Don Vittorio: Vol Ii: Chapters 1–5

The bedroom door creaked open, and a six-year-old girl with black hair entered silently. Her curious eyes landed on her parents, peacefully asleep in bed. A tender smile formed on her lips as she approached, her small feet barely making a sound on the floor. She watched them for a moment, a mixture of love and adoration warming her heart.

Her attention turned to her mother, whose brown hair spread across the pillow, framing her serene face. With gentle determination, the girl moved to her mother's side. Leaning in, she lightly touched her mother's cheek, causing her to stir.

Her mother's eyes slowly opened, adjusting to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. As her vision cleared, she met her daughter's deep black eyes and couldn't help but smile broadly. Sitting up slowly, she let out a soft yawn and stretched.

"Good morning, my love," the mother murmured, her voice still laden with sleep.

The girl's smile deepened. "Good morning, Mom."

Glancing at the clock on the bedside table, the mother's eyes widened as she realized the time. They had overslept. With a touch of urgency, she gently shook her husband, calling out softly, "John."

John shifted, his sleepy eyes meeting his wife's gaze. "Hmm? What time is it?"

Ellis, the wife, answered with a touch of panic, "We're running very late."

Suddenly fully awake, John sat up and rubbed his eyes. Reality hit him, and he quickly swung his legs over the side of the bed. "Right, I'll get ready. Ellis, take care of our little one."

As John hurried to the bathroom to get ready, Ellis embraced her daughter gently. "Let's go, sweetheart, we need to get you ready for school."

The girl nodded, her excitement evident. "Okay, Mom."

***

Ellis sat in front of the mirror, delicately combing her daughter Donna's long black hair for her first day of school. Morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow in the room. Donna watched her mother curiously through the mirror's reflection, full of questions in her mind.

"Why do I have to go to school, Mom?" Donna asked, her voice filled with childlike curiosity.

Ellis smiled as she secured a strand of Donna's hair behind her ear. "Today is your first day of school, dear. You need to go and meet your new little friends and learn many new things."

Donna looked at her mother, her dark eyes filled with doubt. She wasn't exactly thrilled about the idea of leaving Seattle for New York, and she had her reservations.

"But what if I don't like school, Mom?" she asked, her expression reflecting her apprehension.

Ellis turned Donna's chair to face her directly. "I'm sure you'll make lots of new friends, sweetheart. School is an amazing place to learn and make special memories."

Donna sighed, her small shoulders slightly slumping. She wasn't sure she wanted to leave her old life in Seattle behind. With a serious look, she gazed at her mother and asked, "And will you be there with me, Mom?"

Ellis smiled affectionately, caressing Donna's face. "Of course, my sweet girl. I'll always be around to support you, no matter what."

With that, she helped Donna down from the stool, and the two of them headed to the kitchen. There, John Smith, Donna's father and Ellis' husband was focused on making pancakes, clearly trying not to soil his new suit as he prepared breakfast. It was also his first day as a district attorney in New York.

Ellis gave a subtle smile at the sight of John, admiring his dedication. He looked up and returned the smile, flipping a pancake in the skillet.

"How's our future Dalton School student?" John asked playfully.

Donna looked at him, somewhat skeptically, but her expression softened when she saw the smile on her father's lips.

"I'm not so sure I'm going to like school, Dad," she replied timidly.

John approached Donna and gave her a sideways hug. "I'm sure you will, princess. And you'll make plenty of little friends there."

As the conversation flowed between father and daughter, Ellis picked up the clean plates and set them on the table, carefully arranging everything for the family breakfast. John served pancakes onto each plate, and Ellis made sure every detail was perfect. He placed Donna's plate in front of her, a bit lower so the little one could reach it better.

Donna smiled as she received her plate, eager to dig into the pancakes. Ellis then approached with a coffee pot for John and a glass of milk for Donna. Donna started enjoying her pancakes with enthusiasm, while John took a sip of his coffee, expressing gratitude for Ellis' gesture.

Ellis turned her attention back to John and asked affectionately, "How are you feeling today, John?"

