The Empire (Underworld 3) MW

7: Rubina is Alive

In a quiet corner of the city, Hana found herself sitting in a sterile hospital room, the walls painted a pale blue that did little to dispel the sense of gloom that permeated the space. Her mind was a whirl of conflicting emotions as she waited anxiously, her thoughts turning back to the events that had led her here.

Rubina, the former leader of the Amber gang, lay in the hospital bed before her. The woman who had once commanded respect and fear in equal measure was now a shadow of her former self, her frail body barely recognizable. Seokmin and Mingyu, with Seungcheol's help, had orchestrated her downfall, removing her from power and leaving her in this vulnerable state.

A knock on the door interrupted Hana's reverie, and she turned to see a doctor entering the room. The doctor, a middle-aged man with a kind face and weary eyes, nodded to her as he approached.

"Ms. Lee?" the doctor addressed her, his tone gentle but professional.

Hana stood, her heart pounding. "Yes, that's me. How is she?"

The doctor glanced at Rubina before meeting Hana's gaze. "Her condition is critical. The injuries she sustained, combined with her age and existing health issues, make her recovery uncertain."

Hana felt a pang of sorrow for the woman who had once been so formidable. Despite their complicated history, she couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility and empathy for Rubina's plight.

"Is there anything that can be done?" Hana asked, her voice tinged with desperation.

"We're doing everything we can," the doctor assured her. "But it's important to prepare for the possibility that she may not recover."

Hana nodded, her mind racing as she processed the doctor's words. She had known Rubina as a powerful leader, someone who had shaped the course of the Amber gang's history. Seeing her reduced to this state was a harsh reminder of the fragility of life and the brutal realities of their world.

"Thank you, doctor," Hana said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor nodded and left the room, leaving Hana alone with her thoughts once more. She approached Rubina's bedside, her eyes filling with tears as she took in the sight of the once-mighty leader now fighting for her life.

"Unnie," Hana murmured, her voice trembling. "I never wanted things to end up like this."

As she stood there, memories of the past flooded her mind—moments of loyalty, betrayal, and the shifting dynamics of power that had defined their lives. Rubina had been a mentor to her in many ways, and despite their differences, Hana had always respected her strength and determination.

"Nadia?"

The weak voice startled Hana, and she looked down to see Rubina's eyes fluttering open, her gaze unfocused but slowly gaining clarity.

"Unnie," Hana said softly, leaning closer. "I'm here."

Rubina's eyes, though clouded with pain, held a flicker of recognition. "Nadia... what are you doing here?"

Hana swallowed hard, her emotions threatening to overwhelm her. "I came to see you. To make sure you're okay."

Rubina managed a faint smile, her strength ebbing away with each passing moment. "Always... the compassionate one."

Hana's tears spilled over, her heart aching for the woman who had once been so invincible. "I'm sorry, Unnie. For everything."

Rubina's hand moved weakly, reaching for Hana's. "It's... not your fault. We all... make choices."