Chapter 2

After replying to the message, Julian returned. He was carrying the rice pudding I loved most. Because the shop was so popular, he always had to wait in a long line to buy it.

For no apparent reason, my eyes stung with sudden tears. “Don’t cry, Anastasia.”

A flicker of heartache crossed Julian’s eyes. He crouched down and gently wiped away my tears with his thumb.

“Have some. After all, this is a gesture of goodwill from Eleanor.”

My entire body stiffened, yet he acted as if he hadn’t noticed a thing.

“After learning who you were, Eleanor felt terrible this afternoon. She heard from somewhere that you love the rice pudding from that shop in Northvale, so she specifically bought it and asked me to bring it to you.”

I didn’t take it. Instead, I said softly, “No, I don’t want it.”

Julian’s brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. “Anastasia, stop making a scene. Eleanor has already apologized.”

“Does an apology mean it has to be accepted?”

Julian’s frown deepened. “We’re getting married soon. I don’t understand why you have to be so petty about things.”

Petty?

I suddenly laughed out loud, but as I laughed, tears streamed down my face. The man before me looked exactly the same as always, yet I felt a profound sense of estrangement.

After a moment, I said quietly, “Julian, let’s call off the wedding.”

Julian rubbed his temples, his voice laced with impatience. “Anastasia, can you stop using the wedding as a target for your anger every time you’re upset?”

With that, he walked away, leaving me alone in the living room. I didn’t know how much time passed before I finally stood up.

Faint sunlight was filtering in through the window. I silently slipped the ring off my finger and tossed it, along with the rice pudding, into the trash can.

The next day, I went to the law firm to hand in my resignation. As I was packing up my things, Eleanor suddenly approached me, her eyes red.

“Anastasia, you’re such a good person. Even after the way I treated you yesterday, you were still willing to help me. I…”

“Wait.” I frowned and cut her off, “Help you with what? And how did you get in here?”

Eleanor froze.

Just then, Julian appeared behind her.

“Let me explain.”

His expression was gentle as he spoke, but that gentleness vanished completely the moment he looked at me.

“Anastasia, Eleanor is the new lawyer here, and I’ve also picked up a case for you.”

A sudden, ominous feeling washed over me. “What case?”

His tone remained calm as he replied, “That recent cyberbullying case, the one that led to a suicide.”

“What?!” I stood up, staring at him in disbelief. “Julian, have you lost your mind?”

I knew instantly which case he meant: the one where a young woman was driven to suicide after being viciously cyberbullied for dyeing her hair pink.

That was precisely why I was so agitated. Given the choice, no lawyer would ever touch a case like this. Julian couldn’t possibly be unaware of what I’d face if I took it on.

“I’m perfectly calm.”

He took out a cigarette, glanced at me, paused for a moment, and then put it back. He said, “That’s exactly why I’m handing this case to you.”

My voice trembled as I asked, “Why...”

He frowned as he spoke, “You know about this case; no one else dares to touch it. The legal aid center wanted someone from our firm, and they happened to ask for Eleanor. If her very first case turns out like this, who would ever hire her in the future? But you’re different. You have an impeccable reputation...”

“So that’s why you’re pushing me into the fire?” I interrupted him, my eyes red with emotion.

“Don’t put it so harshly.” Julian sounded puzzled. “It was the only option.”

“Then why don’t you do it?” I looked at him, unwilling to let it go. I half-screamed, “If you want to play the hero saving the damsel, why drag me into it?”

“Because I’m the lawyer for the plaintiff.” He looked at me calmly as he said, “Are you satisfied now?”