Volume 2: The Rules of Survival in the Underground World
Summary: Trapped under Richard's control, Emily lives a life filled with pain and fear. She longs to escape—but feels powerless to break free.
Chapter 11: Emily's Dilemma
Jack jolted awake from a restless sleep, his ribs aching from the sharp edge of the cardboard box beneath him. He had always been a light sleeper—especially since he'd dedicated himself to revenge. Any sound, any shift in the night air, could pull him back to consciousness. But this time, it wasn't a dream of vengeance that had disturbed him.
It was a dream of Emily—the woman who had once stood by his side during the best days of his life. In the dream, she wore the blue dress from their first date, smiling warmly as she leaned into him. That smile cut through the numbness in his chest like a blade, slicing open wounds he had tried so hard to bury.
Since his supposed death, he had forced himself not to think about her. He refused to let hope take root again, because he knew—Emily was now an unreachable star, far beyond the life he lived now. But no matter how much he tried to suppress it, his dreams betrayed him. So did the love buried deep within his soul.
"Damn it," Jack muttered under his breath, pressing his forehead against his knees. He needed to focus. He couldn't afford to be distracted by emotion. Right now, what mattered most were power and money—the only things that could bring Richard down.
The morning sun began to peel away the darkness draped over the city. Jack got up, straightened his tattered clothes, and stepped out of his makeshift shelter. He needed to visit Old John. Yesterday's black-market deal had gone through, and he needed to collect his share.
Yesterday, he had sold off a batch of old electronics scavenged from a junkyard. It wasn't much, but every dollar counted now.
When he arrived at John's shack, he found the older man hunched over a rickety wooden table, tinkering with wires and circuits. John was more than just a fence—he was one of the few people Jack still trusted in this brutal underground world.
"Morning, John," Jack greeted.
John looked up, his face lighting up with a warm smile. "Jack! You're here. That shipment you brought in yesterday sold well—I managed to make you a bit extra."
He reached under the table and handed Jack a small bundle wrapped in oil paper. "Four hundred bucks. Enough to buy some food, maybe start saving something real."
Jack took the package, gratitude swelling in his chest. "Thanks, John."
"No thanks needed. It's yours," John waved him off. "But listen—things have been getting rough lately. I heard Richard's men are looking for you."
"I know," Jack nodded. "Kevin told me. Richard's working closely with The Butcher. They're planning something big."
"The Butcher?" John's expression darkened. "That's bad news. That guy's pure madness. No limits when it comes to violence."
"I understand," Jack said calmly. "I'll be careful."
John leaned forward, voice low and serious. "Remember this, Jack—revenge means nothing if you don't live long enough to get it. Don't throw yourself into danger."
"I will," Jack promised.
After saying goodbye, Jack walked down the crowded streets, mind racing with plans. He needed more intel on Richard and The Butcher. More money. A stronger network.
Then, he saw her.
Emily.
His heart pounded before he even registered her presence. Instinctively, he wanted to vanish into the crowd—but his feet refused to move.
She looked thinner, worn down. Her once-polished appearance was frayed at the edges. She stood near a pawn shop window, staring blankly at the items inside.
Jack hesitated—then approached.
"Emily," he called softly.
She turned sharply at the sound of his voice. When she saw him, her eyes widened, disbelief flooding her face like she was seeing a ghost.
"J-Jack?" she whispered, trembling.
"It's me," Jack replied gently, afraid to scare her. "Are you okay?"
Emily didn't answer right away. She just stared, tears blurring her vision.
"I… I thought you were dead," she choked out.
"I'm not," Jack said. "Just… things happened."
"What… why do you look like this?" Her voice cracked with pain and confusion. "What happened to you?"
Jack fell silent. He couldn't tell her the truth—not yet. Not while it could put her in danger.
"I'll explain later," he said instead. "Emily, how have you been? Why are you here?"
She wiped her tears, managing a weak smile. "I'm… I'm fine. Just… going through a tough time."
"What kind of trouble?" Jack asked, concern tightening his voice.
Emily hesitated. "The company… there was a problem. I… I lost my job."
Jack's stomach dropped. He knew immediately. Richard had done this.
"Richard?" His voice was cold.
She nodded slowly. "He accused me of embezzlement. I was fired."
"Damn it," Jack cursed under his breath. He hated being helpless—hated watching Emily suffer while he had no way to protect her.
"Don't worry," he said firmly. "I'll help you. I promise. I'll make sure you get justice."
"Jack…" Her eyes filled with gratitude. "I know you mean well, but… Richard is too powerful. Please, don't risk yourself."
"Risk myself?" Jack scoffed. "I've already lost everything. There's nothing left to fear. I will make him pay, Emily. For everything he's done."
The determination in his eyes frightened her—but also stirred something deep in her heart.
Suddenly, a sleek black car pulled up beside them. The window rolled down, revealing Richard's smug face.
"Well, well, Emily. Didn't expect to see you still breathing," he sneered. "And look at you—how the mighty have fallen."
Emily paled instantly, trembling at the sight of him.
"Stay away from her, Richard," Jack growled, stepping between them.
Richard smirked. "A dead man walking. Do yourself a favor and keep your distance from her—or I'll make sure you die for real this time."
Then he turned to Emily. "Come back to me, Emily. Pretend none of this ever happened. I'll give you everything again. You can be Emily Brown again."
Emily wavered, eyes darting between the two men.
Jack knew she was facing a choice he couldn't make for her. He wouldn't force her hand. He would respect whatever path she chose.
The silence stretched, heavy with tension.
Finally, she lifted her chin. Her voice was steady.
"No, Richard. I won't go back to you." Her gaze burned with defiance. "I'd rather have nothing than be with someone like you."
Richard's face twisted with rage. His eyes spat fire.
"Fine. Fine!" he laughed bitterly. "If that's how you want it, then don't blame me for what happens next."
With that, he rolled up the window. The car sped off, disappearing into the city's chaos.
Emily collapsed to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
Jack rushed to her side, pulling her into his arms. "You're safe. I won't let him hurt you again."
He knew Richard wouldn't stop. He would retaliate. And Jack would need to act fast to protect her.
In his heart, he swore a silent oath.
Justice would come.
For Emily.
For himself.
There was no turning back now.
This was war.
And Jack was ready to fight to the end.