Twisted Love's

Episode 12's

As the days passed, I felt much more at home working at the Animal Institute.

One day, after a long meeting with fellow scientists and supervisors, the problem of the Kaleido leopard was finally solved.

"Now we can build your natural environment while still making preparations for future artificial insemination programs." Timo concluded our meeting.

So, we can get the best results for both sides.

Although Timo annoyed me a lot, he really appreciated my opinion. Maybe we'll be able to make some progress together.

I sat at my desk for a short break when I heard my colleagues chatting noisily.

What the hell's going on? Everyone seemed surprised at something ...

"Did something happen?" My toot.

"It's about that trial. Apparently his lawyer left the pharmaceutical company."

Oh ... Perhaps what Timo meant was an animal shelter that sued pharmaceutical companies.

"How come? I think the trial has started now..." I said.

"There were rumors that he didn't find compensation worth his time."

"The money thing, huh?"

It's crazy to live in a world where people choose jobs based on money.

"They wanted the famous Nolan Zarek, but with his success, I bet he demanded a very low pay." Timo.

"Nolan Zarek?!" The name that came out of his mouth surprised me.

"But he is still very young! Was he already loaded with money so that he could miss such a big case?!" Excruciate.

"Huh? You must be thinking about his son. This is the father we're talking about." Timo.

Oh yea. I forgot his father was also a famous lawyer...

"When people say Nolan Zarek, they mean his father. His son was always referred to as Nolan Zarek Jr." Timo.

"I've been abroad for a long time, so you can't expect me to know that!" I said.

"After all, the pharmaceutical company was devastated by his loss. I doubt anyone else is good enough to defend their case." Timo.

I remember what Nolan said to me about his father...

"He must be a tough lawyer..." I muttered softly with mixed feelings, mostly talking to myself.

"It would be a hard win for them even with the help of that lawyer. They wouldn't have a chance without him. Or rather, the only other person who could fight was his son." Timo.

"His kids...?"

So ... did he back off for Nolan to step up in his father's place?

"She's been a hot topic lately, and for good reason. Because as young as he was, no one else was suitable. If he wants to surpass his father, winning a case that his father refuses is the best way to do it." Timo.

Is he really going to take this case just for reputation?

"I don't think he's that kind of guy..." Mumbled again.

"You mean his son, right? You speak as if you knew the man..." Ask Timo.

"Uh, umm! I mean, I just don't think he's like that. From what I saw on TV and stuff..." Timo glanced at me, confused me and shook his head.

Why am I hiding the truth? Doesn't it matter if everyone else knows we live in the same apartment building ...

If it's true that I remember, wasn't Nolan really interested when I talked to him about animal shelters?

I'll just shut up about it. Talking about it will probably just 'open a can of worms' ...

* * *

After finishing a nice breakfast, I walked into the lounge and found Joy nagging at someone who appeared on TV.

"What's wrong with that actor? The clothes are ridiculous! Find a stylist, you idiot!"

"Maybe he likes that style." I said.

"I think he's just too poor to hire a stylist." Joy scoffs.

"This world just ... revolves around money, right?"

"Geez, not at all like you, Julia. Saying something like that, did something happen?" Ask Joy.

“Not for me personally. It's just, we're talking about money matters at my workplace today." I said.

"Yes? I thought you guys always had full funds, lots of donations and grants. " Joy looked curious.

Actually I was referring to a lawyer who left his client because he wasn't paid enough ...

But Joy mistakenly thought I was talking about the institute, so I talked about it instead.

"We have a plan to fix the Kaleido leopard area. It was my idea from the start, so I would feel responsible if it didn't work out. But I hope the results will be okay." I said.

“As long as you use money wisely, you will have no problems! I just knew you'd be okay!" Joy patted my shoulder encouragingly.

"I hope so. They plan to serve ads and sell items that promote the zoo as well." I said.

"Oh really? If you need a stylist for them, recommend me! I'll make your place the talk of the town!" Joy's excited.

"Haha! And how do you plan on dressing our animals?" I laughed, I couldn't imagine it.

The two of us chatted about silly and useless topics for a moment.

"That sounds like something fun here. What are you two talking about?" Miguel appeared in the lounge, he had just returned from jogging.

"Hi, Miguel." My broom.

“Come in a timely manner. I was just thinking about playing billiards. You coming?" Joy got up from the sofa and walked towards the pool table.

"Alright, but I only have time to defeat you once." Miguel sighed sarcastically, a smile appearing on his face as he picked up the billiard stick and leaned on it to stretch.

"Does this size suit you, Julia?" Miguel picked a pool stick near the pool table and gave it to me.

"Ah. yah.. um.." I took it clumsily.

"I doubt he ever played, Miguel. Let's fight first and show him how to do it" Joy noticed my clumsiness.

"Then, what about a simple game?" Ask Miguel.

“Like Nine Ball Game? You're trying to get number nine in one of these pockets. It's easy to learn." Joy advised.

"Easy or not, I have to figure out how to hold this stick before anything else." I stared at the stick in confusion.

"Haha. That's right." Miguel walked behind me, leaned over and hugged me, holding my hand.

His hands!

"Hold a few inches behind the center of gravity. Place your index finger and thumb together with this hand. Nice."

"Thank you, Miguel."

It might not bother him, but it makes my heart beat!