The Day After: Walking bravely into the unknown, they discovered a strength deep inside that set them free

By Shani Roffeh

Beautiful, charismatic, and successful, Noa Pe’er always knew she belonged in the spotlight. The day Noa took her life into her own hands and embraced her true self was the day everyone turned their backs on her.
But Noa never stopped fighting. Behind the façade of the tough, successful lawyer lay a charismatic woman with so much love to give.
“The day after I finally stand before the world as the real me... is the day I stand against darkness and ignorance.”
These are the words that gave Noa her strength; the words that guide her through a journey of hardships and jealousy, constantly reminding her of her true purpose in life.
Shai is a successful business prodigy and a happily married father of three. His academic and professional career may have been riddled with thorns, but he never let the struggles he’s faced bring him down. Strong, determined, and equally ambitious, Shai hides his pain behind a different kind of mask - but it won’t be long until he has to face his own demons.
A single overpowering secret is engraved in both their souls, binding them together into a treacherous game that will shake their lives to the core. Shai and Noa cannot ignore that secret anymore, and now it’s time it came to the surface…
As friendships wither, betrayal seeps into their lives, and hatred bares its ugly teeth, Noa and Shai must fight to bring light back into their hearts and conquer the fear that holds their freedom hostage. Will they make it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BooxAi
• Release date: Mar 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9789655779011

Book preview

1

She is 54

It was 5:00 in the morning; the sky was still dark and forbidding. Suddenly, a small spark appeared from nowhere. Noa sat, enveloped in her own small piece of heaven, on the porch overlooking the sea, watching the sunrise as it slowly peeked over the horizon. She held a steaming cup of coffee in her well-groomed hand, with her long fingernails expertly decorated with red nail polish. She wore her favorite pink silk gown, and her smooth, long blonde hair fell down over her straight back.

She tapped the cup with her fingernails. It was as if she wanted to create a melody that would blend into the wonders of nature. She knew that when she did this, thoughts would come unbidden into her mind. This was her way of expressing to herself those secret, hidden things she was unable or did not know how to express to the world.

Noa had never gotten up so early. She had never had time for herself in the relentless race of her life. That was her reality until that defining moment, just four years ago, that changed her life.

That was the moment she decided to take her good friend Efrat’s advice and attend the ‘Mindfulness at Sunrise’ seminar, which was held at a small and intimate hotel in the north of Israel. It was a pastoral location surrounded by the peace and tranquility, the beauty and the strength of nature.

The seminar lasted for three whole days, during which she finally made the decision to take time off from her personal and her professional life to try and understand herself better and to draw closer to herself.

The time had come to get organized.

Noa gathered herself together after finishing her coffee. She said goodbye to the peace and tranquility that reigned outside, but not before she stopped in front of the mirror to look at herself. This was part of the daily ritual that she had adopted since the seminar. A ritual that had become an inseparable part of her.

She stood in front of her room’s large and beautifully designed mirror and removed the dressing gown with the pearl buttons and the pink hue she had bought in Paris. This was the color that had always put a smile on her face, even when she was a child.

Naked as the day she was born, she slowly and with endless love examined her sculpted, 180 cm tall body.

You have the body of a model, her colleagues would tell her. But such was the reality of her life that, as a senior and successful attorney, she was often required to match her clothes and professional expectations to her body. But she was always a woman who could not be ignored …

Her clothes were ready, hanging on the large stand with a variety of hats she had purchased on her travels around the world. They covered the top of the stand, creating a burst of color, like a tree filled with beautiful, ripe fruit.

She wore a white button-up shirt tucked into a tight, black mini-skirt. The two separate parts blended together into what seemed to be an elegant black and white dress. Pantyhose covered her long, tanned legs, and the black high heels on her well-groomed feet, concealing the red nail polish on her toenails, completed the outfit.

Noa loved to match the color of the nail polish on her fingernails and toenails, just as she loved to match her clothes to every event. Even more so on the important day that awaited her outside of her home.

She looked in the mirror once again. She wanted to confirm her outfit and look were perfect and, if something were missing, to choose the missing part that would make her perfect. She sat on the chair next to her elegant dresser and opened her draw of surprises. But suddenly, something disturbed her tranquility.

A knock on the door.

Noa, good morning. Are you awake? Elizabeth asked apprehensively.

Come in, Elizabeth. I’m getting ready, she answered.

Elizabeth entered the room that had always been the most sacred place in the home, one that could only be entered after being given permission.

Elizabeth’s expression was different than usual. She looked at Noa in amazement, and there was a moment of unexplained silence.

Noa looked at her, attempting to understand what she was thinking and whether something was bothering her.

Elizabeth is everything alright? she asked.

