ACCOUNT BALANCE
USD: -350,892.25
MOVEMENTS:
Today
AMORIELLE, VITTORIO ------- 06:00 AM
+ $5,000.00
Ellis woke up to the familiar sound of a notification on her phone. She reached out and grabbed the device from the bedside table, opening the message sleepily. As her eyes adjusted to the screen, she saw the words that had become a regular occurrence in her life.
Ellis felt a mixture of gratitude and frustration. She couldn't deny the financial relief that these daily transfers provided, but she couldn't shake off the feeling of being indebted to Vittorio. It was as if she was paying off her brother's debt with her own life.
Pushing these thoughts aside, Ellis got out of bed, determined to make the most of her day. Then a delicious aroma of fresh coffee filled the air. Her stomach growled with hunger, and the anticipation of a delightful breakfast filled her with excitement. She got up and followed the scent to the kitchen, where she found an elegantly set table with an array of tempting foods.
Ellis's eyes scanned the table, admiring the selection of fresh fruits, warm croissants, scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and a variety of juices and teas. It was a meal fit for a five-star hotel. The brunette walked through the apartment in search of the person responsible for the breakfast but found no one. She returned to the table and enjoyed her meal. She had to admit, Vittorio had a refined taste for a luxurious life.
Once she finished her breakfast, she headed to the bathroom to get ready. She felt blessed to have the opportunity to study at the renowned New York University, where she would begin her Architecture course today. It was a dream that seemed impossible before Vittorio entered her life.
When she returned, the same delightful smell filled her nostrils—lunch was served.
Ellis looked around, searching for someone who had prepared this meal so carefully. But, as always, there was no one in sight. She surmised that Vittorio had arranged for someone to take care of these details so she wouldn't have to worry.
***
AMORIELLE, VITTORIO ------- 06:00 AM
+ $5,000.00
While brushing her teeth, Ellis checked her phone, and there it was, the usual amount, $5,000. She knew that each transfer represented another step towards paying off Jason's debt and fulfilling the marriage contract. However, she wasn't sure which clause corresponded to that money. Every night, she found herself looking at the contract and wondering what it could be, because, at this point in their relationship, there were only two clauses that would fit that amount: social events and... betrayal.
But as she got ready for the day, Ellis decided to use Vittorio's transfer notifications as morning motivation. The clear sound of money entering her account would act as a catalyst, urging her to face the challenges of the day ahead.
As the days passed, Ellis became accustomed to this morning routine. Every day, the notifications, breakfast, and lunch were ready for her, regardless of where she was or what she was doing. The person responsible for preparing the meals remained a mystery, but Ellis felt grateful to have someone so dedicated to taking care of her.
***
ACCOUNT BALANCE
USD: -305,892.25
MOVEMENTS:
Today
AMORIELLE, VITTORIO ------- 06:00 AM
+ $5,000.00
As the days turned into weeks, Ellis established a routine. She attended her classes with dedication, immersing herself in the world of architecture. Vittorio's notifications continued to arrive every morning, a reliable source of motivation to keep pushing forward.
Through hard work and dedication, Ellis began to find her place at the university. Her professors recognized her talent and dedication, and her peers respected her for her skills. Vittorio's daily transfers intertwined with her journey, fueling her ambition to succeed.
Although Vittorio's notifications gave her a sense that the mobster was doing well, she couldn't help but think of him. Deep down, she couldn't deny the connection she felt with him. As Ellis sipped on a steaming cup of coffee and picked up a croissant, she wondered if Vittorio also thought of her. She closed her eyes, trying to imagine the suit-wearing fool who had changed her life since that unexpected encounter in the bank parking lot.
***
As the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, Ellis had grown accustomed to the comforting presence of Vittorio's morning notifications. They had become an integral part of her routine, a constant reminder of his support and the unique connection between them. But on a fateful morning, everything changed.
