Chapter 3

• The sounds of the hospital were a jumbled mix to Ellis's ears as she slowly awoke. Her vision was blurry, and she blinked several times, trying to focus on her surroundings. Her mind was foggy, but there was something she swore she had seen. A silhouette at the door... was it Vittorio?
• Rubbing her eyes and forcing her vision, Ellis finally managed to see clearly. It wasn't Vittorio. It was John Smith, talking to a nurse. Confusion washed over her. What was John doing there? She tried to move, but her body was weak and sore.
• Soon, Doctor Bryan Woodward entered the room, accompanied by John. The doctor held Ellis's chart, his face a mix of professionalism and sympathy.
• "How are you feeling, Ellis?" the doctor asked as he examined the records on his clipboard.
• Ellis blinked a few times, struggling to concentrate on his words. "I'm... confused. What happened?"
• The doctor smiled gently. "You fainted, but all your tests are normal. You and the baby are fine."
• The revelation hit Ellis like a lightning bolt. Pregnant? She didn't know she was pregnant. Her mind started to whirl, trying to grasp what this meant.
• "Pregnant?" she whispered, almost in disbelief.
• "Yes, Ellis. You're almost ten weeks pregnant," the doctor explained with a warm smile. "Congratulations."
• Ellis looked at John, seeing an expression of surprise and bewilderment on his face. He didn't know. He couldn't know. But then the doctor congratulated John, assuming he was the father.
• The doctor left the room, leaving the two of them alone. Ellis looked at John, her eyes full of emotion and uncertainty. Before she could say anything, John stepped forward.
• "This child is Vittorio Amorielle's, isn't it?" John asked, making Ellis stare at him, concerned about what the police officer was going to propose.
• Ellis nodded, nervous about the revelation, and waiting for John's reaction.
• He sighed deeply, seeming to weigh his words before speaking.
• "Ellis, I have a proposal for you," he said, his tone serious.
• She stared at him, worried about what he was about to suggest. "What is it?"
• "The people are waiting for my signal to arrest Vittorio," John explained, his expression serious. "But I'm leaving that decision up to you."
• Ellis swallowed hard, surprised by the responsibility being placed on her. "What do you mean by that?"
• John looked at her directly, his expression thoughtful. "The truth is, things have changed, Ellis. You revealed that you killed Tommaso Grecco, and now, with your pregnancy, the situation has become more complex."
• Ellis felt a chill down her spine as she stared at John, unable to imagine where he was going with this.
• "If I authorize Vittorio's arrest," John continued, "he wouldn't be the only one taken into custody. You would be arrested for the murder as well, and, most importantly, you'd be separated from this baby."
• John's words hit Ellis like a punch to the gut. She couldn't even fathom the idea of being separated from the child she was carrying.
• "But there's an alternative," John said, his voice taking on a softer tone. "An alternative that benefits you and, in a way... Vittorio."
• Ellis stared at him with expectant and nervous eyes. "What is this alternative?"
• John sighed as if carefully choosing each word. "I need a conflict of interest to halt the operation. In fact, there's only one way at this point."
• Ellis swallowed hard, realizing the seriousness of the situation. "And what are you suggesting?"
• John looked her in the eyes. "That you claim to have a relationship with me. And that you intend to marry me."
• Ellis was stunned for a moment, processing John's words. She then stared at him in disbelief. "You're asking me... to marry you?"
• John nodded slowly. "Yes, but understand, Ellis, it's for your protection. I only want Vittorio. Only him, for what he's done to me, for what he's caused me. However, getting him directly implicates you in the eyes of the law. And I don't want that... I know what you've been through with your brother's loss. I wanted to get your brother out of this life, but I couldn't. However, I can get you and your baby out of this cycle of violence, corruption... of crime. If we claim to be involved, there's no way they can find out what you've done, and so you'll have a chance, a second chance, even if it means I can't go against Vittorio."
• Ellis looked at John, her mind in turmoil. She would have never imagined a situation like this could arise. However, she realized that John was offering an exit, a way to protect both her and her child.
• "This is insane," she muttered, almost to herself.
• John looked at her with understanding. "I know it's a difficult decision, Ellis. But in the end, it's a way to ensure that you and your baby stay safe. That you have a chance."
• Ellis looked at the ceiling, lost in thought. She felt pressured, torn between the possibility of losing her child and the idea of pretending to have a relationship with John to protect him. It was an impossible choice.
• Finally, she looked at John, her voice laden with emotion. "I need time to think."
• John watched Ellis with seriousness, knowing that time was running out. "Ellis, you don't have much time to make this decision. Either you agree to marry me and go along with this charade, or I move forward with the authorities, and fate lies in the hands of justice. Vittorio will undoubtedly receive the maximum sentence, which is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Not much different from you, who confessed to killing a person. The maximum penalty for first-degree murder in New York is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. In your case, your baby will stay with you for up to six months after birth. After that period, the child will be placed in a shelter. You don't have relatives or friends who can take care of the baby; the baby will be put up for adoption. You'll never see your child or Vittorio again."
• Ellis felt a lump in her throat as she thought about all the consequences. She looked at John, feeling trapped in an impossible situation. If she refused, not only would she jeopardize Vittorio's future, but also her child's.
• She closed her eyes for a moment, battling the conflicting emotions consuming her. She thought of Vittorio, the man she loved with all her heart and the baby she was carrying, a piece of him. She knew that this decision would affect the lives of everyone involved.
• Finally, she looked at John, determination in her eyes. "Yes, I accept."
• John nodded, seeming relieved by the answer. "Great. Now, we need to get out of here. If Vittorio's men show up here and discover what we're planning, the charade will be over."
• Ellis agreed, feeling a mix of anxiety and fear. She got up from the bed, a little shaky but determined. "Let's go, then."
• John reached out his hand to her, offering support. Ellis looked at that hand for a moment, remembering the times Vittorio held her like that, with tenderness. She shook these thoughts from her mind, focusing on what she needed to do to protect those she loved.
• She took John's hand and left the hospital room, facing an uncertain future she was willing to embrace to ensure Vittorio's and her child's safety.
• The two walked down the hospital corridor, each step taking them deeper into the abyss of their decision.
• Destiny was laid out, and Ellis was prepared to face all the consequences that came with it.