Yes, yes. Everything is fine. But something is different about you today, and I wonder if everything is alright? said Elizabeth, smiling awkwardly.

For a moment, a familiar look passed over Noa’s face. A look that she remembered from the day she hired Elizabeth as a housekeeper, to be a warm and loving figure who would care for her three children after she had decided to continue in her career.

Something good or something bad? Noa asked with calm mixed with uncertainty. She wore a mask that she was intimately familiar with, a mask she used to conceal the storm raging inside her. She was an expert at this and knew that the mask was impenetrable to everybody – except Elizabeth.

Elizabeth had been hired because of her positive energy and a huge smile. For the past three years she had lived in the house and knew every room, every corner of it like the back of her hand. For years she had witnessed all that happened in the house and had come to recognize Noa’s true self. The façade of tough lawyer who peels off everything reminding her of the storm outside as soon as she enters the safety of her home, revealing the soft, sensitive person beneath.

Everything is fine. I’m in a bit of a hurry and haven’t even put on my makeup yet. Do you need something from me? Noa asked in a strong voice, attempting to cover up the feeling of insecurity that enveloped her.

No … ah … no … I only wanted to ask if you want me to wake Mor up. She has her last lesson with her driving instructor today, just before her test. She asked me to arrange it for today with… Just a moment, I can’t remember the instructor’s name. How could I forget it? Ah, yes, it’s Noam. How did I forget? She laughed naturally like a little girl who had told a funny joke.

Noa loved Elizabeth’s naturalness and sometimes wondered whether she was the only person who thought this or whether everybody saw the same quality in her.

Yes, you can wake her yourself. I’m in a bit of a rush and won’t have the time. Anyway, she usually wakes up with her alarm clock. Did she ask you to get me to wake her up? For a moment Noa felt that waking Mor could be an excuse and that Elizabeth wanted to tell her something else, but something stopped her.

She didn’t ask, but since this is her last lesson before her test, I’d prefer that she didn’t get upset if the alarm doesn’t wake her, she said, lowering her head for no apparent reason.

Noa held the new makeup kit she had recently bought during a day when she had indulged herself. Slowly and sensuously, with fine circular motions, she covered her face with a real mask.

Elizabeth waited by the door for her answer while Noa attempted to find a suitable reply.

She knew that she was a loving and caring person, but for a moment she wondered about her maternal abilities. She felt a burst of jealousy and, in a single moment, felt anger rising to her throat threatening to burst out. Thankfully, the words stopped.

Yes, you can wake her. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it, she said with half a smile, trying to convey a motherly message despite the turmoil caused by the emotions that gripped her.

Thank you, Noa, and good luck today in the interview. Elizabeth smiled and closed the door behind her.

Noa didn’t have time to thank her, and for a moment she thought about the nature of their relationship.

After she finished putting on her make-up and applying her trademark red lipstick to her full lips, she looked at herself in the mirror again.

She liked what she saw and was ready to go.

Her mobile phone was on the bed as if it were resting before the busy day awaiting it with Noa.

It rang, Amir Dadon’s Choose Right was the ringtone. Noa hummed the words and went to answer. An unidentified number flickered on the display. Noa wondered if she should answer, and something inside of her made her accept the call.

Hi Noa, good morning. How are you? This is Dana from Voice of the Waves. We’re going on air, and you have to arrive at least half an hour before the broadcast. Will you be able to make it? It’s already 8:00. A childish and irresistible voice emerged from the other end of the line. Dana’s words reminded her that she had to arrive half an hour early.

Good morning, Dana. I’m great, thank you. Don’t worry, I’ll be there half an hour early. See you! She spoke confidently, trying to imitate Dana’s pace and in the same breath to show maturity and restraint.

Wonderful, excellent. See you later. The childish voice repeated itself, this time with greater enthusiasm.

Dana’s enthusiasm reflected Noa’s reality. She was a busy, well-known, and successful attorney who still found time in her busy life to come for an interview after a lengthy, three-month courtship by the show’s producer, whose vision was to incorporate quality, intelligent content into his program with mainly Israeli music.

She was being interviewed on the popular morning radio show, Morning for Thought hosted by Neta Boganim, a broadcaster with a radiophonic and sexy voice.

Noa said goodbye to Dana and hung up. Later on, and on time, she arrived at the studio in all her glory, representing, first and foremost, herself and also her latest success in the most talked about trial and verdict in the country.

On Air

The broadcast began. Neta, full of energy, dominated the beginning of the program with her lovely voice. She had a huge smile and gazed directly at Noa, who sat opposite her. Wearing a headset over her ears and with a large microphone hiding the red lipstick on her lips, Noa began to answer Neta’s questions. The Internet cameras looked like Paparazzi on the walls, filming every angle and every moment.

