Another story based on a prompt. I hope I do it justice. Completely AU, because those are fun. This will be 2-3 chapters.

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Chapter 1

Emma smiled as she sat back in her new plushy chair in her new office two floors up from her old in the Gold and Jones law firm. Her promotion was unexpected as most people, who were also up for the promotion, had been working her much longer than her two years. She'd never forget the conversation with her boss the day she thought she was going to get fired.

"Ms. Swan, thank you for coming to see me. Please have a seat." Gold said from behind his desk.

Emma nervously sat and folded her hands over her lap. "No problem, sir, but please just call me Emma."

"I will if you call me Robert." He said with a smile. "Now, I hear you just won the case for the young man who had been being abused for years. Good job, Emma, I know they had a tough case built against him."

"They did, but luckily the jurors understood what self-defense is. That boy went through hell and just wanted out. He never meant to hurt his father." Emma had taken a special interest in the cases that were for the children in the firm. The firm was a family court firm, which mostly meant divorce, but Emma had a way of picking the cases that were either for custody of kids or kids who needed help against their family. Once in a while she had to do a divorce case, and she hated them, but she was pretty good at getting what her clients deserved.

"Emma, you've really made a name for yourself here and Gold and Jones and I wanted to see you to talk to you about that. Mr. Jones should be here, but he got called out on a family emergency."

"Oh no. I hope everything is okay." Emma said, meaning every word. She cared for her co-workers and knew Killian's wife and daughter and the thought of something being wrong with one of them worried her.

"Oh, don't worry, his wife and daughter are fine. Unfortunately their family dog got hit by a car."

"Oh, that's terrible." Emma made a note to reach out to Killian and Lilly later, and get a card for the family.

"It is, but unfortunately, our world still goes on. Emma, I noticed you didn't put in your resume for the promotion we have open. Do you mind if I ask why not?"

Emma swallowed and cleared her throat. "I didn't think I qualified. I've only been here two years and most of my cases don't contribute to the firm financially, though I know that's not a huge concern for you since you offer to take those cases pro-bono, but still, I thought there were more qualified people up for it."

Mr. Gold nodded and was quiet for a moment. "Emma? How many cases would you estimate you've taken on in the last two years? Would it be fair to estimate maybe one a week? I'm sure some weeks there's more, but there's also weeks off and slower weeks, so would around 100 sound about right?"

Emma knew the exact number, but 100 was only ten less than that, so she agreed with it. "Sounds about right."

"And how many of those have you lost? I'm sure you know that number."

Emma did know that number because it was only one. The one that got away. The one she never should have taken in the first place. "One, sir, but sir, not all my cases are of the same caliber as the ones the others take."

Mr. Gold chuckled. "Emma, I'm praising you here, why are you so quick to put yourself down?"

Emma knew why. It was that voice inside her telling her how much of a nerd she was, a perfectionist, how she had no real life because her mind was always on her work. It was the voice of her ex and she hated hearing it. "Sorry, sir."

He sat back and folded his hands in front of him. "Emma, the promotion is yours if you want it. Honestly, you're the first one that came to mind for both me and Mr. Jones and we are willing to offer you quite a bit to take it. Your cases will mostly stay the same, though you will be asked a little more often to take divorce cases for those clients we feel will benefit from having you represent them. Your hours will stay the same, but your salary will double along with your billable hours, meaning, those night I know you took work home and didn't get paid for doing it, will be over as you will bill those hours to us and get paid for them. You'll also move up to the seventh floor in a larger office with an amazing view. Your contract will be extended for five years and of course, you have the right to ask for more."

Emma was shocked as she sat there. She didn't even put in for this promotion and now they were offering her so much and saying she could ask for more. She shook her head. "No, I…I don't need more. I…wow, I'm at a loss for words."

He chuckled again. "I hope that means you're accepting. I'll even throw in tomorrow off since it's Friday and by Monday all your things will be up in your new office. Oh, here's the key, before I forget. Office number 801."

801. 8 Fucking 01! Eighth floor was only two down from the top and two up from where she started. Her ex had always told her she'd have to sleep her way to the top, but here she was proving him wrong. God, stop thinking about him. "Yes." Emma said. "Yes, I accept. Thank you, Mr. Gold, I promise I won't let you down." Emma stood and reached to shake his hand.

He stood and took hers, softly folding the other hand around it. "Emma, I have no doubt that you're going to do well. Take the rest of the day and tomorrow, take this contract, read it and sign it and send it back to us and we will see you Monday morning."

Emma let out a breath as she turned on her computer. Her weekend was a blur of celebration with her best friend Ruby and now, she was back at it and feeling good as she waited to hear about her next case. She was hoping it was her regular kind, helping children, but knew it could be a divorce case as well.

"Swan, good morning, I was so glad to hear you took the promotion but I wish I could have been there when it was offered to you." Mr. Jones said as he came into her office. "Oh, and thank you for the card and for reaching out to Lilly, she really appreciated it."

"Of course, Mr. Jones, it was the least I could do. Thank you for this opportunity with the promotion, it means a lot."

