Chapter 11
I'm sorry for the long wait, honestly I've been struggling with this chapter a lot, just couldn't get it right like I envisioned it. But this will have to do, hopefully you guys like it.
Tris was deeply engrossed in her work at the bustling law office, navigating through a sea of legal documents and emails. The Goliath Tech case demanded her full attention, and she meticulously worked through the complexities that lay before her. The office buzzed with activity, a symphony of ringing phones and the low hum of conversations.
In the midst of her concentration, Tori, a fellow colleague, walked into the office with her characteristic air of casual confidence. Tori's sharp eyes quickly caught Tris's attention, and she greeted her with a nod, acknowledging her presence without diverting her focus from the task at hand.
Undeterred by the apparent intensity of Tris's work, Tori leaned against the edge of Tris's desk, a sly grin playing on her lips. "Busy day, huh?" she remarked, glancing at the stack of papers before Tris.
Tris looked up, her eyes momentarily leaving the documents. "You could say that. The Goliath Tech case is keeping me on my toes," she replied, a hint of determination in her voice.
Tori chuckled. "Well, at least you seem in your element. By the way, how was your weekend?" she asked, her curiosity evident in her expression.
A subtle smile tugged at the corners of Tris's lips as she recounted the events of the past few days. "It was surprisingly good. Went to my grandmother's lake house on Saturday, and Sunday was a relaxing walk with Bailey and dinner in the city with her. Worked on the Goliath Tech case, of course," she added with a playful wink. Tris hadn't been able to see her grandmother last Wednesday and wouldn't be able to this Wednesday as well. She had decided to work on Wednesday; the Goliath Tech trial was this Friday, and Tris needed to be prepared. She wanted to leave no stone unturned to ensure she wouldn't lose the case. Goliath Tech was trying all their resources.
Tori raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "Sounds like a productive weekend. And what about your blind date? How did that go?"
Tris's smile widened as she thought of the wonderful time she had spent with Four on Friday night. Even when she was at her grandmother's, they were texting each other back and forth, mostly funny videos or pictures of Bailey and Ella, or just chatting. It was safe to say that they were friends. Four and Ella were even taking Bailey for a walk during lunch today since Tris was slammed with work. She was grateful for his help and ultimately happy that she went out with Four on Friday night instead of Matt. Tris took a deep breath, not looking Tori in the eye, "actually, he never showed up."
"What?! What an asshole. So judging by your smile, I assume you and Christina hunted his ass down?" Tori demanded.
Tris laughed, trying to picture it but also feeling a bit of anger rising up. She hadn't spoken to Christina ever since she had called her. This was typical Christina, intervening in other people's business and getting mad at people for being mad at her. But Tris wasn't going to back down and apologize to Christina; she should be the one for setting her up in the first place. Tris sighed and answered, "actually, no. I went out to dinner with that neighbor of mine, the one I told you about?"
Tori's eyes widened, "really, the jerk? So how did that go?" Tori raised her eyebrows suggestively.
Tris laughed, "It was fine, just a friendly and nice dinner. I had a great time actually. It was just the night I needed after last week and that horrible setup from Christina."
Tori smiled sympathetically at her. "Well, it sounds at least that your neighbor won't steal your food anymore from you."
Tris laughed. "Well, I don't know about that. I made the mistake of giving him a piece of my chocolate pie, and he won't stop begging me to make it again."
Tori smiled. "Well, and you know, maybe one day that might be code for something," she teased.
"Hey," Tris threw a pen at her, giggling. "But now let me get back to work. We have this huge deposition on Thursday. I'm even working on Wednesday to make sure everything is in order. By the way, have you seen Molly? She is supposed to be helping me with this."
"Molly called. She won't be in the office this week, had a death in the family," it was a valid excuse. However, Tris and Tori were drowning and needed all hands on deck. "I think Peter is free, though, so he might be able to give you a hand," Tori suggested.
Tris groaned. She had tried to work with Peter as little as possible; he was pretentious and very arrogant. He didn't care about the clients at all; he just wanted to make sure that he looked good. Tris found it ridiculous and hated working with him. But with the amount of papers that Goliath had sent them, Tris couldn't do this alone. So she accepted, "all right, fine."
Tori winked. "Well, I'll take your word for it. But if there's anything juicy, you know where to find me. Office gossip extraordinaire, at your service."
Tris chuckled, appreciating Tori's lighthearted banter. As Tori strolled away, Tris returned to her work and focused herself on the upcoming case. The Goliath Tech trial was looming, and the pressure was mounting. Tris needed to ensure every detail was in place, leaving no room for error.
