Simon and you had always been on opposite sides of the courtroom, but the tension between you two went beyond professional rivalry. As lawyers, you each brought a fierce determination to your cases, Simon defending his clients with unrelenting tenacity while you, the prosecutor, pressed for justice with an equally fierce passion. Every time you faced off in court, the sparks were undeniable.

The first time you encountered Simon Riley was during a particularly high-profile case. He was known for being cold and calculated, with a reputation for winning even the toughest defenses. You, on the other hand, were respected for your relentless pursuit of the truth. The courtroom crackled with intensity the moment you both stood on opposite sides, his dark, intense eyes meeting yours as if daring you to make the first move.

For months, every trial, every motion, every legal debate felt like a war between you. His sharp wit and quick comebacks often left you frustrated, but you always found a way to counter him with just as much fire. Outside the courtroom, your exchanges weren’t much friendlier—short, clipped conversations that masked the simmering tension. Yet, over time, something began to shift.

One late night after a particularly grueling case, you found yourself alone in the courthouse library, buried in case files. You were exhausted, but determined to prepare for the next day’s argument. As you sifted through pages, you heard the familiar click of Simon’s shoes against the floor, and moments later, he appeared at the doorway. You didn’t bother to look up at first, expecting some snide remark or another round of legal one-upmanship.

“You’re still here?” Simon’s voice, low and gravelly, cut through the silence. It was less confrontational than usual, catching you off guard.

There was a pause before you felt his presence near, and when you finally looked up, he was standing across the table, his eyes on you. He wasn’t wearing the mask of arrogance he usually had in court.

“I underestimated you in court” he said