His Mistress Won the Case, I Won My Freedom

My boyfriend, Julian, was a classic Earth sign. He took a long time to warm up to people and struggled to express his emotions.

Even when faced with my hysterical accusations, he would simply say coolly, Anything else? If not, Im leaving. I have work to do.

Whenever I broke down and threatened to break up, everyone around me would try to talk me out of it. My mother sent me a PowerPoint presentation to help me understand the personality traits of Earth signs.

My best friend gave me a User Manual for Earth Signs and told me to study it carefully. Even my older brother, who had doted on me since childhood, coldly told me I was overreacting.

That changed the day I happened to pass by his law firm on my day off. I saw Julian, usually so composed and reserved, kneeling on one knee with a smile in his eyes, handing a bouquet of flowers to a young girl. And those friends and family members of mine were all looking on with expressions of gratification.

The printed User Manual for Earth Signs I was holding slipped from my hand and hit the ground with a thud. The moment they saw me, everyone reacted as if facing a dangerous enemy.

My mother stepped forward, looking wary.

My best friend shielded the girl, eyeing me with suspicion.

My brother shoved me aside, as if that could make it seem like Id never appeared.

Julian covered the girls eyes and spoke gently, Sweetheart, theres a bad person over there. Close your eyes for a moment.

Watching the scene unfold, I trembled all over.

It turned out that the Julian was an Earth sign excuse was just a smokescreen all along.

They had been conspiring to deceive me.

***

Julian walked the girl into the law firm before finally turning to look at me, disheveled and in a state of disarray. He held out a hand, his tone as flat as if nothing had happened. Get up first. The ground is dirty.

I didnt take his hand, and instead, I struggled to my feet on my own. I gritted my teeth and asked, Who is she?

The moment the words left my lips, I realized my voice was trembling violently.

Faced with my question, Julian merely furrowed his brows slightly. Dont overthink it. Eleanor is just my junior fellow apprentice.

Junior fellow apprentice? I looked at him, my eyes red. I asked with gritted teeth, Does a junior fellow apprentice warrant getting down on one knee to present a bouquet? Who are you trying to fool, Julian?

Before he could speak, my best friend stepped forward, her tone full of disdain. Anastasia, can you stop being so emotional? Julian has already explained the situation! What more do you want?

My mothers voice was cold. Thats exactly why Julian doesnt want to communicate with you because no matter what he says, you wont believe him.

My brother looked impatient. Anastasia, I hate to say this, but you dont give him any space at all.

I looked at them, trembling all over. I couldnt believe that the people I loved most had all taken a stand against me.

Julians expression remained unchanged. His tone was detached as he said, Youre emotionally unstable right now. Lets talk about this later.

With that, he turned to leave.

It was always like this. Julian was always so composed that it seemed I never saw any other expression on his face.

Whenever I acted like a madwoman, hysterically accusing him of things, he would simply say, You arent in a state to communicate right now.

Then he would walk away without looking back, leaving me alone to process my breakdown.

In the past, I would have backed down in the face of words like that, but this time, I didnt want to yield anymore.

Julian. I grabbed his sleeve, my eyes red, forcing him to look me in the eye.

But the moment I opened my mouth, I suddenly didnt know what to say. I wanted to ask him: Do you still love me? or Who exactly is Eleanor? or Do we still have a future?

Words that used to come easily to my lips now felt hollow and futile.

Julian!

Suddenly, a powerful force shoved me from behind. My lower leg scraped violently against the asphalt, sending a searing, burning pain shooting through it.

Are you okay? Behind me, Eleanor was looking at Julian with a face full of concern, as if I were some kind of heinous villain.

Im fine.

Julian didnt even glance at me. He gently cradled Eleanors arm, his eyes holding a tenderness I had never seen before.

What are you doing here? Didnt I tell you to stay inside for a while?

I stared at his actions, momentarily dazed. In that instant, all the words I had left unspoken finally found their answers.

