The unicorn castle

Leah’s Pov

The alarm shrills, a jarring interruption to the fragile peace of dawn. I slap at my phone, silencing the insistent noise before it can wake Hallie. Six AM. My stomach churns with a familiar cocktail of anxiety and caffeine cravings. Today isn’t just any Tuesday; today is the Tuesday. The interview.

I tiptoe into the small kitchen, the linoleum cold beneath my bare feet. The coffeemaker gurgles to life, its familiar hiss a comforting sound in the quiet apartment. While the coffee brews, I mentally run through my checklist. Hallie’s packed lunch: dinosaur-shaped sandwiches and apple slices. Check. Uniform laid out: tiny plaid skirt and pristine white polo. Check. Hallie’s emergency comfort blanket for Cassie: a fluffy pink unicorn. Double-check.

I take a deep breath, the scent of fresh coffee grounding me. This job isn't just about me; it's about giving Hallie more, giving us both a real shot at stability. For five years, I’ve juggled part-time gigs, late-night shifts, and early morning school runs. Five years of making every penny stretch, every decision weighing heavy with the responsibility of my daughter. This law firm, Stone & Daniels Legal, represents a chance to finally build a life that doesn’t feel perpetually on the brink.

I walk to my cramped wardrobe and sigh. What does a "successful" working mum wear to an interview at a prestigious law firm? My trusty navy-blue blazer feels a bit... tired. I pull out the charcoal grey pencil skirt and the cream blouse I bought last year on sale. They still have the tags on, waiting for an occasion just like this. They feel stiff, formal, almost like a costume. I iron them quickly, the rhythmic hiss of the steam temporarily quieting my racing thoughts.

"Mummy? Is it morning yet?" a sleepy voice chirps from the bedroom.

My heart swells. Hallie. My reason, my joy, my everything. I go in and kiss her forehead, her soft, warm skin a balm to my nerves. "Almost, sweet pea. Auntie Cassie will be here soon. Remember our special plan today?"

Hallie nods, rubbing her eyes. "You go to big work, and I play with Auntie Cassie."

"That’s right! And when I come home, we’ll read our new book, okay?"

After a whirlwind of breakfast, school uniform wrangling, and a desperate search for Hallie’s matching sock, Cassie arrives. She's a whirlwind of vibrant energy and a much-needed lifeline.

"You look amazing, sis!" Cassie declares, giving me an encouraging hug. "Go get 'em. Hallie and I are going to build the tallest Lego tower known to man."

"Thank you, Cass. You're a lifesaver," I say, relief washing over me. I give Hallie one last tight squeeze, whisper, "Be good for Auntie Cassie," and then, with a deep breath, I walk out the door.

The bus journey is a blur of nervous anticipation. I rehearse answers to potential questions in my head, my hand smoothing down my skirt every few minutes. The city hums with activity, a stark contrast to the quiet suburban streets I’m used to.

When I finally arrive at the address, I look up at the towering glass and steel building. Stone & Daniels Legal. The name is etched in elegant, modern script above the grand entrance. It feels intimidating, a world away from my current reality. Taking another fortifying breath, I push open the heavy glass doors and step inside.

The lobby smells like expensive coffee and polished marble. My heels click—a little too loudly, I think—across the floor as I approach the reception desk.

"Hi, I’m Leah Duffy. I’m here for an interview at ten," I say, my voice steadier than I feel.

The receptionist doesn't even look up at first, tapping away at a sleek keyboard. "Ah, yes. For the Legal Assistant role? Take the elevators to the 42nd floor. Mr. Daniels’ assistant will meet you there."

Mr. Daniels. The name sends a tiny, strange shiver down my spine. It’s a common enough name, I tell myself. I can't let a syllable rattle me. I step into the elevator, watching the numbers climb. 40... 41... 42.

The doors slide open with a soft chime. I step out, my heart drumming a frantic rhythm against my ribs. The office is a temple of glass and chrome, but my focus is immediately pulled to the young man standing behind a sleek white desk.

He looks up, and for a second, he seems to forget how to breathe.

He is sharp, wearing a suit that fits him perfectly, but his professional mask slips the moment our eyes meet. He just stares at me. I feel self-conscious, wondering if I have coffee on my blouse, but his gaze is... different. It's appreciative. He looks at my hair, then locks onto my eyes.

"Ms. Duffy?" he manages to say, his voice jumping half an octave before he clears his throat. He stands up a little straighter, a genuine, slightly dazzled smile tugging at his lips. "Right this way. I’m Dylan, the office clerk. I... I've been expecting you."

I offer a small, shy smile. "Thank you, Dylan. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine. Truly," Dylan replies. He walks ahead of me, leading me toward the large oak doors at the end of the hall, but he keeps glancing back over his shoulder. "Mr. Daniels is just finishing a call. He’s... well, he’s a bit of a stickler for timing, but don’t let that scare you. You’ll do great."

He stops at the heavy door, turning to face me one last time. He seems to want to say something more, but he settles for a supportive nod. "He’s ready for you now, Leah."

I take a breath, give Dylan a grateful nod, and push the door open.

The office is vast. A man is sitting behind a massive mahogany desk, his head down as he scribbles notes. He looks successful. Powerful. Broad-shouldered.

"Have a seat, Ms. Duffy," he says, his voice deep and gravelly. "I’ve just been looking over your... your..."

He stops. The pen in his hand goes still.

I freeze halfway to the chair. That voice. It’s deeper now, more mature, but the cadence—the way he drags the 's' slightly—is unmistakable.

Slowly, the man lifts his head.

The air leaves my lungs as if I’ve been punched. The boy I loved at seventeen is gone, replaced by a man with a sharp jawline and piercing, hardened eyes. But it is him. It is Sam. The father who doesn't know my daughter exists.

Sam’s face goes deathly pale. His eyes drop to the resume on his desk, seeing my name printed in bold at the top, and then flick back to my face.

"Leah?" he breathes, his voice barely a whisper.