CHAPTER THREE

If someone had told me six years ago that I'd be living in Brazil, working at one of the most prestigious law firms in the world, I would've laughed in their face because I never dreamed of working as a lawyer.

All I've ever wanted was for me to find my mate and live happily taking care of him and our pups. I just wanted a simple life but it seems the moon goddess has other plans for me, as here I am—Emma Wilfred, one of the top associate attorneys at Santiago & Fields.

After the rejection and watching Darrell tie the knot six years ago, all I wanted was to disappear as embarrassment, mocking stares, the whispers, and the unbearable shame of being left behind by my mate was just too much for me to endure. It was all coming from everyone, even from my so-called friends.

Back then when I first announced to my friends that Darrell was my mate, they’re so happy for me but other girls were jealous. But I didn't care about what other think. All I care was that at least I have my friends supports. But immediately the news of the rejection and Darrell marriage spread around like a wild wire, I finally realized that they were all wearing a mask.

I was trying to seek some comfort from them when I happened to overheard their mocking discussion. Saying that was exactly what I deserve. Out of all of them, only Trisha, stood up for me and supported me till the end, while the rest of them showed their true colors and how jealous they have been since I told them that Darrell was my mate but they hid it as they were too afraid to get on his bad side.

And my parents? I couldn't even bear to face them. Not especially when I saw my own father on weak his knees, begging Darrell's mother. I didn't heard what they were saying very well but I heard my father saying, “she is just a foolish girl who has little idea how this world works. Please punish me instead of her.”

Tears streamed down my face as I saw my father in that position.I could see that he was in so much but still forced himself begging for me. I didn't know what they said I’d done, I didn't know what lies they'd said against me again as Darrell's mother and wife have made life difficult for me, but seeing my father in that position begging for me…. it breaks my heart.

So that made me ran far away from home. Far from everyone.

Without saying goodbye or leaving any messages behind, I abandoned my entire life.

Starting over here wasn't easy, but it was necessary as I found a reason to survive. A reason I kept hidden from everyone and the only thing that keep me going. And now? I'm not just surviving anymore. I'm living and thriving with my one and only daughter, Hailey Wilfred.

"Girl, you're just too amazing," Carmen grinned as she pulled a chair and slid into the seat beside me in the break room, the scent of her jasmine perfume mingling with the faint coffee aroma that she was carrying.

I flipped my long wavy hair back with a smile, feeling too proud of my latest success.

As I just won another case this morning.

"Oh my, look at her acting like a peacock in stilettos." Marta's disdainful voice shot up as draw a chair and took a seat across from us. “Tell me, is that little joy of yours because of the Martinez case? You know, the one that used to be mine before it was mysteriously yanked away by someone who has no conscience?”

Carmen rolled her eyes dramatically. "I think I'm getting a strong whiff of jealousy in here."

“There is no jealousy here sweetheart. It's well known to everyone how vip clients tend to slip through other lawyer’s fingers… right into yours.” she said, gesturing at me. “ Isn't that some sort of miracle?”

Carmen is also a werewolf, and we met at the pack gathering when I was trying to join a pack as I don't want to be tag as a rogue. She is the Alpha's stepsister. She stood up for me when the Alpha refused to take me in as a member, saying she would take responsibility if any issues were to arise.

I was surprised by her actions that day, wondering how she could vouch for someone she didn't even know? And willing to take responsibility if I ended up betraying the pack or doing something against the rules.

How could she do such a thing for a stranger.

That day she seemed like an angel sent to me. She told me that she knew I have my story which I didn't want to share but she is willing to help till I’d finally be able to let it go and open up. And since then, we have been more than friends, and we even live together.

But Marta, on the other hand, is just a typical human who can hardly hide her emotions. Just looking at her pinched expression and the slight flush creeping up her neck, one could already guess what was going on in her small head.

I chuckled, “Yeah the Martinez case felt good, and trust me, I had no idea that it was yours from the beginning because when it was given to me, I heard the director saying that the current lawyer was incompetent to handle such case and that is why it was transferred to me. And if seducing a few hotshot partners helps me land good clients,” I shrugged.” Then so be it because that's what is called using your skills and..." I tapped my temple with my index finger, "this brilliant brain."

"Which, clearly, some people lack," Carmen added, smirking.

I could feel Marta's anger rising up, and as she prepared to fire back, a deep voice cut through.

"Miss Wilfred."

And we all turned toward the voice.

