THE ROOMMATES WE BECAME

Failure Is An Option

“Will you just take a break and eat something? The case is in like thirty minutes.”

I sighed, my eyes still fixed on the paperwork.

“Ethan… look, these guys...they have the government backing them.”

Christopher pulled out the chair across from me, sitting down while I barely spared him a glance.

“I mean… you’ve never lost a case before, but still, maybe we should just drop this” Chris added.

I spun the pen in my hand.

Checking my Rolex, the clock hit twelve. I sprang to my feet, gathering my documents as I turned to Christopher.

“Failure is an option” I said quietly, “and I… I have no options.”

With that, I walked toward the courtroom. I adjusted my tie, ignoring the thudding in my chest. As I stepped into the center of the courtroom, hands buried in my pockets, all eyes turned to me. That familiar rush hit, I inhaled, steady and confident.

“Good morning, my Lord” I began. “I'm Barrister Ethan Miller, the prosecutor...”

~~~~

“Whatttt!!!?, Ethan how on earth? My goodness!” Chris wrapped his arms around me as we descended the staircase.

“This calls for celebration" he said excitedly, already pulling out his phone.

I sighed. Victory had become an old friend.

“Gotta rest, man” I muttered, picking up my briefcase and heading out of my office.

“No… don’t you dare.” He blocked my way. “Ethan, at this rate, you’re going to die single.”

I let out a weak chuckle.

“Let’s go clubbing, man. It was literally you versus the government, this is a huge win.”

He kept going on and on until my head began to spin.

“Chrisss… fine” I sighed, finally giving in.

Honestly, I did deserve to celebrate the win.

“Yay, dude!” He smacked my shoulder as we walked out of the building toward my black Audi.

“I’ll drive.” Chris snatched my keys and hopped into the car before I could protest.

“Welcome, sir.”

The bodyguards ushered us into the VIP section.

“One glass of tequila and—” Chris paused, turning to me. I nodded, and he raised two fingers at the bartender.

“Thanks” I muttered, taking the glass from the waiter.

“So when are we leaving?” I asked, gulping down the drink.

He frowned slightly. “Dude, we just got here… chill.”

“I have a meeting very early tomorrow, Chris. And you know, time-wasting isn’t fancy.”

“Ethan, for once, forget about work and just have fun.” He sighed. “I’ve got a case tomorrow too. Argh… a r**e case.”

“The forty-four-year-old man claimed my client forced herself on him.”

I choked on my drink, laughing. “Wait, how old are we talking about?”

“Twenty” he said.

We both burst into laughter. “That’s crazy” I muttered, taking another sip just as my phone buzzed.

"Hey, handsome..."

I smiled faintly, my face buried in my phone.

“GODD, he’s hot!”

“Yeah, he is. Super hot” Chris nudged my knee, urging me to look at the ladies.

Reluctantly, I lifted my head to meet their eager stares.

“Hi” I offered a weak smile before returning to my phone.

I reached for my drink when a soft hand landed on my shoulder.

“Don’t…” I gently caught her wrist. “Don’t do that” I said, easing her hand away.

A deep frown crossed her face before she stormed off.

“Are you planning to get me r***d too?” I asked Chris dryly.

He laughed. “Dude, what’s your problem?”

“They’re hot, you know.”

I ignored him, sipping my drink.

Women—the last thing on my list.

Then I looked up.

My throat tightened.

Is she…

I rose to my feet, moving toward the table across.

“Ari?”

“Bro, get back” a guy snapped, standing up angrily. “You trying to steal my girl?”

“I, Erm...Apologies” I muttered.

It wasn’t her.

Don’t be a fool, Ethan.

I turned away, grabbed my keys, and walked out of the club.

“Yo, Ethan!” Chris shouted behind me.

I didn’t stop, I couldn't.

The engine roared as I sped into the night.

Aria… really? How could you even think she’d be here?

My grip tightened around the steering wheel until my hands ached.

~~~~~

“That girl… she’s so hot. Look at those curves. We heard she’s into you”

My friends kept talking as I chuckled, completely uninterested.

“Ethan, girls are literally losing their minds over you ever since you returned, and you’re here acting like you don’t notice. God...what’s wrong with you?”

I laughed just as the teacher walked into the class. A loud clap of thunder followed, and rain began to pour heavily. I yawned, my eyes drifting toward the window...

And then my breath hitched.

It was her.

The girl who caught my attention the day I returned. The one who bumped into me with her mouth full like a baby. The same girl from the library.

I watched as she walked toward her class, then suddenly, her foot caught on the floor in the rain.

She fell.

“Excuse me” I muttered, rushing out of the class, ignoring the shocked look on my teacher’s face.

“Hey” I said softly, bending to pick up the books scattered across the floor. “Is this how you fall every time?”

I straightened and stretched my hand toward her.

She stared at me like she always did, as though she couldn't believe what she saw. Those shy, innocent brown eyes blinked rapidly as she glanced around, students had already gathered, watching.

“No, I’m fine… thanks” she said, forcing herself up. She took her books from me but staggered again.

That’s when I saw it—blood.

She limped, trying to hide it.

Of course she wouldn’t ask for help. She didn’t want the attention.

But I didn’t care.

Before she could protest, I swept her into my arms.

Her eyes widened as she struggled slightly.

“Senior Ethan...no, please… people will start talking” she pleaded.

“Ethan” I said calmly. “My name is Ethan.”

Her gaze shifted away from mine, and her small hands tightened around my shoulder. Slowly, her head rested against my chest as I carried her toward her class.

The entire school buzzed.

“Thank you…” she paused, softly, “Ethan.”

My heart thudded hard against my ribs.

What’s happening to you, Ethan? Get yourself together.

~~~~~~

I slammed on the brakes and jumped out of the car.

“What’s going on here?” I demanded, my gaze sweeping over the men surrounding my house.

“Miller.”

I turned to see Eliot pushing his way through them.

“Eliot, what is all this?” I asked, confusion hardening into anger as my fists clenched.

Whatever this charade was, I wasn’t in the mood.

“I’m doing this for your own good” he said calmly. “A huge amount of money was traced to your account, and some files suggest you’re linked to an illegal crime hub.”

My jaw tightened. “Wait, what?"

"Eliot, I’ve worked under you for fifteen years. You know I would never—”

“Relax, Ethan.” He cut in gently. “Out of all the lawyers I know, I trust you the most. I know you didn’t do this. And I know who did. We just need solid evidence.”

I stared at him, my pulse racing.

“For now, we have to act smart” he continued. “You’re being hunted by men loyal to the criminal you sent to jail. They planted those allegations so you’d be exposed...and killed. But I won’t let that happen.”

He placed a firm hand on my shoulder.

“Your name has already been cleared from the money scandal, but they’re looking for you.”

“They can try...” I snapped. “I’ll kill them myself!”

“No, Miller.” His voice hardened.

“This isn’t the time to be stubborn. We’re dealing with the most dangerous mafia in the city. If you stay here, they will find you.”

He reached into his pocket and handed me a card.

“Lay low. I’ll call you once the police get a grip on this. For now, your safety is my priority.”

My anger slowly cooled, I took a deep breath.

“Get a place...Hotel, any” he added.

“Wealthy but minimal. Nothing extravagant...Remember, attention is dangerous. Please, trust me.”

He pulled me into a brief embrace before stepping back.

“Everything will be fine, Ethan.”

I nodded and walked back to my car.

Mafia… my foot!