John sighed, a mixture of nervousness and excitement in his expression. "Anxious, I guess. Today's a big day, starting as the new district attorney in New York."

Ellis nodded understandingly. She knew that the first day in the new role was a significant responsibility and a moment of significant change. He smiled, then asked, "And what's your plan for the day?"

Ellis smiled back, taking a generous sip of her coffee before responding. "Well, after dropping Donna off at school, I'll come back home and finish unpacking the things we brought from Seattle. I need to put everything in its proper place."

John nodded, acknowledging the work that needed to be done after the move. "Sounds like you have a full day ahead."

Ellis agreed, determination shining in her eyes. "Yes, but there's one more thing I'll be doing. Abigail, my former college classmate—you remember I mentioned her, right?"

John raised an eyebrow, curious. "Of course, I remember."

Ellis smiled and explained, "She called me yesterday and mentioned there's an open architect position at her company. She's coming over later to discuss it further."

John seemed a bit surprised. "But do you need to work right now? My salary as a district attorney is enough to take care of us."

Ellis nodded, knowing that John was being considerate, but she also had her reasons. "I know, John. But remember the agreement we made. Donna's already six years old, and we agreed that I would return to work. Plus, it's an interesting opportunity."

John looked at Ellis seriously, his eyes reflecting his concern and hesitation. He took a deep breath, trying to choose his words carefully to convey his feelings.

"If that's truly what you want, then it's fine, Ellis," he finally said, his voice filled with sincerity. "But honestly, I don't see the need for it."

Ellis looked directly into John's eyes, sensing there was more to his words than just financial concern. She couldn't help but ask the question that had been on her mind for some time.

"John, you don't see the need because you feel that way, or is it because you don't want me in touch with my past?" She asked cautiously, her concerns seeping into her words.

John sighed and ran his hand through his hair, thinking for a moment before responding. He glanced at the clock, realizing he was running late.

"I'm running late now, but we'll talk about this later, alright?"

He approached Donna, leaning down to give her a fond kiss on the forehead. "Have a great day at school, my princess. I'll miss you already."

Donna smiled and hugged her father quickly. "Bye, Dad!"

Then, John turned to Ellis and gave her a quick peck on the forehead. "See you later," he said, before hurrying out.

Ellis nodded, understanding John's characteristic way of dealing with certain situations. She was used to his hesitations and knew he would never touch on the subject again. For now, she turned to her daughter with an excited smile.

"Ready for a day full of adventures at school, Donna?" She asked, trying to push aside the tense moments and focus on her daughter's excitement.

Donna nodded eagerly, her eyes shining. "Yes, Mom!"

***

Ellis drove through the bustling city streets, with Donna seated in the back, eagerly clutching her school backpack. As the car made its way through the streets, mother and daughter sang Donna's favorite songs with gusto, filling the car with laughter and joy. It was a way to distract the girl from the nerves that were consuming her.

Finally, the car arrived at Dalton School, a private mixed-gender school located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Donna observed the children getting out of cars and entering the school, her face reflecting a mix of excitement and nervousness. Ellis turned off the car and quickly made her way to the backseat, helping Donna out and holding her hand.

Donna looked around, her big eyes seeing other kids getting dropped off and entering the school. Ellis sensed the fear in her daughter's eyes and knelt to be at eye level, holding her hands.

"I understand that you're scared, Donna," Ellis said gently, offering a reassuring smile. "It's all new and might seem scary, but know I'm here with you. If at any point you want to go home, just call out to me, and I'll be here running to get you."

Donna looked at her mother, her eyes filled with gratitude and trust. "Really, Mom?"

Ellis nodded with a smile, hugging Donna gently. "Really. You'll never be alone, alright?"

Donna hugged her mother back, feeling a bit more reassured. As they hugged, one of the teachers approached them. The young woman, dressed professionally, smiled warmly.

"Hello," she said, looking at Donna. "You must be Donna Smith. I'm Miss Madison Brown, but you can call me Madison. We're going to have a lot of fun here at school."

