[ NCIS ] Ellie and Nick | A Shot of Truth

Chapter 1: Forever and Always

Ellie stood before the tombstone, her heart shattered into a million pieces. James, her beloved fiancé, had been taken from her in a cruel twist of fate. Their dreams of a lifetime together were abruptly extinguished, leaving behind an unimaginable void. 

Beside her, their eleven-year-old daughter, Audrey, gazed at the tombstone with a mixture of confusion and longing. James had been more than a father to her—he had been her guiding light, a constant presence that she thought would always be there. 

But their love story had not been without its challenges. James had harbored a fear of commitment, which delayed their journey toward marriage. Ellie, always one to be prepared, had respected his hesitation. They had made plans, dreams of a future where they would grow old together, but now those dreams lay shattered.

Life had a way of disrupting plans, however. Twelve years ago, Ellie discovered she was pregnant with her then-boyfriend. It was unexpected, and yet James stood by her side, providing unwavering support. The birth of Audrey had transformed their lives, awakening in James a desire for commitment—a chance to build a life intertwined with love and responsibility.

Now, in the wake of James' untimely death, Ellie had to summon her strength for Audrey's sake. She made the decision to join the NCIS, seeking solace in the demanding work and the camaraderie of her colleagues. It was a small step towards healing, a new beginning in a two-bedroom apartment not far from the bustling headquarters.

As Ellie embraced her new role, the demands of her work provided a temporary respite from her grief. The pursuit of justice and the bonds forged with her fellow agents offered a sense of purpose. Each day was a battle, but she faced it head-on—for Audrey, for James, and for herself. 

 Within the walls of her new home and the corridors of NCIS, Ellie discovered the power of resilience. She refused to let the darkness consume her, even as she nursed her wounds and carried the weight of her loss. The road ahead was treacherous, but she was not alone.