The city outside the office window continued its hustle and bustle, indifferent to the legal intricacies unfolding within. Tris delved into her work, driven by a sense of purpose and determination to secure a favorable outcome for her client.
The dynamics of the office shifted with each passing moment. Colleagues hurriedly moved between cubicles, engaging in hushed conversations and animated discussions. The atmosphere crackled with a mix of anticipation and urgency.
As Tris navigated through the legal labyrinth, she couldn't shake the image of Ella's innocent joy covered in ketchup stains or the warmth of her weekend at the lake house. The contrasting elements of her personal life and the demanding professional responsibilities formed a delicate balance, each influencing the other in unforeseen ways.
Tori, the ever-watchful observer, occasionally glanced Tris's way, offering a supportive nod or a playful quip. Their camaraderie provided a welcome break in the otherwise serious business of law.
The Goliath Tech case, with its intricate web of details and implications, served as a constant reminder of the stakes involved. Tris meticulously reviewed each document, ensuring a robust defense strategy. The clock ticked away, mirroring the relentless march toward the impending trial.
Even amid the intensity, there was a camaraderie within the office—a shared dedication to the pursuit of justice. Tris exchanged brief words with colleagues, seeking input and providing updates on the case's progress. The collaborative spirit fueled the collective effort to prepare a compelling case.
As Tris delved deeper into the legal intricacies, she found solace in the routine yet vibrant energy of the office. The Goliath Tech trial was not just a legal battle; it was a testament to her commitment, resilience, and the bonds forged within the legal team.
The day pressed on, filled with brief respites of banter, coffee breaks, and shared determination. Tris remained focused, her mind unwavering in its pursuit of a successful outcome. The weight of responsibility rested on her shoulders, but she carried it with a steely resolve.
The city outside gradually transitioned from the hustle of daytime to the muted glow of evening. The artificial lights within the office illuminated the dedicated faces, each contributing to the collective effort.
As the day drew to a close, Tris felt a mixture of exhaustion and accomplishment. The groundwork for the trial was laid, and the legal team, though weary, remained steadfast. The Goliath Tech case was more than a professional challenge; it was a crucible forging bonds, testing mettle, and defining the pursuit of justice in a complex world.
Tris packed up her things, ready to leave the office. The journey home was a welcome break before the next day's challenges. Stepping outside, she felt the evening air and heard the city's sounds all around her.
As Tris strolled through the city streets, the cool evening air gently brushed against her face. Her mind still buzzed with the details of the Goliath Tech case, but the rhythmic cadence of her steps provided a welcomed break from the intense work atmosphere. Peter had been alright today, yet the ever-mounting paperwork demanded her attention. It seemed she would need to pull a few late nights this week to catch up. Nevertheless, she had decided to take a breather, leaving the office at 6:30 pm.
Amid the city's ambient noises, Tris felt a subtle vibration in her pocket. Retrieving her phone, she discovered two texts waiting for her. The first was from Four, and as she opened it, a playful grin spread across her face. The image that greeted her was a snapshot of Ella, smiling happily, holding a ketchup bottle and covered in ketchup stains.
The picture captured a moment of chaos, with Ella spreading ketchup all over her plate of fries, the table, and her white clothes. The playful messiness of it all brought a genuine smile to Tris's face. Ella's expressive eyes seemed to convey both innocence and mischief, creating a heartwarming scene.
The accompanying text from Four read, "Looks like Ella found her way to the ketchup again. She has probably heard that you will be doing our laundry this week, so she decided to give you a challenge! Any chance you can work your magic and get it out? She's giving me the 'puppy eyes of innocence' routine. Good luck!"
Tris chuckled at Four's humorous plea. It was clear that Ella had gotten herself into another delightful predicament, and Tris couldn't help but appreciate the lightheartedness it brought to her evening. As she continued walking, she texted back a witty reply, promising to do her best with the ketchup stain.
The second text on her phone was from Christina, asking if Tris wanted to come by after work. Tris paused for a moment, contemplating the invitation. Despite the lingering tension from their last interaction, she considered the possibility of catching up with her friend and patching things up. Christina was, after all, her oldest friend. However, with the Goliath Tech case demanding her attention, Tris didn't want to add the stress of a strained friendship on top of it. It was already positive that Christina was the one reaching out, so Tris decided to rip the bandaid off and see what Christina had to say.
Tris found herself standing outside Christina's apartment building. She took a deep breath, preparing to address the tension that had lingered between them since the failed blind date. As she approached the door, she wondered how the conversation would unfold, knowing Christina was not one to admit her mistakes.
Christina opened the door, and the atmosphere in the room seemed heavy with unspoken words. Tris stepped inside, the weight of their strained friendship palpable.
