"Thank you so much Mr. Ferrer, we don't really regret that you are the one we chose to handle my son's case. You deserve a better price, a BIGGER price than what we have been discussed." She said with a full smile on her lips and shakes my hand repeatedly.
I just answered her with my humblest smile that I can offer that time. I managed his son's case about bribery, and he was found not guilty because it turned out to be just a set up. His son is running for Vice Mayor in their province— such cases are normal especially when the campaign is near."You don't have to thank me Mrs. Winston, I just did my job," I replied while there was no emotion in the tone of my voice. "For now, I have to go, my secretary will just call you about bills and payments," I added, and we just shook hands again for the last time then I at once turned my head back and started to walk.
I am Wayne Ferrer; I am one of the best lawyers in the country. It's not about bragging because I'm just telling the truth. Truth is my second name! My name is very well-known on this field, that's not surprising. They called me 'Lawyer of No-Failed-Cases'... I don't think I need to explain to you about that, right. Because ever since I started defending my clients inside the court, I haven’t lost any of my case. They trust me enough reason I already built my firm. The WHF Law Firm. Ever since, that's really what I dreamed of because I want to be the boss when it comes to the firm. I also don't want other Law Firms who force their lawyers to handle a case that is against their will. I don't want to defend someone who's guilty from their doings because I still have principles in life. I am not a lawyer to defend the wrong people. I'm here because aside from I'm good at this ... I want to help those people to be free from wrong accusations. You'll never expect how smart I am when I'm inside of the court— and on bed. I'm very much single but I still choose the women I have sex with because I don't want to lose my license in an instant when an issue occurs.I CONTINUED to enter my office and fall into my swiveling chair. I at once grab the white folder that sits here on the table because I have another case that needs to be handled this coming week. But not long after, the door of my office suddenly opened even though I didn't hear any knocking.
Even before I throw a gaze who it was, I heard a series of applause. I gave my famous poker face when I recognized him. This man's behavior is rude, he's obviously a lawyer but he doesn't know how to knock. Tsk. But because he's my friend, I just ignored it because I'm used to it.
By the way, he's Attorney Brent Ong, he's on the field of being a company lawyer. If I'm not mistaken, he's in the Legal Department at El Zey Group... a company of my friend Zeid. I didn't specialize in company law before but it's okay because I'm too busy being a trial lawyer.
"Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!" He spoke one after another as he approached my table. "Congratulations, for the n'nt time you've won another heavy case, Ferrer." He continued.
I smiled simply before I turned my attention back to what I was reading when he sat down in front of the table.
"I'm really impressed with you." He said more.
"Tsk. That's not hard as I expected," I simply answered.
"Don’t be too humble. So? Let's celebrate later. What do you think?"
"Pass. I have a next case that needs to be reviewed," I replied without even looking at him because my attention was on the folder I was holding.
"What? Do you have the next case right away? You are really workaholic, dumb*ss. What is your next case then?”I was about to answer him when we were interrupted by a series of knocks on the door from outside... "Come in!" I answered and we both stared at the door slowly opening.
I saw Yella... Brent's secretary holding a black folder, she's just an intern here at my firm because she's just waiting for the result of the bar exam before she becomes a full-fledged lawyer."Good afternoon, Attorney Ferrer, good afternoon, Attorney Ong." She greeted the two of us.
I just nodded in response. She was used to the fact that when she didn't see Brent in his office, he was just here in my office so maybe that’s the reason she was here. Yella slowly approached our seat before she said, "Attorney Ong, someone’s waiting for you at the lounge— “
"I knew it! She’s here again?" Brent interrupted his secretary’s words.
I just looked back at what I was reading because I have nothing to do with their topic."Yes, Attorney Ong."
I even saw in my peripheral vision that she handed the folder she was holding at Brent.Brent accepted it and looked at it for a moment and then sighed. "I told her countless times that I was not yet available for pro-bono." Brent speaks calmly this time."She said, she’s willing to pay half, sir.”
Brent sighed again. I understand him because sometimes there are nasty clients who don’t understand when the pro-bono isn’t available yet."I already told her that I'll get back to her case when I'm available for pro-bono, I still need to prioritize the fully paid ones. She’s really getting into my nerves. Just go back to your place and don't approach her again." Brent said and closed the folder he was holding.
"But sir, she's in the waiting area right now."
"Let her, just let him wait for nothing." Brent replied. I just don't have a comment on how he takes care of his clients because we have different methods.
