Sorry My Step-Uncle, I'm Not Your Backup Plan novel Chapter 18

A year ago, Katie had gone through a messy breakup. Her ex-boyfriend had presented her with an itemized bill, demanding repayment of $48,000 he'd transferred to her over their two-year relationship.

When Katie refused, he sued her. She'd come to the firm desperate for help, and Gabriella was the only associate available.

"It wasn't like that at all," Katie had sobbed. "We lived together for two years. We agreed to split everything—rent, utilities, groceries. He said he'd transfer $2,800 each month for his half of rent and expenses, and I'd contribute the same."

"I didn't think much of it then. But after we broke up, he demanded everything back, claiming it was all given with marriage in mind and should be returned since we split."

"But that money was for living expenses in New York! Our apartment was $4,200 a month, plus utilities and groceries. He barely spent $2,000 on actual gifts our entire relationship. How dare he sue me? God, I can't..."

"I'm still in law school—where am I supposed to get $48,000? I can't tell my parents. If they find out I was living with a guy in college, my dad would kill me. Please, I don't know what to do..."

The irony wasn't lost on Gabriella—a law student getting caught in such a legal trap.

Love could make even the smartest girls blind.

Gabriella sighed, her heart going out to the young woman.

Most lawyers wouldn't take a case where the client couldn't afford the retainer. But Gabriella was different. Not only did she take the case, but she also loaned Katie the money for legal fees. Katie was already in such a difficult position—without help, Gabriella worried she might do something desperate.

Legal fees went through the firm before being paid out to associates. As a junior associate at a mid-size firm making $145,000—modest by New York BigLaw standards but still comfortable—Gabriella could afford to help. She immediately added Katie on Venmo to send her the retainer money. While her peers at firms like Cravath or Sullivan & Cromwell were pulling in $215,000, she'd chosen this smaller firm for its work-life balance and opportunity to handle cases she cared about.

After taking the case, Gabriella worked tirelessly to gather crucial evidence. They won, and Katie was so impressed and grateful that she joined the firm as Gabriella's assistant right after graduation.

Now, Katie asked through tears, "Once I finish my certification, could I come work with you?"

Gabriella hadn't expected that.

She smiled warmly. "Of course. I'll be in London—just let me know when you're ready to make the move."

"Really?" Katie brightened. "I'll follow you anywhere! You can't get rid of your shadow that easily."

"Wouldn't dream of it."

In the managing partner's office, the bespectacled man looked up from her resignation letter, puzzled. "Why the sudden departure? Any issues we should address?"

"No, sir. Family matters. I know we typically require a month's notice, but this was unexpected. I apologize."

She added, "I've handed off most of my cases. I have one appeal hearing in ten days—I'll complete that before I leave."

He nodded slowly. "Well, then. Best of luck in your future endeavors."

Leaving the firm, Gabriella wandered the city streets.

As evening fell and lights flickered on, a cool breeze rustled through the trees.

A wave of loneliness hit her.

She was about to leave the city she'd called home for three years.

She remembered her first days in New York, when her father had frozen her accounts. She'd had just a few thousand in her Venmo balance and spent three days in a hotel.

During those days, she'd found the job and rented a cheap apartment near the firm.