Atty. Palomares: Good morning, Joselito.

It was the first thing that Joey had read when she opened her phone.

Trying to hide her smile, she then turned her head towards Jill who was busy assessing some files.

Being an interior designer is no joke. But the good thing is, their hard work pays off. They're huddled in one modern apartment, trying to survive another day with new appointments and deals from clients.

Joey made sure that the latter is not noticing her as she replied to Susan's message.

Destiny Rose: Good morning, Susan. How's your sleep?

Atty. Palomares: Terrific. Yours?

Destiny Rose: It was fine, although my head was aching when I woke up.

Atty. Palomares: Ang baba ng tolerance mo, partida canned beer lang naman yung ininom mo kagabi.

Destiny Rose: Stop shaming me.

Atty. Palomares: Tampo ka na nyan?

Destiny Rose: Konting suyo lang then we're good.

Atty. Palomares: I'll be going to my client's trial today. Would you love to witness how I defend my client?

Destiny Rose: Oh, wow. Is this your way of asking me out on a date?

Atty. Palomares: Well, maybe. Then we could go hang out afterwards. If it's okay with you.

Destiny Rose: Syempre, ikaw pa ba?

Atty. Palomares: Okay then, the trial will start by 10:00 am. See you, Joselito.

Joey placed her phone in the coffee table as she went to her room, shouting to Jill. "Girl, ikaw na muna bahala sa work natin today. I have something important to do."

Jill then peered into her door, brows raised. "Excuse me, we'll be having a meeting with a client—"

"You can do it, Jill. I believe in your skills, okay?" Joey uttered with assurance as she began to do her skincare routine, eyes fixated on the mirror.

"Gaga, importante yung meeting natin today—"

"Jill." Joey replied with a firm tone. "Mas importante itong gagawin ko, okay?"

"Mas importante pa talaga sa client natin yang pupuntahan mo?" Jill mocked, glaring at her.

"Susan is the most important person to me, Jill."

"Oh ayan, wala naman na akong laban pag binanggit mo na yang merlat mo." Jill replied, raising her hands in defeat. "Love you!" Joey replied with a chuckle.

- - -

"Atty. Yap, how do I look?" Maia then turned her head towards her friend.

Hair slicked, Susan was donning a white fluffy blouse with black slacks.

"You look normal." Maia plainly replied.

"How about my makeup?" Susan couldn't help but ask, afraid that her light makeup and dark lipstick may clash with her outfit.

"As I've said, you look completely normal." Maia replied, already pissed. "How about my hair? Should I apply more gel or not–"

"Look, Susan. This is so not you." Maia couldn't help but interrupt. "What's the matter with you? Wala ka ngang pake sa appearance mo eh. Basta may red lippie ka lang, okay ka na."

Susan's cheeks reddened upon her friend's observation as she replied, "Bakit? Masama bang maging cautious ako sa appearance ko?"

Maia then placed her palm to her forehead, checking if she's sick. "Wala ka namang sakit. What has gotten to you, Atty. Palomares?"

"I just wanted to make sure that I look presentable—"

Maia threw her coat to the babbling latter. "Ayan, suotin mo na yan."

Susan glared at her with a huff and wore her black coat, heart fluttering upon the idea of Joey witnessing her trial.

"There, you look better." Maia replied, seeing her usual intimidating poise.

"Kinakabahan ako." Susan uttered all of a sudden, fidgeting.

"Susan, you're scaring me." Maia feigned shock, palm placed to her chest. "Never kang kinabahan sa mga trials mo. Ano ba yang trip mo ha? Are you pulling a prank or something?"

"You're not helping." Susan glared at her friend as she grabbed her phone upon feeling its vibration.

Destiny Rose: On my way there, Attorney.

Destiny Rose: Good luck.

"Okay, I'm good." Susan replied with a smile, inserting her phone back to her pocket. She felt rejuvenated as she straightened the crease from her coat. Grabbing her lipstick from her bag, she pursed her lips and applied another dab.