Donna looked at Madison with curiosity, her concerns temporarily forgotten. She then looked at her mother, seeking approval.

Ellis smiled and nodded at Donna. "Go ahead, sweetheart. Have fun and make lots of little friends."

Madison thanked Ellis with a smile and knelt down to be at Donna's height. "Shall we, Donna? I'm sure we're going to get along great."

Donna looked at Madison, then at her mother, and finally back at Madison. With a shy smile, she nodded. "Okay."

Madison stood up and offered her hand to Donna, who took it hesitantly.

Madison smiled genuine joy in her eyes. She turned to Ellis and said, "Thank you, Mrs. Smith."

Ellis smiled back, but a small pang of discomfort hit her chest. "You're welcome."

As Ellis watched Donna walk away with the group, she realized that Madison had called her "Mrs. Smith," which brought up feelings of discomfort she had felt all these years.

"Mrs. Smith? Until a few years ago, I called you Mrs. Amorielle."

Ellis turned quickly, her heart racing as her eyes met Vittorio Amorielle's intense, dark gaze.

Six years ago...

The elegant conference room was thick with the tension of a high-stakes negotiation. Vittorio Amorielle sat at the long table, his dark eyes fixed on the open contract before him. On the other side of the table, Ellis Barker should have been seated, but she had left, leaving her own lawyers to advocate on her behalf.

The legal discussions continued a back-and-forth of legal jargon that eluded Vittorio's thoughts. His focus shifted from the words on the paper to the solitary engagement ring with a black diamond resting on the table. A diamond as dark as the shadows that now enveloped his life.

His fingers reached out, almost as if compelled by a magnetic force. He picked up the ring, the weight of memories flooding over him as the cold metal settled into his palm. He absentmindedly twirled it on his finger, reliving that fateful night when he had proposed to Ellis in the bank parking lot. A memory full of vulnerability and hope for a different future.

While his lawyers continued to discuss prenuptial agreements and asset division, Vittorio's mind traveled further back in time. He recalled the way Ellis's eyes had sparkled with tears of joy, the sensation of their fingers entwining when she said yes. It had felt like a moment of clarity in a life obscured by shadows.

But now, as he played with the ring, it was a poignant reminder of what had gone wrong. He had lost her. The woman he loved. The woman he thought would be by his side through everything. Yet here they were, two sides of a table, their lawyers translating their pain into legal language.

A wave of frustration coursed through him. With a sharp movement, Vittorio pushed his chair back, his legs scraping against the floor. He could no longer bear being cornered between those walls. He needed air. He needed to think. He needed to find Ellis.

In the elevator lobby, he faced the illuminated numbers indicating occupied elevators. Impatience gnawed at him. Time was running out, and he needed to set things right. He pressed the button repeatedly, silently urging the elevator to come faster. But time was an unstoppable force.

With a frustrated sigh, he stepped away from the elevators and headed for the stairs. The steps seemed endless as he descended floor after floor. His mind raced, replaying moments he had shared with Ellis, wondering where everything had gone wrong. And then, there it was—the lobby.

Matarazzo stood near the entrance. Vittorio walked up to him, his gaze demanding answers. "Where is Ellis?"

Matarazzo's expression was tense, revealing something Vittorio hadn't expected. He walked over to Vittorio and began to speak hesitantly. "She left. Met up with John Smith."

Vittorio's eyes narrowed, a mix of confusion and anger washing over him. John Smith—the man he had orchestrated to be falsely arrested for the murder of police investigator Laura. He had planned to keep him away, yet now he had met with Ellis.

"What do you mean 'met'?" His voice was low, dangerous.

Matarazzo hesitated before continuing. "There was a conversation between them, and then she was taken by Smith. Unconscious."

The mafioso's heart raced his thoughts in turmoil. Fury burned in Vittorio's dark eyes, his mind a tempest of turbulent emotions. He stared at Matarazzo with an intensity that could have ignited the air between them. His words came out through clenched teeth, each one carrying the promise of imminent danger.

