Chapter 212 Book 2 CHPT 44: Hokkaido Here We Come

Chapter 212 Book 2 CHPT 44: Hokkaido Here We Come
ALINA

The car slowed to a stop just outside the private terminal.

Giulia had arranged everything carefully, making sure we avoided drawing unnecessary attention and unnecessary eyes to ourselves.

My hand rested on my stomach as I stepped out, pulling my coat tighter around me.

The cold Toronto air brushed against my face, harsh and biting, like it was trying to hold me back one last time.

Giulia stepped out after me, Ivana holding tightly onto her hand, while Farah, Valentino’s mother, stood close beside them.

They had insisted on coming even when I told them not to, even when I told them this had to be discreet.

I adjusted the scarf around my head slightly, making sure my face remained hidden.

No one looking at me now would think I was once tied to one of the most powerful men in Italy.

That was the point.

“Alina…” Giulia called softly, already looking like she was holding back tears.

I turned to her fully with a tired smile on my face.

“It’s okay,” I said gently. “You don’t have to look at me like that.”

“But you’re leaving alone,” she whispered, her voice breaking slightly.

“Dio mio (my God), you’re about to give birth and you want to be in a place where no one knows you?”

I reached for her hand, squeezing it lightly.

“I have to,” I said quietly. “You know why.”

Her jaw tightened because she did know this wasn’t about trust.

It was about danger.

“If anyone finds us through you…” I started.

“They won’t,” she cut in softly. “Because I won’t let that happen.”

Farah stepped forward then, her eyes already glassy.

“I still don’t like this,” she said. “I should come with you. Let me help you with the baby, at least.”

I shook my head immediately.

“No. Farah, listen to me,” I said.

“The more people who know where I am, the higher the risk. Not because you would betray me, but because someone could use you to get to me.”

She went quiet, understanding flashing in her eyes. Then she stepped closer, her presence calm but heavy with emotion.

She cupped my face gently, her thumb brushing against my cheek.

“Thank you, Alina,” she said softly. “For loving my son. For staying with him… until the end.”

My throat tightened instantly.

“I never had to try,” I whispered. “Loving him was never difficult.”

Her lips trembled before she pulled me into a hug, holding me tighter than I expected.

“When the baby comes,” she murmured, “you will send me pictures, right? I want to see my grandchild.”

I nodded against her shoulder.

“I will.”

When she let go, Giulia didn’t wait. She pulled me into her arms, already crying.

“You better call me,” she said quickly. “I don’t care how, you must call me.”

A small smile touched my lips.

“I will. I may change everything, my number, my contacts… but I know your number by heart.”

She let out a shaky laugh through her tears.

“You’re crazy,” she muttered.

“Maybe,” I replied softly.

Her expression shifted again, worry creeping back in.

“What if something happens?” she asked. “What if your water breaks and no one is there?”

She wasn’t wrong.

I had never even seen the place in person. I didn’t know the neighbors, and I didn’t know the distance to the nearest hospital.

But I had made my decision.

“If anything happens, I will call for help,” I said calmly.

“Hokkaido isn’t a remote place. There are hospitals, there are people. I will be fine.”

She searched my face like she was trying to find doubt.

Finally, she nodded, even though I could tell she didn’t agree.

“I have to go,” I said softly. “My flight leaves soon.”

One last round of hugs lingered longer than it should have, like none of us were ready to be the first to let go.

I took in their faces one more time, trying to memorize every detail, every expression, knowing it would be a long time before I saw them again.

Then I turned and walked away.

I could hear Giulia crying softly behind me, her voice breaking in a way that made something twist painfully in my chest, but I didn’t look back.

If I did, I already knew I wouldn’t have the strength to keep going.

I kept my head down as I walked through the airport in a bid to hide my face.

Even after that war, I still couldn’t completely rest assured. I knew how deadly the mafia world was, and it was somehow difficult for me to truly accept that everything was now peaceful and there were no enemies lurking around.

By the time I reached the gate, boarding had already begun.

I handed over my ticket, my fingers steady despite everything inside me, and walked through without hesitation.

Inside the plane, I found my seat by the window. I lowered myself into it carefully, adjusting slightly before settling back.

For a moment, I just sat there, staring ahead, letting the reality of it all sink in.

Then slowly, I placed my hand over my stomach and took in a deep breath of relief.

“Hokkaido…” I whispered softly, my fingers rubbing gently over the curve of my stomach.

“…here we come.”