Ellis was sitting on the bed, wearing her black robe and staring fixedly at the bedroom door. The only sound breaking the silence was the incessant ticking of the wall clock. She tried to calm herself and took deep breaths, but her thoughts were chaotic, and her mind was filled with doubts and fear.

Suddenly, she heard Vittorio's heavy footsteps approaching. Her heart raced, but she remained seated and firm on the bed. Vittorio entered the room wearing only a loosely buttoned white ...