Puckering her lips, she was ready to go.

Except for Maia who was looking at her like she was possessed.

"Alam mo, ipapa-pray over nga kita. You might need it." Maia murmured, wondering upon her bizarre actions.

- - -

As Joey entered the courtroom, she peered for a bit and decided to sit by the back as she didn't want to be the center of attention.

The trial has already started by the moment she has arrived which is why she had to keep herself low.

By the moment she sat, Susan's voice echoed along the four corners of the room as she presented her evidence.

"These are screenshots from the 4th of January this year. It is certain that it is not edited or fabricated." Susan pointed towards the screen, showing screenshots of the husband's verbal abuse to his wife, to her client.

"You can see with this conversation how he is forcing his wife to have sex with him. If she wouldn't agree, she'll end up receiving bruises from him." Susan switched to the next slide, showing several pictures of her client's bruises. "And worse, he'll force her the other way—"

"But I own her now. I mean, she's my wife. Why should I be held accountable for rape—" The accused interrupted but was cut off by Susan's glare.

"Attorney, you better keep your client's mouth shut. I'm still presenting my evidences here." Susan replied through gritted teeth.

She gave him another look before replying. "And to answer your question, sex without consent is rape. Just because you're her husband doesn't give you a free pass to rape her. And no, you don't own her. She's not an object and she will never be one."

Joey couldn't help but look at her, mesmerized. The happy go lucky Susan has been replaced by an intimidating poise, her eyes blazing with power.

When it comes to her profession, Joey felt proud upon Susan achieving her desire of becoming a lawyer. Looking at her from afar, Joey couldn't help but smile upon her success.

She truly deserves where she is right now.

And when Susan glanced at the bewildered audience, she saw Joey's brown locks from afar.

Noticing that their eyes have met, Joey decided to give her a thumbs up as she mouthed, "Good job."

With a raised brow, Susan pretended to ignore her while stifling a smile.

- - -

The crowd comes to a hush as the judge bangs his gavel.

“On the count of rape, we find the defendant guilty as charged.”

The accused huffs as the crowd squeals in delight especially Susan's client.

With teary eyes, she gave Susan a warm hug while mouthing words of praise.

"Attorney, salamat po talaga. Utang ko po sainyo ang buhay ko." The woman managed to utter between sobs.

Susan, wearing a satisfied smile, patted her client's back. "Deserve mo makuha ang hustisya, iha."

"Salamat po talaga." The woman grabbed her hands, squeezing it tight. Susan felt the sense of recognition seething in as she nodded her head. "Go on, celebrate. It's what you deserve."

As her client went out of the courtroom with a relieved smile, Susan went out with a happy heart.

Seeing the smile from her client's face upon getting the justice that she deserves is fulfilling. As a lawyer, it is priceless to witness such moments.

"Congratulations on winning your case, Attorney." A soft voice spoke from behind as she turned her head, seeing Joey. Donning a blue dress, she looked completely stunning with her brown locks down.

"I told you, I'll impress you." Susan replied with a nervous chuckle, shuffling her feet as she became her awkward self. "But thank you though. It is my prime duty to protect my clients, anyway."

"Ayun, kaya naman pala todo ayos ka kanina." Maia butted in as she extended her hand to the clueless Joey. "Maia nga pala, work buddy ng girlfriend mo."

"Maia!" Susan couldn't help but hiss, cheeks blazing in red. "Oh, I'm Joey." She replied, accepting the latter's handshake with a smile.

"It's nice to finally meet you though. Alam mo ba, ikaw ang bukambibig ni Susan lately—"

"Maia, stop." Susan pleaded with a glare. Joey couldn't help but laugh upon hearing Maia's revelation. "Tell me about it."

"She was anxious before the trial has even started. Knowing her, hindi yan kinakabahan. She's always confident, as in. Kaya nagtataka ako why she has been acting uneasy. Yun pala, pupunta ka." Maia explained with a teasing smirk.

