AURORA

Just A Lawyer

A/N : Pay attention to the beginning of the chapter so you don't lose the timeline!!

Aurora Kozlova sat at her mahogany desk, a fortress of legal briefs, case files, and law journals surrounding her like sentinels. It was just past 7:00 AM, and the muted hum of early morning traffic seeped through the heavy curtains of her downtown office. She had always been an early riser, something that got used to when she was with Natasha.

Aurora took a sip of her coffee, savoring the rich, dark brew that was as much a ritual as a necessity. Today was a critical day. She had a high-stakes court appearance at 10:00 AM, defending a major pharmaceutical company in a class-action lawsuit. The stakes were astronomical, not just in terms of money but also reputation. Winning this case could elevate her career to new heights; losing could tarnish her meticulously built reputation.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her thoughts. It was a message from her paralegal, Mia.

**Mia**:"Morning, Aurora. Just got a call from our client. They're anxious about the case. Can we go over the final points one last time before court?"

Aurora quickly typed a response.

**Aurora:** "Absolutely. Meet me in my office in 15 minutes. We'll go through everything."

She closed her eyes for a brief moment, centering herself. This was her new life - a constant balancing act of precision and persuasion, intellect and intuition. She thrived on it, even if it often felt like walking a tightrope.

The door to her office creaked open, and Mia stepped in, clutching a thick binder of documents. She was efficient and sharp, a perfect complement to Aurora's meticulous nature.

"Morning, Aurora," Mia said, setting the binder down on the desk. "I've highlighted the key points for our arguments and cross-examinations."

"Thanks, Mia," Aurora replied, flipping through the binder. "Let's start with the plaintiff's main allegations and how we can counter them."

For the next hour, they dissected every detail of the case, refining their strategy and anticipating the opposition's moves. Aurora's mind raced through legal precedents and strategic angles, weaving them into a coherent defense. Mia took notes, occasionally interjecting with insights or questions.

By the time they finished, it was nearly 9:00 AM. Aurora stood, smoothing out her tailored navy suit. She checked her reflection in the mirror, ensuring her appearance was as impeccable as her legal arguments, thinking what Natasha would say if she was with her.

"Mia, make sure everything is ready for the courtroom," she said, grabbing her briefcase. "I'll see you there shortly."

As she walked through the corridors of the law firm, colleagues greeted her with nods and smiles. Aurora was well-respected, known for her tenacity and brilliance. She paused by the office of her mentor, Jonathan Pierce, whose door was ajar.

"Ready for the big day?" Jonathan asked, looking up from his desk.

"Always," Aurora replied with a confident smile. "Any last-minute advice?"

"Trust your instincts," he said. "You've got this."

Aurora nodded, feeling a surge of reassurance. She exited the building and hailed a cab to the courthouse. The city bustled around her, but she was focused, her mind a steel trap of facts and arguments.

The courthouse loomed ahead, an imposing structure of stone and glass. Aurora took a deep breath as she stepped inside, the familiar scent of polished wood and old paper filling her senses. She navigated the hallways with purpose, finally entering the courtroom where the trial would take place.

The atmosphere was tense, the room already filled with spectators, reporters, and the opposing counsel. Aurora spotted her client, a middle-aged man with worry lines etched deep into his face. She gave him a reassuring nod as she approached.

"We're ready," she said quietly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Trust me."

The judge entered, and the courtroom fell silent. Aurora took her place, laying out her documents with meticulous care. The trial commenced, and she was in her element, presenting arguments, cross-examining witnesses, and deftly countering the opposition's claims.

Hours passed in a blur of legal maneuvering and intense focus. When the recess was called, Aurora stepped outside, the weight of the morning's proceedings pressing on her. She leaned against a marble pillar, closing her eyes for a moment of respite.

"Hey," a familiar voice said. It was Mia, holding out a bottle of water. "You were amazing in there."

"Thanks," Aurora replied, taking the bottle. "We're not done yet, but I think we're making headway."

"You always do," Mia said with a grin.

The day stretched into evening, and as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the city, Aurora finally left the courthouse. She was exhausted but exhilarated, the thrill of the courtroom still buzzing in her veins.

Back in her office, she sank into her chair, reflecting on the day. It wasn't just about winning cases; it was about the pursuit of justice, the challenge of the fight, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Aurora looked outside her big widows looking at the city, Eiffel tower in the center.

" You shouldn't be here"