El Paradiso Series 8: Desirable Justice [ON-GOING]

Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Whispers Among Pages and Veiled Secrets

Aveline's Point of View

The sound of flipping pages filled the air as I sat in my office, surrounded by towering shelves of law books and case files. The clock that was hanging on the wall clicked away, serving as a constant reminder that time was slipping through my fingers, much like the cases that I struggled with on a regular basis.

I caught one file in particular among the stack of mundane cases. The case has lately captured media attention due to allegations of rape and murder. The case caught my interest, and I couldn't help but suspect there was more going on than what was first apparent. The claims were convincing, and the specifics might be rather detailed. The word "Confidential" was boldly marked on its cover, igniting a spark of curiosity within me that I couldn't resist. Nakaramdam ako ng pagkabalisa at kuryusidad na dumadaloy sa aking mga ugat habang binubuksan ko ito, sabik na matuklasan ang mga lihim na nasa loob.

Confidential: Case No. 4532

Rodriguez vs. Rosal Rape-Murder Case

I had no idea that this seemingly trivial file would wind its way into a labyrinth of legal complexities that would hold my attention like never before. As the pages unfolded, my eyes were met with the details of a case that would soon consume my thoughts, my emotions, and my very being. It was a case that seemed to defy all logic, a case that tugged at the deepest corners of my heart.

I delved into the file, reading through the testimonies and examining the evidence. But it was a certain passage that caught my attention, a passage that nullified all the testimonies and evidence presented in court. According to the file, the victim had not only enjoyed the encounter but had also demanded multiple visits from the suspect, the alleged rapist. Claiming pleasure from their encounters.

This revelation sent a chill down my spine.

"How could this be? Did this case involve more than what it seemed to be? How could a victim demand such visits if she had truly been assaulted?" I whisper. I couldn't ignore this nagging feeling that justice hadn't been served, that there was a deeper truth waiting to be uncovered.

Hindi lamang ang pagiging isang baguhan na abogado ay nangangailangan ng pag-aaral ng mga lubid, ngunit nangangailangan din ito ng pasensya, katatagan, at matinding pagnanais na magtagumpay. Kahit na nasa proseso pa ako ng pag-aaral kung paano tumawid sa lagusan na siyang batas, nakita kong kaakit-akit ito dahil sa pagiging kumplikado nito, kapangyarihan nitong maghulma ng mga buhay, at potensyal nitong baguhin ang mga limitasyon.

Gayunpaman, sa kabila ng pananabik, ang aking mga iniisip ay nabibigatan ng isang bigat na hindi ko makita. Sa loob ko, isang sikretong matagal nang itinatago ay nasa bingit ng pagtakas.

The secret was not just any secret; it was a secret that had the potential to destroy my career and everything that I had labored so hard to accomplish.

The telephone rang, jolting me out of my thoughts. "Aveline Carace," I answered, trying to maintain my composure.

"Ms. Carace, Mr. Sabino would like you to review the Rodriguez case. He's expecting your insights in tomorrow's meeting," Cybel, the Mr. Sabino's secretary informed me. Bigla naman ako napatingin sa dokumento na hawak ko. There's something interesting about this case.

"Of course, I'll get right on it," I managed to reply before gently hanging up the call. My thoughts racing ahead, wondering over strategies and arguments while battling with my own internal turmoil.

The Rodriguez case was no ordinary task; rather, it was a test of my skills, my knowledge, my determination. In short, I was determined to rise to the challenge. I'm pacing in my office, the details of this case echoing around in my head.

The victim, she finds...pleasure in it.

In the case. I can't believe it. It's unheard of. She's even demanding the rapist to visit her multiple times. It's a twisted case, unlike anything I've ever dealt with before. The tension builds up in my shoulders, my chest tight with stress.

I glance at the clock, then at the door. I need a release, a way to let go of this tension. Behind my struggle, I have a secret. A stress reliever that no one in my professional life knows about. It's something that, if it ever got out, could ruin my career. But right now, I need it. I need to escape from this case, even if it's just for a little while.

My fingers tremble as I dial the number, a number so familiar yet so confidential. "Hello, it's Divina," I say into the phone, my voice barely more than a whisper. The voice on the other end is soothing, a balm to my heightened nerves.

"Of course, Div." the voice replies. "Miss me?"

"It's been a while." I replied.

"What did you have in mind?"

"As usual. Meet me at my usual spot. Don't be late." I remind him. Kahit nasa audio call kami, ramdam ko na nakangisi siya.

"Thought it might be a perfect spot for our secret—" I cut him off before he could continue what he was supposed to say.

"How do I know it's not a trap?" I teasingly ask him.

"Trust me, Div, my intentions are as pure as a saint's. Besides, I'm more interested in stealing your time for a delightful evening."

"Alright, you've piqued my interest. I'll consider it, but only if you promise to behave."

"Behave? Where's the fun in that?"

I rolled my eyes as I hang up, grabbing my coat and heading for the door. The city is full of life outside of law firms, oblivious to the turmoil raging inside me. As I walk quickly towards my car, my heels clicking against the pavement, my mind already anticipating the relief that's soon to come.

I arrive at the anonymous building, which is identical to every other building in the city. Kung titignan ito mula sa labas, tila kahit anong lumang opisina. Ngunit nakikita ko ito bilang isang kanlungan mula sa katotohanan. Adjusting the burgundy wig atop my head and ensuring my mask was securely in place, I took a steadying breath. Pagpasok ko pa lang sa loob, sumalubong sa akin ang nakakarelaks na musika, nakakalasing na alak at ang nakakaaliw na amoy ng sigarilyo.

El Paradiso, ang aking lihim na kanlungan. Dito, hindi ako si Aveline ang abogado. Ako lang si Divina, isang babaeng naghahanap ng aliw sa gulo ng kanyang buhay. Sa loob ng ilang mahalagang oras, makakalimutan ko ang kaso, ang biktima...lahat.

Ito ang aking sikreto, my secret sweet escape. Ito ang isang bagay na nagpapanatili sa akin sa gitna ng hindi maiisip na mga kakila-kilabot. Ngunit sa ngayon, itinutulak ko muna ang mga kaisipang iyon. Ako ay sumuko sa kapayapaan at katahimikan ng El Paradiso. Sa ilang sandali, malaya na ako sa katauhan ng aking abogado, handang harapin ang anumang pagsubok na naghihintay sa akin pabalik sa opisina.

I am Aveline Carace, a fresh graduate, a fledgling lawyer, a fighter, and a woman who knows how to take care of herself. With every challenging case, I am not just proving my capabilities to the world, but also to myself.

Despite the darkness of the case at hand, I am determined to seek justice.

My secret visit to El Paradiso are just a part of the journey, a way to keep my sanity intact in the face of such horrific crime. After all, even the strongest warriors need a safe haven. And for now, that haven is El Paradiso.

This duality of my existence does not weaken me. Instead, it strengthens me, adding layers to my resilience. It reminds me that it's okay to seek escape, to look for peace amidst the storm. It's not an admission of defeat, but a testament to my strength and endurance.

So, I continue with the case, my spirit unbroken, my resolve unwavering. Because at the end of the day, I am more than just a lawyer. I am Divina, a woman who knows how to survive in the face of adversity, a woman who knows when to fight and when to seek refuge. And that, I believe, is my greatest strength.