"Gather the men," he said, his voice low and venomous. "Find John Smith."

Matarazzo nodded, understanding the urgency of the situation. He knew there was no room for delay. It was clear that Vittorio was on the brink of explosion.

Vittorio stood there for a moment longer, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The memory of Ellis, her laughter, her strength, the way she challenged him, all of it contrasted sharply with the idea that she could now be in danger. He felt the weight of his own choice, his decision to use John Smith as a pawn in his game, now coming back to haunt him.

As Matarazzo moved away to carry out his orders, Vittorio struggled to contain the storm within him. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath, trying to find a way to channel his anger and concern. The memory of Ellis, their love, and the moments they had shared, clashed with the notion that she might be at the center of a conflict he had created, a conflict that threatened to shatter the fragile peace he had imagined.

While Rocco approached the mafia leader with a serious and respectful expression. He knew how delicate the situation was, but he also understood the importance of Vittorio's commitments. With a slight nod of his head, he caught Vittorio's attention.

"Don Vittorio, you have another commitment. We need to leave," Rocco said, his voice low and respectful.

Vittorio turned to Rocco, the anger still evident in his eyes. He opened his mouth to respond, but then closed it again, as if reconsidering his words. The mention of the other commitment seemed to fade in the face of his concern for Ellis. The idea of carrying on as if nothing had happened was unbearable.

"No," he finally said, his voice firm. "Not now."

Rocco nodded understandingly, knowing that this wasn't a decision Vittorio was taking lightly. He looked at his boss for a moment, assessing the situation. Finally, he took a step forward, knowing he needed to convey a painful truth.

"Don Vittorio, I know you're worried about Mrs. Amorielle, but we have no choice. But you know... they can't wait," Rocco said sincerely. "I promise I will find out what happened to her, but we can't delay this."

Vittorio sighed, struggling against his own impatience and anger. He knew Rocco was right, but the thought of leaving Ellis in danger haunted him. Finally, he nodded, still reluctant, but knowing he needed to trust his trusted men.

"Go, then," he said, his voice heavy with tension. "But bring me the news as soon as you can."

Rocco nodded, stepping back and turning to join the other men, who were already prepared to leave. As they moved away, Vittorio remained still for a moment, his mind tormented by thoughts of Ellis and what might have happened to her.

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.

The hours seemed to pass slowly as Vittorio waited for news of Rocco. Finally, the phone rang, interrupting the heavy silence. It was Rocco, and his words made Vittorio's heart race.

"Ellis has been taken to New York Presbyterian Hospital," Rocco said, his voice tense. "We're on our way."

Vittorio felt a mixture of relief and concern. He was determined to reach Ellis, no matter what it took. He ended the call, feeling a renewed urgency in his actions.

Rocco and the men arrived at the hospital, but Ellis's trail was already hazy. After much persuasion, investigation, and conversations with people in the hallways, they finally uncovered the truth. Ellis was pregnant and had been brought there by John Smith.

Rocco felt a shiver of understanding and a mix of emotions enveloped him. He knew he needed to return to the mansion and inform Vittorio about what they had discovered.

***

Back at the mansion, Rocco found Antonietta finishing packing her bags in one of the vehicles. Given the recent events, her departure for Pedesina had been postponed until that moment. She looked at him expectantly as he approached.

"What's going on, Rocco?" she asked, her voice full of apprehension.

Rocco took a deep breath, knowing he had to be honest with her. "Ellis was taken to the hospital. And... She's pregnant."

Antonietta was stunned, her expression reflecting shock and surprise. She looked at Rocco for confirmation, his words still reverberating in her mind.

"Pregnant? But how... How did you find out? Does Vittorio know?"

Rocco looked at her seriously. "No, but he needs to know."

Antonietta remained thoughtful in the face of Rocco's revelation. The news of Ellis's pregnancy would bring many consequences, and the matriarch saw none of them as beneficial. She looked at Rocco, her eyes filled with conflict.

"Rocco, you cannot tell Vittorio," she said with a firm but concerned voice.

