Broken Promises

Chapter 6: The New Counsel

The next morning, the air in the consultation room felt heavier than usual. Haein sat at the table, her nerves on edge as she awaited the arrival of her new lawyer. The previous day’s ruling still weighed heavily on her, and she couldn’t shake the anxiety of starting over with someone new.

Hyunwoo entered first, followed by a woman Haein had not yet met. He gestured toward her with a solemn expression. "Haein, this is Attorney Woo Young-woo."

Haein glanced up and saw a woman in her early thirties with a sharp, focused gaze. She had a serious expression, her posture upright, and her eyes seemed to scan every corner of the room before landing on Haein.

Young-woo stepped forward and quickly introduced herself, her words coming out in a direct and precise manner. "Hello, Ms. Hong Haein," she said, her voice firm. "I am Woo Young-woo. Lawyer Woo Young-woo, born on November 9th. I specialise in criminal law. I have studied your case, and I remember everything I read."

Haein blinked, taken aback by the straightforwardness. "Oh… okay," she replied hesitantly.

Young-woo continued without missing a beat, "We need to go over the details of your case. I have questions. Many questions. About the knife, the handprint, and your alibi. It's important."

Hyunwoo chimed in, "Young-woo is one of the brightest lawyers I know. She has a unique way of understanding cases, and her approach might be exactly what you need right now."

Haein nodded slowly, trying to process the abruptness of the new dynamic. "Alright" she said, trying to sound confident.

Young-woo immediately sat down and opened a folder, her eyes scanning the pages with intense focus. "First question: On the night of August 8th, what were you wearing?"

Haein glanced at Hyunwoo, who gave a reassuring nod. "I was wearing a grey dress, no jacket."

Young-woo nodded, making a quick note. "Good. Next question: The injury on your right hand. How severe was it? Could you lift a knife with it?"

Haein blinked, caught off guard by the rapid-fire questioning, but she answered, "No, I couldn’t hold anything heavy. It was painful, sometimes I couldn't even move it"

Young-woo's eyes flicked up from the paper to meet Haein’s. "Important detail. Very important. We will use this."

As the questions continued, Haein could see the method to Young-woo's unorthodox approach. There was a precision in her manner, an intensity that hinted at a deep well of understanding.

Young-woo continued to fire off questions at a rapid pace, each one seemingly more specific than the last. "Did anyone visit your penthouse between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the night of the murder?" she asked, her eyes focused intently on Haein.

Haein shook her head. "No, I was alone."

Young-woo nodded. "And you said your right hand was injured while hiking. Was there anyone present who can confirm this?"

Haein thought for a moment. "Yes, Hyunwoo was there, and some friends too."

Young-woo quickly noted it down, then paused, her expression serious. "Good, we need those witnesses. I will prepare them for questioning. Also, you must remain composed during the trial. Any display of emotion can be interpreted against you, especially given the current perception of your case."

Haein nodded, appreciating Young-woo's thoroughness. But the rapid-fire questioning and the lawyer’s unfiltered delivery were both overwhelming and strangely reassuring.

Young-woo continued, "The prosecution will likely focus on the motive. They will argue that you had a reason to kill your father. We need to counter that narrative. Was there any recent conflict between you and the victim?"

Haein hesitated, then answered, "There were tensions, but nothing that serious. He was disappointed in some of my decisions, but it wasn't unusual."

Young-woo's eyes narrowed in thought. "We need to downplay those tensions. The less the jury sees you as a potential threat, the better."

She glanced over her notes one more time before looking directly at Haein. "Remember, Ms. Hong, your demeanor in court is crucial. No anger, no fear—only calmness and clarity. I will do everything I can to expose the holes in the prosecution's case, but we must work together."

Haein took a deep breath, "Okay?" She says nervously, unsure of what to answer

Young-woo closed the folder with a decisive snap. "Good. Then we start preparing for the next trial immediately. I will request access to additional evidence and speak with potential witnesses."

Hyunwoo, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up. "Young-woo, do you think we have a chance?"

Young-woo looked at him, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "I don’t think, Hyunwooshi—I analyse. And based on what I've seen, we have a foundation to build a strong defence. But it will depend on how well we prepare and how the facts align."

Hyunwoo nodded, his face still tense. "Then, we need to get started immediately."

Young-woo's eyes darted around, quickly processing every detail. "We’ll need to review all evidence thoroughly. I also want to re-interview any witnesses and cross-check their statements with the facts. And, Ms. Hong" she added, turning to Haein, "you must be precise in your testimony. Any deviation could be used against us."

Haein nodded, trying to suppress the anxiety rising in her chest. "I understand."

Young-woo nodded in return, her expression unwavering, and with a sharp glance at her notes, she added, "Good. Then we’ll proceed accordingly."

She turned briskly, her mind already jumping to the next steps, and left the room, her presence still lingering in the air.

Hyunwoo watched her go, then turned back to Haein. "She’s different, but she’s the best we’ve got. Trust her."

Haein sighed, her expression thoughtful. "I do trust her... but I kind of don’t like the way she looks at you and calls you ‘Hyunwooshi’."

Hyunwoo raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips despite the seriousness of the situation. "She has her quirks, but she’s a brilliant lawyer. That’s what matters."

Haein took a deep breath and nodded. “I trust you. And if you believe in her, then I will too.”

They shared a moment of silent understanding, knowing they had no choice but to move forward, step by step.