Never Come Back

Emelie and Mona were both stunned.

Ashley stirred her drink slowly, watching as the once-separated colors blended together.

"I think I have PTSD," she said, referring to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

She explained, "After I regained the ability to walk, I went back to the law firm. I thought that I could return to work as usual, so I took on a divorce case. But as soon as I stepped into the courtroom, I broke out in a cold sweat and couldn't say a single word."

Ashley smiled wryly. "Luckily, it was just a procedural hearing and I didn't have to defend my clients. My clients handled it themselves. Otherwise, I would have embarrassed the entire legal profession."

Emelie remained silent.

Ashley had once been the brightest star in the legal world, known for winning almost every case she took on. She was a true legend, outshining even Beathan.

And now, here she was, mocking herself for being a disgrace to the profession. So much had changed.

Emelie's breath hitched, and she asked quietly, "Have you seen a therapist?"

Ashley replied, "Yes. They prescribed some medication and advised me to stay away from anything related to law for a while. They said that my condition isn't great and that I should focus on getting better first."

Ashley noticed the worry in her friends' eyes, and she forced a smile, even though she had never been one to smile often.

She continued, "I've been a lawyer for nearly ten years, and honestly, I've been worn out for a while. This might be a good opportunity to retire early. I can work behind the scenes and just handle paperwork. No more courtrooms. I think that's not so bad."

She put some food onto Emelie and Mona's plates, speaking in a casual tone. "I'm rich enough. I won't die if I lose a professional skill. It's really no big deal.

"Besides, this way, I'll have more personal time. I can travel... I've always wanted to take a road trip through the northwest. I'll drive an off-road vehicle by myself with a tent in the back. I can stop wherever I want and sleep under the stars. How carefree is that?"

She spoke casually, but Emelie wasn't convinced.Property © of .

Emelie said, "You didn't just become wealthy. You were already well-off ten years ago. If you didn't love being a lawyer, why would you choose such a demanding and often thankless profession? And why would you work so hard at it all these years?"

Ashley clearly loved her job. With her parents and grandparents all being lawyers, it was in her blood. There was no way she could give it up so easily. She was just trying to put on a brave face.

Ashley tried to deny it. "People's passions change over time. I just don't like being a lawyer anymore. I've been carrying the weight of the legal family legacy for so long, and I'm tired of it."

Mona couldn't take it anymore and blurted, "Why are you pretending with us?"

Ashley finally fell silent, lowering her head to sip her drink. The minty flavor was refreshing, but the aftertaste was bitter.

Emelie held her hand. "See your therapist, and if you need any help, just ask. If you want to travel, go for it; a change of scenery might do you good. But I still hope you'll return to the field you love and keep doing what you're passionate about."

She paused, then added softly, "Ashley, I've been thinking about this for the last three years. I waited for you to wake up because the lawyer I want for my family's case is you, the case from 25 years ago involving the Pierce family and the Xander Group."

Emelie looked at her solemnly. "The Pierce family is guilty, and my father deserves to be punished by the law. But he wasn't the only one responsible. The account book that my family paid for with their lives. I want you to be the one who brings it to light."

Emelie knew that she was putting pressure on Ashley. But it was because she could see that, despite Ashley's outward composure, she was emotionally exhausted and had lost her will to live.

This total upheaval from her personal life to her career was too much for her to bear. Right now, she probably felt like her entire life had lost its meaning.

Emelie wanted to help her find hope again. She feared that, without it, Ashley might go on that road trip to the northwest and never come back.