Chapter 1 Choices

"Counsel, you seem a bit offshore. This is the third time I've had to call your attention back. I'm forced to adjourn this case until a later date."

The judge's words thundered in Alex's head as the gavel struck the bench, the sharp crack echoing through the silent courtroom. His eyes followed the judge until he disappeared through the door. Then, as if every ounce of strength had been drained from him, Alex sank into his seat. His vision blurred as tears welled up and slid down his cheeks. He knew the judge would've dismissed the case and ruled in his opponent's favor if not for who he was.

From across the room, his father, Mr. Cromwell, managing partner of one of New York's most powerful law firms, strode toward him. He stopped beside Alex, leaned in, and whispered firmly, "Get your game together, son." This was one of the biggest cases they'd had and with the sudden spiral in the firm he couldn't afford to mess things up but he just couldn't help it.

Without another glance, he turned and walked out, his personal assistant trailing behind.

When the last footsteps faded, Alex was left alone with the echo of his own thoughts. His world felt like it was collapsing in on itself. The words that had haunted him for weeks erupted in his mind once again:

"The choice is yours, Alex. Find my daughter and bring her to me and I'll sign the deal. If not, the offer's off the table."

Ever since that conversation with Ray Smith, the owner of New York's largest IT firm, Alex hadn't been able to think straight. This was the fourth case he had lost focus on, the fourth time his career had suffered because of a deal that had nothing to do with the law... and everything to do with his heart.

He finally stood, straightened his tie, and took slow steps toward the exit. Outside, the cool afternoon breeze brushed against his face as he unlocked his sleek 2025 Lexus LX. He slid into the leather seat and started the engine, the soft hum offering a strange kind of comfort. Without thinking twice, he drove to his favorite bar on the east side of town.

When he stepped out, his black Brunello Cucinelli suit caught the faint sunlight, and his John Fluevog shoes clicked confidently against the pavement. Heads turned. He could hear the low murmurs as he entered, subtle 'oohs' rippling through the bar. Everyone knew who he was: The Alex Cromwell, one of New York's finest attorneys.

He hated the attention. Normally, he would have slipped into his private lounge at the back,his quiet refuge, but it only opened at night. Since he couldn't bear to be anywhere else, he decided to endure the stares. He kept his head low and walked to a seat tucked away in the farthest corner, ordering his usual drink.

As he waited, his phone buzzed. The name that flashed on the screen made him smile. Emily.

Emily had been his girlfriend for the past two years; a stunning model with a growing skincare brand. Alex had funded both, even buying her the latest Mercedes-Benz GLE. Excessive? Maybe. But he loved her...or so he thought. He'd even planned to propose before the year ended... until Ray Smith's offer turned his world upside down.

He answered the call.

"Hey, babe. Where are you? Can you talk?" her voice chimed through the phone.

"Yeah, I can," he said.

"Well," she continued hesitantly, "I wanted to ask for a favor."

"Go ahead," Alex said, leaning back in his chair.

"My skincare products are here, but I need two thousand bucks to complete the payment. I didn't want to ask you, but..."

"Say less, babe," he cut in gently. "I'll have Eileen send it to you within the hour."

Her squeal of excitement made him chuckle. "Thank you! I love you, babe. Bye!"

That small exchange brought him an ounce of peace. He wasn't sure if it was Emily's voice or the cold beer that followed, but something in him finally relaxed.

He dialed Eileen, his longtime assistant.

"Please send Emily two thousand dollars," he said.

There was a pause. "But Alex," she began cautiously, "you sent her a large amount just a few days ago. What happened to that"

"Eileen, just do what I asked," he said sharply, cutting her off. He understood Eileen, with the current turn of events he couldn't risk excessive spending but when it came to Emily, he was willing to take the risk.

He ended the call, exhaled, and took another long sip of his drink.

The alcohol warmed his chest as his mind drifted back to the night he met Emily. It had been at a club in the heart of New York. He'd just won a long-standing million-dollar case and was out celebrating with his childhood best friend, Wilson. In his excitement, he ordered tequila shots for everyone in the club.

An hour later, his phone rang. He stepped outside to take the call and that was when he saw her.

A woman in a red, body-hugging mini skirt and a black backless top walked toward him, her blonde hair catching the night breeze. Her steps were slow, confident, regal even.

She stopped in front of him and smiled. "The famous Alexander Cromwell," she said softly. "It's good to finally meet you."

Their eyes met, and in that instant, Alex understood what people meant by love at first sight. Words failed him.

She introduced herself simply as Emily.

Before he could continue his reminiscing, his phone rang again. The smile faded from his lips when he saw the caller ID his father.

"Alex, I need to see you in my office in the next thirty minutes," came the deep baritone voice, and the line went dead.