Chapter 11
546words
I focused on growing our operation. With Miranda's territory added to ours, the Johnson Gang became the dominant force in the city.
No crew would touch Miranda after her fall. She drifted through the city's underbelly, taking whatever work she could find.
After years of luxury, poverty hit her hard.
She fell into a spiral of loan sharks and desperate measures.
I didn't keep tabs on her after that.
Jason and I were inspecting a new property acquisition, walking the perimeter together.
"Don't think I'm just arm candy," he said, studying the security layout. "I was raised in this world too."
"I know," I smiled. "My Jason is quite the capable one."
He leaned into me, and I wrapped my arm around his waist.
A figure burst from the crowd, moving too fast to track.
"Die, bitch!"
Steel flashed toward my heart. I pivoted, pulling Jason with me.
A body intercepted the blade. Blood sprayed across the pavement.
The figure staggered, turning to face me with a hand pressed to their bleeding chest.
It was Alex. He'd taken the blade meant for me.
"You're safe," he whispered, blood bubbling at his lips. "That's all that matters."
"I could have dodged that without your help," I said flatly.
I kept Jason close while dialing for an ambulance.
"Are you insane?" a familiar voice shrieked. "Why would you save her?"
"She doesn't love you anymore, you fool!"
Miranda stood there, knife dripping with Alex's blood, lunging for a second strike. Despite his wound, Alex moved to block her.
"I know exactly what she's capable of," he gasped. "Better than anyone."
"I knew you'd dodge it. You're too good not to."
"But I needed to do something that mattered. Something that might make you remember me with something other than hatred."
The ambulance arrived moments later. As they loaded Alex onto a stretcher, my security team subdued Miranda.
Word of Miranda's attack spread like wildfire. People eager to prove their loyalty took matters into their own hands.
They made her suffer in ways that would make death seem merciful.
Miranda's life became a living hell—hungry, homeless, and now broken in body as well as spirit.
I visited Alex in the hospital once. The damage was catastrophic.
"You came," he whispered, eyes lighting up. "You actually came."
He tried to sit up, wincing in pain, but his face fell when he saw Jason standing behind me.
"The doctors say you'll never walk again."
"I know," he said softly. "I don't regret it."
"In all my life, I only truly regret one thing—betraying you."
For once, there was no manipulation in his eyes—only genuine remorse.
But it was far too late for that to matter.
"I'll cover your medical expenses," I said coolly.
"And I have news for you."
I raised my hand, fingers intertwined with Jason's, a diamond glinting on my finger.
"We're getting married next month."
Alex stared at the ring for a long moment before forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Congratulations," he whispered. "I hope he makes you happy."
I squeezed Jason's hand and turned to leave without another word.
I felt Alex's eyes on my back until the door closed behind us, severing our connection forever.