I just heard the door close and then he quickly sighed again."It's really stressful, it looks like I really need to drink later." He spoke. I just shook my head while laughing. "That Leigh Devon is really annoying." I even heard Brent whisper those words which caused me to quickly throw him a gaze and frowned.
Wait? Leigh Devon?
"What did you just say? Leigh Devon?" I at once asked him, and he quickly glared at me. I need to clarify if what I heard is correct... it has been ages since I heard that name."You knew her?" He astonishingly asked me.So, I really heard him right. I quickly closed the folder I was holding to pay attention to him."What's her case?" I asked directly. He handed me the folder that Yella gave him earlier, which I quickly accepted."It's just about a land case." He answered me as I now looked at what was inside. "Why? Are you interested? That is just a small case Ferrer, her defense isn't quite strong." I didn't look at him because I was busy looking at what was written on the paper.Her file says she is the complainant."His late father has a lot of debts to an old woman... and if I'm not mistaken the old women, Ms. Cruz wants the land to be the payment for all the debts that left behind and Ms. Devon did not agree so she filed a case against Ms.
"Like I've said... I'm- I'm here for Attorney Brent Ong, not because of you!" She said emphatically. I feigned a smile and ignored what she said and went straight to the table. I took the folder that belongs to her and held it. I noticed that she also throws a gaze and suddenly, she seems surprised."So, are you going to sit down?""Who gave you that?!" She asked and approached me with an angry expression."What do you think?" I remained calm with the words I was uttering."I don't have time to think, and I don’t have time for this bullshit Wayne!”This is the thing that I like about her, she is too confident and bold. "Obviously, I can help you. I'm one of the best lawyers in the country— “"Is it free? Because I don't care if you're a good lawyer because all I need to know... it is for free!" She quickly and forcefully interrupted what I was saying. I feigned a laugh because of what she said
I took a quick step out of that building, I don't want to go back to this place anymore. When I saw Pio's pick up, I at once got on it and slammed the door shut."What happened?" Pio at once asked me and based on the tone of his voice, he seemed to be interested on what happened between the lawyer and me."I'll tell you later, I want to go home," I replied weakly to him, and I just averted my eyes so that he could not see the tears forming in my eyes.The good this is, he never asked again and without a word, he started the car while I was just looking out the window.I am Analeigh Devon, but you can call me Leigh for short. I am 25 years old, and I am an orphan now because both my parents are dead. My mother has been dead for a long time, it was just before college while my father died last year.When I returned to our province after my grieve, I just found out that he had left me his endless debt to Ms. Cruz where it wants to take
I just looked at the canned beers that my friend Catleya put on the table that I was sitting at and then I quickly took one of them and opened it forcely."Jeez. If you just don't have a big problem right now... I assure you, you won't entice me to drink this evening." She told me and then sat down in front of me as she took a canned beer for her own.By the way, she is Catleya Santa Mesa, she is one of my friends here in the province. We did not lose our connections even I leave this town long time ago so our relationship is still strong like before. She is an pre school teacher here in our town that’s why she had second thoughts when I persuaded her to drink this evening. Of course, she need to keep her respected name here as a teacher."It's a good thing it's Saturday tomorrow so I don't have to go to school with hang over." She added sighing.I just drank almost halfway through my beer without realizing it. A few seconds later I felt l
I stopped drinking for her and give my full attention to Catleya. "So- how can you say that? How sure you are?""Okay. Hold on tight to where you're sitting because you'll just be able to say in your mind why I left this man after you hear what I have to say." she said with full of assurance."You are so dramatic,” I replied defiantly."Whatever you say so! So let's start, first of all he topped on his bar exam. After that, he entered a law firm in Quezon City as a criminal lawyer. He won the first four cases he handled and the other two were serious cases, followed by the two more cases that he handled as a trial lawyer. And even once, he has not lost any of his case. He built his own law firm reason why he left his previous firm where he worked. Because of that, everyone admires him even more. Just imagine... he is just a novice lawyer but he have already built his firm, that's really impressive.” Every words she utter, she
THE next morning, I woke up to a loud knock coming from outside my house. When I opened my eyes, the sunlight hit my eyes, so I felt like my head was automatically felt heavy. Our house is not big, and it is only one floor, and the material is only wood so I could hear the loud knocking of whoever that person was.Even though I was still drowsy and had a little hang over because of the drinking I did last night, I was forced to get up to open whoever was knocking. I also tied my long hair and then I finally opened the door. I didn't expect to see a devil this morning. I could not help but feel angry when I saw one of her eyebrows raised as she looked at me and followed by the opening of her handy fan.I feel like my entire day ruined. She is Ms. Delailah Cruz.She is an old lady and almost all the land here in our area is already owned by her. She has a bad temper, and she loves to gamble... she’s a playmate of my dad when he was still alive reason we had drow
