Page 4 of Ivory Legacy

The medical team packed up their equipment, prepared to transport me to the hospital. As they moved around me in a flurry of professional efficiency, my mind was racing on overdrive. The plan was working, but I couldn’t afford to get complacent.

The ambulance ride was uneventful but nerve-wracking. I kept up my act, gasping and grimacing when somebody looked my way. It wasn’t until we were safely inside the hospital that I allowed myself to relax slightly.

It was going to take me some time to figure out an escape plan…but at least I hadn’t signed any damn documents from Rodriguez.

And that, at least, was something.

Now if only I found a way to get away from the police…

Chapter Two: Jade

Ellie nudged the door to room 307 open, the harsh scent of hospital-grade disinfectant assaulting my senses. I was a stark contrast against the crisp white sheets, my dark hair spread out like an ink spill on white parchment. I could feel each shallow breath, slow but steady—I was still alive.

Everything was okay.

My hand was on my belly and the ruse had worked, but I didn’t know how long I had away from Rodriguez, away from the police.

I hadn’t signed anything, but I didn’t know if they could detain me. And I needed to find out more about Dante. I needed to make sure he was okay.

“Hey,” Ellie’s voice floated to me, softer than her usual tone. “How are you holding up?”

My eyes fluttered open at her question, feeling surprisingly sharp despite the painkillers that must have been flooding my system. “Ellie...how’s Dante?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

She hesitated before answering, uncertainty clouding her features. “I think he’s okay, Jade.” Her words brought some relief, though it was fleeting; I hadn’t seen him since before everything spiraled out of control.

I wouldn’t see him if it was up to Detective Rodriguez.

I was fine, but the performance had taken it out of me. Being frazzled while pregnant was surprisingly difficult, and I didn’t know how long I could keep this ruse up. A monitor was attached to my stomach; the doctors wanted to monitor the baby and make sure everything was okay. The constant beeping was a reminder of the fragile life inside of me.

“I need to get out of here,” I said. What I mostly meant was that I needed to get out of here before the police tracked me down again.

“Whoa, slow down,” Ellie cautioned, pressing a gentle hand onto my shoulder in an attempt to keep me grounded. “The doctors need to make sure you and the baby are both okay.”

I felt bad lying to her too. We were fine.

“I don’t care what they said,” I interrupted sharply. The defiance in my voice felt foreign yet necessary. “I can’t stay here, El.”

Her surprise mirrored mine as she stammered back at me. “Jade, that’s crazy talk.” She looked scared and confused bymy sudden declaration but she didn’t understand - if the mafia wanted to find me, if the cops wanted to find me, no amount of sterile corridors or humming medical machines would be enough to keep them away.

“Take a breath, Jade,” Ellie’s voice was calm, her eyes steady. I did as she said, my chest rising and falling with a deep inhale followed by an exhale.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the pregnancy before?” Her question was direct, but not unkind.

I fidgeted with the hem of the hospital gown, looking for the right words. “Ellie, I was still trying to wrap my mind around it all.” My hands moved to my belly protectively. “But...I’m excited. Really excited to be pregnant.”

She gave me a small smile, intently listening with that calm demeanor of hers that always seemed to make things better. I felt a pang of guilt for keeping it from her, even if it was only for a short while.

“Can we go back to your house?” I asked suddenly, feeling the walls of the hospital closing in on me.

“Of course,” Ellie replied without hesitation. “After the doctors make sure everything is okay.”

I leaned close to her. “Everything is fine,” I said in a whisper. “I just needed to get away from the police, okay?”

Her eyes widened. “You mean from Rodriguez?”

“Dante is the father of my child, El. I can’t just turn against him.”

A heavy silence fell between us, and I thought I saw a spark of something in Ellie’s eyes—fear perhaps, or anger? But it passed quickly, replaced with the familiar warmth I knew so well.

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