Legally bound

"Beep, beep."

Alex's alarm went off. It was 4 a.m., and he had barely slept a wink. He could've as well turned it into his bedtime alarm.

He had spent the past few weeks visiting firms, law schools, and legal networks, anywhere she might be. He'd even checked universities, thinking maybe Lily had taken a teaching job or become a research assistant. But everywhere he turned, he hit a wall.

When he visited her alma mater, they told him nothing. He understood schools and hospitals were bound by strict confidentiality.

Wilson, his best friend, had joked that he should bribe someone at the school's secretariat for information, but Alex's moral code was too high for that. Wilson knew it.

He had attended at least three legal networking events in the past week. Because of who he was, access was never a problem; it was the answers that were. None of the managing partners he met had heard of a Lily Smith in their firm.

Alex thought he was close to breaking point when he met a state attorney who said there was a Lily Smith in his office. Excitement rushed through him but when he arrived, he was met by a 57-year-old woman nearing retirement. The disappointment hit like a punch.

That night, he went straight to a club to drown the frustration.

The night was a blur. Someone recognized him, and soon there were five women crowding around. He almost went home with one, but reason kicked in. Tomorrow's headlines would have a field day. Instead, he gave her a generous tip and left.

Back in his room, as he debated between sleep and more searching, his phone rang. Emily.

He'd been so consumed with his mission that he'd nearly forgotten her and, if he was honest, she hadn't called once since he arrived a week ago.

"Hey, babe," he said, answering.

"Hi, Alex," she murmured between soft sobs.

"Emily, are you crying?"

He sat up, instantly alert. Her sobs were faint but deliberate, the kind that sounded like she wanted to be heard.

"I just had the worst day," she sniffed. "They mixed up payments from the last campaign, and I haven't been paid yet. I swear I'm so done with these people, Alex. I just... I need a break."

He rubbed his temples. "It's four in the morning, Em."

"I know," she said softly, "but you're the only one I can talk to."

He glanced at the desk; notes, files, coffee cups. He'd been chasing a ghost for a week; the last thing he needed was another storm. He wanted to ask why she hadn't called once to check on him but didn't.

"Do you need me to do something?" he asked finally.

There was a pause. Then, almost casually: "Could you send me some bucks? I've got a party with the girls tomorrow and need a new dress. Just a little to get through the week? I'll pay you back as soon as the payment comes in."

He closed his eyes. Same story, different day.

"I'll send something in the morning," he said quietly. "And you don't have to pay it back."

Her voice brightened instantly. "You're the best, babe. I don't know what I'd do without you."

He smiled faintly. "Try to sleep, Em."

When the call ended, the silence felt heavier than her voice; honest, revealing.

He wasn't angry, not even disappointed. Just... done.

Did he still love Emily? Maybe. But what they had now wasn't love it was habit, convenience, money.

He drifted in and out of sleep until his phone buzzed again at 7:00 a.m, a video call from Eileen.

"Hey, sleepyhead," she greeted with a grin. "How's it going?"

"I'm close to giving up," Alex admitted, voice rough.

"Alex, the eye bags are back," she scolded lightly. "You're not sleeping again? You can't ruin your health for this. Have you even eaten?"

"I try," he muttered. "I just want to get this over with. I don't want to disappoint Dad."

"You won't," she said, her tone softening. "Actually, that reminds me, I saw a post on LinkedIn. There's a New Lawyers' Hangout at 10 a.m. today. You've got a few hours to get ready. I'll send you the details."

"Eileen, I'm not a new lawyer, remember?"

"No arguments, Alex, the person you're looking for is. Go. Meet people. Eat real food. Who knows? You might even enjoy it."

The call ended, and Alex sat up, staring out at the faint Chicago sunrise. He didn't want to go, but Eileen was right he needed to breathe, at least for a moment.

By ten, he was at the event, a cozy but polished gathering at a downtown hotel. The room buzzed with lawyers and fresh graduates exchanging cards, laughter, and ambition.

He kept mostly to himself, sipping bad coffee and scanning faces he didn't recognize.

Then, as the crowd shifted, he overheard someone behind him mention a name that made his chest tighten.

"...yeah, Barton & Myers just hired a brilliant young associate; Lily Smith, I think her name is. Can you imagine getting a slot there straight out of school?"

Alex froze mid-step, heart hammering.

He turned slightly, but the group had already moved away.

Lily Smith.

Barton & Myers, but he'd already checked that firms register or there was another? Well..

He repeated the names under his breath, letting them settle in his mind like puzzle pieces finally clicking into place.

He didn't know if it was her but for the first time in weeks, hope stirred again.

He straightened his tie, finished his coffee, and walked out, his pulse steady but his eyes sharp.

One lead. That was all he needed.