Chapter 5: First Encounter with Isabella

Volume 1: Fallen from Grace

Summary: Jack is saved by Isabella in a bar. She sees his defiance and intelligence in his eyes and decides to help him.

Chapter 5: First Encounter with Isabella

The first rays of morning light pierced through a hole in the warehouse roof, stinging Jack's eyes. He slowly pushed himself up from the filthy blanket, every muscle aching as if he had been run over by a truck. The nightmares of last night clung to him, blurring the line between reality and illusion.

Marcos was already awake, sitting around a makeshift fire pit with a few other homeless men, roasting something over the flames. From the smell—burnt and metallic—Jack could faintly recognize it as rat meat. Suppressing the nausea rising in his stomach, he walked over to the fire.

"Sleep well, Jack?" Marcos grinned, his expression laced with mockery.

Jack shook his head without answering. Right now, all he wanted was to leave this place and find somewhere quiet to gather his thoughts.

"We're heading to the scrapyard today," Marcos said. "That's where we make most of our money. You'll see—there's gold even in garbage."

Jack followed Marcos and a few others out of the abandoned warehouse. The streets were already coming alive, people rushing to work, completely oblivious to the ragged figures moving silently among them.

After about thirty minutes of walking, they arrived at a massive junkyard. Mountains of trash stretched in every direction, emitting a nauseating stench. Jack covered his nose, trying to get used to the overwhelming filth.

"Alright, time to get to work," Marcos commanded. "Find anything useful—metal, paper, plastic, doesn't matter."

Jack took a deep breath and approached a pile of waste, beginning to dig through it. Just weeks ago, he had worn tailored suits, sat in a spacious office, and managed millions. Now, he was sifting through discarded remains like a scavenger. The irony of his fall was bitter beyond words.

He forced down his disgust and started working seriously. He remembered what Old John had told him: survival of the fittest. To live here, he had to adapt—to let go of who he once was.

Suddenly, his hand brushed against something cold. He pulled it out—a broken metal photo frame. Inside was a yellowed photograph of a young girl with clear eyes and a bright smile.

Jack froze. The image reminded him of Emily, of the life he had lost. He stared at the picture, imagining the girl's past, wondering where she was now.

"You okay, Jack?" Marcos' voice snapped him out of his trance. "Stop daydreaming and get back to work!"

Jack quickly returned the photo to the pile and resumed searching. But the girl's smile lingered in his mind.

Just then, a soft, clear voice cut through the noise.

"What are you looking for?"

Jack looked up. A young woman stood before him, wearing faded jeans and a simple T-shirt. Her long black hair flowed freely, her sharp eyes gleaming with life, her face delicate yet unpretentious. Even dressed plainly, she radiated a presence that set her apart.

"I… I was just browsing," Jack replied nervously. He wasn't sure how to explain why he was there.

She smiled gently, not pressing further. Stepping closer, she pointed at the pile he had been digging through.

"Be careful. This place is full of sharp edges."

"Thanks," Jack said. There was something different about her—unlike the others. Her eyes didn't carry despair or numbness; instead, they sparkled with hope.

"My name is Isabella," she said. "And you?"

"Jack," he answered.

"Nice to meet you, Jack," she said warmly. "You're new here, aren't you? I haven't seen you before."

"Yes, I just got here recently," Jack replied.

"Why did you come here?" Isabella asked, curiosity lighting her gaze.

Jack hesitated. He trusted no one these days.

"I… ran into some trouble," he said carefully, choosing to keep his true identity hidden.

"Everyone has their own troubles," Isabella replied gently. "What matters is learning to face them—and finding a way forward."

Looking into Isabella's clear eyes, Jack felt an unexpected warmth rise in his chest. In this dark world, she seemed like a ray of sunlight piercing through the clouds.

"Do you work here?" Jack asked.

Isabella shook her head. "I come here to collect things I can sell at the market."

"What do you sell?" he asked.

"Little trinkets, old clothes," she said. "Not much, but enough to get by."

Jack studied her worn-out clothes and couldn't help but admire her resilience. In such harsh conditions, she remained hopeful and strong—an inspiration.

"Need help?" he offered.

She smiled again. "No, thanks. I can manage on my own."

"But if you ever need anything—" Jack began.

"—I know where to find you," she finished with a nod. "Same goes for you."

At that moment, Marcos approached, interrupting their conversation.

"Jack, what are you doing?" he grumbled. "Get back to work!"

Jack turned to Isabella with a quick goodbye. "I should go. It was nice meeting you, Isabella."

"It was nice meeting you too, Jack," she replied. "See you soon."

As Jack rejoined Marcos and returned to the pile, Isabella's smile lingered in his mind. For the first time since falling from grace, he felt a flicker of hope.

He believed that, with Isabella by his side, he had the strength to face any hardship. He could rebuild his life.

From that day forward, Jack began seeing Isabella more often. They worked together at the scrapyard, sold items at the market, and shared stories of their lives. He discovered that Isabella was not only kind and intelligent but also incredibly strong. She embraced life with passion and held onto dreams of a better future.

With her, Jack felt lighter, freer. He began to let go of his past and imagine a new path forward. He dreamed of building a better life together with her—one filled with dignity and joy.

Yet, he knew his battle was far from over. His revenge was unfinished. He needed to uncover the truth behind his downfall and make those who wronged him pay.

But one question haunted him: How could he explain his past to Isabella? And how could he reveal the truth about who he really was?

That would be the greatest challenge of all.