LAW OVER LOVER

Chapter 21

Rina's POV

I remembered the first time I had my first consultation with Dra. Clarisse. She asked why I decided to visit in the first place, "Actually Doc, I don't know. Maybe I need help, maybe I need someone to guide me and lead me in making right decisions especially that I'm thinking a lot right now."

"What's bothering you?" Dra. Clarisse asked.

"I've been through a lot. I was raped when I was a teenager, I studied law to defend myself in court but I lost. I lost to the guy who made me feel special. The first guy, whom I trusted with my love that I never thought I'm ever going to give to someone. Right before I left the Philippines, I sent him a letter and told him I still love him, even after everything."

"Is he the problem?"

"No Doc, it's just that, I don't know how to feel anymore. After I came back everything went nuts. People throwing stones at me for not being able to defend myself, and it's really frustrating. That put me into a hell hole."

"But here you are, trying to help yourself, and this is a very good start. I really admire your courage."

"Thank you Doc, I just really don't know how to start over"

"It's simple if I may say, start believing in yourself again. Think about the reasons what brought you here, and focus on what you want to achieve. Don't mind those assholes and focus on yourself. You are great, and you're bound to even more. I believe in you Rina, so should you. Take baby steps and in no time, you're on the pedestal you deserve."

"How about Matthew, the guy I'm talking about?"

"It told you Rina, baby steps."

.........

"Atty. Rina, you're on in three, two, one!" Mariolle told me.

"Please welcome, our guest speaker for today's conference, the lovely, the incomparable, the pride of our country, no other than, Atty. Katarina Beatrice Arevalo! Let's give her a big hand!"

Ang daming tao.

Hinahanap ng mata ko si Angelo, pero iba ang nakita ko.

Magkatabi sila. Nag-usap kaya sila?

I waved at the audience then headed to the podium. Inhale, exhale. I started my speech.

I walked everyone through my life experiences, and shared everything I did to be where I am right now. I don't want people to pity me, I want them to be inspired and motivated, "...that's why I'm bringing Isabel Arevalo Legal Co. here in my beloved country, the Philippines! Our vision to care for those who are in need of legal help, will be brought here for you, my countrymen. We will be needing excellent lawyers, to help us empower defenseless people. IALC will be the best law firm, with the best legal team and the best legacy! Thank you everyone!

I think everyone in the room was amazed.

"Let's give it up for Atty. Katarina Beatrice Arevalo!!! To give our guest speaker the plaque of appreciation, on behalf of Atty. Castro, may we call on Atty. Matthew Sanchez!"

Of all people, si Matthew pa. Nakita kong tumayo siya sa kinauupuan nya, naglakad papalapit ng stage, hanggang sa makarating sya sa podium. Nagsimula syang magsalita at binasa ang nakalagay sa plaque, "...everyone, let's give Atty. Rina a round of applause!" Lumapit sya sa akin, iniabot ang plaque sabay abot din ng kamay ko para makipag-shakehands. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang lamig ng kamay nya. Tiningnan nya ako sa mata na tila ba may gusto syang sabihin, pero umiwas agad ako.