The Royal Contract

1199 An opening argument

He had been restless all morning. Besides this day being his last, he had other things running through his mind. And he had no idea how he should deal with it.

He still had a few pending cases that needed his attention. Thankfully, David agreed that he could bring some of his clients with him, but not all. Therefore, he had to carefully sift through his files, choosing what to keep and which to pass to his other friends who dealt with cases like this.

“Come in.” He told his assistant as she peeked through the side of his door. He beckoned her to enter, wanting to inform her of some of his final instructions.

“It is hard to see you go, Adam.” His assistant suddenly interrupted him as she walked into his office, carrying the rest of the files he requested. He had finalized all his pending cases and arranged those he would take to his new job.

He could also see a few volunteers gathered outside his office, sad to see him go. He looked at the people he had worked with for years, finding it hard to leave them.

But he knew this was the best move for his career and future. Besides, he could help many more people if he took on this new job. It was not his ideal job, but it would help his cause.

“I also felt the same way. That is why I am taking you with me.” Adam said to the middle-aged woman that worked for him for years.

The light in her eyes told him she was ecstatic about the news. He knew he could not leave her behind since he would be nothing without her. She was the best assistant he had the splendid pleasure of working with in his career.

“That is great.” She blurted out her happiness as her face beamed with a lovely smile. “You know I will be happy to continue working with you.”

.....

He could tell that she was genuinely glad she still had a job. Looking for a new job, even if one had a commendable recommendation, could be challenging, especially for aging people like his assistant.

Besides, he believed it was hard replacing someone as good as her. She already knew how he liked his coffee, organized his things, and memorized his preferences with everything. He did now want to start over again with a new one.

“Please, all of you, come in.” He encouraged his other staff, most volunteers, to join them. He wanted to thank them personally for their contributions to the growth of their organization.

With their help, he supported those victims who could not afford good representations. He was able to give them a fighting chance for equal justice.

Even if they were barely successful in their endeavors, he was still proud that they came to the aid of those who felt hopeless. Somehow, he had given them the will to fight for another day.

“I am working on taking all of you with me if you accept my offer. But give me a few days to arrange it.” He offered the other people a chance to work with him again under new management.

He knew he could not pay them well, but most volunteered because they believed in helping others. They fought for a good cause rather than money.

“Really? That will be great.” Most of them looked shocked by the news. He did not tell them immediately about his plans since he was unsure if he was taking the job. But now that he was, he wished to take them to his new work.

But, of course, he would need to discuss this with his new bosses before he could work on their transfers. After all, their boss only hired him, but they said they would accommodate some of his requests if reasonable.

“Of course, we will wait for your answer. We don’t think we will find another boss as good and kind as you.” The woman, who had volunteered for him for a few months, said to him as she nodded in agreement with the rest.

“I am glad to hear that. In the meantime, I want you to continue helping our friends and explain to them about the transition.” For the rest, he would work hard on resolving them soon.

Soon, he dismissed the people from his room, finally alone again with his thoughts. But instead of thinking about his work, his mind wandered somewhere else.

He opened his drawer to extract the phone he had hidden inside. He did not want to keep looking at it, finding it a big distraction. But now that he had finished his work, he looked at the message sent to him last night.

It was the location of the person he wanted to see. Should he go there and seek her out? Should he profess his love for her one more time, hoping she would finally love him back?

“Is David right about this?” He voiced out, recalling what his friend had told him.

He looked again at the screen of his mobile phone and stared at the number and letters on the small box. Although he had memorized every detail of the address, he still could not stop looking at it.

“Should he go?” He asked himself again as he finally turned his phone off, staring at the street outside his office.

Then, without another heartbeat, he grabbed his things and rushed out the door. With determination, he hailed a taxi and went straight to the airport.

Was he being foolish? Had he gone insane? Maybe because he could not stop himself anymore from doing this. He did not care anymore if she said no to him again. At least, he would find his closure. He could finally move on.

Suddenly, he remembered the other woman waiting for him. Was he even considering taking her offer?

Of course not.

He only wanted to be with the woman who held his heart. He did not need a rebound girl. He only needed her. He just hoped he was not yet too late.

He booked the first flight to his destination, but it would take a few hours to wait since there was no available seat. He had to wait for the next plane.

“I will take it.” He told the woman in charge of the ticketing. He guessed it was better than just sitting in his office, wondering if he would ever have a chance with Serena again.

Then, he sat in the waiting area, rehearsing the possible things he would say to her. However, his thoughts already went for the other girl willing to take a chance with him. But he quickly shoved her out of his mind.

He was here to win Serena back. He could not be thinking of another woman. But he would be honest. He felt sorry for his new friend. He understood what Roseann was going through. But he believed he was not the solution to her problem.

“Boarding.” He finally saw the sign that he would soon see her. Immediately, he flew a hundred miles to see her. Hopefully, she would be in his arms in a few more hours.

A man could dream, knowing it was just wishful thinking.

He could feel the agitation in his body as the minute ticked by before he saw her again. Either he would have his heart whole again or torn apart. But he preferred the former. But then again, it would be up to her if she would finally accept him.

Was she able to find herself in her soul searching? Was she ready to love again?

Was she ready to love him?

“There is only one way to find out.” He told himself, putting on his brave front, even if his insides were tied in knots.

He hailed a taxi as soon as he exited the airport, giving the driver the address to his only destination. Yes, he came here with only one purpose, to see and talk to her.

He did not have any plans. The rest would have to wait until he knew the outcome of their encounter.

He believed she would be surprised by his sudden appearance. He was already expecting that. But what else should he prepare for once they were face to face?

“I love you.” Should he say it right away? Or should he wait for the right moment? But when was the perfect time to say such words?

He had rehearsed several lines earlier while waiting in the airport and on the plane. But now that he was near his destination, he seemed to forget all of them.

“I am sorry.” He repeated what he could remember from the lines.

Nevertheless, he stopped, debating what he was apologizing for since he had not done anything wrong in the first place.

Maybe sorry was not the word he should use. Then, he rummaged through his mind about how to approach his situation. He believed that standing before a judge and a jury was much easier than this. What he was about to do.

Suddenly, he found it hard to make an opening argument.