"Hey, Tris," Christina began, as she offered them both a drink and plopped on the couch. A pizza box with two plates for them to share rested on the table. Her tone was apologetic. "I've been wanting to talk to you about last Friday. I messed up, and I'm really sorry."
Tris listened, her expression neutral, allowing Christina to express her thoughts. Christina continued, "I spoke to Marlene, and she made me realize that I overstepped. I shouldn't have pushed you into that date without considering your feelings. I just wanted you to have a good time, not realizing that I messed up your night."
Tris appreciated Christina's sincerity and willingness to acknowledge her mistake. The tension began to ease as they both sat down, ready to hash out the details of what had transpired.
Christina continued, "And about Matt, he turned out to be a real jerk. After our conversation, I reached out to him, and he admitted he went out drinking with some people from the office after work on Friday. He didn't even remember the blind date. I'm so sorry for putting you through that. He's a complete jerk, and I promise I won't set you up anymore."
Tris processed the information, feeling a mix of emotions. While the initial frustration lingered, she also recognized Christina's genuine remorse. "I appreciate your apology, Christina," Tris responded. "I guess we both learned something from this."
They spent the next hour talking, addressing their concerns and clearing the air. The genuine conversation allowed them to reconnect, understanding each other's perspectives and appreciating the value of their friendship.
As Tris left Christina's apartment that evening, there was a sense of relief and closure. The weight that had burdened their friendship had lifted, making room for understanding and forgiveness. Tris walked away, grateful for the opportunity to talk it out with Christina.
The week had flown by in a blur of work, laughter, and shared moments. Four couldn't deny the shift in his mood; he felt an unusual lightness that lingered throughout the days. The inspiration for new songs flowed effortlessly, each melody and lyric reflecting the happiness he couldn't quite explain. Amar and Zeke, his closest friends, couldn't help but notice the change. They exchanged curious glances as Four hummed his tunes, started conversations and cracked jokes, a departure from his typically guarded demeanour.
One afternoon, after a particularly uplifting jam session in the studio, Amar finally voiced the unspoken question. "Hey, Four, what's up with you lately? You've been like a different person all week."
Zeke chimed in, "Yeah, you're practically radiating happiness. Did you finally get laid or something?"
Four chuckled, attempting to downplay the significance of his newfound joy. "Nah, just in a good mood, I guess."
Amar raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by the vague response. "Come on, spill it. Is there a secret love affair we don't know about?"
Four's guarded expression softened into a subtle smile. "No love affairs. Just... feeling happy, you know?"
Ammar and Zeke looked at each other, not really believing him , but decided to drop the questions for now, if four was anything it was stubborn, if he didn't want to share something he wouldn't.
As he dodged their persistent questions, Four couldn't deny that his happiness had something to do with tris coming into his life. Thoughts of her filled his days, he smiled whenever he got a text from her and her presence lingered in every note he played. He marvelled at the simplicity of it all – how a few shared moments could turn his world around.
In the midst of this newfound joy, Four maintained a routine at home. Cooking dinner, creating a cozy atmosphere for Ella, and taking care of household chores became a comforting ritual. He had also offered to help tris by walking bailey, Ella was overjoyed when he told her and he couldn't deny that he also liked the presence of the animal, it brought a different kind of love with him and Ella was also bonding heavily with bailey and taking care of the dog. Four loved to see it. As walking with bailey was Ella's highlight every day this week, four was dreading Saturday , as from Saturday tris would have time to walk bailey again during the day, and only in those short 3 days Ella had appointed herself as baileys official walker and he could imagine the tears when Ella couldn't walk bailey, but he pushed those thoughts aside for now.
After preparing a simple meal, and four had put on some cartoons for Ella he looked at the bin, it was overflowing and it had to be taken out, four had enough money to afford a cleaner, but he simple didn't want one, he didn't want a stranger in his household and even though he hated the cleaning stuff he'd rather do it himself, so with a heavy hearth he collected the trash and called out to this daughter " sweetie , I'm just taking out the trash , I'll be back in 5 minutes okay? " Ella engrossed in her show and nodded "okay daddy, I love you " He smiled and closed the door behind him.
As soon as he closed the door he heard unsettling sounds from across his door, tris her apartment, it sounded like things falling to the ground and grunts, four almost wanted to walk away, not wanting to listen to what could be tris and a lover , but when he heard a man shout clearly "You bitch ", and tris yelling in destress "No, Peter let me go! " and bailey shrieking in pain, Four didn't hesitate a moment, dropped the trash on the floor and as fear gripped him as he swiftly barged into Tris's apartment. The sight before him was chilling a man, he assumed was called Peter, was holding Tris against the wall by her throat, tris was struggling to get out but it was clearly not helping. Bailey whimpered nearby, clearly hurt and tris her coffee table was filled with legal papers and document. Without a moment's hesitation, Four's protective instincts kicked in.
