CHAPTER THREE
CASSIE
I shifted in my seat, hips twisting around as I waited impatiently. The short dark-haired, soft-spoken woman left minutes ago. How much longer could she really be?
My leg twitched as my knee continued to bounce to the sound of the clock ticking, it was tormenting with my thoughts. Showing up here on a Monday morning, hoping to be seen, was a long shot—even for me. I knew that this was beyond out of the ordinary, but I was desperate.
I was beyond desperate.
I spent my entire weekend researching the best lawyers in Illinois. After locating the closest and highest-rated firm to me, I immediately started scrolling through their list of lawyers. There were no pictures to judge anyone off of so I went with names.
Instinctively, whenever my eyes landed on a commonly known male name, my finger scrolled. My eyes skipped past male after male until I finally landed on the name Manon Kapoor .
I knew I couldn't judge her strictly because she was a woman. Which is what I would usually do in any other situation, but for once I needed to do my research, and fast. Because my initial arraignment court date was scheduled for this Friday.
Which meant that I had exactly three days to find myself a lawyer who was willing to make miracles happen. So, I had to be strategic. I couldn't pick the best or most sought-after lawyer in the area. Not only because I couldn't afford them, but also because I needed someone who valued me, and not the money.
My case wasn't just some get-rich-quick scheme that would leave both of us happy, my case could ruin my life for good. A company as huge and as well-known as Blue Wheels was out for blood. You’d think having all the money in the world meant you wouldn’t care to go after the ones at the bottom of the totem pole. But it seemed to be the complete opposite, I was being sued for more than my entire existence was even worth.
When I rented that car, I was already at a low point in my life where I couldn't afford to get my car fixed. She had sat there, parked in an old mechanic’s garage for nearly two months. During that time, I relied solely on Blue Wheels to be able to make money. At first, it was amazing. Instantly, my riders were happier with the amount of space the SUV had and it automatically made everyone tip more.
I was making more than I had in months and I was starting to think that maybe my car breaking down was for the better. Rent was being paid on time, my gas tank was always full, and I was able to eat out at least twice a week. To me, I was living the dream.
Until Thursday morning, December 12th, of 2023.
My whole world changed that day.
For two months, it felt like I’d been living someone else’s life, only to be yanked back into my own without warning. After the accident and the initial wave of trauma had passed, I was able to joke that “at least it wasn’t my car”—but clearly, I’d spoken too soon because Blue Wheels was on the verge of claiming full ownership of everything I owned.
If they won this case, Blue Wheels would own my entire life.
My head whipped around when I heard feet shuffling, snapping me out of my daze.
“Cassie?” A distant voice called out.
I shot out of my seat, quickly turning on my heels to see the same woman who greeted me earlier, waving me down while she gripped the handle of what looked like an office door.
A premature surge of excitement shot through me as I stumbled with each step I took down the narrow hallway.
“Yes?” I said eagerly, I was passed trying to hide my desperation, I was ready to fall to my knees and beg if I needed to.
Her smile seemed to grow as she sensed my anticipation heightened, from the moment we met I sensed her energy was warm and comforting. I knew then that I had made the right decision in coming here. Quickly my intuition was validated. As I finally began to approach her, she immediately stepped back and out of the doorway, while still holding it open.
“Please meet Manon Kapoor.”
Pure joy bubbled within me; the tables were finally turning. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, and finally, this open pit of trauma could be put to rest. I needed this, I needed to finally let this all go. I wasn't prepared to have to go through all this right now, and it felt like the universe just dropped it onto me. Well, technically, they dropped it onto me weeks ago, but that didn't matter because someone was willing to hear me out. This was most likely going to be the one and only chance I had at saving myself before I lost it all.
My hands tightened on the strap of my fringe bag, and I cleared my throat before giving one last smile to the woman holding the door. She nodded and winked as I let a silent “thank you” slip from my lips.
Turning on the heels of my boots, I began to speak with my chest, “Hel—”
My breath hitched, my eyes moved past the wall of papers that lined the office and straight to…her.
It's her.
It’s the woman I crashed into earlier.