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19 Escalate
Another morning dawned, and Rain hoped it would be better than the previous day. She had arrived early at the office, praying that she wouldn’t run into Paul at
all.
After months as an intern and finally becoming a
licensed lawyer, she genuinely enjoyed working here. The management was excellent, the pay was fair, and she had built strong relationships with her colleagues. She just hoped it would last for as long as she wanted
- it.
Entering the building, she stopped by the department admin to let them know she’d be stepping out soon for a client meeting and some site visits.
“Good morning, Attorney Clayton.”
Her colleagues greeted her with respect as she made her way into her office. Just as she settled into her chair, she received an unexpected call from the Director’s office, instructing her to come by her immediately.
“Wonder what this is about..”
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Standing up, she made her way to her next destination. It wasn’t far from her office, and she quickly entered the room with a professional gait.
“Good morning, Director Aileen,” Rain greeted the
director.
Currently seated at her desk, Director Aileen, a middle–aged woman who had always treated Rain kindly and genuinely. The woman signaled for her to sit, and Rain did exactly that. She admired Aileen’s confidence and her unwavering stance on what was right, which was why she had chosen this department in the first place.
“Rain, what’s going on?” Director Aileen asked with a
frown.
Rain blinked in confusion. “I’m not sure what
mean, Director. What’s happening?”
you
Aileen shrugged with a sigh. “Director Paul called me last night. He wants me to transfer you to his department.”
“What?!” Rain exclaimed, her eyes widening in disbelief.
“I figured you didn’t know” Ailoon anid shaking har
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head. “That son of a bitch. I know you two were in a relationship, but why is he being so clingy now?”
“We broke up,” Rain admitted, her face tinged with embarrassment.
“Since when?” Aileen asked, clearly surprised.
“Just last Friday. I caught him cheating with my half–sister in his apartment,” Rain confessed. Director Aileen had always been like a mother to her, especially during her internship, so Rain felt comfortable sharing
the truth.
“That jerk, I told you that you were too good for him,” Director Aileen snorted. “I can’t blame you though. He treated you well during those months while he was
wooing you.”
Rain sighed, nodding in agreement. It was true–Paul had been supportive, understanding, and patient with
her.
“I guess it’s true what they say,” Rain mused. “You never really know someone until you see their true colors.” She let out another sigh and a pout as she then asked, “Are you going to transfer me to him?”
The Director chuckled while shaking her head. “Of
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course not. Don’t worry, I’ll handle it,” she reassured her. “Now, go on and work hard under my watch!”
Rain laughed at the response. Standing up, she smiled, “Yes, ma’am!”
Turning around to leave, Rain felt a sense of relief knowing she had someone like Director Aileen in her corner. Deep down, however, she knew the problem wouldn’t just disappear so long as Paul refused to accept their breakup.
With a sigh, she returned to her office, burying herself in work to prepare for her upcoming client meeting
before lunch.
***
Time passed, and Rain was engrossed in reading some case files on her desk when a knock echoed from her
door. It then opened as Rico one of the office messengers, poked his head in with a smile. “Attorney Clayton, you have a visitor in the receiving area. She says she’s your sister.”
“Dina?”
Rain gasped, her heart sinking. What could Dina possibly want this early in the morning? Dina hated
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being associated with her publicly, always going out of
her way
to distance herself. In fact, in all the months she had been interning at Smith Law Firm, Dina had never once set foot in the building. So why now?
Rain’s face tightened with suspicion. She knew how
devious her sister could be.
‘I guess she’s finally making her move to introduce herself as Paul’s woman, she inwardly scoffed, steeling
herself for whatever drama was about to unfold. ‘What
a match made in hell…‘
As soon as Rain stepped out of her office, she noticed the sudden shift in the atmosphere. Almost every eye in the room was on her, making her frown. Megan, a paralegal she’d grown close to, quickly approached her and whispered, “Rain, your sister’s making a scene in the reception area. She’s telling everyone you’re married.”
Rain’s face tightened in irritation. Left with no other choice, she rushed to the reception area where she found Dina chatting with some of the other employees.
“Oh, there you are!” Dina greeted her cheerfully as if
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they were the best of sisters. She then handed Rain a basket of flowers. “Father asked me to bring you this. Congratulations on your wedding! He’s not angry anymore that you went and married some nobody without telling us. He’s even willing to compromise and meet your husband. So make sure to bring him home and introduce him to the family.”
Rain’s eyes widened, utterly speechless at Dina’s performance. It was obvious that her sister was using this opportunity to spread the news to everyone in the building, delivering her message loudly enough for all to hear.
“I can’t believe Attorney Clayton is already married,” one bystander commented. “Since when? Why isn’t she wearing a ring or changing her surname?”
This was bad. Leah was there as well, so Rain could already see how quickly this situation would escalate. “But isn’t she and Director Paul in a relationship?” another woman whispered to Leah, her voice laced with curiosity. “Her sister clearly said she’s married to some nobody, so that means she’s married to a different man…”
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Rain’s frown deepened as she finally addressed Dina. “Follow me to my office,” she said, trying to keep her voice steady.
To her dismay, Dina just smirked while crossing her
arms in defiance. The sneer on her face made it clear that she had no intention of quietly following Rain. Instead, she was clearly planning to make a scene right there in front of everyone.
“What’s the matter? Cat got your tongue, my
illegitimate sister?” Dina mocked, her grin triumphant. As if that wasn’t enough, her sister then turned to the department receptionist and asked, “By the way, is Paul here? Where’s his office? I want to also visit my boyfriend while I’m here…”
“Director Paul’s office is on the fifteenth floor in the
Corporate Law Department, the receptionist answered with an awkward smile.
The confusion was evident on the faces of those
around them.
“Director Paul is her boyfriend?! Isn’t Attorney Clayton Director Paul’s girlfriend? What’s going on?”
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aid Drivilede Chantar I Inlocke