Only to see Alexander Song, standing at the door with one of his hands in his pocket. He's a senior partner at the firm and one of the hotshot partners that Marta was referring to. I did a quick check-out as he walked closer to me and I think he’s really looking more hot today. He had taken off his suit jacket; his crisp white shirt sleeves were rolled up to reveal tanned forearms, and he had loosened a few buttons at his collar.

My eyes traced his impossibly sharp jawline, lingered on those ocean-blue eyes, and I suppressed a shiver as his voice... which was so smooth, washed over me.

"Do you have a moment?" he asked, looking directly at me as if Carmen and Marta had suddenly vanished from existence.

“Of course I do," I replied, keeping my expression polite despite feeling Carmen vibrating with excitement beside me.

Carmen always like this whenever she thinks a guy is good looking or something. Weird right?

Alexander placed a brown file on the table right in front of me. "I want you to go through this file and handle this case. And please be careful because it's sensitive."

"Why?".

"Because the client is the wife of the chairman of Raymond Group, and they are one of our top VIPs." His eyes locked with mine. "Do you understand what I mean?"

Just as I was about to respond, Marta cut in.

"Actually, Emma's already swamped with so much work," she said, reaching for the file and began to draw it closer to her. "I'd be happy to take it instead."

And Immediately, Alexander's hand also came down as well, holding the file in place as he stopped Marta from taking it. His eyes didn't leave hers, and I could feel the temperature in the room dropping several degrees.

"I don't think that'll be possible. If I recall correctly, you still have several unresolved cases on your plate."

"Just minor complaints….."

"They're still cases," he said with finality in his tone and left no room for argument.

“ Let go.” With the straight and cold look on Alexander's face, Marta slowly let go of the file, and then Alexander slid the file toward me.

Then Marta angrily walked out of the room, slamming the door behind her and I almost flinch as it felt as if the door was slammed right on me.

I turned back to Alexander. "Okay, I'll take a look," I said calmly, meeting his gaze, feeling a strange heat bloom in my chest as our eyes connected.

He nodded and turned to leave but paused when he reached the doorway.

"And... I trust you haven't forgotten our appointment tonight?"

"Not at all," I replied smoothly, offering him a small smile. "I'll be there early."

He gave a nod and then left.

Immediately after the door shut, Carmen screemed out and grabbed my arm with so much force that I could feel her claws on my skin.

"Babe! Are you seriously going on a date with Alexander Song?”

I gave a soft laughter, rolling my eyes and gently freeing my arm from her grip. "Oh my God, Carmen. it's not a date."

"Then what is it? Because it sure sounds like a 'date' to me."

"Well, for your information, it's not a date. It's just a business dinner," I clarified, straightening the papers in front of me. "The client is wary about coming into the firm as he doesn't want any media attention about the case his wife filed against him, so we're discussing things privately."

"But it's still dinner," Carmen grinned, wiggling her eyebrows.

"With a client," I repeated, emphasizing every word.

As I tried to focus on what I was looking at, I could still feel her gaze burning right through me.

Dropping the file, "Okay, fine. I got it. He's hot and definitely not bad, but who says he doesn't have someone already? Trust me, guys like him usually do," I said, speaking from my own experience.

"Then this is your chance to find out if he really does or not," Carmen winked, leaning forward. "And please wear red. That dress that makes you look like sin on heels."

Omg. Like seriously. What exactly is she thinking already?

Before I could answer her, Marina, my assistant, popped her head into the room. "Ma'am? Sorry to interrupt, but there's a client waiting in your office. Says it's urgent."

Now I’m grateful that Marina had just saved me from having a further conversation about this topic with Carmen, because she would definitely not leave me easily. She has also tried to set me up on a few dates, but it's just not working out for me.

Don't get me wrong. It's not the guy. It's me.

"Thanks, Marina. I'm coming." I stood, gathered my files, and smoothed out my blazer.

"We'll talk more at home," Carmen said, giving me a playful wink.

“ Nope, we are not.”

“ Yes we are.”

I couldn't help but shake my head at her as I walked out of the break room. But inside, I couldn't stop thinking about what Carmen had said.

The truth was that Alexander had really been making advances for a while now, but I just couldn't bring myself to tell Carmen because once she heard, she would construct a whole plan of having us date.

As I walked to my office, a part of me wondered if I could ever give another man a chance?

Especially someone like Alexander Song. Well, he's great, but men like him don't come without baggage, and I've had my heart shattered once before.

No, once is enough. I doubt I will survive the next one.

But another voice, one I rarely allowed myself to listen to, whispered: What if this time is different?