Promotion

FIVE YEARS LATER

Josephine’s POV

“We will now begin to announce the newly qualified senior advocates of our reputable country,” The host, a man clad in a grey suit said into the microphone, and my heart did a backflip as I nervously swallowed.

Three weeks ago, I took the senior advocate qualifying exams, and to say I had been the epitome of anxious ever since was probably putting it tame.

Currently, I worked as a corporate lawyer at Grandma's law firm, Nexus and co.

Three years ago, I began calling Madam Louisa my grandmother on her insistence.

Calling her Madam Louisa made me seem too distant, she claimed.

A senior advocate was the third highest level one could attain as a lawyer in Australia.

It also didn't help that the exam boards always announced the names of the people who passed, at the largest lawyers conference in Australia.

If only they announced it at a more discreet place, I wouldn't be so worried about it.

There were a lot of people who were confident that I'd ace the exams swiftly and I didn't want to let them down, Madam Louisa included.

Most especially since she paid for my degree and everything.

“Your teeth are literally rattling,” My colleague and friend, Alice, said to me as I inhaled sharply. “The exam is not even a big deal and you're a genius, remember? We will both pass, just relax.”

Alice and I had taken the exams, and in contrast to me, she was pretty chill about the entire thing.

“I love how everyone has high hopes for me,” I replied, huffing.

“Attorney Josephine Perkins,” The man called, and I momentarily froze, my eyes widening into the size of jugs as it dawned on me that I passed.

“Oh my goodness, Jo,” Alice shrieked, as we embraced. “I knew you would pass. See, all they worrying was for nothing. Congratulations, my friend.”

“Thank you,” I replied, withdrawing from the hug and climbing the podium to get a handshake and my plaque from one of my mentors, the chief attorney of Nexusand co, Caruso Rivel, as the audience clapped for me.

“Congratulations, Josephine. I'm so proud of you.” He said, handing me the plaque.

“Thanks for your continuous support, sir,” I was literally brimming with joy as I rambled out.

As I headed down the podium, Alice came up and I darted her a smile, “Congratulations, babes. We are now senior advocates.”

“Right?” Alice giggled.

I was beside myself with joy as I headed back to my seat. The parts of me that were clogged with anxiety had now freed up, and I was now filled with immense relief and happiness.

“We will see tomorrow, yeah?” Alice said, as we walked out of the hall, moments later.

“Yeah, sure,” I replied. “Where are you headed to?”

“Kieran is taking me out for lunch,” She giggled, and I oohed.

Kieran was her boyfriend of three years, and the both of them were the epitome of a good and healthy relationship.

It was always great to see two people who were absolutely in love with each other.

“Okay, have fun. But not too much fun,” I yelled, as she walked off.

“Alright, mum.” She yelled back, and a smile creased my face.

As I trekked to my office, my mind conjured up the image of Francesco for the first time in nearly three months, and my smile instantly dissipated.

On Madam Louisa's advice, I had gotten therapy after moving to Australia, so I could cope with myself because there was a tiny part of me that used to believe that I deserved every punishment that scumbag meted out on me.

I was much more better now and rarely thought about him.

But whenever I did, it never failed to ruin my entire day. However, I wasn't about to let that happen on a special day like today.

“Not today, satan,” I mumbled to myself, as I pushed the door to the office I shared with Alice and another colleague of ours, Edison, open.

“If this isn't the latest senior advocate of Australia,” Edison grinned, as he walked up to me. “Congrats, Jo. You deserve all the happiness.”

“Thank you,” I smiled, as we hugged.

Pulling away, he smiled back, “You're welcome. Where's Alice?”

“She went out with Kieran,” I replied, to which Edison nodded.

“That's great. So who will you be celebrating with today?”

“My family,” I replied, grabbing my coat and suitcase. “Bye, Eddie. I'll see you tomorrow.”

“Alright then. Take care.”

Thereafter, I tried out of the office to the elevator which I took to the first floor. As I headed to the parking lot, my smile returned, even though Francesco still remained on my mind, unshakeable like cow dung on a shoe.

Today was my day and I intended on being happy throughout the remainder of it.

The plan was to go home and cook my favourite dish, then eat it while binging a telenovela, nothing more.

My first stop was at Madam Louisa's place. I grinned from ear to ear as I parked in the driveway.