He moved with swift precision, grabbing Peter by the throat and forcefully throwing him to the ground. Tris, now freed from the threatening hold, took a few steps back, eyes wide with a mix of fear, shock and relief. She immediately searched for Bailey and scooted over to him, checking if he was hurt.
While peter was struggling against four's grip, trying to hit him he shouted "What's wrong with you dude, did you not see that she want it?"
While peter tried to hit four, four dodged the punch and knocked him out instead, with relief he quickly called his security, when their band skyrocketed, four had hired private security, there was always someone nearby. As he didn't want anything to happen to Ella and people could be really crazy with celebrities. Within moments Tyrell was standing in tris her apartment.
As he handed an unconscious peter over to Tyrell he slowly walked over to tris, seeing if she wanted to take peter to the police.
In a tender gesture, Four crouched down beside Tris, his movements deliberate and gentle. "Tris," he whispered, his voice a soothing presence in the chaos that had unfolded. His hand extended slowly, bridging the gap between them as he reached out to touch her arm, a silent offer of comfort in the midst of turmoil.
The impact of that simple connection was profound. As his fingers made contact, Tris crumbled beneath the weight of the night's events. Tears streamed down her face, a torrent of emotions released in that vulnerable moment. Four, attuned to her silent distress, acted instinctively. His arms opened wide, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. The warmth and security he offered became a sanctuary, a haven in which Tris could release the pent-up tension and fear that had gripped her.
Time seemed to stand still as Four held her close. In those initial moments, the air was thick with unspoken understanding. Gradually, as Tris's sobs subsided, Four continued to hold her, his fingers gently combing through her hair with a rhythmic reassurance.
After a few minutes, when the storm within Tris had calmed, Four spoke softly, the question loaded with concern. "What do you want me to do with the guy? I want to bring him to the police, but I want to check with you first." Tris, still reeling from the shock, shook her head in a fervent refusal. The fear that he might have seriously harmed her lingered in the air, unspoken but palpable.
Understanding her reluctance, Four nodded, making a swift decision. He reached for his phone and instructed Tyrell, a member of his private security team, to handle Peter. The command extended beyond dealing with the immediate aftermath; it included ensuring that Peter never set foot in the building again. Building security needed to be informed to safeguard Tris from any potential future threats.
As Four surveyed Tris's apartment, the aftermath of the altercation came into focus. Shattered glass littered the floor, a stark reminder of the violence that had breached her sanctuary. Concern etched on his features, he touched her arm gently, drawing her attention. "Tris," he murmured, his voice a measured calm, "Bailey is hurt." Tris whispered a painful truth, recounting how Bailey had been kicked when he tried to protect her.
Anger flared within Four at the thought of Bailey's suffering. Determination fueled his next words. "I'll arrange for someone to take him to the emergency vet, okay, Tris?" Tris, despite her own distress, shook her head in refusal. The need to be with Bailey, to comfort him in his pain, took precedence over her own well-being.
"No, I need to go with Bailey, and I need to finish this case," Tris mumbled, gesturing to the scattered papers on her table. The shock of the night's events had left her in a daze, her professional commitments and the well-being of her loyal companion competing for her attention.
Firmly, Four shook his head in response. "Tris, you're not going to work tomorrow. You need to call your boss and let them know what happened." Tris, caught between duty and personal turmoil, resisted initially. "No, they're counting on me. I've been working on this case."
In a gentle but persuasive tone, Four reasoned with her, emphasizing the necessity of taking a step back. "But, Tris, with what happened, you won't be thinking clearly. Trust me, I know. Take the day off. I'm sure they'll understand. At least call them and let them know what happened. Then we'll go to the vet with Bailey together, okay?" Tris, yielding to the wisdom in his words, nodded in agreement.
As she dialed her phone and retreated to the other room to communicate with her boss, Four took charge of the immediate aftermath. The broken door, a symbol of violated security, caught his attention. "Ella is home alone," he realized with a jolt, acknowledging the responsibilities that awaited him.
With a swift decision, he ran back to his apartment, leaving the door open to signal his whereabouts to Tris. The sight of Ella asleep on the couch, undisturbed by the chaos that had unfolded, brought a moment of solace to Four. He leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead, and roused her from slumber. In any other circumstance, he might have let her sleep peacefully, but the impending journey to the vet and Tyrell's presence in his apartment required her awareness.
