"WHY do lawyers need to defend even the worst criminals?" Justice Hernandez asked, his eyes sweeping over us. No one raised their hands; most of my classmates were silently praying they wouldn't be called on by this terrifying professor.
"Any idea? Is it because... what? Do lawyers have twisted morality?" he asked again, looking at us. "Is it because they're greedy?" he added.
"Mr. Castro?" Justice Hernandez asked the student next to me. "Stand up," he commanded.
My classmate stood up, trembling. "Professor, I believe... it's because..." Leo began, but Justice Hernandez interrupted him.
"That's what you believe, Mr. Castro." He said sarcastically. "I don't care about what you believe. I want facts, not your opinion," Justice Hernandez stated strictly. He was right; in law, opinions are invalid unless based on facts.
"You all know the number one rule in this room: no opinions. Hundreds of books in the library—none of them contain opinions and assumptions when it comes to serious crimes," he said authoritatively. "Now, Mr. Castro. Give me facts."
I heard Leo sigh before speaking again. "P-rof, because of money.... t-they get paid to defend even the worst criminals. It's a business, and business is business. Morality is irrelevant." I heard some classmates stifle laughter.
Justice Hernandez raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Getting paid? So, if a judge were offered a bribe to rule in a client's favor, you think they'd refuse? Let's be realistic, Mr. Castro."
Leo stammered, "I... I think it might be, Professor." The textbook landed on the desk with a sharp thwack, silencing the room. Justice Hernandez's voice was sharp. "Might be? Speculation isn't acceptable here, Mr. Castro. I need a definitive answer, supported by legal principles, not guesses."
"Expand your comprehension and knowledge. Use your brain, Mr. Castro. Use your brain. You're in law school, not a place for flimsy answers," Justice Hernandez said. Leo started to sit, but the professor stopped him.
"Remain standing, Mr. Castro. How about you, Miss..."
"Montero?" A classmate, a friend of Khloe—my boyfriend's ex and my number one enemy in this room—was called.
I saw Ashley stand up and face our terrifying attorney. "Do you agree with him?" Justice Hernandez asked.
"It could be, Justice Hernandez. But I would blame it on the system. If the justice system was perfect, lawyers wouldn't have to defend guilty people. But since it's not, lawyers are just doing their job within the flawed system. It's not about condoning the crime, but about navigating the legal framework."
Justice Hernandez's eyebrows lifted at Ashley's answer.
"So you're arguing that a flawed system justifies ethical compromise? That because the system isn't perfect, lawyers are absolved of their moral responsibility? It suggests that the more broken the system, the less ethical lawyers need to be. Is that your position?" Justice Hernandez rebutted.
"Y. . . Yes, Justice Hernandez." Justice Hernandez pulled out a new card; it was obvious she wasn't satisfied with the answer.
"....Miss Oligario?" My heart leaped when I heard my name. I met his gaze and stood.
"Y. . . Yes, Miss?"
"Do you agree with Ms. Montero that the flawed system is to blame?" he asked.
I cleared my throat. "No, Justice Hernandez."
"Really? Then, what is it?" a smirk playing on his lips.
"Ms. Montero's point about systemic flaws is valid, but it doesn't excuse a lawyer's ethical responsibility. The system's imperfections don't negate the lawyer's duty to uphold justice and to answer your question earlier, it's because, as a lawyer, it's not our place to judge if the client is guilty or not guilty."
"Even if accused of a crime, a client is considered innocent until the prosecution proves otherwise. We call this Presumption of Innocence. Next is the right to a fair trial, meaning the opportunity to defend oneself, which a lawyer provides. Third, mitigating circumstances. According to Article 13, mitigating circumstances refer to circumstances that reduce the criminal penalties for the offense committed by the accused." I explained, and saw a smile finally grace our terrifying professor's face.
"Very well said, Miss Oligario. It's not our place to judge guilt or innocence; only the court decides whether a client deserves imprisonment," the professor said, glancing at my classmates before turning to me.
"Miss Oligario, what grades should I give to your classmates?" This question again.
I looked at them—one was looking at me with teary eyes, and one with a threatening look. "J. . Justice Hernandez, i . . . i think..." but he cut me off.
"N. . . Nah uh. What did I say about opinions?" He said playfully. I sighed before glancing at them.
"T . . . They— They deserve a five." I said, and I saw a smirk curl up on Justice Hernandez's face.
"Very well said." He took his pen and began writing on our index cards, and I just sat as I saw the death glare in Ashley and her friends' faces, especially Khloe's.
Another disaster.
"Bullseye!" Matthew praised my performance earlier as soon as our class ended.
