Aurelia pov:-
This was my very first case as a junior, and I could finally see my dream—my passion—coming true…
"Sir, since we have almost attacked and 80 percent of the case is handled, can we have a celebration meal?" I suggested. Because no matter if he comes or not, I will still celebrate. After all, my arguments were put up and fought.
"When and where?" he asked grumpily while arranging and packing the documents.
Didn't think he would agree so quickly…
"Do you want to go to a Californian Italian restaurant or a normal one?"
In my perspective, Italian food is best when authentic, but I bet he can't handle the cultural gap in his own state.
"Your choice. You are treating, right?"
After he said that, I realised I had practically invited him for a meal, and if I am inviting him, it should obviously be a good or expensive one… and seeing my savings, I can afford a four-person meal in an expensive restaurant—but it hurts. Poor me…
We drove to a newly opened authentic Italian restaurant.
And I was sure, seeing the menu, he would ask me what to order because I don't think he is familiar with Italian dishes apart from pizza and pasta…
Thinking of this made me laugh. The Narcissist would definitely fail in this one—and this place is authentic…
We sat at a corner table, and the waiter greeted us and handed the menu.
"I know what to order," he said within minutes.
Oh okay… must be random.
I called the waiter and gave my order.
"One Fettuccine Alfredo, one Ravioli with ricotta cheese."
My favourites of all time. I love when my mom makes this. I wonder if they'll get the same taste…
"Penne all'Arrabbiata and Chicken Scarpariello," he said fluently, like he knew exactly what he was ordering.
I gasped.
"Oh—and a Barbaresco."
Without wine, dining is incomplete.
After the waiter left, I asked,
"You knew the dishes or just chose randomly?"
"Don't think I'm a noob in this. I… know Italian dishes. Tried before. Liked them."
Suspicious…
While waiting, we talked about almost nothing—oh right, he lectured me for at least five minutes on how to reframe sentences that could be presented in court, after I complimented how clear he was. It was awkward for me to stay quiet for too long…
How boring. Anyways…
Our food came, and luckily the dishes felt so home-like. If I could afford them every day, I already would… but hehe…
"Sir—"
"Drop formalities when we are not at work. Just call me Vincent."
"Okay… Vincent. Are you the only child in your family?"
Small talk—with no boredom. Good.
"Well, I had a brother in my childhood, but in an accident, I lost him."
"I am so sorry."
"My father and he went to an amusement park to lighten his mood because he was bullied by stronger kids in school. I protected him… but that was the last time I could care for him."
Didn't know behind this tough core, there was a sad past. I am pretty sure he doesn't like sympathy or pity…
"Can I ask you a question, Aurelia?"
"Go ahead."
"Why did you choose California, especially in a field like law?"
The moment he asked me this, a hurtful past played in front of me.
I didn't want to lie, but I said,
"I told you in the interview that day, didn't I?"
I—I wasn't sure whether to tell the truth or not. After he spoke about his brother's death, I thought I should also open up. At least be honest.
"If you don't want to tell—"
"My dad came here for a business trip with his colleagues. I was 14 back then.
It was a normal five-day trip, and it was very normal for me and my mom that my father would go on trips.
We were eating dinner on a Tuesday night—very normal, nothing unusual—when my mom received a phone call from my dad's brother…
She picked up, and he said my dad had an accident… he is no more.
Very sudden. Very abrupt.
My mom was speechless. Even I was shocked…
I forced myself to cry because usually people cry after getting such news, but I… I didn't feel that…
Later, he was supposed to return on Thursday. He did—but in a coffin…
We were told the driver and my father died, the rest survived. The car fell off a cliff, and my father jumped to save himself… but failed.
Later, when the investigation was done—on my mom's request to know the truth—it was reported that the accident was planned. It was a murder.
But due to lack of evidence, neither Californian police nor Italian authorities could do anything. Even lawyers gave up…
That is the reason why I chose law. In California.
Because I guess some part of me wants justice for my dad… and another part wants that no one gives up in the justice system."
Today, no tears fell. I didn't feel heavy—rather light.
I didn't know talking so freely about this could give my heart peace… or maybe some kind of closure.
"I am sure he would be proud of you."
Listening to those words made me more determined—to earn fame, to earn money, and to give justice to people…
Dinner ended quickly. The food was amazing…
Later, he dropped me home.
That day, I realised something—talking to him gave me warmth. I don't know if it was him… or finally speaking about my past…
But one statement could justify my feelings—
This dinner was memorable.
And I didn't know… that he already understood I hate sympathy.