She woke up with the sun already high, realizing that something was wrong. Her heart raced as she realized that Vittorio's transfer notification hadn't arrived yet. Anxiety began to build up inside her as she repeatedly checked her phone, waiting for the familiar financial alert that didn't appear. The last message was indeed from the previous day:
ACCOUNT BALANCE
USD: - 5,892.25
MOVEMENTS:
Yesterday
AMORIELLE, VITTORIO ------- 06:00 AM
+ $5,000.00
Worry invaded Ellis' mind as she hurried to get ready for her classes. Fear took hold of her thoughts. Did something happen to Vittorio? The absence of the notification left her off balance, but things got worse when she entered the kitchen and realized it was clean and devoid of any signs of breakfast. With scattered thoughts and unable to concentrate, she tried calling Vittorio, but the call went straight to voicemail.
"You know who you called and you know why I'm not answering. Don't leave a message," Vittorio's deep voice spoke in the message.
Panic started to overwhelm her. She tried again, only to encounter the same message. Ellis attempted multiple times until the doorbell of her apartment rang. She walked over there and was met by Mauricio.
"Mrs. Amorielle, we need to go," the capo began. "You're already late for class."
"Just a minute, Mauricio, I need to try contacting Vittorio. Something is happening."
"Madam, I have orders to take you to the university on time. Please don't put me in a difficult position."
"Fine. I'll try from the car," Ellis informed, running her hand over her college belongings.
Ellis got into the car and tried to reach Vittorio again. With each voicemail, the brunette's mind raced with the worst possible scenarios. What could have happened? Was Vittorio in danger? She couldn't shake off the impending sense of tragedy. As soon as the car stopped in front of the university, she made a decision. She needed answers and knew exactly where to find them.
"Take me to the mansion, Mauricio," Ellis told Mauricio, who stared at her through the rearview mirror. "That's an order."
Driven by desperation, Ellis headed for Vittorio's imposing mansion.
Upon arrival, she was greeted by Antonietta, Vittorio's
mother, who exuded an aura of calm and authority. Ellis wasted no time and immediately inquired about Vittorio's whereabouts.
She arrived at the grand estate and was received by Antonietta, Vittorio's mother. Ellis' voice trembled as she asked about Vittorio.
"Antonietta, have you heard from Vittorio?" Ellis asked, her concern evident in her voice.
Antonietta looked at Ellis, her expression filled with understanding. She knew exactly what Ellis was feeling, which brought a certain relief to know that her daughter-in-law cared for her son.
"No, he hasn't returned home yet," she calmly replied. "But don't worry, dear. If something were truly wrong, we would have known by now."
Ellis, unable to contain her anxiety, continued, her voice trembling:
"Something is going on, Antonietta. I feel like he might be in danger."
Antonietta solemnly nodded, her eyes revealing the weight of the worries they shared.
"Yes, my dear. The world he lives in, the mafia, has its share of risks. But try not to worry too much. We have ways of staying informed. If something bad has happened, we'll find out soon enough."
Struggling to cope with her fear, Ellis questioned Antonietta, her voice trembling.
"How can you stay so calm? This uncertainty is consuming me."
Antonietta's gaze softened as she placed a comforting hand on Ellis' shoulder.
"I've learned to live with the possibility of loss, my dear. It's the path of our life. But I understand your feelings. It's not easy to love someone in that world. Just remember that Vittorio is a man who knows how to protect himself and those he loves."
Feeling a mix of despair and love, Ellis left the mansion, her mind racing with thoughts. At that moment, she realized she couldn't imagine her life without Vittorio anymore. The fear of losing him brought clarity to her heart. She picked up the phone once again and called Vittorio's number, leaving a message in his voicemail.
"Vittorio, please come back. I've made my decision."
Ellis' voice trembled with a mixture of vulnerability and determination.
"I can't live without you. Please come home," Ellis thought as she hung up the phone. She knew that accepting the love she felt for Vittorio meant accepting everything that came with it. But she no longer cared.