After that, I quickly stood up here in my seat and face him. "I've already signed it, so I think we're done now. I'll be back on Monday to catch up, for now I need to leave," I said and I wouldn't have waited for his answer and would have turned around to leave but he spoke again. "I need to get your address." he said nonchalantly reason I turned my gaze back to him. "Why? Is that still necessary?" I asked while frowning. "Yes. I'm going to your house tomorrow. Why? You'll find out." He answered, and before I could speak, he had already taken something from inside his coat and handed it to me. I throw a gaze at it and saw that it was a calling card. "That's my personal number, text me what your address is. I'll wait." I just didn't say anything and finally grab it. I didn’t even give him a look and rush outside to end our conversation. When I got on the elevator a
"Look. There’s a handsome guy." She whispered to me and even though I’m not extremely interested, I followed her sight to see where she was looking. I immediately saw the person she was referring to. I must agree with her... she was right, the boy was handsome and looked elegant at the same time because of his clothes and shoes that seems expensive. He was wearing a black t-shirt and a light khaki pants. The other boy and girl he was with were also quite handsome and pretty like him… but his visual stands out to my eyes. I was even shocked when our eyes met reason, I quickly avoided his gaze. Damn! Did he caught me staring at him? I hope not!I just secretly swallowed hard when I felt that the handsome boy was standing behind me."Your kill joy as always Wayne." I heard the boy say. I don’t know who he’s referring to because I can’t even move a bit
The days passed swiftly. It's Sunday now, and I'm just walking home. It's only five in the afternoon, so I decided to walk instead of taking a ride. I wanted to save my hard-earned money. I didn't want to spend the entirety of my week's salary so carelessly.This is my last paycheck from the restaurant, so I need to be frugal. I've already bid farewell to Ma'am Sammie. I felt a bit embarrassed because I didn't last long at my job, and Pio only recommended me, but I have no choice but to fulfill the promise I made to Wayne.It's just sad because I know deep down that I'm capable of my job. It's tiring, yes, but isn't every job demanding in its own way? I also felt bad about suddenly resigning and leaving my co-workers. I had become close to them, especially Yuki, whom I considered like a younger sibling.But, as I mentioned, there's nothing more I can do. I've said yes to Wayne. Here I am, following what he wants.Speaking of Wayne... the past days between us have been quite pleasant.
"So, are you really saying that you delivered food to that kind of place?" Wayne exclaimed as I entered his house. Actually, I felt earlier that he was definitely going to bring up the topic, but he couldn't because we didn't go home together. I had to swing by the restaurant to return the motorbike, while he went back to retrieve his car, which he had left behind.As soon as I entered, he immediately asked me what I was doing in that place, and I simply answered his question. Now, I could clearly see the anger in his expression as he stared directly at me."Yes, because it's my job," I replied seriously. I didn't know what he was so angry about now, especially when he's the one with an issue between the two of us."You delivered food to a gambling den!" he repeated. "I knew it, your job isn't safe!" He even stood up from his seat on the sofa because of his frustration with me.My ears were ringing now, and my patience was running thin too. Like I said, he's the one with an issue, so
My morning began with a surge of irritation as I woke up early, preparing for my day at the restaurant. I practically tossed the comb I was using onto my vanity table. The annoyance from last night still lingered within me. It wasn't because things didn't go as planned between Wayne and me, but rather, it was because I had come to realize who called him last night.No wonder that name seemed so familiar. I couldn't afford to be mistaken; she was the snobbish woman from the charity ball. She was the one accompanying Wayne on the night that became the reason why Wayne denied me."Argh! This is infuriating! If only I had known sooner that it was her... then maybe I would have found a way to stop Wayne from leaving last night," I muttered to myself.I sighed deeply and decided it was time to leave my room. I couldn't afford to be late for the restaurant, not with all this anger simmering inside me.As I descended the stairs, I automatically stopped in my tracks upon seeing Ya