"Oh come now, it's Killian, you know that." He said with a chuckle. "We've had drinks together, Swan, you can call me Killian."

She smirked. "Until you call me Emma, I'll call you Mr. Jones."

"Touché." He sat down and handed Emma a folder. "I know, I know. You don't like divorce cases, but honestly, I think this client could really use you, Emma. Someone who cares and will listen and fight for her."

Emma took the folder and opened it, reading the first few lines. "I…Killian, I know I agreed to take more cases but this one may be a conflict of interest." She admitted with a sigh, not at all surprised she's come across this. She looked at him. "This woman's husband is an ex-boyfriend."

Killian's eyebrows rose. "Ex-boyfriend? How long ago?" He was always under the impression that Emma played for the other team.

"Five years ago. We dated in college for about two years, which was a year and a half too long." She sat back with a sigh. Sure, Killian may be one of the partners, but he was also a friend and the one who got her to apply here first. "The break up was shortly before I met Lilly. See, he was in college for the parties while I wanted to really work hard and get good grades. I honestly don't know how it was we ended up together, but at first, it worked. He was so different and that was exciting, you know? He introduced me to parties, friends, alcohol…you know, all the fun things in life. However, my wanting to study and get good grades started bothering him and he became very emotionally abusive. He'd call me names and tease me for always working. He said I'd only make it if I slept my way to the top and said I wasn't even very good at doing that. Honestly, he was the one who convinced me that I would rather date women. I broke it off after he almost hit me one night because I didn't want to take a drink while I was studying."

"Wow, I'm sorry to hear that, Emma. Sounds like you got out just in time. It doesn't sound like Mrs. Locksley was that lucky." He thought a bit. "Look, I don't think it will be an issue as he was an ex-boyfriend and not ex-husband and you broke up with him, so it's not like you'd want vengeance. How about you look over the case and I'll talk to Gold and see what he thinks?"

"Sure, sounds good. If neither of you find it to be a conflict, then I'll take it." She watched Killian go and sighed as she read through more. Looked like Robin moved on pretty fast after their breakup since the couple's fifth anniversary would be later this year. They had only been broken up for five months before he married her. Maybe he was cheating on Emma, or maybe the two just clicked. Emma was so into reading the file that she didn't hear the knock on the door, but looked up when both Mr. Gold and Killian came in. "Sorry, I didn't hear you knock."

"It's okay." Mr. Gold said with a wave of his hand. "So, we've talked it over and got some advice. If you're still happy to take the case, we don't think it will be an issue. His lawyer may say it is, but there is no legal ground for it to be one."

"Great, then I'll take it. I have no issues with it."

Killian smiled. "That's perfect because Mrs. Locksley should be here soon to speak with you. Now, you don't have to disclose your past relationship, but we recommend you do, just to give her a choice."

Emma nodded. "Sure, that sounds fair. I assume you'd both prefer this gets settled out of court?"

"Naturally." Mr. Gold answered. "However, he's hired Mr. Spenser of Spenser and Son's, so I'm thinking court will be inevitable."

Emma raised her brow. "Wait, Mr. Spenser himself?" She now felt very nervous.

"Yes, but Emma, we have all the faith in you." Mr. Gold assured. "With your promotion comes an assistant. Use her and come to us if you need anything. I assure you, we will not see it as a negative sign."

"Thank you." As they left, Emma's new assistant came in. "Hello, come in, sit." Emma said with a smile.

"Thank you, Ma'am." The woman said and sat down. She was about Emma's age with dark hair and a slight accent.

"Please, call me Emma."

"Sure. I'm Belle. I hope you don't mind, but I've taken a look at the file and already started a list of different paths we can go down. Of course, we have to talk with our…your client, but I don't think we'll have any issues."

Efficient. Emma liked her. "Great. I do think that for the first meeting, however, I should meet her alone and then you and I will have a meeting after lunch. Is that okay?"

"Yes, Ms…I mean Emma." She said with a smile. "Shall I send her in when she gets here?"

"Yes please. Thank you, Belle."

It wasn't long and there was a soft knock at the door. "Come in." Emma said, straightening up her desk.

"Mrs. Locksley is here." Belle announced and stood aside as the woman walked in.

Emma looked up and was frozen. The woman was beautiful. Dark hair curled expertly around her shoulders, deep coffee eyes that held both beauty and respect and a touch of sadness in them. Full lips, curves in all the right places. Shit…don't stare. Emma stood up and held her hand out. "Hello, Mrs. Locksley, I'm Emma Swan."

"Please call me Regina. I can't wait to get my old name back." The woman said shaking Emma's hand. "I've heard a lot about you and I'm excited for you to take my case."

"Thank you, Regina. Please have a seat." Emma said and waited until Regina sat to sit herself.

"Can I get you anything to drink?" Belle asked. "Water, soda, coffee, tea?"

"If it's not a bother, I'd love a glass of ice water."

"No bother at all. Emma?"