Beside me, my best friend sighed and reached out to help me up. Anastasia, face reality. Julian doesnt love you. Cant you see that yet?

I slapped her hand away and stood up, my legs trembling. You all knew about this?

Everyone nodded.

At first, we didnt like Eleanor either. My mothers voice suddenly softened. But after getting to know her, we realized she was incredibly strong and optimistic.

Exactly. My brother spoke with admiration. She made her way out of the mountains to get an education and never gave up on life, no matter the hardships. Its impossible for anyone to dislike a person like that.

So, I deserved to be betrayed? My voice was thick with unshed tears.

A heavy silence fell over the room. After a moment, my mother spoke with a helpless tone. See? This is exactly why we didnt want to tell you, or even let Eleanor interact with you.

My best friend chimed in. You get jealous of others far too easily.

My legs were still burning with pain, but at that moment, the physical agony paled in comparison to the ache in my heart.

I didnt remember how I got home. I only recalled that, despite it being the height of summer, I felt an unnatural chill running through my body.

A notification suddenly popped up on my phone: [Miss Bennett, our firm truly admires your capabilities, and we are prepared to offer you the highest possible salary. Please consider our offer.]

Under normal circumstances, I would have politely declined. But this time, I simply typed: [Alright. Ill start within the week.]

After replying to the message, Julian returned. He was carrying the rice pudding I loved most. Because the shop was so popular, he always had to wait in a long line to buy it.

For no apparent reason, my eyes stung with sudden tears. Dont cry, Anastasia.

A flicker of heartache crossed Julians eyes. He crouched down and gently wiped away my tears with his thumb.

Have some. After all, this is a gesture of goodwill from Eleanor.

My entire body stiffened, yet he acted as if he hadnt noticed a thing.

After learning who you were, Eleanor felt terrible this afternoon. She heard from somewhere that you love the rice pudding from that shop in Northvale, so she specifically bought it and asked me to bring it to you.

I didnt take it. Instead, I said softly, No, I dont want it.

Julians brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. Anastasia, stop making a scene. Eleanor has already apologized.

Does an apology mean it has to be accepted?

Julians frown deepened. Were getting married soon. I dont understand why you have to be so petty about things.

Petty?

I suddenly laughed out loud, but as I laughed, tears streamed down my face. The man before me looked exactly the same as always, yet I felt a profound sense of estrangement.

After a moment, I said quietly, Julian, lets call off the wedding.

Julian rubbed his temples, his voice laced with impatience. Anastasia, can you stop using the wedding as a target for your anger every time youre upset?

With that, he walked away, leaving me alone in the living room. I didnt know how much time passed before I finally stood up.

Faint sunlight was filtering in through the window. I silently slipped the ring off my finger and tossed it, along with the rice pudding, into the trash can.

The next day, I went to the law firm to hand in my resignation. As I was packing up my things, Eleanor suddenly approached me, her eyes red.

Anastasia, youre such a good person. Even after the way I treated you yesterday, you were still willing to help me. I

Wait. I frowned and cut her off, Help you with what? And how did you get in here?

Eleanor froze.

Just then, Julian appeared behind her.

Let me explain.

His expression was gentle as he spoke, but that gentleness vanished completely the moment he looked at me.

Anastasia, Eleanor is the new lawyer here, and Ive also picked up a case for you.

A sudden, ominous feeling washed over me. What case?

His tone remained calm as he replied, That recent cyberbullying case, the one that led to a suicide.

What?! I stood up, staring at him in disbelief. Julian, have you lost your mind?

I knew instantly which case he meant: the one where a young woman was driven to suicide after being viciously cyberbullied for dyeing her hair pink.

That was precisely why I was so agitated. Given the choice, no lawyer would ever touch a case like this. Julian couldnt possibly be unaware of what Id face if I took it on.

Im perfectly calm.

He took out a cigarette, glanced at me, paused for a moment, and then put it back. He said, Thats exactly why Im handing this case to you.

