Chapter 15
A year ago, Breanna called it quits with her boyfriend, and he hit her with a bill demanding she pay back over $50,000 he’d transferred to her during their two–year relationship.
Breanna wasn’t having it and refused to cough up the cash, which led her ex to drag her to court. She was in a pinch and sought help at the law firm, but most of the lawyers were out of office, except for Allison.
“It wasn’t like that at all,” Breanna had cried, her voice catching. “We lived together for two years, and from day one, we agreed to split rent, utilities, and other expenses down the middle. He promised to wire me $2,000 a month to cover his half, and I’d match it for our shared
expenses.
“I didn’t overthink it and just went along with the plan. But after we split, he said I had to pay it all back, claiming those transfers were gifts for when we’d get married, and now that we’re done, I owe him.
“That money was clearly for our day–to–day stuff. Over the two years we were together, he barely gifted me anything worth $500. How can he have the nerve to sue me?
“I’m just a college student, and that money was what my parents gave me for living expenses. How am I supposed to scrape $50,000 together to pay him back? I can’t even tell my parents about this. If they knew I was living with a guy off–campus, my dad would flip. Please, Allison, I’m really stuck here…”
It was a bit ironic that Breanna, a law student herself, got tangled up with such a manipulative
- ex.
Sometimes, when you’re in love, you’re so blind that you can lose sight of everything else.
Allison sighed, feeling for Breanna sitting across from her. Normally, lawyers didn’t take on cases for those who couldn’t pay the legal fees upfront.
But Allison was different. She took on Breanna’s case and even lent her money to cover the fees. Allison thought, ‘Breanna’s in a tough spot, and if no one steps in, she might do something she’ll regret.‘
Legal fees don’t go straight to the attorney; clients pay the firm, which then pays the lawyer’s salary.
Back then, Allison was just starting out, pulling in $7,000 a month as a salaried lawyer. Without skipping a beat, she lent Breanna the money for legal fees.
Once Allison took the case, she worked tirelessly to unearth the evidence needed and ended up winning the case. Breanna admired her and felt deeply grateful, so much so that she joined Allison as an assistant after finishing college.
With her eyes still a bit puffy from crying, Breanna asked, “Allison, I’m stuck here for now because of my internship. But once that’s over, can I come to work with you?”
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Chapter 15
Allison was taken aback for a moment by the question.
Then, with a warm smile, she said, “Of course you can. I’ll be over in Oak Lake. When you’re ready, just give me a shout.”
“That’s awesome!” Breanna beamed, her mood lifting. “Allison, I’m with you for life! Wherever you go, I’ll be right behind. Don’t ever get tired of me tagging along.”
“Never,” Allison assured her.
The director of the law firm was a middle–aged guy with glasses. He looked a bit confused as he read through Allison’s resignation letter. “Allison, why are you suddenly resigning? Is something wrong at work?”
Allison shook her head. “No, it’s nothing to do with work. I’ve got a family situation I need to handle, and I have to go back. I know I should’ve given a month’s notice, but this came up out of the blue. I’m sorry.”
She added, “I’m nearly done wrapping up my projects. I have a case with a hearing in ten days; after that, I’ll be heading home. Just wanted to let you know ahead of time.”