"Hmm, really?" Joey couldn't help but spare a glance towards Susan who's blushing like crazy.

"Maia, can you please stop?"

"Ang masasabi ko lang, malakas tama sayo nung kaibigan ko—"

"Okay, that's enough. Joey, let's go na." Susan interrupted, grabbing the latter's arm away from Maia.

"So ganun? Iiwan mo ako dito? Samantalang noon, ako laging kasama mo na nagcecelebrate–"

"Okay, okay. Just come with us." Susan replied, irritated.

- - -

"I'm sorry that she has to come with us." Susan couldn't help but whisper to Joey. Maia, who's sitting at the back, has her earphones on while singing out loud.

Joey couldn't help but smile, "It's fine with me. Besides, thanks to her. Nalaman ko lahat nung mga ginagawa mo."

"Shut up!" Susan wailed, covering her face with her palms. "Do you seriously believe her?"

"She's also a lawyer, right? I don't think lawyers are capable of lying." Joey replied with a smirk.

"Ugh." Susan groaned. "I can't find my dignity anymore."

"You're cute." Joey replied with a chuckle.

"No, ikaw yon."

"Stop arguing with me, Attorney."

"I won't. Kaya nga lawyer ako eh."

"Basta ikaw ang cute, Susan."

"No! Ikaw kaya–"

"Guys, mamaya na kayo maglandian. I'm hungry na." Maia butted in which triggered Susan to curse as she turned her head.

"Ikaw na nga lang 'tong sumama, ikaw pa 'tong demanding." Susan glared at her. "Duh, you can't blame my empty stomach." Maia replied, sticking her tongue out.

"Don't worry guys, malapit na tayo." Joey replied with a chuckle, cutting their banter.

- - -

"Here's to Atty. Palomares' victory!" Maia squealed, raising her champagne.

They're in a fine dine restaurant as their Italian inspired food came in time.

"You don't have to be so loud, Maia." Susan replied. "Here's to Atty. Palomares' victory!" Joey squealed, gaining the attention of many. Susan couldn't help but groan, embarrassed with her loud accomplices.

They clinked their glasses for a toast, chuckling afterwards. "Thank you for the unnecessary loudness." Susan replied. "The whole world deserves to hear your victory, girl. Claim it." Maia butted in, wiggling her eyebrows.

"Maia's right." Joey responded with a grin. Susan blushed as she whispered, "Thank you."

"Ay wow, may thank you kay Joey. Tapos sa akin, wala?" Maia huffed, rolling her eyes afterwards. Susan stuck her tongue afterwards and was astounded upon Joey's next move.

Joey leaned in, bowing for a bit as she fixed her blouse. "Ayan, mas maayos na tingnan."

Heart fluttering as their faces were close, Susan pretended not to be bothered as she gave her thanks in a small voice. Joey, knowing her unmatchable effect to the latter, chuckled and accepted it with a smile.

"Asus, kunwari pang hindi kinilig." Maia teased, causing the latter to throw the table napkin towards her friend.

- - -

The day flew quickly.

Right after their lunch, Joey offered Maia to drive her back home. The latter quickly accepted, receiving a small slap from Susan's palm.

After dropping Susan's work buddy, it was now the latter's turn to be brought back home.

"Do we really have to go back home na?" Susan replied with a pout. Joey chuckled, "Don't you want to?"

Susan huffed, laying her head towards the shotgun seat.

Joey couldn't help but notice her neck, how she loved to peck it with soft kisses by that certain night.

She turned her head, hands gripping the steering wheel. Umayos ka nga dyan, Joey. That was five years ago. Control yourself!

"I want to celebrate the whole day with you." Susan protested in a whisper, audible for the latter to hear.

They're currently in an empty road as they were few miles close from Susan's subdivision.

