Chapter 3: New Home, New Life

Hannah's POV

The man's voice on the phone sounded vaguely familiar, but I couldn't place it. I quickly apologized and suggested we meet to exchange our suitcases. We soon agreed on a time and place.

After dealing with the suitcase issue, I arrived at my law firm to handle my resignation. Just thinking about Lyla and Michael's affair in my office made me feel sick. I couldn't continue working in that office. Never and ever.

Something at least bring me little consolation was that I had received an offer from another prestigious law firm because of my hard work and high winning rate in my cases. In the past, I would have declined for Michael, but things are different now.

I went into Mr. Lawson's office, my resignation letter clutched in my hand. "Mr. Lawson, I need to speak with you."

He looked up, surprise evident on his face. "Of course, Hannah. When did you come back? What is it?"

"I came back yesterday, Mr. Lawson, I'm resigning," I said firmly. "Effective immediately."

His eyes widened in shock. "This is very sudden. Are you sure about this?"

"Yes, I'm sure. I can't stay here any longer."

"Hannah, good luck to you," He said.

As I walked out of Lawson's office, I felt a strange mix of anger and relief. I headed to my desk to gather my things, and remember what I have seen here. My blood boiled in anger.

I was feeling so disgusted, so I didn't stick around to see any face or any reaction in the office. I walked out of the building with my head held high, determined to make Lyla and Michael pay for their betrayal.

After doing that, I finally arrived at the new law firm, and met with Mr. Thompson to discuss something about my new position.

"Welcome, Hannah," Mr. Thompson greeted me warmly. "We're thrilled to have you on board."

"Thank you, Mr. Thompson," I replied, shaking his hand. "I'm excited to join the team."

As we discussed the details of my new role, I couldn't help but think about Christian. I knew that Christian is also worked here. We had often faced each other in court, he was really a highly competent lawyer.

By the way, He was also quite handsome, with sharp features and intense blue eyes that always seemed to see right through me. We had always been rivals in court, but I had secretly admired his skills and confidence. He was one of the best lawyers I knew, and I couldn't deny the attraction I felt towards him.

"Christian also works here, right?" I mentioned casually.

Mr. Thompson nodded. "Yes, he does. I believe you two have faced each other in court before."

"Yes, we have," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "He's a very talented lawyer that I had ever met."

Mr. Thompson smiled. "I'm sure you'll make a great addition to the team. When would you be able to start working? How about starting in two weeks? That should give you some time to handle any personal matters."

"I'd like to start as soon as possible, but I need a week to take care of some personal matters. You know there are always things that are not planned." I said with a sigh.

"Sure, don't let life defeat you. Looking forward to working with you. "Mr. Thompson said gently.

"Thank you for your understanding," I smiled.

Leaving the firm, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Working with Christian would be challenging, but it would also be a fresh start. I was ready for a new beginning.

As I walked to my car, I received a call from a realtor. "Ms. Collins, I have great news. Your house has sold for a very good price, and we've found an excellent new home in your preferred neighborhood."

My heart soared. "That's wonderful! Can I see the new house today?"

"Of course," the realtor replied. "I'll meet you there in an hour."

Visiting the new house with the realtor, I was so pleased that I immediately decided to purchase it. The house was perfect, with a beautiful garden and plenty of space. It felt like the fresh start I desperately needed.

That evening, I received a text from Michael saying he wouldn't be home. I knew he was with Lyla and decided to use this time to pack my belongings and move out. I wanted to leave him without any trace, just as he had left me with nothing but betrayal.

As I packed, my thoughts kept drifting to Christian. I remembered our heated debates in court, the way his eyes would lock onto mine, challenging and intense. Despite being rivals, there had always been a mutual respect between us. Or even if he remembers me or not, it was such fun and excitement when we fought against each other in the court or we worked together on a case. He is a very smart man who understands the value of being a partner in professional work. He never crossed any boundaries and always respected me in a good manner. I wonder why we both never became friends. We always were so formal and always remain employees. The last time we meet on a dinner as we were discussing a case and I told him that I like steak so much. He laughed and said he will remember this meal.

I wondered what it would be like to work alongside him. Would he still see me as a rival, or could we become something more? I shook my head, trying to focus on the task at hand. Now wasn't the time to think about romance. I had to get away from Michael and start my new life.

Late into the night, I had packed amost all of my belongings. I looked around the house one last time, feeling a mix of sadness and relief. This place held too many painful memories. It was time to move on.

As I loaded the last box into my car, my phone buzzed. It was a text from an unknown number: "Looking forward to meeting you tomorrow. Safe travels. – C"

Little did I know, tomorrow would bring more surprises than I could ever imagine.