5. Neither Do I

I stood outside Declan Lincoln's sleek office in downtown, a few streets over from Cast's. I had an appointment, but my nerves had me frozen in place. The receptionist hadn't even let me in yet. I buzzed the intercom once more and waited.

Nothing.

I pressed the button again. 

Still nothing.

I sighed in frustration. 

I was about to turn away when a man walked past me, glancing down at his phone. His tailored suit fit him perfectly, dark against his smooth, deep brown skin. Our eyes met. He stopped mid-step.

"Lila?"

I blinked, taking in the sharp features of his face. "Luca?"

He smiled wide, stepping toward me. "Wow, I didn't expect to see you here. It's been ages."

"It really has," I replied, the pressure in my chest easing slightly at the sight of an old friend. "You work here?"

"I do." He held up his ID badge, flashing it at the door's scanner. It beeped, unlocking the entrance that had refused me just moments ago. He opened the door and gestured for me to enter. "Senior legal associate now. And you? What are you doing here?"

"I'm trying to meet Declan Lincoln," I said, stepping inside the calm lobby. "But they won't even buzz me in."

Luca shook his head. "You wouldn't believe how many times that happens. The firm is tight on security, especially regarding powerful clients."

"Sounds like Castor," I muttered under my breath.

Luca looked at me. "Wait. Castor Roman? The Asshole Real Estate Investor Alpha that owns half that damn city? Damn girl, you bagged a big one."

"Soon to be ex," I said. "I'm trying to get a divorce, but no one wants to go against him."

Luca's expression darkened slightly as he looked at me. "Lincoln's a tough guy to deal with. He's smart but not the type to take risks. Are you sure this is your best bet?"

"I don't have any other options," I replied. "Castor has his hands in everything. No one wants to help me."

Luca sighed, glancing toward the reception desk. "Let me handle this. I'll get you in." He strode over and spoke to the receptionist, flashing his badge and convincing her that I had an appointment.

She hesitated, glancing between us before finally nodding. "Ms. Roman, right? You can go up."

"Thanks, Luca," I said with a smile. 

He nodded. "Good luck, Lila. You'll need it."

I made my way to the elevator. 

I entered a quiet hallway lined with glass walls when the elevator dinged. 

The door at the end bore "Declan Lincoln" in sharp, silver letters. I pushed open the door.

Inside, Declan Lincoln sat behind an enormous mahogany desk, his dark brown hair perfectly styled and his blue eyes sharp as he looked at me. He was tanned and broad-shouldered. His presence filled the room effortlessly. I had read about how he could handle even the messiest of cases, but now, sitting before him, I wasn't as sure.

Could he really help me?

"Ms. Roman," he said, motioning to the chair in front of him. "Please, sit."

I took a deep breath and sat down. "I need help."

He didn't respond immediately, just studied me, then leaned back in his chair. "I'm aware of your situation with Castor Roman. But I'll be honest with you, Mrs. Roman. Taking on a case involving him is... complicated."

"I'm not asking for anything complicated," I muttered. "Just a divorce. I'm done being his wife. Done living in his shadow."

He cocked his head to the side. "You signed a prenup, didn't you?"

I nodded as I swallowed hard. "Yes, but I don't want his money. I just want out."

Declan leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the desk. "I've dealt with men like Castor before. He won't make this easy for you."

"He doesn't have a choice," I declared. "I'm not staying with him."

"And what's Castor's stance on this?"

"He won't let me go," I admitted. "He thinks I owe him something. And now..." I paused, considering how much to say.

 I couldn't tell him about the pregnancy. 

Not yet.

"Now, he's making demands. He wants me to give him an heir before I can leave."

Declan's expression didn't change, but I could see his demeanor change. "An heir, interesting. And you're struggling to get pregnant?"

I hesitated. "Something like that."

He studied me, then shook his head. "Lila, I'd like to help you, but Castor Roman has connections in every corner of this city. I can't take your case without a conflict of interest."

"What conflict?" I asked, leaning forward. "Name one."

He hesitated but couldn't answer.

"So you're just scared of him like everyone else in this town. Got it." I stood, feeling a boldness surge inside me. This wasn't like me, but I couldn't sit here and let him dismiss me. Not after everything. "Thanks for your time, Mr. Lincoln. I'll find someone who isn't afraid to stand up to him."

I turned to leave, my entire body trembling from the adrenaline coursing through my veins. I wasn't sure if I was being brave or stupid, but it felt good to stand up for myself finally.

As I stepped out onto the street, I didn't get far before I saw him.

Castor stood across the sidewalk, his eyes fixed on me. I could feel his anger from where I stood the second he saw me. He crossed the street in long, determined strides, and I only had a moment to brace myself before he grabbed my arm.

"You think you can just go to a lawyer? This close to my office, Lila?" he snarled, yanking me toward his building. "Trying to sneak around behind my back? You're not leaving me, Lila. Not until you give me what I want. I thought I'd made that clear."

I struggled to pull free, but his grip tightened around my wrist, and I was yanked more each time I resisted.

I looked around. People stared, but no one dared to help. Castor had that effect on people. Fear. Power. No one would stand against him, not even for me.

"You're hurting me," I said through gritted teeth.

He leaned down, his face inches from mine. "You'll come home with me right now, or I swear, I'll make your life a living hell. You think you can embarrass me like this? Go to a law firm in the same damn town, Lila? You're my wife. My property. And you'll do what I say now."

"Let go of her."

Castor froze as his head snapped up. Declan Lincoln stood on the steps of the law firm, his eyes locked on Castor's hand around my arm.

"This is none of your business," Castor said, his grip tightening until I yelped.

"It is now," Declan said, confidently walking down the steps to where we stood. "If you have any issues with my client, Mr. Roman, you can take them up with me. But you will not touch her again, or I will have you arrested."

I stood there, stunned, as Declan reached out and pulled Castor's hand from my arm with surprising ease. Castor just glared at him.

"You're making a mistake," Castor growled, stepping back. "This isn't over, Lila."

With one last threatening look, he turned and stormed down the street back to his office.

Declan stood beside me, staring at him until he was out of sight. "Are you all right?"

I nodded, though I wasn't sure if I believed it. "I will be."

He nodded. "Good. Because this isn't going to be easy, Castor Roman doesn't back down. But neither do I."