She was in a place that she always liked being in. In the spotlight. She was clear, sharp, full of charm, and showed the humor that was so characteristic of her.

Her charisma conquered everyone and also carried across the radio waves.

The interview ended.

Neta signed off at the end of the program, thanking Noa for her time and the memorable interview. Noa thanked her as she removed the large headset, leaving quickly because she needed time to get herself organized for a hearing in the Tel Aviv Court.

The black Mercedes waited for her. The sun’s rays illuminated the luxurious beauty of the car that Noa was so proud of. As befitting a lawyer and her position, this luxury sedan was a testament to her status and to the fact that she has never given up, whether it was to achieve the perfect appearance, the respect and status she so richly deserved or anything else that was important in her life. Her car, the luxurious villa in a prestigious Tel Aviv neighborhood, the ability to live in luxury and give her three children a better life.

Unlike others in a similar situation, Noa also had a modest side to her character. She was sensitive to her immediate and distant environment. When she first saw a person, she accepted him as a human being and, only later, considering all that he represents. Her hand was extended to help all those who wanted it, even the interns who admired her and the image she portrayed. She was always there for them, to give advice, sometimes even on a personal level. She sometimes wished she could stand back and distance herself from those who needed her aid, but she soon realized that this was part of her being. Her heart was open to all, even if the problem was a minor one.

Just before she started her car, she remembered to wish Mor good luck. Even though Elizabeth was waking her on this special day when she reached the age of 17 and took that first step towards independence with a driver’s license. But, as a mother. She had to wish her daughter good luck. Her three children came before anything, and she would give up everything for them.

She called her. Trance music was heard from the car’s hands-free unit. Noa waited patiently for Noa to answer, trying to enjoy the unending rhythm of the music.

A sweet, feminine voice answered.

Good morning, mother. How was the interview? Mor asked.

Noa took a moment to breathe as she tried to assimilate the beat of the music and the sound of Mor’s voice, which had changed miraculously, making Noa feel as if Mor was growing up and she with her.

Good morning Mor. It went really well. Did you listen to it? she asked, not certain whether the answer would be yes or no.

Mor cleared her throat, trying to think of a good reason why she hadn’t listened to the interview.

I didn’t get to it. I’m sorry. I'm sure there's a recording. We'll listen to it together when you get home. She tried to soften her mother’s disappointment, feeling guilty for hurting the person who was always there for her.

It’s fine, Mor. Sure, let’s listen to it together. I just called to wish you good luck before your test. Be yourself and believe that you’ll succeed. OK? Noa swallowed the sense of insult she felt. She wanted to believe that Mor truly cared about her and that she would do everything to listen to the broadcast with her mother. But this was not the first time Mor had been disappointed her.

But her heart was filled with love and compassion, so she chose to ignore her own feeling and focus on Mor.

Thanks, mom. I love you, said Mor naturally. Noa was moved to tears when she heard the word that meant so much to her – I love you.

I love you too, Mor. I believe in you. I’m sorry, but I have to go, so enjoy your day and good luck on your test. As she uttered these words, a love song to her darling daughter, her heart once again filled with love and an almost overpowering feeling of satisfaction and fulfillment.

They hung up, each returning to their day and the fulfillment of their own dreams.

Noa walked to the courtroom in her shiny heels as she posed as a ballet dancer. She carried a black designer bag, and elegant sunglasses hid her beautiful blue eyes.

She went through the attorneys’ entrance. In a few more moments she would put behind her all thoughts of her personal and romantic life. She would don the black robe that shouted to all that she was an attorney and that she demanded the respect that she deserved.

As the robe covered her body, she became a tough adversary, unstoppable, a lioness who would show her claws and teeth to anyone who dared stand in her way, man or woman.

Shachar stood in front of her. 1.85 meters of black curls, like the color of darkness in the early morning hours. He had full lips, a small nose, and honey brown eyes. The muscles in his arms stood out as they emerged from the short sleeves of the sky blue polo shirt, which made him look like a model and emphasized the unique color of his eyes.

Hello, Noa, he said, with a big smile.

Good morning, Shachar she answered in an authoritative but pleasant voice. Shachar was the client who she would be representing later on in court.

They shook hands as Noa assessed him with her eyes.

The smell of his intoxicating cologne made her lose control of her senses for a moment, but she recovered quickly. This wasn’t the first time she had encountered clients who caused her heart and body to flutter. But she was dedicated to her work and to the ethics of her position and had never fallen into the trap of temptation. A trap that, had it not been for her position and status, she would have entered willingly, allowing her senses to motivate every emotion and sensation in her body.

They walked side by side to Courtroom 17, where the hearing would be held behind closed doors.

