Ghostly Affairs

Chapter 1: The Encounter

Lin Kwong sat behind her sleek glass desk, the city skyline sprawling out behind her like a meticulously painted backdrop. Her office was the epitome of modern elegance—clean lines, muted tones, and an air of organized efficiency. She was on the phone, her voice calm but firm as she dealt with yet another high-stakes negotiation.

"If your client is serious about settling, I need to see a formal proposal on my desk by the end of the day," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Otherwise, we're moving forward with litigation, and I assure you, you won't like where that leads."

She ended the call with a decisive click and leaned back in her chair, allowing herself a moment to breathe. It had been a long week of intense cases and relentless meetings, and she could feel the exhaustion creeping up on her. But there was no time to rest. As one of the most sought-after lawyers in the city, her schedule was a never-ending stream of clients, court appearances, and the occasional media spotlight.

Lin rubbed her temples, her mind already racing to the next task on her list. But just as she was about to reach for the stack of case files on her desk, she felt a familiar chill ripple through the room. She looked up, her gaze sharpening as she spotted the faint outline of a ghost—a middle-aged man in a business suit, his face contorted with frustration.

"Not now," Lin muttered under her breath, careful to keep her voice low. She didn't need anyone overhearing her talking to thin air. "I'm busy."

The ghost's form wavered, his mouth moving soundlessly as he gestured frantically toward her. Lin sighed and glanced at the clock. She had a few minutes before her next meeting. Reluctantly, she pushed aside the files and leaned forward, her expression softening slightly.

"All right, you have a minute," she said, keeping her voice steady. "What is it?"

The ghost's eyes widened, and he began mouthing words, his hands trembling as he pointed toward the window. Lin's brow furrowed as she tried to make sense of his silent pleas. "I can't hear you," she said gently. "Just show me."

He gestured again, this time more clearly, his fingers forming the shape of a house. Lin's frown deepened. "Your house?" she asked, her voice softening. "Is something happening there?"

The ghost nodded, his form flickering with urgency. Lin took a deep breath, her mind already racing through the possibilities. She scribbled a quick note on her notepad, jotting down the details as best she could. "I'll look into it," she promised, her tone firm. "But you need to be patient. I can't help if you don't give me more information."

The ghost's form shimmered, his expression one of mingled hope and despair. He mouthed a few more words, but before Lin could ask anything else, he began to fade, his outline blurring until he vanished completely.

Lin stared at the empty space where he had been, her thoughts still lingering on the ghost's frantic gestures. She had encountered countless spirits in her time, each with their own stories and unresolved issues. But this one seemed different—desperate, almost terrified. She made a mental note to look into the situation later, after she finished her work for the day.

Just as she was about to return to her files, a soft knock on the door made her look up. Her assistant—and best friend—Karen stepped inside, her expression polite but tinged with a hint of concern.

"Your two o'clock meeting is here, Ms. Kwong," Karen said, holding a stack of files in her arms. "And the mayor's office called. They want to discuss the case for the charity event next week."

Lin nodded, her professional demeanor snapping back into place. "Thank you, Karen. Please send them in."

Karen hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on Lin. "Are you sure you're okay? You seem a bit... distracted today." She didn't have to elaborate; they both knew exactly what Karen was referring to.