Chapter 121 Untitled Chapter

Chapter 121 Untitled Chapter
ANDREA

Alessandro was gone when I woke up the next morning. I felt so horrible for blaming him, but at that time, grief had blinded me; seeing Alessia and Adamo in a freaking cage had sent me spiraling into the depths of despair.

I know more than anyone how much Alessandro loves our kid. Right now, not only was he worried about our children, but also the sister he’d done everything to get out of captivity before, only for her to get kidnapped once again. protect, and God knows I care and worry about Meredith, too.

I’m saddened by the death of all the guards who I’d consider part of my family, and of course, poor, sweet Kayla had also lost her life, and she didn’t deserve this. It’s just that my top priority is my babies, and it goes without saying that they’ll always be above everything in my life.

Because I birthed them, gave them life, and the knowledge that I couldn’t even keep them safe, that I’d left them behind filled me with so much guilt I’d ended up lashing out at Alessandro.

My body ached, my throat felt raw, my chest too, and the pounding in my head from earlier is now a dull pulsating ache, and my breasts feel too heavy. I try not to let the milk go bad, using the breast pumps as frequently as I’m used to. Even so, they ache terribly.

And yet it’s not the physical pain that’s gnawing at me. It's the helplessness, hopelessness, and the pain of knowing my children are out there, and I can do nothing to bring them back.

When I descended the stairs, Alice and Moira sat at the dinner table, their faces a mix of concern and quiet hope, mirroring my own turmoil. I might not have said it, but having them both here made me feel marginally comforted.

“You’re awake? Come sit,” Alice said, pushing out of her own chair to get me breakfast. She walked to the kitchen as I pulled out one of the chairs and sat down.

Moira sent me a curious glance, probably wondering where I was going all dressed up.

She was back a few minutes later with a plate of toast, bacon, and a mug of coffee. The only thing that could pass down my throat.

“Thank you,” I whispered, wrapping my hand around the coffee cup, swallowing down a huge lump in my throat. “I appreciate you all trying to take care of me.”

“Do not thank, Andrea. We’re family, and family should be here for you in your difficult times,” Moira chastised, not unkindly. “Your children are okay, and if anyone could get them back, it’s their father, so have faith in him.”

I just nodded, blinking back tears. I’m tired of crying, but I’m helpless against it. I wish I could go out and look for my children instead of always sitting at home waiting for the kidnappers to call, waiting for the police to call, hoping, imagining, and waiting for Alessandro to walk in with them in his arms.

I recalled the way he’d sworn he would find them. He had said it with that terrifying calm of his, the one that usually meant someone else would pay in blood. But days had passed, and there was nothing.

The address Alessandro and his men got when they traced the call the kidnapper had made led them to an empty warehouse, and that’s part of what drove me insane with anxiety, wondering if they already knew Alessandro had tapped their call, and were mad about that.

“Go on, eat before your food gets cold,” Alice's voice cuts through my thoughts. I’d completely spaced out. “You’ll need your strength for when your children get back. If you don’t take care of yourself, how would you care for them?”

I didn’t say anything, but I know she was right. Although I have no idea how to begin, I need to find my children myself.

Which is why I'm going to the cops. I need more information that Alessandro isn't willing to share because he's afraid I'll dash out and put myself in danger.

But what was supposed to do, just sit uselessly and do absolutely nothing? No, I can't do that.

“I'm going out for a bit,” I said, taking a sip of coffee, before I placed it down.

“What? Where?” Both women chorus, frowning.

“I'm going to the police station. I need to hear something. I can't just sit here losing my mind.”

“I don't think that's wise,” Moira argues. “Alessandro is already out there looking for your children; you just need to sit tight and wait.”

“And I'm tired of waiting!” I shout, my control snaps. I stand up. “I have waited long enough.”

“Andrea, I understand…” Alice started.

“No, you don't!” I cut in, shaking my head, voice choked with all the feelings I was trying to control.

“You don't understand, none of you do, and I'm so tired of waiting, I can't do that anymore.”

“You can't do what?” Alessandro's voice thundered. I turned in time to see him stride towards me.

“I'm done waiting, Alessandro. I'm going out to find my children by myself.”

He arched his dark brow, blue eyes cold as ice. He looks furious, but I didn't back down; I'm not submitting when it comes to my children.

“And you think you'll have better luck at finding them than I do?” he mocked.

I don't know if it was his tone or my own frustration, but I got so angry at his condescension.

“Yes, what has your influence, connection, and reputation done to help? Nothing!” I sneered. “I'm going to fucking find them even if it costs me my life, you can stay here and continue your useless torture.”

His face darkened. “Careful, Andrea, I already told you, I'm doing every fucking thing to find our children and Meredith,” he gritted.

“Well, it's not fucking enough, now is it?”

“Andrea!” Alice cuts in. “That's no way to talk to the father of your children. I understand you're grieving, but you can't let it cloud your mind.”

“Alessandro, what's wrong with you? Can't you see how devastated Andrea is?” Moira began. “Try to understand, she's their mother…”

“And I'm their father!” he snapped, “There's nothing to understand, I've tried to console, comfort, and reassure her, but all I've received from her is the opposite.”

He started towards the stairs, yelling, “I fucking love them too, and I'm exhausted, but I haven't taken a single break, because I'm always moving, searching, and hunting for their kidnappers. The least you can do, Andrea, is sit your fucking ass down, you are not going anywhere! ”

“Fuck you and your orders, Alessandro!” I yelled angrily, then started towards the doors.

I barely made it four steps before I was hauled into the air. I screamed, hitting and cursing him as he carried me all the way to our bedroom, then he shut the door and locked it from the outside. I broke down, crying myself to sleep.

As though in a dream, a loud sound startled me awake from my cry-induced slumber.