Chapter 3

The next morning, I completed the bone marrow biopsy alone at St. Aurelia's Hospital.

Before I left, the hematologist reminded me that my donor clearance had been suspended. He told me to keep my phone nearby because the preliminary results could require immediate treatment.

I forwarded that warning to both families. The only response instructed me to arrive at the Vitale family's private club at six that evening.

Both sets of parents were waiting in the conference room. Bianca sat between Celeste and Helena, with Nico behind her chair. Dr. Ricci and the family attorney occupied the far end of the table.

The attorney placed an agreement in front of me.

It required me to cooperate with additional compatibility testing and proceed with the donation if I received independent medical clearance. It also prohibited me from disclosing Bianca's condition or using her illness to approach the press, challenge the custody agreement, or demand additional money from either family.

In return for being considered as Bianca's donor, I was required to surrender every present and future claim to both families' trusts, property, and inheritance. The agreement also placed a fixed limit on how much either family would contribute to my own medical care.

Marco folded his hands on the table.

"You questioned the donation and went to both families asking them to choose between you and Bianca. Our attorneys are concerned that you may later demand compensation or use her illness to strengthen your claim to both estates. We need to know you aren't using her illness to negotiate for more."

"I never asked for more."

"Then signing this should not be a problem."

The attorney turned to the section covering my medical expenses.

Dominic frowned. "The Vitales raised her. They should be responsible for the biopsy."

"She is your biological daughter," Marco replied. "We already paid for eighteen years of her living expenses."

They argued over the bill until the attorney proposed dividing the cost equally. Any future examinations or treatment would be covered only up to the limit written in the agreement. Anything beyond that would be my responsibility.

"Does Bianca's treatment have a limit?" I asked.

"Of course not," Helena said. "We will spend whatever is necessary to keep her alive."

I looked down at the amount they had placed beside my name.

"If I were the one who needed a transplant, would you make Bianca surrender her inheritance and sign this agreement?"

Dominic answered first.

"That is different."

"Why?"

"Because Bianca is dying," Marco said. "You are not."

"You don't know that."

No one answered.

I pushed the agreement back toward the attorney.

"I'll sign it, but I want another clause added."

"What clause?"

"Except for the specific medical testing and confidentiality terms written here, neither family can demand anything else from me because I am a daughter, a sister, or a member of either family."

The attorney studied me. "You want the clause to take effect immediately?"

"Yes. I give up the money, inheritance, protection, and family name. In return, they give up the right to demand my loyalty, care, obedience, or sacrifice."

Helena's expression changed. "Elena, there's no reason to make this permanent."

"If all you want is proof that I expect nothing from you, permanence should not frighten you."

Before anyone could answer, my phone began to ring.

St. Aurelia's Hematology Department appeared across the screen.

I reached for it, but Marco placed his hand over the unsigned agreement.

"We are not finished."

"The doctor told me to keep my phone nearby."

Dr. Ricci glanced at the screen.

"It is only the hospital protecting itself from liability. If the results were truly critical, they would have admitted you this morning. Sign the agreement first."

The call ended.

The attorney added the clause and passed the amended agreement around the table. Marco and Dominic signed first. Celeste and Helena signed beneath them. Nico added his name as a witness, while Dr. Ricci approved the medical language.

None of them asked why the hematology department was calling.

When the document returned, I read the new clause and signed my name at the bottom.

My phone vibrated with a voicemail as the attorney collected the agreement.

I listened to it outside the conference room.

"Ms. Vitale, your preliminary results are critical. Return to the emergency department immediately. Do not drive yourself, and do not remain alone."

Behind me, both families had already returned to planning Bianca's future, relieved that the agreement had settled everything.

I folded my copy and walked toward the elevator alone.