Legally bound

Alex left Eileen's office with his mind made up and his heart pounding. The newspaper headline  NEW YORK'S ELITE LAW FIRM; BUILT ON LIES? still burned in his head as he walked down the glass corridor that led to his father's office. Every step echoed with the weight of his decision.

His father's secretary looked up as he approached. "Mr. Cromwell, your parents are still inside," she said cautiously.

Alex nodded and knocked once before stepping in. The familiar scent of whiskey and polished leather greeted him. His mother sat gracefully on the couch, her posture calm and deliberate. His father, behind his desk, stared blankly at a document.

"Alex," his mother said softly, as if she'd been expecting him. "You came back."

"I have," Alex replied, steadying his voice. "I've made my decision."

Mr. Cromwell finally looked up, his expression unreadable. "And?"

"I'll do it," Alex said simply. "I'll find Lily."

A silence lingered. His mother exhaled, relief flickering in her eyes. His father rose slowly, adjusting his cufflinks before approaching.

"Good," he said. "You're doing the right thing, son."

"Am I?" Alex asked, meeting his gaze. "Because it doesn't feel like it."

Mr. Cromwell's tone softened. "Sometimes, the right thing doesn't feel right until it's done."

His mother stood, brushing a stray curl from her cheek. "Then go before anyone else gets to Smith. AB Partners are waiting for a reason to walk."

Alex nodded. "I'll speak to Mr. Smith today."

"Good," his father replied, his tone clipped but approving. "And, Alex... thank you."

That was all he needed to hear.

The drive to Mr. Smith's office blurred past in streaks of light and restless thought. By the time he arrived, the sun had begun to sink behind the skyline, painting the city gold.

Mr. Smith's office towered over Midtown, all glass and power. The older man stood by the window with a glass of whiskey when Alex entered.

"Alex," he said with a half-smile. "I wasn't expecting you so soon."

"I wanted to tell you in person," Alex replied. "I'll take your offer."

Mr. Smith's expression shifted from surprise to relief. "You don't know what this means to me."

"I have an idea," Alex said dryly. "But I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing it for my father."

Mr. Smith's smile faltered. "Whatever your reason, what matters is that you'll bring her home."

He reached into his desk and pulled out a sleek black envelope. "I just want her back, Alex. The deal, the money all that can wait."

"But you still haven't told me why she left," Alex said.

A shadow crossed Mr. Smith's face. "Some harsh decisions I made ones I deeply regret drove her away."

Alex nodded after a pause. "You'll have her back," he said quietly. "I'll make sure of it."

"I'll have my private investigator send you everything we've gathered; her last known address, and a few photos which are quite old but will give you a good idea. You'll have it by nightfall."

"Alright," Alex said. "The sooner I have the details, the sooner I can leave."

Mr. Smith nodded. "Efficient as always. Just... be patient with her. She's not the same girl you remember."

Alex gave a small nod and left without looking back.

"Book me the earliest flight to Chicago tomorrow morning," he told Eileen over the phone as soon as he got into his car.

"Chicago?" she asked.

"Yes. Mr. Smith's daughter is there."

"Alright. I'll get you on the 8 a.m. flight. Business class, I assume?"

"Yes," he said with a faint smile. "Might as well enjoy this dreadful trip."

Eileen chuckled. "Of course. And Alex... be careful."

"I will."

Back at his penthouse, the city lights shimmered against the windows. Emily's car was already parked outside, and despite everything, the sight made him smile. Inside, she was curled up on the couch watching her usual reality show. She ran into his arms the moment she saw him.

"I've missed you so much,babe" she said, kissing him. "You don't look great, though. Work stress?"

"Yeah," he said, forcing a smile. "A lot's going on."

He sometimes wondered if she'd seen the headlines about his firm's scandal. She'd never mentioned it not once. A part of him thought maybe she just didn't want to upset him but another part ..erm was unsure. 

"I'll be traveling to Chicago tomorrow morning," he said after a pause. "Work trip. Not sure when I'll be back."

"Tomorrow? That's soon." She didn't look away from the TV. "Don't forget to send me some bucks before you go as you usually do."

He laughed softly, though it stung. "You know I will."

As she returned her attention to the screen, Alex climbed upstairs and muttered to himself "that was easier than I thought." He packed a few clothes and his laptop before he saw an email notification. 

He checked his inbox. A new email sat there from one Daniel, Private Investigator.

He clicked it open.

Inside were photos from about 3 years ago and one which looked quite recent. Alex exhaled, staring at the picture a moment longer. "Wow,Lily. She looked more beautiful now," he murmured. 

At the bottom was a note; "Lily Smith. Best graduating student of northwestern university school of law. These pictures are from when she was in university and the recent one is from her graduation. She has been extremely secretive since she graduated so her current address is unknown but I've added a list of possible addresses"

He saw his phone beep as he scanned through the mail. It was Mr Smith. He checked the time "11:03pm," why was Mr Smith calling him at this time? 

"Hello sir" he said when he picked up his phone 

"Alex, I know I shouldn't be calling at this time but please I'm relying on you to maintain my sanity. Do this for me and I'd forever be indebted to you" 

"I won't disappoint, Mr Smith" 

"Thank you, Alex" Mr Smith said finally as he ended the call. 

Alex shut his laptop, turned off the lights, and tried to rest though sleep never came easily.

The next morning, the airport buzzed with life. Alex moved through the crowd quietly, blending in despite his tailored suit. The weight of his decision pressed on him heavier than his luggage.

As the plane taxied down the runway, he gazed out the window at the skyline fading in the distance.

"Goodbye, New York," he thought. "Hello, trouble."