Chapter 20

Upon returning home, Isabella walked the entire way reflecting on the conversation she had with her friend, Paloma. In a way, she didn't disagree with her friend, but Aléssio had shown so much affection and understanding that Isabella wouldn't dare to doubt such dedication.

Twilight cast the city into a serene dusk as Isabella reached the building where Aléssio lived. Approaching the building's entrance, the surprise was not the warm welcome from her lover, but rather the unexpected presence of Aléssio's mother, a commanding figure devoid of disguises.

— Hi, Mrs. Griselda. Does Aléssio know you're here? — Isabella approached to greet her future mother-in-law, but the stern woman placed her open palm in front of her, preventing Isa from getting any closer.

The matriarch, with an accusatory gaze, launched sharp inquiries about Isabella's pregnancy and the choices that led her to Aléssio as the provider for a child that, according to her, could very well have been from any other client.

— Do you think you'll deceive my son with the pregnancy stunt? — Griselda began with an authoritative voice. — You can forget about it; my son won't take responsibility for a child whose father you don't even know.

— I understand your suspicions, and I don't invalidate them, but Aléssio and I are sure about what we did, and...

— Silence, girl. Did anyone give you permission to speak? — Griselda abruptly interrupted Isabella, who no longer felt well. "I can give you two options... — the woman assumed an authoritative posture, — you can find another fool to take responsibility for this child, or I can pay for your abortion, — Griselda didn't mince words; she went straight to the point.

— No, never... I would never kill a child, — Isabella replied, trembling, and sat on a reception bench. Her hands shook, and her body seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

— Well then... — Griselda turned away, facing outward, and with her back to Isabella, she pronounced, — if you're willing to face the consequences of this stupid decision, then go ahead. I won't be responsible for what may happen to you from now on, — the arrogant lady said with a threatening tone.

Discomfort and disbelief filled the air as Isabella, stunned, searched for words to defend herself against the woman who not only represented an embarrassment but also foreshadowed impending challenges. The tense dialogue reached its peak when Isabella, suddenly feeling unwell, overwhelmed by the weight of words and the pressure of the situation, was on the verge of fainting. It was then that, like a providential response, Aléssio, the knight in his own narrative, entered the scene.

With fierce determination, Aléssio appeared at the entrance and intervened, fervently defending Isabella.

— Mom! What are you doing here? — he questioned, simultaneously coming to Isa's aid, whose countenance suggested imminent fainting. Amid the scene, the atmosphere took on unsettling airs.

— Hi, son, just came for a visit and to check on how you're doing and if my future grandson is well — Griselda spoke cynically.

Isabella's gaze at the shrew didn't disguise her astonishment upon seeing that the woman had completely changed her previous narrative and behavior.

— You better disappear from here immediately. — His voice, once gentle, rose in a firm tone, expelling the mother from his home with the conviction of someone defending love and personal choice.

— Wow, dear! Is this how you treat your mother?

— If I didn't know your intentions, I might even believe your words. — Aléssio sounded shrewd when it came to his mother.

— I just want to know how my grandson is. Can't I?

— No, Mom. When he's born, if you're worthy, you'll meet him. If not, you can disappear from our lives.

In that moment, Isabella saw in Aléssio not just a lover but an unwavering ally, ready to face the adversities that life, and even his own family, threw in their path.

Mrs. Griselda, displaying an imposing posture, turned decisively, convinced that her duty was fully fulfilled. In a graceful gesture, she directed a nod to the two security guards accompanying her, before gracefully fading away through the entrance, as if the entire scene were a masterfully rehearsed performance.