"Of course, Attorney Xylia Victorial Margaret Oligario title is secured." I just laughed at Yazmine and Matthew's joke while my attention was focused on fixing my things when suddenly, I dropped the books I was organizing because someone bumped into my back.
"Shit," was all I said as I glared at the person who hit me.
It was Khloe with her two minions, Ashley and Atheena. Here we go again.
"So, it seems like you're starting to show up…" Khloe said, which made me look at them.
"I always show up," I rebutted, but she laughed mockingly.
"You show up in the wrong place," Ashley chimed in, making me raise my left eyebrow.
"Why? Are you mad because of what happened earlier?" Yazmine said, smirking.
"Shut up, bitch," Ashley snapped, rolling her eyes at Yazmine, who did the same in return.
Khloe scoffed. "Don't be so fool to yourself, Xylia. You just got lucky. But don't worry, we'll let you win this time because sooner or later, you'll be down again." That was Khloe's final word before walking away with her two minions.
I just rolled my eyes before picking up my bags.
"Those three girls are really annoying," Yazmine muttered, and I just sighed as we walked away together.
"Let it go, they're just attention seekers," I said while checking the time on my wrist. It was already 8 PM.
"Where are we having dinner?" Matthew asked as we exited the campus. I was about to answer when a familiar face caught my eye outside the school.
He was leaning on the hood of his car, smiling at us. He looked so handsome wearing white pants and a black top next to his red Mustang. Simple, but perfect.
"Are you coming, Xylia? He said we'll just go to a Japanese restaurant," Matthew said, bringing me back to reality.
"You guys go ahead, my ride's here." I smiled, pointing at Razen. They looked in his direction and then gave me a look.
"Unfair, she has someone to pick her up," Yazmine muttered, and I just laughed before saying goodbye and walking toward Razen.
"Hi, Babe!" I greeted him. He smiled, hugged me, and kissed my cheek.
"I missed you so much, Babe," he whispered as I pulled away.
"Your class is over?" I asked as he took my bag and books.
"Yes, since 7 PM. I just went to the municipal office to submit some papers and came straight here," he replied. I nodded as he opened the passenger door for me and I got in.
After sitting, I buckled my seatbelt and turned to him when he cleared his throat.
"Flowers for you, my princess," he said with a smile, handing me a bouquet of my favorite flowers—pink roses.
My cheeks instantly turned red, and I couldn't help but smile widely.
"Oh, Babe. You didn't have to," I said as I took them, feeling tears well up in my eyes.
Tears of joy. Yeah.
"Thank you, Babe. I love you so much," I said as I hugged him. He returned the hug and whispered in my ear, "I love you more, Babe."
A moment later, he started the engine. I placed the bouquet in the backseat.
"Where do you want to eat?" he asked, eyes on the road but sneaking glances at me.
"How about our favorite restaurant?" I beamed, and he nodded.
"The Penthouse in Makati?" he asked while driving. I happily nodded.
"Yes, Babe. But wait, aren't they closed on Mondays?" I asked.
"Oh, yeah. I forgot. So where do you want to go instead?" he asked again.
"Wait, what about Man Ho?" I suggested.
"The Chinese restaurant?" he confirmed.
"Yep." He nodded and started driving to Pasay.
Razen is really a good boyfriend. He loves giving me gifts and never makes me feel alone. He's the only one who truly understands me. He's my safe place, my solace, my peace.
What happened last night wasn't anything new in our house—it happens all the time.
I'm used to it by now. Our household isn't a safe place like others. It's a place where everyone obeys only one person—and that's my Dad. He's the dominant figure not only in our home but also in politics.
So, better choose wisely who you vote.
When we arrived at the restaurant, the staff greeted us immediately. The ambiance was classy and elegant. The last time we were here was during Razen's birthday last month, and we had a great time.
Once seated, a waitress approached us and handed the menu.
"Two sautéed lobster with supreme sauce, roast Peking duck, sweet and sour pork, and dim sum," he ordered while I browsed the menu.
"And also fried rice and one pitcher of Pinky Swear," I added.
"How about dessert, Ma'am, Sir?"
Razen looked at me, asking for suggestions.
"Mooncakes and steamed custard bun with egg yolk," I said. We thanked the waitress and handed back the menu
While waiting for the food, Razen took a few pictures of me. As I was looking around, someone caught my attention.
He was sitting at the opposite table, surrounded by businessmen. He was wearing a black suit.
He was laughing casually with them when he suddenly looked at me—and stared. I stared back. I didn't know him, and I was sure he didn't know me either.
But… I don't know. I feel like I've seen him before. I just can't remember when or where.
"You know him, Babe?"