Rocco looked at her, his expression a mixture of duty and responsibility. "Senhora Amorielle, it's my obligation to inform Don Vittorio. He needs to know the truth."

Antonietta sighed deeply, her mind working in various directions. Then, she looked up again at Rocco and spoke with determination.

"Have you forgotten the oath you made to Ellis for the execution of Tommaso? That oath is still in effect. You promised to keep her safe, and telling Vittorio about the pregnancy would only bring terrible repercussions for him and even more for her."

Rocco looked at Antonietta, understanding the weight of her words. However, he also knew the importance of being honest with Vittorio, especially about something so crucial.

"Antonietta, I understand your concern, but we can't ignore this. Vittorio deserves to know the truth."

Antonietta fixed a determined gaze on Rocco, her words loaded with meaning. "Rocco, don't you see? Things are finally falling into place for everyone. He's in the office now, with Alessio, finalizing the contract for his new marriage."

Rocco knew that Vittorio was about to marry again. That was a chance for Vittorio to find some stability within the Commission.

"That changes things, doesn't it?" Rocco said, more to himself than to Antonietta.

"Yes," Antonietta agreed with a nod. "Things are falling into place for Vittorio. But it's not just that. If you tell him about the pregnancy, it will take away the chance for Ellis to have a safe life with the baby. Messina won't accept it when he learns the truth. He will do everything to remove Ellis from Vittorio's path. And now, not only her but the baby too. You know that's true."

Rocco pondered Antonietta's words. He knew she was right in many aspects. The safety of Ellis and her child was paramount, and the consequences of revealing it to Vittorio could be devastating. But there was still a point he needed to clarify.

"Senhora Amorielle, what if Ellis's child is also Vittorio's? What if it's the grandchild you so desire?"

Antonietta stared at Rocco for a moment, her face reflecting the complexity of her emotions. She then sighed, her voice soft but laden with meaning.

"That's exactly why, Rocco. Precisely because Ellis's child is undoubtedly Vittorio's, and therefore my grandchild, it's best not to tell the whole truth. Not now. Not when everything is beginning to fall into place."

Rocco understood what Antonietta was saying. He saw the logic and care behind her words. In the end, what mattered was the well-being of Ellis and her child, and also the possibility of Vittorio finding some form of happiness and stability within the Mafia.

Rocco nodded slowly, agreeing with Antonietta. "All right. Let's wait. Let's keep this a secret, at least for now."

Antonietta let out a sigh of relief, her expression showing gratitude. She placed her hand on Rocco's arm affectionately.

"Thank you, Rocco. Vittorio may never fully understand our reasons, but we're doing what we believe is best."

Rocco nodded again, a look of determination in his eyes. "Yes, Senhora Amorielle. We'll protect Ellis and Don Vittorio's future, whatever it takes."

And so, Rocco and Antonietta sealed an unspoken agreement, deciding to keep the truth hidden for now. They knew that in the complex world, they lived in, making tough decisions was inevitable. Rocco and Antonietta exchanged a meaningful glance, both aware that everyone's lives were about to change drastically.

With one last sigh, Rocco headed to the mansion's office, where Vittorio would likely be, ready to face the consequences of that decision.

***

Vittorio was absorbed in reviewing the final adjustments of his new marriage contract when the door to his office opened slowly. His eyes lifted and met Rocco's, who entered with a serious expression. Vittorio sensed that something was wrong and glanced at Alessio, the notary, silently ordering him to leave.

Once Alessio exited, Vittorio looked at Rocco with a questioning expression. "What's going on, Rocco?"

Rocco swallowed hard, carefully choosing his words. "Don Vittorio, Ellis went to the hospital due to dizziness. She wasn't forced, it seems to have been a precaution."

Vittorio furrowed his brow, confused. "To the hospital? Dizziness?"

Rocco averted his gaze for a moment before meeting Vittorio's eyes again. "Yes, but it was nothing more than that. In fact, she was with John Smith... He identified himself as her partner. Apparently, they're together."