“Welcome home, ma'am Josephine,” Madam Louisa's butler, Gideon, greeted, as I stepped into the house.

“Thanks, Gideon,” I replied. “Where's-?”

“In the veranda,” The middle-aged man replied.

“Alright,” I said, before going to the veranda to meet my family.

“Mummy!” My little girl, Sabrina, squeaked, as I walked into the veranda.

After listening to her heartbeat for the first time, I knew I couldn't get rid of her, so I kept my baby, and that was one of the best decisions of my life.

“Hi, my love,” I beamed, crouching and opening my arms for her to jump into.

Inhaling lungfuls of her gentle baby scent, I pressed a kiss to her cheek.

Sabrina often stayed over at grandma's place after school while I worked.

“Congrats, mummy. Nana said you're a senior abrojet now,” Sabrina said, as we walked to the table, where Madam Louisa was sitting with a wide smile plastered to her face.

“Oh, it's pronounced advocate, baby, and thank you,” I laughed, before going over to kiss Madam Louisa's cheek.

“Hi, grandma,” I greeted her.

“Hi, sweetie. How was work?” She asked. “Also, congratulations on becoming a senior advocate.”

“Thanks, ma. I would have never dreamt of this if it weren't for you,” I replied. “Thank you so much, grandma.”

“Five years have passed, Jo. Let it go already,” She chuckled. “Sit down and eat.”

It was when I took my seat in between grandma and Sabrina that I noticed the buttercream frosted cake at the center of the table, as well as the various platter of foods surrounding it.

Taking a closer look at the cake, I saw there was an inscription on it, which read;

“Congratulations, Jo!”

I didn't know tears had already welled up in my eyes until I felt liquid streaming down my face.

“Mummy, why are you crying?” Sabrina asked, and I wiped my tears off as I stared at her.

She was a perfect blend of that scumbag and I.

While she had my whole face, she had his jet-black hair, as well as his straight nose.

“These are tears of joy,” I sniffled, then to grandma, I said, “Thank you so much, grandma. I really can never appreciate your kindness.”

“You deserve this and much more, sweetheart,” Grandma smiled, reaching over to hold my hand. “And you are welcome.”

As I opened my mouth to respond, I noticed that grandma was looking behind me, the lines around her eyes smoothening as her smile widened.

Looking behind me, I saw a man walking toward us, and he also had a smile identical to grandma's.

I didn't need a soothsayer to tell me that he was her grandson who she always spoke about, but whose name she had never mentioned to me.

“The ever young beauty of Sydney,” The man said, as grandma stood up and they hugged.

“My baby,” Grandma wailed. “I can't believe I'm finally seeing you after five long years. Tell me, why did you abandon your one and only grandmother?”

“I'm sorry, grandma,” He replied as they disengaged from the hug. “I know I can't even use work as an excuse, so please accept my apologies. Am I forgiven?”

“We will see,” Grandma hmphed and they both laughed before she motioned to Sabrina and I. “Josephine and Sabrina, meet Ian, my grandson, and Ian, meet Josephine and Sabrina, my granddaughter and great-granddaughter.”

“Ouch, grandma, so you decided to replace me,” Ian chuckled before outstretching his hand toward me. “Nice to meet you, Josephine. I've heard a lot about you.”

“Likewise.” I said, shaking his hand.

“Nice meeting you, mister Yan,” Sabrina said, stretching her hand toward Ian, who smiled and took it.

“Same here, princess,” He replied before looking at the table. “Whose birthday is it?”

“It's not a birthday, my mummy just became a senior advocate,” Sabrina replied, with a proud smile then looked at it. “Did I say it right, mummy?”

“Yes, my love, you did,” I said, nodding.

“Oh, well in that case, congratulations Attorney Josephine,” Ian smiled. “This is a beautiful achievement.”

“Thanks,” I said, finally allowing myself to take a closer look at him.

Ian was good looking and tall, but it seemed Francesco would have a few inches on him.

Fuck, why was I thinking about that brute during a time like this?

Back to Ian, his auburn hair was cut in a taper fade, and he had a clean, well kept, moustache. He also resembled grandma with his smile and dark green eyes.

Hours later as I drove Sabrina and myself to our apartment, I couldn't help but be proud of my achievements so far.