Hers to Love

Chapter 1

Maria's life was planned, grounded in her dedication to her work. On that rainy morning, she walked into the courthouse with the confidence that came from years of experience. The courtroom was familiar territory, a place where she felt in control. The hearing that morning was critical; the defense was presenting its evidence, and Maria, as always, was fully prepared. She listened intently, her sharp mind analyzing every word, every tone. She had a reputation for being thorough, leaving no stone unturned.

After an intense hour, the session concluded, and Maria gathered her papers with the same meticulous care she applied to her cases. The rain outside had eased to a drizzle by the time she stepped out, the cool air refreshing against the tension that had built up during the hearing.

Her office was just a short walk from the courthouse. It was a modest space, but it had everything she needed—a large desk, shelves lined with law books, and a window that let in the morning light. The office was not just a workspace; it was a sanctuary where she could think, plan, and prepare.

June, her close friend, and mentor, was already there when Maria arrived. June was more than just a colleague; she was a guiding presence in Maria's life, an older brother, someone who had helped her navigate the complexities of the legal world. They had been working together for years, and their relationship had evolved into a deep friendship.

June looked up from her desk as Maria walked in, her face breaking into a warm smile. "How did it go?" she asked, knowing that Maria didn't need to be asked twice to share her thoughts.

"It went well," Maria replied, settling into her chair. "But there were a few surprises. I'll need to look into some new evidence they brought up."

June nodded, her expression thoughtful. "You always manage to stay ahead. Just don't forget to take a breather once in a while."

Maria smiled, appreciating the concern. Her life, though simple, was demanding. Work consumed most of her time, leaving little room for anything else. She didn't mind; she found purpose in her work, in the pursuit of justice. But there were moments, like this one, when she was reminded of the importance of balance.

Her routine was predictable—long hours at the office, preparing for cases, reading, and occasionally grabbing a meal with June. Outside of work, her life was quiet. She had few close friends, and her family lived in another city. Her world was small but well-ordered, revolving around her career.

Yet, there was a sense of contentment in this simplicity. Maria found joy in the little things—the satisfaction of a well-argued case, the comfort of her small but cozy apartment, and the friendship she shared with June and his wife Trish. It was a life that suited her, one where she knew her place and purpose.

As the day goes on, Maria and June worked side by side, the hours slipping by in a comfortable rhythm. They discussed strategies, reviewed documents, and occasionally shared a laugh. The rain outside continued to fall, creating a soft background to their focused work.

By the time Maria finally looked up from her desk, it was evening. The rain had stopped, leaving the city streets glistening under the streetlights. She gathered her things, ready to head home, feeling a quiet sense of accomplishment. Today had been just another day in her simple, structured life, but it was a life she was grateful for, one she had built with care and dedication.

She passed by her favorite coffee shop and ordered her usual matcha latte and bagel. As Maria waited for her order, matcha latter and bagel as usual, she couldn't help but steal a glance at the guy who had caught her attention. He paid at the counter and standing beside her now, his presence suddenly more noticeable. When he turned to her and smiled, a friendly, easygoing smile, she was caught off guard.

"Hi," he said, his voice warm and casual.

Maria, usually composed and self-assured, felt a flutter of unexpected nerves. But she quickly composed herself, returning his smile with one of her own. "Hi," she replied, her tone equally confident.

There was a brief pause, the kind that could go either way—into awkward silence or into a conversation. To her surprise, he took the initiative.

"Busy day?" he asked, his eyes glancing at the stack of files she carried, a hint of curiosity in his expression.

Maria nodded, relaxing a bit. "You could say that. Court hearing earlier, so now just grabbing a quick dinner."

He nodded in understanding. "Ah, the life of a lawyer. Must be intense."

"It has its moments," Maria said with a light chuckle. "What about you? You seem pretty relaxed."

"Yeah, just wrapping up my shift. I work at the art gallery down the street," he explained, his tone easygoing. "Coffee shop's kind of my post-work ritual."

She found herself intrigued. "An artist?"

He smiled, a touch of modesty in his expression. "Not quite. I manage the gallery, but I dabble a bit on the side."

Before the conversation could continue, the barista called out their orders. The guy stepped forward to grab his coffee and pastry, then turned back to her, still smiling.

"Well, it was nice meeting you...?"

"Maria," she supplied, appreciating the polite curiosity in his tone.

"Nice meeting you, Maria. I'm Amir."

"Nice to meet you too, Amir" she replied.

As he prepared to leave, he hesitated for a moment, then said, "If you ever need a break from law, the gallery's got a new exhibit opening this weekend. Maybe I'll see you there?"

Maria smiled, considering the invitation. "I might just take you up on that."

Amir q gave her a final nod, then headed out into the night. Maria watched him go, a small smile lingering on her lips. It had been a simple, unexpected exchange, but as she walked out with her matcha latte and bagel, she felt a lightness in her step that hadn't been there before. Maybe a visit to the gallery wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.