AURORA

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, a half-smile curving on my lips. It was a complicated smile—one tinged with happiness, worry, and curiosity.

My phone rang, and the smile widened.

“Auntie!”

“Oh my girl!” My aunt squealed over the line. “Today’s the big day! How do you feel? Did you eat? I hope you’re not sick or too nervous!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Easy there, Auntie. It’s just an internship, right?”

I said it to reassure her, but deep down, I felt the tight grip of fear and nervousness. Today was the first day of my internship at Dante & Luca Firm!

Everyone in New York knew who they were—Risandro Dante and Matteo De Luca—the hottest, most feared judges in the city.

Risandro was a popular playboy, while Matteo was notorious for his harsh judgments. He was the type who never gave fines—just straight-up punishments. He’d earned the nickname The Grim Reaper for a reason.

I wouldn't have minded working under Risandro. He was a playboy, sure, but that was manageable.

But Matteo De Luca? Working under The Grim Reaper himself?

I almost screamed at the thought.

“Sweetie? Are you there?” Auntie’s voice broke through my spiraling thoughts.

“Yeah, Auntie. Just distracted for a second.”

“Alright, my dear, eat something light, drink some water, and pray the Rosary. I’ll be in Dallas, but I’m with you in spirit!”

“Aye, Madame!” I saluted, and she laughed, her laugh filling the air like sunlight.

“See you later when I return from Dallas. And don’t forget to get me from the airport”

“Of course! Don't forget to get me some goodies!” I squealed.

Her chuckle was the last thing I heard before the line went dead.

The smile dropped from my lips as I looked at my reflection again. Auntie Cassidy was the only family I had left. She was my late father's sister, and now, she was my world.

“Okay. Time to get this over with.”

I grabbed my keys and walked out of my room, locking the door behind me as I headed for the garage.

“Aurora!”

I turned to see Mavin, my Australian neighbor, walking toward me with a smile.

“Hey! Good morning!”

“Morning, Mav!” I greeted, my lips curving into a smile despite my nerves.

“Today's the day, huh? Starting your internship with The Grim Reaper himself?”

“Yeah,” I said, sighing. “Pray for me.”

“Good luck. I hope it goes well for you.”

I smiled and winked at him as I walked to my car. "Thanks! See you later."

I slid into my car, turned on my music, and let Unstoppable by Sia blast through the speakers.

I put my armor on, show you how strong I am

I put my armor on, and show you that I am

I'm unstoppable

I'm a Porsche with no brakes

I'm invincible

Yeah, I win every single game.

I'm so powerful, I don't need batteries to play

I'm so confident.

I'm unstoppable today.

Unstoppable today, unstoppable today,

Unstoppable today I'm unstoppable today.

I hummed and drove into the compound. I parked in the garage and a gasp escaped my throat.

My goodness! This place is nice!

I straightened my hair and walked into the building, where the receptionist greeted me with a warm smile.

“Hello, Miss Bennett. You’re early. You can go in now. Judge De Luca is in his office on the fourth floor.”

“Thanks. What’s your name?”

“Meghan.”

“Thanks, Meghan.”

—

I stood outside the door, my heart pounding in my chest. I knocked, and a gruff voice responded from within.

I entered, greeted by the intense gaze of the man himself—Matteo De Luca. His office was cold and imposing, bathed in shades of black and gray, with a giant oak desk sitting in the center. Behind him, a massive cabinet held what seemed like an entire lifetime’s worth of awards.

Jesus! How many awards does he have?

I could bet a hundred dollars that there were over a hundred awards there.

My eyes darted from the awards to the man. He was smoking, his sharp features made even more intimidating by the dark clouds of smoke billowing from his nostrils.

Judges smoke? Jesus Christ!

I cleared my throat and forced a professional smile. “Good day, Your Honour. My name is Aurora Bennett, your new intern.”

His bored eyes flicked toward me, scanning me with the detached air of someone who had seen it all.

“You’re early.”

I forced another smile. “Yes, Your Honour. I’m punctual.”

“I don’t like it. You’re too early.” His voice was harsh, and my smile faltered.

What the hell?

“My apologies, but I don’t understand, Your Honour.”

“I thought you were Valedictorian, passed the Bar exam with a First Class, and all that. Or was that a lie?” His eyes glinted darkly, making me feel like a mere nuisance. A nobody. A sorry sight.

“No, it isn’t a lie. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t qualified.”

“Unfortunately for me, someone finally met my standard after two years,” he scoffed before turning to leave, his tone dismissive. “I hate that accent too. It’s too polished.”

I stood there, speechless and taken aback. Did he seriously just insult me for being early? And now my accent?

What the hell was his problem?

His door slammed shut behind him, and I stood there, fuming. Ten minutes later, the door opened again, and he walked back in, striding to his desk.

“Sit.”

Finally, I was starting to think this would be my most humiliating day yet.

“Thank you, Your Honour,” I muttered, sitting down.

He frowned. “Stop calling me that. You’re supposed to be smart—can’t you figure out how to address me without sounding like a robot? There are other names to address someone as. Miss Top student is supposed to know that”

I almost flinched. Miss Top Student?

Jesus! Why is this man addressing me as a child? Is he picking on me?

“Cat got your tongue?” His eyes scrutinized me and I shook my head.

“No, Sir”

“Be smart then” He rolled his eyes.

I clenched my fists under the table. “Yes, Sir,” I muttered.

“Good. Now leave. You start tomorrow. I need to prepare for a year with an unfortunate soul.”

I seethed as I stood up, biting back the urge to yell at him. "You're a real piece of work."

I walked out of the office, cursing under my breath.

I clenched my fist tight. Deep down, I felt like shoving his head underwater and drowning him.