Page 17 of Forgotten Prejudice

“Can you still compete while going to college? Isn’t it a bit too hard?” he asked after putting down his wine glass.

Trying to avoid the question, I took a big bite from my food. After taking my sweet time chewing, I cleaned my lips with the napkin. “Well, enough about me. Maybe tell me about yourself?” So far, he’d asked most of the questions. “Why did you choose to become a lawyer?”

“I always loved the theater, and there’s no better stage than the court.”

My brows pulled close. “Are you serious?”

“Oh, for sure.” He grinned. “In the leading role, you have your defense lawyer, while the judge and jury are your crowd, and the courtroom is your stage.”

Putting my elbows on the table, I leaned closer. “And what about the defendant?”

Soren huffed. “He’s nothing but an extra,” he said, giving me a teasing look. “A trial is a one-man show in which you need to sell your case. Whether arguing for someone’s innocence or reciting Shakespeare’s lines, it doesn’t matter. As a defense lawyer, you act the part and sell the show.”

The more Soren spoke, the more I realized how incredible he was. If he carried the same attitude in court, I had no doubt he’d never lose a case.

“But isn’t working with criminals scary? Wouldn’t you rather work for the attorney general?”

“Working for the attorney general?” He snorted a laugh. “You are honestly the cutest little thing.” He bit on his bottom lip before emptying his wineglass.

“W-What did I do now?”

“Nothing. Absolutely nothing. And, to answer your question, no. I don’t find working with criminals scary at all. My grandfather, whom I always looked up to, was a defense lawyer. He also had his own law firm that my father now runs.”

That sounds sweet, like a family business.

“So, are you going to work there once you graduate?”

“Of course not.”

Wait, what?

“Why wouldn’t you?” I asked, confused.

“Because I love winning, and as much as I love my father, I plan to learn from the best, and he’s not the best.”

The waiter then came and took away our empty dishes and quickly cleaned up the table, supplying us with new cutlery for dessert.

“Isn’t that a bit mean? Won’t his feelings get hurt?”

“I believe involving emotions where they don’t belong is pointless, Ashton. Hence, the use of ‘mean’ is irrelevant in this case. My father knows he’ll forever have my love and respect, but it doesn’t mean I wouldn’t take away his clients one day.”

“That’s a bit harsh,” I said.

“That’s life for you.”

It was crazy to believe Soren was only a few years older than me, with how smart and mature he was. His perspective on life was clearly different from my own, but perhaps I should learn from him?

Reaching forward, Soren grabbed my hand and tangled our fingers together. His soft skin was overshadowed by how cold his hands were, and it made me think of an old, lonely man. Still, I enjoyed the touch.

“I sense you’re thinking too hard about the things I say, Ashton, so don’t. I’m well aware I can come off like a total snob.”

“No!” I cut into his words, clenching his hand harder. “Not at all.” My cheeks flushed red.

“Good. Because I truly enjoyed tonight and would love to see you again.”

Holy shit. Is this actually happening? Not only was it ridiculous that Soren wanted us to go on another date, but it was also exactly what I wanted, too.

“Well, we still have the whole flight back home for you to change your mind.” My joke failed as it only fed my insecurities.