Emma couldn't help but consider the possibilities. Her current job had become a relentless grind, a never-ending cycle of divorce cases and lost causes.
The idea of stepping into a new environment, with different legal challenges and a chance to make a real impact, held an allure she couldn't deny.
The more Nina spoke, the more Emma's curiosity grew. She pictured herself working alongside an experienced team, engaging in high-stakes legal battles, and potentially making a significant difference.
The promise of a generous salary was a cherry on top, considering the financial burden she faced with her struggling law firm.
Could this be the fresh start she needed? A chance to break free from the rut she had been stuck in for far too long?
The allure of the unknown, the thrill of a new challenge, and the possibility of finding a change of heart in her career were tempting.
After hearing Nina's detailed explanations, Emma made up her mind. She took a deep breath and answered, "Alright, Nina. I'm in."
Nina erupted into gleeful cheers. "Fantastic! Tomorrow morning, I'll provide you with the departure details. See you!"
"See you."
The call ended, and Emma couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. She hadn't mentioned to Nina that this could be just a temporary gig, a brief working vacation. Emma was going to enjoy her time off to the fullest.
Nina's contagious enthusiasm had Emma feeling a little more lighthearted. Her upcoming adventure to the neighboring kingdom brought a sense of excitement and anticipation she hadn't felt in a long time.
Her plans for a well-deserved break now felt like a thrilling escape from the mundanity of her daily life.
Emma spent the evening sorting out the loose ends in her office, informing her few remaining clients about her temporary leave, and mentally preparing herself for this unexpected journey.
Her heart fluttered with a mix of anxiety and exhilaration as she considered the possibilities that awaited her in the kingdom across the border.
A sense of adventure had always been an undercurrent in her life, and now, with her bags packed, she was ready to embrace it fully.
Yet her happiness was short-lived when she received a phone call informing her that her client from earlier that day, Mrs. Leyla, had passed away while en route to the hospital. She would be resting tonight at the Pastur Carloz funeral home.
"Alright. I'll drop by shortly to pay my respects," Emma murmured softly as she hung up the phone.
***
Emma approached the funeral home of Pastor Carloz, the same priest who had sprinkled her with holy water earlier for supporting a frowned-upon divorce, accusing her of being a follower of darkness.
Carloz had condemned her for years.
Emma's presence at the somber setting was accentuated by her attire, an ensemble of black lace that draped elegantly over her figure.
The intricacies of her headpiece perfectly complemented by the darkness of her elbow-length gloves.
The black stone earrings she wore caught the subtle light, reflecting a subdued yet profound radiance.
Her hair, styled in a modest yet refined manner, was a testament to her grace. Each strand seemed to fall in place with deliberate simplicity, framing her face with a subtle beauty that spoke volumes.
Pastor Carloz pretended to be busy greeting other guests as Emma walked to the open casket in front of the altar.
Inside the casket, Mrs. Leyla lay at rest, her face drained of color against the stark white of her wedding dress.
The gown, once a symbol of joy and union, now served as a chilling reminder of the tragic matrimony she shared with her husband and murderer, Mr. Suarez.
The stark contrast between the purity of the bridal attire and the harsh reality of her untimely demise, evoking a sense of sorrow and reflection among the gathered mourners.
Emma chose to address her by her first name, Mrs. Leyla, steering clear of using Mrs. Suarez, her husband's last name, as he was unworthy of such recognition.
Mr. Suarez had subjected her to daily abuse, making the name unbearable.
Not far away, her 6-year-old son sobbed inconsolably. It remained uncertain who was taking care of him now, as his father was imprisoned for the murder of his mother.
The poignant scene painted a heart-wrenching picture of a shattered family, grappling with the aftermath of tragedy and violence.
"Mrs. Leyla, the cruelty of having to die at the hands of someone you loved and defended until the end is unfathomable. Even in your final resting place, they compel you to wear the wedding dress and wedding ring?" Emma remarked, her voice carrying a mix of sorrow and indignation.
She tenderly placed a single white rose as a final tribute, the delicate petals contrasting with the heavy emotions in the air.
The poignant act encapsulated Emma's defiance against the injustice that had befallen Mrs. Leyla, a silent protest against the forced symbolism that marred her farewell.
Mrs. Leyla's makeup failed to conceal the haunting black bruises from her husband's violent blows, a somber testament to the abuse she endured.
Rumors circulated that she had become a punching bag, her organs ruptured under the relentless assault.
The murder unfolded before her only son, a witness to the brutal tragedy.
Emma cast a glance at Mrs. Leyla's family, their eyes a tumultuous mix of emotions. They had vehemently opposed Leyla's desire for a divorce, and now their daughter lay dead.
Emma bowed in greeting to Leyla's grieving family, then knelt before her son, offering a warm smile. "You'll grow up, remembering your father as your bitterest lesson in life. I survived by doing the same – enduring, remembering someone I despised. It's painful, but I've managed to survive until now."
The young boy looked at her with a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Growing up means becoming a good man," Emma continued, her hand gently patting his head. "It's not always easy, but you can choose a path different from the one your father took. Be kind, be strong."
The boy's gaze lingered, trying to grasp the weight of Emma's words.