Chapter 6 - The Choice
Silence descended upon the warehouse like a suffocating blanket.
Derek stared at Alexander in shock, then whipped his head toward Emily, forcing a grotesque, sweet smile onto his face—the same smile he used when he wanted her to lie to her doctor.
"Emily... baby, come on," Derek pleaded, stepping closer to the table, his voice dripping with forced tenderness. "You know I love you. I was stressed about work. I lost my temper. I’m sorry. I’ll go to therapy. I’ll buy you that house in Florida you always wanted. Just come home. Don't listen to these dangerous people. They’re just using you."
Emily looked at Derek’s face. She saw the desperation in his eyes, but beneath it, she saw the dark, simmering promise of retribution. She knew what would happen if she went back. The Florida house would become a prison. The therapy would be a lie. And one night, when no one was watching, he would make sure she never ran away again.
Then she looked at Alexander Moretti.
He didn't make promises. He didn't offer her houses or fake apologies. He stood before the most dangerous men in Chicago with his weapons drawn, offering her the one thing Derek had stolen from her three years ago: her dignity.
Emily took a deep, steady breath. The fear that had ruled her life began to dissolve, replaced by a cold, sharp strength she hadn't felt since she was a young girl.
She stepped out from behind Dante, walking until she stood directly beside Alexander.
She looked Derek dead in the eye.
"I am never going back to you, Derek," Emily said, her voice clear, strong, and unyielding. "I’m filing for divorce. I’m taking back my maiden name. And if you ever come near me again, I’ll let Alexander deal with you."
Derek’s face contorted into a mask of pure rage. "You ungrateful little bitch! I made you! You were nothing before I married you!" He lunged forward across the table, his hands outstretched toward her neck.
Before Derek could even cross the table, Alexander moved with terrifying speed.
His hand shot out, catching Derek by the throat mid-air. With a single, fluid motion, Alexander slammed Derek down onto the metal table, crushing his face against the surface. A sickening crack echoed through the room as Derek’s nose shattered.
Richard Vance screamed in terror, while Don Falcone’s bodyguards immediately drew their handguns.
Instantly, the surrounding shipping containers echoed with the sharp racks of high-powered rifles. Above them, on the catwalks of the warehouse, a dozen of Alexander’s snipers stepped into view, their laser sights painting red dots across the chests of Don Falcone and his entire crew.
"Stand down!" Don Falcone roared, throwing his hands up in the air. "Stand down right now!"
Alexander leaned down over Derek, who was sobbing and choking on his own blood against the table.
"You heard the lady, Mr. Vance," Alexander whispered into his ear. "The marriage is over. If I see your face in the city of Chicago after sundown tomorrow... I won't just break your nose. I will erase your entire family from the tax rolls."
Alexander released his grip, allowing Derek to slump onto the floor, clutching his bleeding face.
Alexander turned to Don Falcone, who sat frozen in his chair, staring at the red laser dots dancing across his chest.
"The meeting is adjourned, Sal," Alexander said calmly. "Have a safe drive back to the South Side."
May you like
Without waiting for a response, Alexander offered his arm to Emily.
Emily reached out, wrapping her hand securely around his forearm. Together, they walked out of the warehouse, leaving the remnants of her past lying broken on the cold concrete floor.
