Shayla
As I leaned against the counter, sipping the coffee Chris had made, my phone chimed with a new notification. I glanced at the screen and saw an email from my lawyer. I sighed, setting my mug down and opening the message. The subject line read, *"Next Steps: Trial Preparation"*, and it immediately brought back the weight of the legal battle with Terrance.
The email outlined the upcoming steps—more paperwork, witness prep, and a meeting to finalize the strategy. My lawyer also mentioned they'd need me to be present in New York again soon, possibly for a deposition. Just thinking about the back-and-forth travel made my stomach turn. It felt like every time I made progress, something pulled me back into that mess.
I scrolled further, seeing an attachment with some updated timelines and questions they'd need me to answer before the trial.
Chris walked over, noticing my furrowed brow. "Bad news?"
