Legally Bound

Chapter 3 - Sent by Mistake

The following Monday morning brought a new sense of urgency to me. The previous week’s gala had been a whirlwind, and now it was time to put the connections and insights I had gained to good use. With Dr. Sy's guidance and the support from Jairus, I was determined to make significant progress on the case.

I was following-up with the environmental scientists I had been in touch with. Their input would be crucial in strengthening the evidence against the corporation.

I sat at my cluttered desk, reviewed the notes and drafted emails to each of the experts, arranging meetings to discuss their potential testimonies.

By late morning, my phone rang. It was a call she had been anticipating—one from Jairus Levi. I answered with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

“Sorry to interrupt, this is Jairus, ” his voice came through, steady and calm.

“Oh, uhm hi,” I replied awkwardly. “What can I do for you?”

“I wanted to touch base and see how things are progressing,” he said directly, "Have you had a chance to follow up with the experts?”

“Yes, I’ve been coordinating meetings with them,” I said, showing tone of a professional. “We’re in the process of gathering detailed evidence and preparing our case strategy.”

“That’s excellent,” he said. “I also wanted to extend an invitation to a private briefing I’m hosting on Thursday afternoon. It’s an opportunity to discuss the case with a few of my associates who have experience in high-stakes litigation. They might offer valuable perspectives.”

My heart skipped a beat. Another opportunity to gain insights from influential individuals could be incredibly beneficial. “I’d be honored to attend. What time should I be there?”

“The briefing starts at 2 PM,” he said. “I’ll have someone send you the details. I look forward to seeing you there.”

“Thank you, Mr. Alcantara - ,” I said, when he cut me off saying, "I said to just be casual Addie," he said...

My heart beats fasts, music to my ears when he calls me by my second name but him calling me Addie is more of sweet and heartwarming.

"Okay, I'm sorry - can I call you Levi if that's fine or you're more comfortable with me calling you Jairus?" I said.

I saw him quite stunned, "Uhm, Levi is fine..." he sounds shy. Is he shy being called Levi?

"Is it weird for you being called Levi? I asked.

"Not that weird, just not used being called by my second name." he answered. I nodded twice, "That same goes with me," I said.

"So it's just me calling you adinah?" I nodded and shrugged both of my shoulder's.

"So, you fine with Levi?" I asked for final permission, he then nodded. "Okay, Levi it is."

Aside from sensing the feeling of purpose and eagerly looking forward to Thursday’s briefing. Our exchange of approval for each other's name basis were kind of cute and a little bit funny.

The rest of the day was a blur of activity after Levi and I strike a conversation. I met with several experts after then, discussing the intricacies of the case and gathering their opinions on the best way to present the evidence. By the end of the day, I had compiled a comprehensive list of recommendations and strategies that would help in building a stronger case.

Thursday afternoon arrived with an air of anticipation. I was dressed in a sharp, tailored suit, and made my way to the Alcantara's building once more. The private briefing was held in a sleek, modern conference room, with a large oval table at its center. The room was already occupied by a select group of professionals, each immersed in conversation as I entered.

Of course, Levi was among them, engaging with a middle-aged man in a sharp suit. As I approached, Levi looked up and gave his warm smile.

“Hi,” he said, gesturing me to join the group. “Please, take a seat.” he added.

I thanked him and settled into an empty chair at the table right next to her. He then introduced me to the other attendees: one is a prominent litigator, the other one is a former judge with expertise in environmental law, and a renowned strategist known for handling high-profile cases.

What a team, I must say.

The briefing began with me outlining the current status of the case and the challenges that lay ahead. Each of the experts offered their insights and suggestions, providing valuable advice on how to approach the case. I listened attentively, taking notes and occasionally interjecting with questions to clarify the direction of the case and the claims.

The former judge, a stern but approachable man named Richard Williams, offered a detailed analysis of the legal precedents that could impact the case. “It’s essential to focus on the long-term environmental consequences,” he said. “Establishing a clear link between the corporation’s actions and the damage caused will be key.”

I nodded agreeing to what he said.

The litigator, Jessica Torres, added her perspective on the courtroom strategy. “Presentation is everything. You’ll need to ensure that the evidence is not only compelling but also presented in a way that resonates with the jury.” she gave some serious key points on giving me those big actions.

As the discussion progressed, I felt increasingly confident. The collective wisdom of the group was invaluable, and as we discuss about it I began to see new angles and strategies I hadn’t considered before that could possible work.

After the briefing, Levi approached me with a thoughtful expression. “How are you feeling about the case after today’s discussion?”

“I’m feeling much more confident now, to be honest,” I said. “The insights from the experts are incredibly helpful. I feel like we have a clearer direction now.”

Levi nodded, his eyes reflecting a mix of approval and curiosity. “I’m glad to hear that. It’s been impressive to see the progress of the case and I can see where this is going.”

I smiled, appreciating his support. “Thank you. I couldn’t have made this much headway without the help of you and your whole team.” Levi's gaze lingered on her for a moment, and then he said, “Would you be available for a quick coffee?"