Joey instantly stepped into the brakes, stopping to a nearby post. Susan turned to Joey who was breathless.

"Hey, what's the matter—"

Susan was stupified upon Joey claiming her lips, feeling her aggression upon her move.

She instantly responded, hands clutched to her brown locks as they made out inside the car.

The sexual tension began to rise as Susan's thighs felt hot through Joey's palms. Joey caressed it with tender yet with authority.

"J-J-Joselito..." Susan couldn't help but moan as she felt a soft chuckle vibrate from Joey's parted lips. Her palm slowly made its way to Susan's slacks, unbuttoning it slowly.

Until Joey stopped.

Susan couldn't help but groan as she glared at Joey who's looking at her like the same way he did five years ago.

"Attorney, won't you punish me for doing this?" Joey replied in a seductive voice.

Susan crouched her way to straddle the surprised Joey, her skillful hands removing her black coat and her white blouse.

Left with nothing but her slacks, Joey swallowed upon seeing her bare figure. Her pixie hair in a mess, ruined lipstick, and her globes of glory.

Shit. Hindi siya nagbago.

"You're loving the view too much." Susan leaned in and claimed Joey's lips. Joey quickly responded, lips parted to release a moan as her hands flew to her messy hair.

Susan stopped her from doing so, leaning in to pepper her neck with kisses. "Now, you deserve some punishment."

- - -

"Thank you for today, Joselito. I had fun." Susan, who just finished retouching, replied with a meaningful smile. They're finally in front of her house after doing a couple of rounds inside the car.

Joey rubbed the back of her neck with a sheepish smile, "You're always welcome."

"Ingat sa pagdadrive ha?" Susan leaned in, pecking her lips.

She instantly pulled away after realizing that Joey's ready to respond. "Ops, tama na." Susan replied with a chuckle.

Joey playfully pouted, "Sige na nga. Ingat ka, okay?"

Susan energetically responded with a nod. "Congrats ulit, Atty. Palomares." Joey replied with sincerity. Blushing, Susan went out of the car with wobbly legs.

Seeing her walk with struggle, Joey couldn't help but laugh as she honked the car before leaving.

As Joey drove the night away, she couldn't help but feel the softness of her plump lips. The linger of her scent wafted through her nose, leaving an addicting smell.

With a smile, she nibbled on her lower lip and continued to drive. Hay, Susan. This effect that you have on me.

Until her phone rang.

Realizing that it was Jill, she placed her phone on speaker after accepting the call. "Oh, napatawag ka?"

"Girl, where are you?" Jill instantly responded, panic obvious to her voice.

"On my way na sa apartment. Bakit?" Joey plainly replied, wondering if there's any problem.

"Oh, wag kang magugulat sa sasabihin ko ha. Siguro mas mabuting tumigil ka muna sa pagdadrive. Baka mabunggo mo kotse mo pag nalaman mo 'tong balita ko eh." Jill quickly replied.

Joey couldn't help but laugh upon her friend's uneasiness. "Gaga, I can manage. Ano ba yang sasabihin mo ha?"

"Yung client natin kanina..." Jill drifted off.

"Hmm, yeah?" Joey encouraged her to go on.

"Hala, sorry talaga. Hindi kasi ako aware nung una na siya pala yon. Nagulat pa ako nung nakita ko siya." Jill pleaded.

"Just get to the point, Mark Jill." Joey huffed, rolling her eyes.

"Grabe talaga sa Mark Jill ha! Eto na nga..." Jill paused. "Our new client is Michael."

Joey stepped into the brakes upon hearing that certain name.

Shit.

Could it be...

"Last name?" Joey replied, praying to the heavens above that she wouldn't be hearing his last name.

"Avelino."

She felt her world crashing down as she could still hear Jill mumbling her apologies. Heart racing, she ended the call.

"He's back." Joey couldn't help but murmur upon dawning to the surprise that fate has given to her.

Michael Avelino.

Joey's ex boyfriend.