“You’re stronger than you think. You don’t have to have it all figured out today. You just have to show up. For yourself. For that little one.”
I blink fast, my throat tightening.
She nudges me with her shoulder. “And when you can’t be strong? That’s what friends like me are for. To remind you you’re doing the damn thing even when it feels impossible.”
Something in my chest eases, just a little.
Enough to breathe.
During a water break, I mention, almost casually, "I have an ultrasound the day after tomorrow."
Nati’s face lights up. “You going by yourself? Because if you need someone, I’m your girl. Seriously. I’ll clear my whole damn schedule.”
The offer is so generous, so immediate, that it stings.
I shake my head quickly. “A friend’s coming with me. But thank you, Nati. Really.”
She squeezes my arm, her eyes kind.
"No matter what, you're not alone, okay? Even when it feels like it."
I nod, blinking hard.
Because somehow, those words cut deeper than any goodbye.
After class as I’m lacing up my sneakers, my phone buzzes in my bag with an incoming call.
Nikolai.
I hesitate for half a second before answering.
“Sophie. He’s safe.”
Relief punches the air from my lungs. I didn’t even realize I’d been holding my breath.
“He’s staying quiet. Laying low. We’re watching him closely. Even in Tuscany.”
I close my eyes, pressing a hand to my stomach.
Thank God.
But Nikolai isn’t done.
“You’re under protection too. As Alessio requested.”
Something twists in my chest.
Even from a distance, he’s still trying to shield me.
“And Sophie…” Nikolai’s voice lowers even further, the way it does when things are about to get worse. “This thing with the threats? We’ve found something.”
My stomach knots.
“It’s not Bratva-related. Looks like it may be personal. We’re digging.”
My heart skips.
“So, this wasn’t about… you guys?”