Emma smiled. "The same, thank you." She was glad to have an assistant, even if it was a new feeling. Belle left and Emma took the folder out. "So, Mrs…Regina, sorry. You're filing for a divorce on the basis of adultery on his end and abuse. I hate to ask this, but I need to know everything; was it physical abuse? Emotional? Sexual?"

Regina sighed. "All of the above. Although, he'll say it's not sexual abuse or rape because I was his wife and belonged to him. The police didn't agree and when I finally called the police, they arrested him. That's when I left. Honestly, Emma, I'd be happy to just get this divorce and move on, but I don't think it's fair. You see, he had nothing when we wed and I brought all the money into the relationship. Through the years, we've both invested, but it's because of me that we have what we do and now he wants to take it all. I don't even want my fair share, I only want half, but he's frozen all our accounts and I have no access to a penny of it."

Emma gave a nod as she took notes. "I'll have that corrected by the end of the day. I suggest you don't empty the accounts, but take what you feel you need and open another one in your name only. If you already have other accounts in your name only, change all the security on them so he can't get to it. Online passwords, security questions, pin numbers, all of it."

"That's already been done, thank you."

"Great. Now, I didn't see mention of it, but are there any kids involved?"

Regina looked down. "No. Well, he has a son, but his ex has custody of him as Robin never wanted him. We…I was pregnant once, but…" She stopped as Belle came in. After the water was left, Regina took a deep breath. "Anyway, no, there are no kids involved."

Emma looked at the woman. "I'm sorry, Regina." She then folded her hands. "There is something I need to disclose to you. We have found it won't be an issue, but I want you to know that Robin and I used to date. It was years ago when we were in college, and I ended it and there will be no conflict, but I wanted you to know."

Regina shook her head but had a small smile. "I knew your name was familiar. He used to talk about you, you know. At first it was how he had escaped a nerd who had no life but was a good fuck , but later, he'd say that he never should have left you and that you were better than I'd ever be."

Emma rolled her eyes. "He was very emotionally abusive then, so none of that surprises me. If you find it too difficult though I…"

"No. No, Emma, I want you to represent me. Please, if you're okay with it, so am I. It honestly feels good to have someone who knows how he was." Regina smiled and Emma found herself smiling back.

"Great. Now, let's get down to the details."

Three days later, Emma was rubbing the bridge of her nose as she sat across from Mr. Spenser and Robin. They had already spent two hours talking about how this was not a conflict of interest and when Emma was proven right, she knew everything was to be a battle. "Your client wants the divorce, so your client doesn't get the money."

"My client is the one who brought the money into the relationship and her investments made most of the money they have now. It's all here in black and white, Mr. Spenser and any judge will have the ability to read it. She's not even asking for all she made, she's only asking for half. Considering her money and investments make up 80% of the finances, her only wanting 50% is very kind on her part. Your client can have the house, his car, even the vacation home, all my client wants is her car and half of the money they share, including investments. I honestly don't see why we can't easily work this out. She paid for both houses and both cars and she's even willing to let him keep what he's invested in and take two of her highest earning investments to make this a 50% deal. Honestly, she's willing to give him more than I would have suggested she give. She wants out and your client not taking the deal just proves that he wants the power. If this goes to court, this deal is off and we will go for more."

Regina glared at Robin as the lawyers talked, wondering why he was making this so difficult. It seemed he had been told the same thing she had and the two didn't talk to each other. She loved hearing Emma speak, hearing her voice, showing her power. The more time she spent with her lawyer, the more she appreciated the little things about her. Though, she knew it wasn't safe to develop feelings for her lawyer, especially so soon after leaving Robin, but truth be told, she was done with that relationship years ago.

Mr. Spenser grit his teeth, looking a little sick before entering a whispered conversation with Robin. Emma could tell the man was trying to get Robin to take the deal, but Robin was having none of it. Emma couldn't help but roll her eyes and looked at Regina, cupping her hand as she whispered. "I don't think he's going to take it. I'm telling you, if we go to court, you need to ask for more."

Regina gave a small nod. "I will." She wouldn't have before, but she trusted Emma and could see that Mr. Spenser knew he wouldn't win.

Mr. Spenser cleared his throat. "Against my advice, Mr. Locksley will not agree to the deal. He wants more."

Emma stood. "Then we'll see you both in court." She gestured for Regina to stand. "Have a nice day, gentlemen."

Mr. Spenser sighed as he watched the women leave. "Robin, she's right. You're not going to get more than the 50%, and you may get less going to court. It's all in the numbers and the judge will look at that."

"I will not agree to anything those bitches try to offer. You just have to do a better job in court." He said and left.

"Regina, it's okay. It's what we expected. Now we start on the court case. We get more from him, Regina. I know you're a good person and don't want to do that, but he's forcing you to. At least ask to keep one of the houses and one more investment."

Regina nodded. "Okay fine. You're right, I'll ask for more of what I deserve." She smiled a bit as they headed to the car park. "I feel like I've already won."

Emma took a breath. "We haven't, but I think we have a very good shot."