Shachar had selected Noa from the few attorneys with knowledge and experience in cyber law. She was highly recommended and well-known because of the considerable publicity she received in social networks, the press, and TV and radio programs.

Noa was aware of her value. She knew that her clients chose her because they wanted the best representation possible. She knew that her clients could afford to pay for her services, for her total loyalty and commitment to their cause, and for her fighting spirit. She was determined to win her case, whatever it cost.

Shachar knew he had chosen well. He knew that he was starting an adventure that he would end victorious and free of blame. He was willing to pay any amount to win and destroy all those persistent rumors that followed him like a cloud over his head.

The hearing ended. It was noon and time for Noa’s lunch.

Lunch for Noa was the most important meal of the day as in the mornings. She rarely had time for more than a cup of coffee and a few crackers. It was a time that she devoted entirely to herself, to collect her thoughts and plan the rest of her day.

I’m going to have lunch. We’ll keep in touch, she said as she turned to leave Shachar.

A moment … Noa. Can I join you? he asked. Something in his eyes expressed what he was unable to say in words. Noa sensed this and agreed.

They walked together to a nearby Asian restaurant that Noa loved, mainly because of its Pad Thai.

They sat at an outside table overlooking a green and relaxing park. The view reminded her of the view from her bedroom’s veranda, different but just as beautiful.

A feeling of discomfort flowed between them. Noa usually refrained from getting too close to her clients. She preferred keeping their relationship totally professional. But this time, she decided to deviate from her usual custom, and not just because she felt that something was troubling him. The truth of the matter was that his request flattered her because here was somebody who trusts her and who was willing to share with her the secrets of his heart. He felt that Shachar was able to see into her soul and see the inner Noa, the one she usually kept hidden beneath her black robe.

They each ordered different types of sushi.

You know, I’m glad I chose you. Shachar began the conversation while pulling his hand through his curls.

Noa recognized this as a sign of embarrassment, as well as attraction.

She smiled slightly and sipped some water that the waitress placed on the table.

Thank you, she murmured, sipping water with the straw still in her mouth.

Shachar smiled. It amused him, but rather than laugh he gave just smiled.

I dream that this whole business will be over soon, he said, and the expression on his face changed.

It was obvious that he was going through a difficult period and was trying, with all his strength, to make it seem, at least to the outside world, that everything was fine.

It will be over soon. Don’t worry. Noa tried to calm him as her maternal feelings grew, something that always surprised her. She understood that by the end of the meal, he would open up his heart and leave with renewed energy, hopefully, because of their conversation.

I hope so. He lowered his head, the sadness clear on his face. He wanted to believe but found it difficult.

The waitress served them their sushi with sauces and dips before moving to another table to take its order.

Noa picked up the chopsticks and Shachar a fork. She concealed her surprise and the smile that came to her face. There was something natural in him, he wasn’t afraid of what people think or say, and this touched on her sensitivity. Something in her made her admire him, perhaps the manner in which he carried himself and his impressive appearance. She decided not to fight her feeling and asked him politely, You don’t like Asian food?.

I’m Israeli, and I prefer Israeli food. I’m not used to eating with these sticks. I feel ridiculous eating with them. He said this confidently and continued eating with his fork.

As she ate her food, Noa thought about the differences between them. He is a man; she is a woman. He is 1.85 meters tall; she is 1.80 meters. He is the manager of a young and unknown company; she is a successful and famous attorney. He is natural, she is … perhaps less so.

I wanted to tell you something, he said, looking into her eyes. He wanted to know whether she would answer him honestly or would avoid answering. He was tense and on edge as he asked the question.

Yes? she answered, a little surprised because he spoke as he gazed directly into her eyes.

There is something I didn’t tell you in our first meeting. He looked around and immediately continued.

I need to tell you now but need to know that I tell you won’t be revealed later. During the trial, I mean. He blushed faintly.

Thoughts raced through Noa’s mind. For a moment she regrated, agreeing to let him join her. The last thing she wanted was for a client to reveal his feelings towards her while she was trying, with all her strength, to avoid any such relationship.

She became even more concerned but knew to conceal it.

She tapped her fingernails on her glass because this was how she could collect and calm the thoughts that raced through her mind.

I’m listening, she said in as calm a voice as she could manage.

I have a child, Eviatar. I never married, but four years ago, I got my former girlfriend pregnant, and she wanted to keep the child and raise him by herself. I foolishly agreed and continued on with my life as normal. Today he’s four years old. A tear slid from one of his beautiful, honey-colored eyes.

Noa was unable to find the words that would voice the questions that ran through her mind. She wondered how this story was connected to the court hearing.

There was just one piece of sushi left on her plate. Noa looked at it, wondering herself whether this was the time