Rage Against The Heart (Valdemar Series #3)

Kabanata 19

19 – Years

"Thank you for accepting me, Luigi."

I smiled and placed the box containing my things. Pinadulas ko ang daliri ko sa sarili kong lamesa. Luigi looked at me with a smile on his lips.

"There's a lot of huge firms who offered you work and you choose mine.." he chuckled. "Shouldn't I be the one to be grateful?"

I shook my head and looked around. This firm is pretty great, I know. Ninety-five percent ang rating ng kasong naipapanalo nila. Some graduated from Ateneo Law, samantalang ang iba ay sa ibang bansa pa nag-aral.

"You helped me in every way you can. Hindi ko ko alam kung paano pa kita mababayaran sa mga ginawa mo."

His smiled faded. "I lost the case, Ally."

"That doesn't change the fact that you fought for it.." Marahan kong sabi. "You promised me and you did it."

He sighed and looked down. Agad akong lumapit saka tinapik ang braso niya. It's not his fault. That was three years ago but he still acts like he's the one at fault. He did everything to help me. To help us. He didn't even accepted a single penny from me. He did it for free.

"I'll be here in your firm. I'll work and help you with everything."

Bumalik ang ngiti niya saka tumango. I smiled back and started fixing my things on my table. Inilabas ko ang iilang mga libro sa kahon saka inilagay iyon sa shelf sa gilid ko. I can see myself working here for a long time.

Luminga ako sa paligid. I didn't know I like brick walls until now. Industrial style ang kabuuan ng firm at elegante ang kada itim na mesang na madadaanan. There were only five tables. Mayroong sariling opisina si Luigi dahil siya ang director ng firm na ito. Mayroon pang tatlong kuwarto na hindi ko nakikita, mayroon din doong mga lamesa para sa mga abogadong dito nagtatrabaho.

"She's here?"

I stopped arranging my things and looked at the girl who just spoke. Her hair was in a clean bun and was wearing a floral dress. Kapapasok niya pa lang at mayroong dalang isang tangkay ng sunflower. Napalunok ako nang makita iyon. I clenched my jaw and looked away. I don't like flowers.

"Hi! I'm Terry.." she went to me and extended her arms. "I'm also a lawyer. I work here."

I forced a smile and shook her hand. "Allysia. Allysia Zamora."

She giggled. "Of course, I know you. Everyone here does!"

Ang katabi niyang lalaki ay ngumiti sa akin. He shook my hand and simply stated his name.

"Kevin.."

I looked at the wall clock. It's seven fifty in the morning. Maganda ang sikat ng araw sa labas. Baka mamaya kapag natapos akong mag-ayos ay lumabas ako.

"Nasaan si Willow at Jared?"

A tall man with a grin on his face laughed and walked towards us. "Looking for me, babe?"

"Stop flirting, Jared. We're at work."

"Sorry, Luigi.." He glanced at me. "Oh! Allysia Zamora!"

"Hi.."

Ngumiti ako saka nag-abot ng kamay. He shook my hand and introduced himself. Natawa pa ako sa pag-akto niya nang pormal. Inaasar yata niya ang pagsaway sa kaniya ni Luigi.

"It's going to be a pleasure to work with you."

I glanced at the girl who just came. Maikli ang buhok niya at kulot iyon. Her brows were perfectly defined and her eyes were chinky. Malakas ang tunong ng stilettos niya habang lumalapit sa akin. She has a naughty smile on her lips.