My voice trembled as I asked, Why...

He frowned as he spoke, You know about this case; no one else dares to touch it. The legal aid center wanted someone from our firm, and they happened to ask for Eleanor. If her very first case turns out like this, who would ever hire her in the future? But youre different. You have an impeccable reputation...

So thats why youre pushing me into the fire? I interrupted him, my eyes red with emotion.

Dont put it so harshly. Julian sounded puzzled. It was the only option.

Then why dont you do it? I looked at him, unwilling to let it go. I half-screamed, If you want to play the hero saving the damsel, why drag me into it?

Because Im the lawyer for the plaintiff. He looked at me calmly as he said, Are you satisfied now?

Dead silence filled the office as the words left his lips.

I let out a sudden, mocking laugh, though tears involuntarily welled up in the corners of my eyes.

Impossible, Julian. I wont take this case.

Julian frowned and looked at me. He threatened, Anastasia, do you remember six years ago?

My entire body went rigid. What no one knew was that I, now a renowned and respected lawyer, had suffered a brutal assault six years prior.

Julian had risked everything to rescue me, sustaining severe injuries in the process and nearly getting expelled from school. Overcome with guilt, I had tearfully promised to grant him one wish.

Back then, Julian had simply smiled and said, It was my choice, Anastasia. You dont need to blame yourself, and I wont ask anything of you.

He had kept his word; in the six years since, no matter how much we argued, he had never once brought up that incident. Yet now, for the sake of Eleanor, he was cashing in that favor.

I closed my eyes, my voice hoarse. Fine. Ill take it. After this case, I would no longer owe him anything.

The hearing was scheduled for the afternoon. When the proceedings began, the courtroom was packed, and the online livestream drew an audience of over a hundred thousand. Having spent years representing the vulnerable in court, I was a familiar face to many.

The livestream chat was flooded with bitterness:

[Holy crap! Miss Bennett is defending a cyberbully?]

[I knew it! Shes finally showing her true colors. Ive never liked her.]

[Agreed. That woman is all about self-promotion.]

Watching the comments scroll by, I tightened my grip on my phone. When I looked across the room, however, I was shocked to see that the plaintiffs lawyer wasnt Julian, it was Eleanor. Julian was simply sitting to the side, quietly helping to organize the case files.

My pupils contracted sharply. In the moment our eyes met, Julian sent a message: [Anastasia, Eleanor is young and needs this opportunity. Go easy on her during the hearing, while I give it my all to help her.]

As the meaning of his words sank in, my body began to tremble uncontrollably with anger. Julian intended to use my professional future to pave the way for Eleanor!

A message suddenly popped up in the group chat. My mom sent me a message: [Anastasia, Eleanor came out of the mountains. She is her familys only hope. Youd better lose this case.]

My best friend also sent me a message: [It hasnt been easy for Eleanor to get where she is today. Anastasia, your career is already a success, just let her win.]

And last, my brother also sent a threatening message to me: [Be a good girl. We promised to throw a celebration banquet for the young lady.]

The world suddenly fell into a terrifying silence. All I could hear was a persistent ringing in my ears. So, I was the one being cast aside after all...

The case wasnt difficult, and with Julians help, Eleanor won quickly. The moment the gavel struck, the crowd erupted in cheers.

My best friend stepped forward to hand Eleanor a bouquet. My mom hugged her, weeping openly. Then, my brother stood beside her, his eyes rimmed with red.

And in Julians eyes, I saw a look of gratification I had never witnessed before.

I wiped the tears from the corners of my eyes, gathered my things, and walked out of the courthouse.

A livestream of the proceedings was playing on my phone. A reporter was asking Julian why I had taken the case, asking if, as netizens claimed, I had truly forgotten my original principles.

Julian spoke with an indifferent expression, I dont know if Anastasia has forgotten her original principles, but she took this case of her own will.

The comment section was a toxic mess:

[Shes absolutely heartless! How dare she make money off something like this? She must be insane!]

