Legally Bound

Addi's eyes were fixed intently on the stacks of legal textbooks that cluttered on her small apartment. The room, a modest space in a shared building close to the university, was lit by a single desk lamp that cast a warm, focused glow over her study area. It was late—past midnight—and the ticking of the clock on the wall seemed to echo louder in the silence. The city outside was a distant hum, lost in the bustle of another sleepless night. The case file she was studying was thick with legal jargon and complex precedents. She was determined to master every detail. Her future as a lawyer depended on it. She had been working tirelessly on this pro bono case for the past few weeks, one that had recently been assigned to her as part of her internship. The case involved a dispute between a nonprofit organization and a major corporation accused of environmental violations—a high-profile case that could make or break the organization’s mission. My phone buzzed, I was startled and I immediately lost my concentration to what I'm reading. I glanced at the screen—it was an email notification. It was from my supervisor at the firm. As I opened it, my heart quickened as I read the brief message: “Addi, I need you to meet with Mr. Alcantara tomorrow morning. He’s been briefed on the case and is keen to offer his insights. Please make sure to be prepared to discuss the matters with him, this is important and this will be a big punch for your career - you know what I mean. " ALCANTARA I was lost in a moment for a sec trying to remember the surname. The name was familiar, but not from her legal textbooks. I wasn't contented as I don't quiet recall the last name so I searched it online, and it shocked me. JAIRUS LEVI ALCANTARA - I read in air. A billionaire philanthropist known for his involvement in various charitable causes. I said as I continued reading the published article about him. I remember, I had read about him in the news but had never imagined I would actually meet him. The thought was both thrilling and intimidating. But aside from meeting with a billionaire bachelor, preparation must be on top of her mind first because this will be a big run. The following morning, I found myself standing in front of the sleek glass building that housed Alcantara Enterprises. It was a towering structure of steel and glass, reflecting the blue sky above. It was a big company after all. I adjusted her blazer, took a deep breath, and walked through the revolving doors. The lobby was impressive, with marble floors and a modern art installation hanging from the ceiling. My eyes were fixated on the lounge area where a guest could sit while waiting. From there, there's a painting of a woman hanged on the wall with a man in blue. I was fixated to the painting. Both arms on criss-cross, it made me wonder, because for a big company like this - a hundred dollar painting should be put on this wall, but this one is so simple yet it has the energy to attract your eyes and ask yourself a question what was the painting all about. "That's farewell my muse, Manet you served me well by Bolipata." A very manly voice appears out of nowhere. I didn't turned around as I was still looking at the painting. But judging his deep and manly voice, I think he has the rizz and face that could make a lot woman's knees turned into jelly. "The man with a blue caught and a woman that have a lonely face. The painting show that a man can only see a girl that is hiding and lonely." he continued. I think about what the guy just said, and I was about to agree with him when he was nowhere to be found, I roamed around my eyes and from where I was standing - I saw a man's leaned back, wearing a black suit and towering almost all of the people in the lobby. I could only think the goodness of the man's back. What am I even thinking? I should've think of why I was here in this building in the first place. I heaved a sighed and walked back to the reception area. "Good morning ma'am!" An elegant and sweet receptionist greeted her. “Hello Good morning! I'm here to see Mr. Alcantara,” I said with a smile. "One sec ma'am," she added. The receptionist nodded at me and picked up the phone. Typed something briefly and for a few seconds she was mumbling something and then looked at me, "May I have your name ma'am?" she politely asked with a smile. "It's Maria Adinah Salazar," I answered. She smiled again like it was her asset of all, she just uttered my name and nodded twice, the ended the call on the telephone. “Please take a seat for a while, Mr. Alcantara will see you shortly ma'am." she added and I just nodded at her politely as well. I sat in one of the plush chairs, I finger drum on my newly bought notebook. After what felt like an eternity, a tall man in a perfectly tailored suit walked into the lobby. His presence was commanding, his dark eyes scanning the room with a focused intensity. He was handsome that's for sure, with a chiseled jawline and an aura of authority. “Ms. Salazar?” he asked, his voice was deep and resonant. It actually lingered on my ears even if it's not a whisper. “Yes, Mr. Alcantara. ” I replied, standing up and extending my hand. We both exchange our gazes professionally, or that's what I think only? He extend his hand to mine, his grip was quiet firm yet surprisingly warm, “Please, call me Jairus, that will do.” he uttered. "Okay," I said, "No problem with that," I added. He led me through a series of corridors, we got into an elevator with his personal secretary on his side, until we got into a spacious office that overlooked the city. I smiled, City view felt therapeutic for me specially at night where it light up the whole city. The room was tastefully decorated, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a large mahogany desk, and shelves filled with books and awards - and a photo frame of him and his mom I believed so - So dearly and loving. I then saw him gestured me to sit in one of the comfortable chairs opposite his desk which I did. “I’ve been briefed on the case,” He began, settling into his chair. “I understand and it’s quiet a significant challenge.” he added. “Yes, it is,” I said as I began to pull out the case file. “We’re dealing with some very complex legal issues. The corporation has extensive resources, and the stakes are high for the nonprofit.” His eyes remained fixed on me as I spoke, I tried my very best not to rattle with his stares,. I am here for work and only for work - and not to entertain his stares at me which for sure I know has no meaning at all. “Tell me more about the nonprofit. Why is this case so crucial for them?” he asked. I took a deep breath and began explaining the nonprofit’s mission, the environmental damage caused by the corporation, and the potential impact on the community. As I spoke, I just noticed how he intently listened, his gaze was unwavering. “This nonprofit has been instrumental in preserving local wildlife and advocating for environmental protection,” I concluded. “Their work is vital to the community, and losing this case could be devastating.” true to what I said, this is crucial. I saw him leaned his back in his chair, his expression's thoughtful. “It sounds like a noble cause. I’ve always believed in supporting efforts that make a real difference. How can I help in this matter?” Ava was slightly taken aback by his genuine interest. “We could use any support you can offer, especially in terms of resources or connections. Your experience in handling high-profile cases could also provide valuable insights.” Alexander nodded. “I can arrange a meeting with a few experts in environmental law who might be able to provide guidance. Additionally, I can leverage my network to help gather evidence and support for the nonprofit’s claims.” “Thank you, that would be incredibly helpful,” Ava said, her relief evident. Alexander’s gaze softened slightly, and he gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m glad to help. But let me ask you this: why are you so invested in this case? Don't get me wrong I got a little investigation about you, I meant your career and field - this is far from what you want." - he asked with his forehead creased. I hesitated for a moment before answering. “Well, I don't want to be hypocrite but this is quiet big for me since names involve are prominent in business world, and that means business with me. But aside from that - I’ve always believed in justice and making a positive impact. This case is an opportunity to stand up for what’s right and to help those who can’t fight for themselves.” I strongly said my stand. After I said that, he studied me with a thoughtful expression. “You have a strong sense of purpose. It’s rare to find someone so dedicated.” and then nodded thrice, and even scratch the left side of his forehead. And even down to his little gestures - even scratching his forehead is attractive. Oh gossh! What was really the reason I am here? Is it for the case or to study his gestures and mannerisms? I felt a surge of warmth at his compliment. “Thank you. I hope I can live up to the...uhm expectations.” I smiled. Gosh, I don't know what to do anymore, I felt...shy all of a sudden. Damn. I set aside what I felt at that moment and we continued discussing the case for another hour, with him offering practical advice and strategies. I found myself increasingly impressed by his knowledge and willingness. Despite his formidable reputation, he seemed relaxed, but not the approachable kind of a man. We concluded our meeting, I packed the files I have brought with me and put it back in my case files. I think he waited for me to stand-up before he stood up and then walked me to the door. “I’ll make arrangements for the experts and keep you updated. Let’s stay in touch.” What does he meant with stay in touch? “Absolutely,” I said, shaking his hand once more. “Thank you again for your help, Adinah..." I was stunned...I guess for quite sometime. No one has ever called me by my second name as I hate being called by it. Not really hating it that much but I think it's more of...I just don't like it. But him...him calling me Adinah feels like music to my ears. "Can I uhm...have your number so we could have a clear communication regarding the case?" he added. I don't know what to say, but I believe he could get the updates from the case through his secretary - that's all I know. "Uh, sure..." I said, he handed me his phone over...I typed my personal phone number which I don't use to give when it's work related. I have two different numbers, one is for personal use where in my friends, family, and some of my relatives have it and the other one is for work related purposes. We bid our goodbyes again, and even I turned my body back I can still feel his pierced eyes through my back. As I stepped out of the building and into the bustling city street, I felt a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Meeting the prominent bachelor of the town, Jairus Levi Alcantara - had been an unexpected turn today, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that this encounter was just the beginning of something new. Back at my apartment later this evening, as I sat down with the case file again, reading it, I just couldn't make it stop as my thoughts kept drifting to the morning’s meeting. I was eager to continue working on the case, but I also found mysef wondering about him- about like what's his life beyond the office, is he outgoing or have a different behavior when he's with his family? I brushed off my face with both of my hands. I'm f****d up. I still even feel his enigmatic presence he carried. The encounter we had left me with more questions than answers, but one thing was clear: the path I'm thinking was about to get even more intriguing.