I got out of Wayne's car without looking back, clutching my sling bag tightly as he parked his car. I headed straight for the entrance of his house, not turning around. I could feel my heart pounding with every step. I wanted to turn around to confirm if he was following me or not, but I decided against it and chose to walk faster instead."I need to get to my room as soon as possible," I whispered to myself.As expected, Yaya Susan was nowhere to be seen when I entered the house. My nervousness intensified even more because of that.I hurriedly climbed the stairs, wishing I could take three steps at a time just to get to my room faster.I secretly smiled when I reached the front of my bedroom door. I didn't hesitate and immediately reached for the doorknob, about to twist it open. However, a hand suddenly rested on top of mine, as if helping me turn it. I didn't look back to see who it was, but I recognized him instantly from the scent of his perfume.I was about to pull
I feel like I've lost myself while sitting here at the back of the jeepney. I'm currently on my way to the restaurant. I'm still holding onto the handle, but I'm lost in thought. Until now, I can't believe what happened between Wayne and me last night.If only I could smack my own head right now, I might have done it. But I held myself back because I'm not the only passenger right now.I just hope that the people in front of me don't notice my flushed face. I can feel my cheeks burning, especially since I vividly remember everything that happened after what happened in the car.I felt like I was dozing off already just from Wayne's embrace as he carried me towards my room. It was only when he gently laid me on the soft bed that I slightly jolted awake.I could hear his faint, somewhat hoarse voice whisper to me, "Just sleep tight, I'll clean you."At that moment, I didn't quite understand what he meant. I just saw his back as he walked into my bathroom. My eyelids closed on their own
Wayne's hand continued to caress her thigh, moving up and down, while he maintained his unwavering gaze into her eyes."Please, tell me you're not going to work anymore. I'm offering you a secretarial position at my firm. Why can't you just accept it, huh?" Leigh bit her lower lip in response to the warmth she felt from Wayne's touch, but she restrained herself. She suppressed the conflicting impulses within her to be able to answer him."W-Wayne—"Leigh couldn't finish her sentence as Wayne suddenly kissed her. She was taken aback in those moments, finding it hard to believe that their conversation had turned into a passionate kiss. But when she noticed that Wayne had closed his eyes while savoring the connection of their lips, she involuntarily closed her eyes too."Hmmm." Leigh unintentionally let out a soft moan. Wayne's hand continued its motion on her thigh, accompanying the fervent kisses they were sharing."Tell me... you're not going to work... hmmm..." Wayne murmured between
Wayne quickly closed the folder he had been reading that evening. He also glanced at his black wristwatch and noticed it was almost seven o'clock. He stood up, about to reach for the black coat hanging on his swivel chair, when Brent suddenly entered his office without even knocking."Oh? Leaving already?" Brent asked him, carrying about five white folders, catching Wayne's quick gaze.Wayne was currently at his law firm during that time. He had initially decided not to go to the office, claiming he was still recovering from the illness he had the night before. But boredom got the best of him at home, especially since Leigh wasn't there, so he ended up showing up around noon after having lunch.Leigh had eaten incredibly quickly, almost finishing her meal in about five bites before promptly leaving after Wayne paid for her orders."Yeah. Just put the folders on my table," Wayne replied without much emotion as he put on his coat. He noticed from the corner of his eye that Bre
Leigh's eyes widened as she read Wayne's text message. She didn't know why, but her eyebrows furrowed involuntarily upon seeing the three red heart emojis from Wayne's message."Ugh! This is my fault. Why did I accidentally press the heart emoji out of all the emojis on my phone?" Leigh complained to herself. She felt like slamming her phone against her head, but she restrained herself because there were many restaurant staff around her now.She was on break along with a few colleagues.Throughout the morning, Leigh had only received three delivery orders. Not many people were ordering online, so she had some time to rest now. Since she was quite worried about Wayne, she decided to send him a text as her first move. But this is what happened; she accidentally pressed something she shouldn't have.She decided to send Wayne another message. She thought maybe she could take back her earlier message.To: Wayne'I accidentally pressed the heart... I didn't mean to.' Sent.She
Despite not having slept well the previous night due to her racing thoughts, and in addition to that, consistently checking on Wayne's condition in the adjacent room, Leigh managed to rouse herself early the following morning. The ambiance retained a lingering dimness as Leigh awoke. Passing Wayne's room, she cast another fleeting glance inside to ascertain if he remained in peaceful slumber. Squinting her eyes, she gently twisted the doorknob to Wayne's room. Inside, Wayne was still sleeping peacefully. She carefully closed the door again and proceeded straight to the kitchen. Aware that Yaya Fracia typically came around eight in the morning, Leigh realized she'd have to get Wayne's medication ready once he woke up. Taking charge, she decided to take the initiative to cook and prepare their breakfast. She opted to prepare something quick and easy. She needed to hurry since she also had work to attend to. She rustled up a batch of ready-to-mix pancakes and fried sunny-side-up eggs.