Chapter 7. A New Beginning

Pepper POV

After signing the divorce papers, I left Victor’s office in haste. 

I did not bother to inquire how Maggie Green had reacted, but I was sure she was thrilled. I had finally given way. 

I knew that I was the only one keeping her away from her happy-ever-after. 

I was half-running on my way, ignoring the glances of curious employees. 

Finally, when I exited the building, it hit me. 

I am no longer Mrs. Gunner -  a title I held for almost four years. 

A bitter laugh escaped my lips when I realized that I did not know what to do. 

I looked at the highway fronting the building that Gunner Holdings, Inc. owned and sighed. 

For once, I felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders. Despite that, I realized I had been crying.

I never thought I would be this brave. To face my pain, and to finally let Victor go. 

At the same time, I also felt as if my heart had been ripped off my chest. The pain was excruciating. 

I was twelve when I first realized that I loved him. I was also twelve when Victor first broke my heart. He thought I was just a kid, and what I felt for him was a childhood crush.  Nothing serious.

But no childhood crush would last this long. 

I bit my lip to choke back a sob. When it stopped threatening to spill, I took deep successive breaths. 

My hands dug into the pockets of my skirt and grasped my phone. 

For the first time in years, I called my parents, with tears clogging my chest. 

“Dad…” 

My voice broke when I heard him call my name.

My body was awash with regret. 

“I shouldn’t have come here, Daddy,” I told him, sounding like I used to every time I was hurt.

Dad chuckled. “At least, now you know why we kept holding you back. Love should never be forced, my hot chili Pepper. Love should bloom accordingly, at the right place, and at the right time.” 

Despite the imparted wisdom, I could not help smiling at the childhood moniker. 

I used to be hot-tempered, but when I married into the Gunner family, I became a shadow of my old self. 

“Call Samuel Burke.” He instructed. “He’ll take care of you.” 

After ending our call, I did what he told me and called Samuel Burke, who did not mince words upon learning about my recent civil status.

“Congratulations on being a wealthy divorcee!” 

I laughed hysterically at that. 

“Yeah. A wealthy divorcee.” I murmured to myself as I downed the hot mocha I ordered from the cafe across my husband’s building. 

I thought about the nights I spent there as Victor’s assistant and how we had become close until he proposed marriage. 

“I imagined Victor would be happy with my gift,” I told Samuel Burke when he came in at the cafe after fifteen minutes. 

He looked dapper in his suit, every inch the brilliant lawyer and financial titan that he was. 

I had been browsing the World Wide Web a lot since the last time we parted and learned that he was the CEO and chief legal advisor to Burke and Partners Limited, a family law firm dating in the 1900s. It has a reputation for trustworthiness, competence, and ethical conduct as a steward of assets and fiduciary for beneficiaries.

For the next few days, Samuel arranged everything for me. 

First, he took care of my temporary residence.

He booked the most expensive suite at the Yorke Place for me while he was tending to my divorce. 

He also took it upon himself to hire me an assistant.

At first, I balked at the idea. “I can take care of myself. I don’t need a nanny.” I rasped dispassionately, but Samuel was obstinate.  

“You need her. Shan Johnston, would oversee everything while you waited for the finalization of your divorce. Trust her like how you have trusted me.” 

In the end, I capitulated. 

Right now, I was curled up in bed, wallowing in grief. 

Shan became my companion. A shoulder to cry on.

I don’t know how she understood what I was going through considering that she claims she was single and had not been in any relationship, but I appreciate having her around. 

Samuel was right. I needed her. 

The day I signed the divorce papers at Victor’s office was the last day I set foot in the Gunner mansion. 

Samuel forbade me from going back. 

“I will arrange for everything. You don’t need your things back at the Gunners.” He told me. 

Even if I want to, I don’t think I still have the fortitude to come back. I don’t want to see Victor and everyone associated with him. 

Samuel’s firm handled my divorce. Although I signed the agreement, Samuel made sure that I would be properly represented regarding the details. 

“Your husband does not believe that you are initiating the divorce. He does not think that you were serious.. He thought that you were only having a tantrum.” 

I smiled at that. My lips did the work, but not my eyes.

“You told him I don’t want any part of his wealth?” 

This is what I wanted Samuel to ensure - that Victor knew I don’t want anything to do with his money.

If he wanted to pay me off for how trashy he had treated me to alleviate his conscience, then he could kiss the idea goodbye. 

“I wanted him to regret it,” I told Samuel after he came to my hotel suite to report about his meeting with Victor. 

“And he shall.” He promised. 

It only took Samuel three days before he came back to my suite at the Yorke Place, waving the divorce papers in front of me with a court stamp. 

“The court ruled with finality. Congratulations! You are now officially divorced. Finally, you can leave this place.” 

He told me.

I grabbed the document from his hand and stared at it. 

My hands stroked the paper where Victor’s name was printed and sighed. 

Today marks my new beginning.