17!I Hate Losing!

ZARA

“I haven't seen you in years, it's really good to see you,” Howard said again, and I scoffed.

“I can't say the feeling is mutual,” I said, and he raised his hands playful. 

“That's fine, I don't expect it to be,” he said, as he walked around the office.

“Then what are you doing here, Mr. Dewitt?” I asked, trying to sound professional, despite my anger.

“Oh please, Howard,” he said. “I just came to congratulate the firm's newest partner. I love having new people onboard,” he said with a smirk.

“Except,” I took a step deeper into the office. “I'm not someone new, and there is nothing to love because you don't work here anymore,” I said without flinching.

He sighed, and laughed. “Oh you remind me of your parents. They had such fire in them,” he said.

“Of course they did. I'm their daughter after all,” I said with my head tilted to the side.

“Well, except for the fact that they are dead, and I'm the one still alive. I guess fire doesn't mean intelligence,” he said. I turned my hands into a fist, trying very hard not to create an outburst.

“You do not come in here and speak ill of my parents,” I said, my voice low but steady.

Howard turned to face me, the smug look never leaving his face. “Easy, Zara. I’m just telling the truth.”

“No,” I said, stepping forward. “You’re trying to get under my skin. But it won’t work. Not today.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Look at you. All grown up. Running a law firm. Giving speeches about justice and pro bono work. I have to admit, it’s cute.”

“I don’t care what you think,” I said firmly. “You’re not part of this firm anymore. You lost that right when your lies were exposed.”

He chuckled again, the sound sharp and cold. “Is that what you think? That I was pushed out because of lies?”

I didn’t answer. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

Howard leaned on my desk, making himself comfortable. “Let’s talk business, Zara. You’re making big moves. The kind that ruffle feathers. You’re going to make enemies. Real ones.”

“I’m not afraid of that,” I said.

“You should be,” he replied calmly. “Because you’re not just stepping into your father's shoes. You are stepping into his death. So I'm going to tell you just once, back off,” he said, and I scoffed.

I walked towards my desk, and leaned in the opposite side facing him. “Are you threatening me, Howard?” I asked, using his name. His lips twisted in anger.

“Threatening your friend's daughter, who is just as old as your own daughter?” I asked him. 

He leaned up, and faced me. “Just as old as my own daughter, but not my daughter,” he said.

“And you are not my father,” I shot back. “So you don't tell me what to do,” I said to him without blinking. He looked at me for a while, and walked away from my desk.

“This isn't your usual law cases Zara,” he said, walking towards the door.

“And I'm not your usual lawyer. I'm in this for the long haul,” with that he walked out of the office, and I exhaled deeply. Breathing out everything I have been holding inside.

I held my tummy and walked toward the window, trying to calm myself.

The city outside was busy, like always. Cars moved. People rushed down the sidewalks. But inside me, everything was still and heavy.

I wrapped my arms around myself. My heart was beating fast—not from fear, but from anger. There was a soft knock on my door.

“Come in,” I said without turning around.

It was Vic.

She stepped in slowly, holding two coffee cups. “I figured you’d need this,” she said.

I turned and gave her a tired smile. “Thanks.”

She handed me one cup and waited. “You okay?” she asked gently.

I nodded, then shook my head. “I don’t know. He was here trying to mess with my head,” I said.

“Who was that?” She asked as I sip from the cup of coffee she gave me. 

“Howard Dewitt, Monica's father,” I said, placing the cup on the table.

“Wow, having Daddy fight your battles,” Vic scoffed. “That's rich coming from her. Especially after what she displayed today.”

I sighed, “it might not be him fighting her battles, but fighting both their battles. He has much to lose as well,” we continued speaking for a while, and then there was another knock on the door.

“What do you want?” I heard Vic's unfriendly voice, and looked up. 

My heart skipped a bit, it was Matthew. What was he doing here? 

He walked him towards Vic, “I'm Matthew, I don't think we've had the pleasure,” he said, stretching his hands.

“I don't want the pleasure,” she said, and folded her hands. He dropped his hands, and faced me.

“We need to talk,” he said with his hands in his pockets. 

“Talking is overrated,” Vic said, and I laughed a little.

“It's okay, Vic. I will be alright,” I said, and she walked towards the door. 

“I'm just call away if you need me,” she said, and I nodded. 

“What do you need Matthew?” I asked as soon as Vic was out of sight.

“I heard Howard Dewitt was here?” He asked, and I looked at him confused.

“You are not the only business in this street, I have friends around,” he said, proudly.

“Glad to see you haven't changed one bit, Russell,” I said to him, and he smirked.

“You should be careful of Dewitt, he is a despicable man, and would stop at nothing to further his agenda,” Matthew said.

“I think I can take care of myself, Matthew,” I said to him.

“And what of your daughter,” he said, and it felt like my life just flashed in front of my eyes.

“What daughter?” I asked, trying to deflect.

“Don't try to mess with me, Zara. I know you have a daughter,” he was about to say something else but he stopped himself.

“My daughter is safe, and she will stay safe as long as you keep your mouth shut,” I said, boldly without blinking.

“I'm on your side, remember?” He asks.

“I would hope so, because like you remember I hate losing,” I said, and turned away from him.

“So do I,” and with that he walked away. I closed my eyes, and I took a deep breath.

Today has been a rollercoaster, but I know it's only the beginning. 

I just hope, I'm able to take, adapt, evade, and win anything and everything that will be thrown at me.