Vittorio stood up from his chair abruptly, a mixture of shock and anger on his face. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Ellis was dating the cop who had been a constant threat to both Jason and him. Emotions churned within him, but he controlled his voice as he spoke.

"Are you sure about this, Rocco? None of our monitoring indicated that."

Rocco felt an internal conflict in his mind. Antonietta's words echoed in his head, but he also knew that the truth might be important to Vittorio. However, when he looked into Vittorio's eyes, he decided to follow the path Antonietta had suggested. He confirmed the lie. "I'm sure, Don Vittorio."

Vittorio stepped away from Rocco, his expression thoughtful. He couldn't understand why Ellis would get involved with John Smith. Perplexity was written all over his face, but he finally sighed and said, "Well, if that's the case, if that's true..."

Rocco nodded, relieved that Vittorio wasn't pressing for more information. "Yes, Don Vittorio. But if you want, we can continue monitoring."

Vittorio looked at Rocco for a moment, his eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions. Then he said, "No, Rocco. We don't need to monitor her anymore. Leave her alone."

Rocco was somewhat surprised by the decision, but he nodded. "As you wish, Vittorio."

Vittorio gazed at Rocco for another moment and then, with a wave of his hand, indicated that Rocco should leave. Once Rocco exited the office, Vittorio closed the door behind him and approached his desk. His eyes were fixed on the engagement ring with the black diamond that was on the surface. He picked it up with trembling hands, remembering the night he had given that ring to Ellis, the symbol of their promise of love and devotion.

A lump formed in his throat as he looked at the ring. He thought of all the possibilities that had once existed between him and Ellis, of all the dreams they had shared. But now, in the face of Rocco's words, everything seemed to have irreversibly changed. With a heavy sigh, Vittorio opened one of his drawers and placed the ring inside, closing it with a slow motion.

He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes for a moment. All the hopes he had harbored for a future with Ellis seemed to be buried along with the ring. In the silence of his office, he confronted the reality that things would never be the same between them again.

Six years later...

Vittorio walked with determined steps toward his car, his serious expression reflecting the intensity of his thoughts. As he opened the car door, he picked up the forgotten lunchbox from his son's seat. Sighing, he took the object and was about to close the door when the insistent ringtone of his phone interrupted him. The screen displayed Rocco's number, his current Consigliere. With a hint of irritation, he answered the call, his voice laced with impatience.

“What is it, Rocco?” he questioned brusquely.

On the other end of the line, Rocco's voice sounded serious and resolute. “The French are waiting for you at the meeting, Don Vittorio.”

Vittorio slammed the car door, frustration painting his features. “I'm on my way. I'll drop my son off at school and my wife at work before I get there.”

He was about to ask Rocco to delay the Frenchmen a bit when, in the background, he caught a conversation at the school.

“Thank you, Mrs. Smith,” the teacher said. The response that followed resonated in his mind like an echo from a distant past.

“You're welcome.”

A chill ran down Vittorio's spine as if he had been transported back in time, six years ago. Slowly, he turned on his heels, finding a silhouette that seemed to fit perfectly into his memories: brown hair, and a confident posture. He advanced hesitantly, hoping his mind wasn't playing another trick on him.

“Mrs. Smith?” he started, a touch of uncertainty in his voice, “Until a few years ago, I used to call you Mrs. Amorielle.”

The woman turned slowly, revealing the face he had longed to see. It was her. It was Ellis Barker.

Surprise dominated Vittorio's eyes, while emotions clashed within him. For a moment, he had to blink to make sure he wasn't dreaming. And then, before him, stood the woman he thought he would never see again, the woman who had left and taken a part of his soul with her.

“Vittorio?” Her voice was almost a whisper, as if she, too, was afraid it might be an illusion.

He felt a lump in his throat, words stuck. For an instant, everything around them faded away, and it was as if they were alone again, as if time hadn't passed.

Vittorio's gaze remained fixed on Ellis's face, his eyes tracing every contour as if engraving it into his memory once more. To him, it seemed like time had barely left marks on her features. Her full lips, about to form a teasing smile, held the same seductive quality that had always drawn him in. Her rounded brown eyes shone with a characteristic light that was uniquely Ellis. He studied every inch of her face, searching for any sign that this wasn't just another mirage fueled by his desire.

