Chapter 3

The next day, I carried the heavy stack of evidence files to Austin's law firm.

The receptionist looked at me with an awkward, apologetic expression.

"Mrs. Vance, I'm so sorry. Mr. Vance took an emergency leave of absence today."

"Where did he go?"

"He... he took Ms. Miller to her therapy session."

My heart sank to the very bottom.

Standing in the lobby, I felt like the biggest joke in the world.

Not far away in the breakroom, two young associates were gossiping, their voices carrying over clearly.

"Mr. Vance really goes above and beyond for his childhood friend, Ashley."

"Tell me about it. I heard he even canceled his settlement meeting with the opposing counsel this afternoon just to be with her."

I clutched the folder tighter, my nails digging into the cardboard.

"Mrs. Vance, why don't you wait for him in the VIP conference room?" the receptionist suggested, breaking the awkward silence.

I nodded numbly.

While waiting, my father called. His voice was laced with anxiety.

"Clara, how is it going? Has Austin reviewed the final files?"

"Dad, I'm still waiting."

The line went quiet for a moment. Then, my father tried to comfort me instead. "Don't rush him. Austin carries a lot of pressure, too. Let him take his time."

My throat tightened.

"How... how are you feeling after yesterday's surgery?" my father asked softly.

My fingers trembled. I lied.

"I'm doing great, Dad. Don't worry."

Hanging up, I felt a heavy weight pressing down on my chest.

At four in the afternoon, Austin finally returned, accompanied by Ashley, whose eyes were red and puffy.

When Ashley saw me, she flinched and looked down, playing the fragile victim. "Clara, I'm so sorry. I took up Austin's time again."

I didn't even look at her. I pushed the evidence files in front of Austin.

"The submission deadline is in exactly one hour."

A flash of guilt appeared on Austin's face. He explained, "Ashley saw her therapist today, and she had a bit of a breakdown."

Ashley immediately grabbed his sleeve, her voice dripping with artificial innocence.

"It's all my fault... Seeing all those legal files just reminds me of how my ex-husband manipulated me. It terrifies me..."

Austin gently patted the back of her hand.

"It's okay. It's all in the past."

Looking at those hands, hands that were supposed to defend justice in court, now being used to soothe another woman's self-inflicted drama, I felt a wave of pure disgust.

"Austin, review the files," I urged.

He picked up his pen. But before he could start, Ashley suddenly clutched her head and let out a painful groan.

"Oh... I feel so dizzy..."

Her face went pale, looking like a physical manifestation of a panic attack.

Austin stopped instantly, turning to support her. "Ashley, what's wrong?"

Right then, my phone rang. It was my father calling again, anxious for an update.

But Ashley chose that exact moment to sob softly, "Clara, I'm sorry... Whenever I see you, I'm reminded of my own failed marriage. It hurts so much... That's why my symptoms are getting worse..."

Austin slammed the files shut, abandoning the review entirely.

"Clara, double-check them yourself. I have to take Ashley home to rest."

I stared at him in utter disbelief.

"You promised me you would personally review every single document!"

His expression hardened instantly, looking at me with deep disappointment and accusation.

"You are one of the top conference interpreters in the country, Clara. Are you telling me you can't even handle a simple document review?"

With that, he supported the trembling Ashley and walked out.

As Ashley passed by me, she paused.

In a voice only I could hear, she whispered playfully:

"You're so lucky, Clara. You still have a dad to save."

"But me? I have absolutely nothing left."

I stood frozen, feeling all the strength drain from my body.

I picked up the pen and signed my name heavily on the document submission sheet.