Chapter 28
A year ago, Katie had gone through a messy breakup. Her ex–boyfriend had presented her with an itemized bill, demanding repayment of $48,000 he’d transferred to her over their two year relationship.
When Katie refused, he sued her. She’d come to the firm desperate for help, and Gabriella was the only associate available.
“It wasn’t like that at all,” Katie had sobbed. “We lived together for two years. We agreed to split everything–rent, utilities, groceries. He said he’d transfer $2,800 each month for his half of rent and expenses, and I’d contribute the same.”
“I didn’t think much of it then. But after we broke up, he demanded everything back, claiming it was all given with marriage in mind and should be returned since we split.”
“But that money was for living expenses in New York! Our apartment was $4,200 a month, plus utilities and groceries. He barely spent $2,000 on actual gifts our entire relationship. How dare he sue me? God, I can’t…”
“I’m still in law school–where am I supposed to get $48,000? I can’t tell my parents. If they find out I was living with a guy in college, my dad would kill
The irony wasn’t lost on Gabriella–a law student getting caught in such a legal trap.
Love could make even the smartest girls blind.
Gabriella sighed, her heart going out to the young woman.
Most lawyers wouldn’t take a case where the client couldn’t afford the retainer. But Gabriella was different. Not only did she take the case, but she also loaned Katie the money for legal fees. Katie was already in such a difficult position–without help, Gabriella worried she might do something desperate.
Legal fees went through the firm before being paid out to associates. As a junior associate at a mid–size firm making $145,000–modest by New York BigLaw standards but still comfortable–Gabriella could afford to help. She immediately added Katie on Venmo to send her the retainer money. While her peers at firms like Cravath or Sullivan & Cromwell were pulling in $215,000, she’d chosen this smaller firm for its work–life balance and opportunity to handle cases she cared about.
After taking the case, Gabriella worked tirelessly to gather crucial evidence. They won, and Katie was so impressed and grateful that she joined the firm as Gabriella’s assistant right after graduation.
Now, Katie asked through tears, “Once I finish my certification, could I come work with you?”
Gabriella hadn’t expected that.
She smiled warmly. “Of course. I’ll be in London–just let me know when you’re ready to make the move.”
“Really?” Katie brightened. “I’ll follow you anywhere! You can’t get rid of your shadow that easily.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it.”
In the managing partner’s office, the bespectacled man looked up from her resignation letter, puzzled. “Why the sudden departure? Any issues we should address?”
“No, sir. Family matters. I know we typically require a month’s notice, but this was unexpected. I apologize.”
She added, “I’ve handed off most of my cases. I have one appeal hearing in ten days–I’ll complete that before I leave.”
He nodded slowly. “Well, then. Best of luck in your future endeavors.”
Leaving the firm, Gabriella wandered the city streets.
As evening fell and lights flickered on, a cool breeze rustled through the trees.
A wave of loneliness hit her.
She was about to leave the city she’d called home for three years.
24.5%
She remembered her first days in New York, when her father had frozen her accounts. She’d had just a few thousand in her Venmo balance and spen three days in a hotel.
During those days, she’d found the job and rented a cheap apartment near the firm.
After paying first, last, and security deposit, she
nearly broke. Only help from her London friends kept her fod
The building was sketchy, with terrible security.
Shortly after moving in, she’d had drunk men hanging on her door.
She spent nights huddled in bed, terrified to answer late night knocking.
The landlord claimed nothing could be done.
Desperate, she moved out, and the slumlord tried to keep her deposit.
When polite requests for her deposit failed, the landlord turned abusive, hurling vulgar insults.
Furious, she reported him to the Department of Buildings for code violations, then to the Department of Finance for tax evasion. Not satisfied, she filed
suit for breach of contract and harassment. Before the case even went to court, the landlord returned her deposit.
She dropped the contract claim but pursued the harassment suit. The landlord lost and had to pay damages.
Gabriella smiled at the memory. That had been her lowest point.
Later, she heard from a former neighbor that the drunk got beaten up shortly after she moved–apparently picked the wrong person to harass. The slumlord disappeared too.
Karma, she thought.
She’d met Drake during her summer associateship, while working on a legal services contract for one of Ashcroft Capital’s subsidiaries.
Drake happened to be there that day. He claimed it was love at first sight.
He pursued her relentlessly after that, getting all the little details right and showing up whenever she needed someone.
They did have some sweet moments early on.
Everything changed on their one–year anniversary.
They’d both been drinking, and Drake tried to take things further. When he embraced her and leaned in to kiss her, she panicked and pushed him away hard.
Drake looked wounded. “Why?” he asked hoarsely.
“I–I’m not ready,” she stammered. “I need time.”
After that night, things were different.
She never felt ready to be intimate with Drake, not even kissing.
She couldn’t quite explain why–maybe it was being new to relationships, or maybe subconsciously she was repulsed by his history v
er women.
Whatever the reason, she now felt only relief.
Back at the penthouse, Drake was out.
Gabriella showered and fell into a deep sleep/
Ten more days until she could leave.
Thank goodness.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.