The Woman He Will Never Forget

"I'm not going to do anything because I won't make a choice. What you're doing is wrong. Maybe we can still discuss this. This just isn't right…" Dante took a deep breath to keep his composure.

The group leader chuckled slyly. "This isn't right? Since when did we say our actions are right? We don't want a lecture; you don't have to school us on what's right or wrong. We were hired to ruin that woman's life! It's just business, nothing personal."

"And that woman made things difficult for us. She even lied to us and acted like she wasn't the one we're looking for. To be fair, she's clever," one of his crew added, their smirk showing pride.

Dante's fist tightened. He never imagined that scenes like this could happen outside of films. He always believed these events were fictional. Quickly, his heart sank for Julia. Who was orchestrating this trap?

"So, what's next? I'm losing my patience. I don't want to wait any longer. Just tell us your choice. Are we taking action or are you? You're not really losing anything. You got pulled into this, but here's your chance to step up for her. You ought to be grateful because I see your bravery," he exhaled smoke into Dante's face. In their tense situation, there was no space for disgust or shame.

"I'd choose death over becoming a monster. I'd rather die than exploit an innocent woman!" he declared with determination.

The leader tossed his cigarette onto the grass and crushed it underfoot. "You know, if things had been different, I'd respect you. You're fucking brave and you hold your ground. I respect that. But here we are; we have to face this. It's either us or you who acts. There's no other option for you. And if you want death, we'll end that woman's life too. Killing her wasn't in our plans, but if you choose death instead of making a choice, we'll take you both out."

Julia could only scream and weep. Swirling emotions overwhelmed her. Fear for her life, anger at the one who plotted this trap, disgust at this men, and a sense of admiration for Dante surged within her.

Where was Victor? If only her husband hadn't rushed out for his "emergency" and if her in-laws hadn't demanded her help, she wouldn't be caught in this mess.

"Make a fucking choice!" the leader bellowed at Dante, his saliva flying as he yelled.

But Dante stood tall, a determined look on his face. "Just kill me, don't turn me into a devil,"

The leader smirked, glancing at his gang. "Teach that woman a lesson. Don't take her life. Just hurt her,"

The armed thugs jumped into action. They seized Julia by her hair, pulling her roughly to her feet. They struck her face again and again.

"Ahh! Please, stop! It hurts so much!" Julia cried, squeezing her eyes shut as she endured their harsh blows.

Yet they wanted more, and started hitting her in the stomach. She gasped and coughed up blood, her body folding from the pain. All she could do was weep and plead for mercy.

The leader turned to him, gripping his chin tightly. "Are you going to make a choice? Can you really just watch her suffer?" he asked with a wide grin.

Dante attempted to shut his eyes, to block out the sight of the thugs attacking Julia. But the wicked leader wrenched his eyes open, forcing him to watch the horrific scene unfold.

"You can't hide from the price of your choices. See how we're hurting her?"

His sight blurred. If it were just one or two attackers, he knew he would fight back. But what could he and Julia do against a whole gang of armed men?

"Just end my life. Please, let Julia go and take mine instead," he begged. He couldn't stand seeing the sweet woman he met before hurt, bloodied, and swollen from their blows.

The leader spat back at him. "Killing you isn't on the table. I don't want your life. But if that's what you want, I could make that happen. You both might as well perish. Ask her if she really wants to die. Is that truly her wish?" he mocked.

He halted, his gaze fixed on Julia. What did she want in this moment? Deep down, he felt sure. Any woman would rather die than endure this nightmare. No need to ask her, really.

The leader stepped closer, yanking Julia's hair up harshly. "Do you want to live? Or do you wish to die? Just say it, so we can all end this."

Julia felt time freeze in her cloudy vision. What did she really want? Dante stood ready to die, just to stop the pain. An innocent man choosing death to avoid becoming a monster.

Did she wish for death? She couldn't answer that question. Her life wasn't perfect, yet that didn't mean she wanted to stop waking up each day. But what was the point of living if all she recalled was pain and darkness?