I feel like my ears are applauding at his sudden invitation. I thought after the meeting I'd go straight home. Though I felt a flutter of curiosity...I refused, I wanted to have a coffee with him but I still have so much work to do.

" I'm sorry, I just have too much on my plates. Maybe, next time...I could by then."

"It's fine, next time then. Or how about I'll drive you home?" he suggested. I raised my hands showing him the car key. "I brought a car with me, I'm sorry." I said. Damn, wrong timing - I should've not brought the car. I wanted to slap my face for the missed opportunity to be with him.

Although he couldn’t drop me off since I had my own car, we walked together to the basement parking area. Fortunately, his spot is near mine, giving us time to chat about random topics. It’s only a short stroll actually going to the basement— maybe you'll get there at about 5 to 10 minutes depending on our pace—however, I can’t help but to notice that he seems to be slowing down his steps, so I did too.

While we're on our way, we both heard a sound of a kitten, Levi found where the sound is coming from, and it leads us to the back part of his car, specifically on top of the trunk. It's a tiny gray kitten with a twitching small ears that seem to dance. It has a big round eyes, little bit teary, seems like she was just a newly birth kitty.

"Cutesy..." I whispered, making sure I was the only one who can hear it. Levi's so cute to watch when he held the kitten into his big manly hands. It fits perfectly in his hand as if it was measured. I could immediately see the veins in his hand after lifting the kitten. Damn it's even more appealing to my eyes to witness this scene.

So...damn cutie.

I also noticed that the kitten has a little cute nose that twitches. With a playful pounce, she chases after her own tail, all while her fluffy little paws make the cutest pitter-patter.

"Can you hold it for a while?" he asked, I did not hesitate for a second and grab the kitten on his hand slowly. Our hands actually touched a bit for a split second - felt like I was about to lose my breath.

When I was finally able to hold the kitten properly, he briefly took something from his car's trunk. That's when I saw a whole pack of half-empty plastic bag that looked like a treats for pets, if I'm not mistaken. Does he likes animals?

"Don't conclude just yet; I'm not really into keeping pets. I find them cute, yes, but sometimes I see cats and dogs on the street, so I brought this just in case."

"Do you take them home?"

He shook his head. "My mom's allergic to fur, so I literally can't bring animals to our house, even if I want to." I nodded; that would indeed be dangerous for her mom. "But I bring them to the shelter, my cousin owns it so I'm pretty sure they're all gonna be fine there," he added, gently feeding the kitten while I held it.

It looked like we were a couple who owns a kitten.

As we wrapped up our little cutesy conversation, my curiosity just keeps on growing. I wanted to know him more. I certainly wanted more of him.

The connection I felt with him was unexpected, and I couldn’t help but wonder where it might lead. Do I seem to have a crush on him already? Oh noooooo. I think I did.

The following days were filled with focused work as I have implemented the strategies discussed at the briefing. I also continued meeting with experts, refining their approach, and preparing for the upcoming legal battle. I still have a week to prepare and have some final touch. My confidence grew with each step.

One evening, after another long day of work, I received a message from Love - my cousin. “Are you free for dinner this weekend? I miss you! Beep me whenever you're available, but I wish you are. XOXO! " that's her entire text message.

I immediately smiled at the text I got from my cousin. I missed her too, feels like it's been a month since we last saw each other. "I miss you love! I'll just beep you when will I be free just got so much work to do here. I'll see you soon." That's what I replied to her text.

I waited for my cousin's reply for a few more minutes, but there was no response, not even a single dot. I thought to myself, maybe she already got busy with work.

I extended my break by five more minutes and kept myself busy browsing some videos and reading some of the current news reports when a message notification popped up on my phone's screen. I thought it was a text from my cousin, but it turned out to be a message from Levi. When I opened his message, I was completely shocked.

DAMN!

I almost threw my phone out of shock; I even let out a little scream when I read it. I tried to rerun reading it thrice, thinking I might have misread it, but it turned out that I had actually sent my reply to Levi instead of my cousin.

That's why I hadn't received a text back! Shaking, I picked up my phone again and read his message.

"f****d," I whispered when I re-read the text he sent.

"Love? Haha, okay when are you free love?" that's his message, and he even type the haha thing, is he making fun of me? This is why it's really important to check before clicking.

I almost pulled my hair out of frustration over my own foolishness. Why do their names and contacts have to be so similar?

I hesitated for a moment if I'd reply to his text. But of course I think I should, just to clear the idea.

I hope she doesn’t think I suddenly called her 'love'

And, seriously? Why did my aunt even have to think of naming my cousin 'Love Marie' of all the names in the world? It’s a disaster for my life.

'I’m sorry, but I sent that by mistake. Please just disregard it, sorry for bothering." That was my reply. I waited for his response, but I didn’t receive any texts from him after that.

What’s going on? Is he mad? Fine, whatever.

then I sent a text to my cousin, this time I made sure that the text was sent to her correctly, "Process a petition of permanent name change as soon as possible, your name is a disaster in my life Love Marie!" I sent the text and then sent the following steps and procedures for the said petition.