His eyes traveled down, taking in her figure. He couldn't help but notice that her hair was now shorter, falling just beyond her shoulders, but she still maintained that laid-back style that had always characterized her. It was a subtle change, but it was her, unmistakably her.

While Vittorio was lost in Ellis, she was equally absorbed in studying the man she had once loved so deeply. Even with time, Vittorio seemed to have retained that magnetic presence she remembered. Yet, there was an undercurrent of difference, a nuance that added a touch of maturity. Perhaps it was the strands of gray that now mingled shyly in his once-black hair, giving him an aura of virility that she couldn't help but find appealing.

As her gaze roamed over his strong physique, she noted the subtle shift in his posture. He stood there, with a quiet intensity that reminded her of a predator, ready to pounce. This realization sent a shiver down her spine, awakening emotions she had tried to suppress for so long. Vittorio's serious expression and the way he held himself left little doubt that he was still the man who commanded respect and exuded power.

Ellis had to fight the urge to bite her lip as she felt her heart accelerate in response to his presence. Six years had passed, but the magnetic pull between them hadn't weakened. If anything, it had only grown stronger, more palpable. She couldn't help the flood of memories that invaded her mind—the moments of pleasure, the shared laughter, the love they had once shared.

Their gazes met, and in that fleeting instant, a silent conversation occurred between them, laden with emotions words couldn't adequately express. The world around them seemed to vanish, leaving only the two of them there, locked in each other's gaze.

Vittorio took a step closer, his voice a whisper as he finally uttered her name, “Ellis...”

The name left his lips like a prayer, laden with years of longing and regret. Six years of separation vanished in an instant, and he knew deep in his heart that no matter what had happened in the past, they were standing on the precipice of a second chance.

Vittorio took another step forward, the distance between him and Ellis rapidly diminishing. She didn't step back, didn't show hesitation. On the contrary, her lips already parted slightly, craving the imminent touch. Desire was present, tangible in the charged air between them. Time seemed suspended, for just them, as each millisecond brought them closer still.

However, reality shattered with the soft, feminine voice that echoed from behind Ellis, interrupting the moment that was about to happen.

“I'm glad you found the lunchbox, dear,” she said.

Ellis and Vittorio's gazes shifted to the source of the voice, revealing none other than Eleonora Gattone. The impact of Eleonora's presence triggered a sequence of reactions. She approached Vittorio, initially not noticing Ellis. But when she finally turned and saw Ellis there, a look of shock crossed her face. The surprise and discomfort she felt at encountering Ellis at that moment were undeniable.

Eleonora greeted Ellis with a brief “hello,” but the atmosphere was charged with tension. Ellis, in turn, couldn't help but release a sardonic laugh, finding the irony of fate almost comical.

At that moment, Ellis pointed to Eleonora and Vittorio, who were now side by side, and said with a touch of sarcasm, “Of course, it would end up like this, wouldn't it?”

It was Vittorio who finally broke the silence, addressing Ellis. “Ellis, please wait. There's an explanation for all of this.”

Ellis stared at him, her gaze reflecting a mixture of complex emotions. She looked at their hands, where identical wedding rings rested, and then back at Vittorio.

“There's no need for an explanation, Don Vittorio,” she said with a firmness that hid the pain she was feeling. It was too much for her to deal with, that whirlwind of past feelings, mixed with the shock of the present.

She took a deep breath and took a few steps back, distancing herself from Vittorio and the disconcerting presence of Eleonora. She walked toward her car, feeling the need to get away, to process everything that was happening. The past and the present collided in a way she could have never imagined.

Vittorio watched her leave, a lump forming in his throat as he struggled to find the right words, to explain the truth behind all of this. But, at that moment, words seemed inadequate in the face of the complexity of their intertwined stories. He stood between two worlds, two women, and the choice he had made could only have led to this ending.