Did she long to live? Faces of her family flooded her mind: her parents, siblings, friends, and her husband. Even with her irritation earlier towards Victor, her love for him remained. Each morning, she awoke for those she cherished. She wanted to live. Life could be harsh, yet it held beauty. She yearned to discover what tomorrow might bring for her and Victor. She dreamed of having children.

No, she didn't wish for death. Yet her choices lay between the group or Dante. Both were repugnant and tragic paths.

But she didn't want to die, either. She feared leaving this world without achieving her dreams. Fear of dying with unresolved regrets. Fear of departing without expressing her love for those who mattered.

She wasn't ready to die just yet. This truth echoed in Julia's heart.

But how could she face Victor knowing she would no longer be pure this night? She had kept her virginity throughout their love, waiting for him to lead her to the altar unblemished. Tonight, it would be a stranger who would rob her of that.

But maybe Victor loved her enough to understand her choice. She couldn't die yet. Her parents depended on her; her mother struggled with a bad lung illness. Her sibling was still in school. They carried heavy debts. She was just an ordinary person, dealt a difficult hand.

Her husband would likely get why she decided to survive. This wasn't her fault; this situation wasn't of her making. She was caught in bitter circumstances. The blame lay with the mastermind of this ambush.

"Answer me! Do you want to die? Or do you want to live? I'm being so generous because whatever you choose, I'll give it to you!" the leader yelled furiously.

Dante offered her a sorrowful smile, as if he understood she would choose death, sealing their fate. But she refused to let these monsters triumph over them.

"I want to live," she responded boldly, her voice steady despite the fear gripping her heart.

The leader's grin widened, while shock and worry crossed Dante's features.

The leader gave Dante a patronizing pat on the shoulder. "See? You were ready to die, but did you even think to ask her? She's not ready to die!"

Dante brushed off the leader's words, focusing on Julia, who now looked vulnerable and small. "Julia, you don't have to do this. You shouldn't feel guilty. It was my choice to help. We can resist these monsters. I'll die alongside you," 

Julia shook her head, tears flowing as she realized the heartache for both of them. "I-I'm sorry, Dante. I appreciate your bravery for offering your life for mine. But… I'm not ready to die. My family needs me. I love my husband, and I want to share a future with him. I know you feel the same way for your loved ones. Please, forgive me…" she sobbed, her heart breaking.

The leader watched them, pretending to be touched. "Aww… it's like I'm watching a drama unfold. I almost shed a tear. Now that she's made her choice, it's your turn, tough guy,"

Dante gulped, frustration boiling inside him. "Make your choice. Will we do this to her… or will you...? What's your decision?"

It felt as if his heart had stopped in his chest. He glanced at Julia's face; he sensed, without needing to ask, that she would choose him. If he were in her shoes, he'd likely pick one man over this cruel group. Yet, he felt no better than these men. He's also devil like them.

Her expression silently begged him to take on the burden himself. Though it tore at his heart, he finally spoke. "I'll do it. I'll take the risk."

All the men cheered. "Very good! Untie that woman. But don't try to escape, because I'll kill you both and your entire family!"

A group of men hurriedly unbound Julia from the tree. Filled with concern, he rushed to catch her frail body as it crumpled to the grass. "I'm so sorry, Julia… I couldn't help you," he choked out, tears welling in his eyes.

Julia struggled to open her swollen eyes, managing a weak smile. "You don't need to apologize. You helped me enough. I'm the one who should be sorry. I know you didn't want this, but I made you feel like a bad person. I'm truly sorry for being selfish and wanting to live…" Tears streamed down her cheeks, and he could only wrap his arms around her tightly.

The restless leader and his men lounged on nearby stones, lighting cigarettes with casual smirks. Shotguns aimed menacingly at them, gleaming in the light.

"What's the plan? Are you just going to sit there crying? Get up! We want to see some real live action," he sneered, a wide grin splitting his face.

Dante and Julia exchanged anxious glances, both swallowing hard. What terrible fate loomed ahead of them?