[People like that deserve to get hit by a car and die!]

[Im begging you, Anastasia, just get out of the legal profession.]

My hand trembled slightly as I held the phone. As I stepped outside, a swarm of reporters rushed toward me.

Miss Bennett, did you take on this case voluntarily?

Do you have any comments on losing to a fresh law school graduate?

What do you think of the idea that Ms. Crawford might become the next you, someone who stays true to their original ideals?

I gritted my teeth, grabbed a microphone from a nearby reporter, and spoke, Regarding this case, I can tell you quite clearly: it wasnt a case I wanted to take. And another thing, I

Anastasia! Julians voice rang out from behind me, laced with suppressed rage. Before I could react, he snatched the microphone right out of my hand.

Sorry everyone, Miss Bennett hasnt been in the best state of mind lately. He shot me a warning glance, then pulled Eleanor forward. Let us answer these questions instead.

His sudden move made me stumble, and just then, a powerful force yanked me away into a small alley outside the courthouse. The back of my head slammed against the ground; blood streamed down, and a searing pain shot through me.

I forced my eyes open; everything was a blur of crimson, yet I still recognized them. It was my mother, my best friend, and my older brother.

Anastasia. My mothers eyes were cold. She coldly asked, Are you trying to ruin Eleanor?

My brother looked impatient and asked scornfully, Anastasia, do you really have to make such an ugly scene?

My best friends voice was icy. Eleanor has had a hard journey to get here. Do you really resent a junior colleague doing better than you?

Facing their barrage of accusations, I found it almost laughable.

And what about me? I asked, my eyes red-rimmed. Who ever had an easy time studying law?

They knew full well about the nights Id spent burning the midnight oil. Did the fact that Eleanor had struggled mean the path I had walked had to be erased?

My question left them stunned and speechless. Just then, Eleanors voice came from behind me.

Anastasia, she spoke tentatively. Are you coming to my victory celebration?

The reporters had long since dispersed. Looking at her, I suddenly burst into laughter. Before I could speak, Julian reached out and blocked Eleanor.

Leave her be. He cast a cold glance at me and coldly said, Shes lost her mind. Let her cool off.

Exactly. My best friend stepped past me and linked her arm with Eleanors. She said heartlessly, Wouldnt it ruin the mood if we let her come along?

My mom walked over to stand beside her and said without a care in the world for me, Well just go together.

My brother spoke lightly. Eleanor, youre too kind.

How ironic. The people I loved were all standing by Eleanors side. She looked so radiant, while I stood there in a wretched state...

After they left, I sat there for a long time. As the sun began to set, I took out my phone and bought a high-speed train ticket to Riverton.

The moment the purchase confirmation popped up, a call came in from Julian. Anastasia, what did you post on social media?!

My voice was hoarse as I asked cluelessly, What post?

Enough! The mans voice held a trace of anger. Youre still making excuses at a time like this? Dont blame me for what happens next!

The call ended, and with trembling fingers, I opened the social media. A hashtag appeared: #Up-and-coming lawyer Eleanor Crawford actually rose to the top through connections#

The comments section was filled with hatred, but just then, Eleanors trending topic began to drop visibly. In its place, a new hashtag appeared: #Anastasia was actually one of the victims of that sexual assault case#

The moment I saw the headline, I froze in place.

Julian, my best friend, my brother, and even my mom had posted on social media to clear Eleanors name.

With trembling hands, I tried to call Julian back. But just then, the harsh roar of an engine erupted behind me.

Before I could react, a massive, brutal force slammed into me, sending me tumbling across the rough asphalt. My entire body burned with searing pain.

My vision turned a bloody red as I struggled to look at the person emerging from the car. I widened my eyes.

It was the defendant from that pink hair girl case!

The defendant, his face twisted in a savage snarl, slammed his foot onto the accelerator. You threw the case on purpose! Dont blame me for being ruthless!