings.
I knew then that I wanted to be a part of this decision, to choose a name that would forever be associated with our family.
I met Sophia's eyes, a warm smile playing on my lips. "What's her name?" I asked, curiosity and excitement in my voice.
Sophia's face lit up with a radiant smile as she shook her head gently. "I haven't named her yet," she admitted, her voice soft and filled with emotion. "I wanted to wait for you, Matteo."
I smiled and looked at our daughter. "Isabella," I said, the name coming to me naturally. "How about Isabella?"
Sophia's eyes shimmered with tears as she nodded. "Isabella," she repeated, her voice quivering with joy. "It's perfect.”
Recovering and stepping back into the realm of business, things took an interesting turn. The chaos within the family during Francisco's reign needed to be tamed, and I wasn't one to shy away from making a statement.
Those who had grown too unruly faced swift consequences, a reminder that order was being restored. This was achieved with the aid of Leo and Antonio, who warned me against risking my life after I had recovered.
As for Francisco, he escaped on the night that I was rescued, but I had placed a contract on his head, and there was no escaping. I would make sure that Francisco paid for all that he did.
But amid the gritty demands of the underworld, I discovered a different kind of strength in the presence of Sophia and our daughter, Isabella.
On one sunny day, Keisha visited, her excitement infectious as she held Isabella in her arms. Isabella had grown, and Keisha couldn't contain her delight.
She showered our daughter with affection and adoration, and it warmed my heart to see a friend so captivated by our child.
As I watched Isabella in Keisha's arms, I felt a profound gratitude, filling my heart with warmth. I couldn't wait any longer.