As Tyrell entered Four's place, they quickly talked about Ella's bedtime routine. Four usually didn't let his security team babysit, but tonight was different. Tyrell didn't mind; he understood the situation. He patted Four on the shoulder and said, "It's okay, man. You did well. And you might need to let Amar know about what happened. Not sure if the guy remembers who knocked him out."
Four groaned. He didn't want any media attention. Tyrell was right; if the guy recognized him, he might go to the news. When Four returned to Tris's place, he heard her on the phone, maybe talking to her boss. Four saw this as a chance to start cleaning up the mess in Tris's place. There was glass everywhere, evidence of the intruder who disrupted Tris's personal space.
Armed with a dustbin, Four began picking up the broken glass. The rhythmic sound of cleaning echoed in the room. Each piece he threw away brought a bit of order to Tris's once calm home.
While cleaning, Four noticed Bailey, Tris's dog, clearly in pain from the scuffle. Moved by empathy, Four quickly looked up the nearest vet online and called them. He informed the vet that he and Tris would be on their way to get Bailey treated.
As he continued cleaning and preparing for the trip to the vet, Four juggled unexpected responsibilities. The night had turned into a series of tasks beyond his usual routine. Despite the challenges, Four focused on helping Tris and Bailey and making sure that they were safe.
As Four continued tidying up the aftermath of the intrusion, Tris emerged from the other room, her phone call seemingly concluded. Her eyes held a mix of exhaustion and relief as she approached Four. Without uttering a word, she embraced him briefly, a silent acknowledgment of the support amidst the turmoil.
"Thanks for handling this, Four," Tris said, her voice carrying a weight that hinted at the emotional toll of the situation. "I just spoke with my boss. Peter is officially fired, and she is taking over the case. She's assured me that I don't have to worry about the workload, I just need to hand her over all my filles. Friday's court appearance is still on, but my boss will lead. I just need to be there for support. She emphasized that I should focus on resting."
Tris sighed, a mixture of emotions playing across her face. "It's a lot to take in, but at least the immediate work stress is off my plate. Bailey, though... I appreciate you helping with the vet, Four."
Four nodded in understanding, grateful for the update. "Of course, Tris. We'll make sure Bailey gets the care he needs."
Gently picking up Bailey in his arms, Four and Tris walked to his car in a comfortable silence.
The ambiance in Four's apartment held a comforting stillness as they returned from the vet, the weight of the night's events lingering in the air. The soft glow of dimmed lamps created a cozy atmosphere, a stark contrast to the chaos they had faced earlier. Bailey, their loyal companion, was now at the vet for overnight surveillance, his broken ribs being tended to with care. Four busied himself in the kitchen, preparing a calming pot of tea.
Tris, wrapped in a blanket, found solace on the couch. Four, after ensuring Ella was still sound asleep in her room, joined Tris. He handed her a warm mug of tea, and she smiled gratefully. It didn't take much convincing for Tris to stay at Four's place; the unspoken understanding between them provided a sense of security.
As they settled on the couch, Tris turned to Four, gratitude and vulnerability in her eyes. "Thank you," she said, tears glistening. "I don't know what would have happened if you weren't there," her voice broke.
Trying to steady her, Four responded, "You did everything you could, Tris. I'm proud of you for even trying to defend yourself. That already takes a lot of courage."
Tris, still emotional, looked at him with a hint of embarrassment. "Is it my fault?" she whispered. "We were engrossed in a case, had a lot to do, and our office building was closing. I offered that we could work at my place instead. Did I give him the wrong idea?" Tears flowed freely.
Four enveloped her in a comforting hug, holding her shoulders gently. Locking eyes with her, he spoke sincerely, "Tris, listen to me. This is not your fault at all. You are kind, the kindest person I have met. He just took advantage of your kindness, and he is a complete asshole. This is not your fault at all. I don't even want you thinking that."
Tris, relieved, broke into tears and clung to Four's chest. "Thank you," she sobbed. "Thank you for being there."
Four stroked her back, holding her close and kissing the top of her head. "Always, Tris. Always."
It was a moment of vulnerability for Four, a departure from his usual stoicism. He had never been one to offer comfort willingly, except for his daughter. Yet, here he was, providing solace to Tris on his couch. As she sobbed, he held her as close as possible, a mixture of protectiveness and care emanating from him. Despite the fear these feelings stirred in him, in this moment, all that mattered was comforting Tris. These feelings scared him to bits but at this moment he didn't care and just continued caressing her hair whilst whispering sweet assurances. In that moment he vowed to himself that he would do everything he could to protect her.