Chapter 3: THE PAPERS

Penelope's Pov

My hands shook as I picked up the envelope. I opened it and my eyes fell on the bold letters. My chest tightened, my breath caught in my throat. For a moment, I felt like the whole world crashed on me.

I clutched the papers tightly, staring at them. My throat burned, my heart felt heavy. “What is this, father?” I asked quietly. Tears gathered in my eyes as I looked from his cold expression back to the papers. They wanted to throw me away just because Tyler divorced me.

My father leaned back and sneered. “You need me to explain? Sign the papers and leave. You’re no longer our daughter. Your real name is written on the papers, the name you had before we took you in. From now on, that’s who you are. You mean nothing to us.”

I shook my head, tears falling down my face. “Please… you can’t do this… not now… I have no one left,” I whispered.

I dropped to my knees, crawled to him, and grabbed his leg. “Please, father… I have nowhere else to go. I don’t have money, no home… everything I had was through Tyler. Please let me stay,” I begged, my voice breaking. They were far from perfect, especially after my younger brother was born, but they were the only family I had.

Suddenly, Tyler, my older brother, stormed towards me and kicked me hard in the ribs. I crumpled to the floor, gasping in pain, my body screaming from the impact.

“Stop embarrassing yourself!” Tyler barked. “Sign the damn papers and get out. We don’t want you here.”

I looked up at their faces—faces I once trusted. For five years, I had been their pride, their favorite child, but it was all because of my marriage to Tyler. None of it was real.

I wiped my tears, my voice shaking. “Can I at least stay the Night?” I whispered.

My father’s face twisted in disgust. “If you stay a second longer, I’ll either slit your throat or poison you. Take your disgrace and leave before I make good on my word.”

His threat sent a shiver down my spine. They wanted me gone. They wanted me dead. There was no point begging for a family that wished me harm.

I swallowed my pride, signed the papers, and stared at the name printed on it—Penelope Sting. My new name. My real name.

I stood, wiped the tears from my cheeks, and walked to the door without looking back. Outside, I hailed a cab and headed straight to Tyler’s house. I would collect my things, sign the divorce papers, and leave this city. I would leave Paris and never return.

I reached Tyler’s house after dark. The party was over, and the place was quiet. I walked inside without knocking. Tyler and Bianca sat on my favourite couch, eating pizza and watching Scandal—my favourite show.

I had begged Tyler to watch it with me, but he always said, “I run a business, I don’t have time for TV.” I always watched it alone.

Now he watched it with Bianca, his hand resting on her thigh while she leaned into him.

I cleared my throat. Bianca stood up with an annoyed look.

“Why are you here?” she asked.

“I came for my clothes and the divorce papers,” I said calmly.

“Then take them and leave,” she snapped.

Tyler didn’t look at me. “Bailey will bring your things. The papers are in my office.” He walked over to Bianca, wrapped his arms around her waist, and kissed her cheek. “Let’s go, babe. Don’t waste time on her.”

Babe. He never called me that. I was always just Penelope.

They sat back on the couch, whispering and laughing.

Bailey brought my suitcase and the papers. I signed quickly.

I grabbed my suitcase but it felt too light. I opened it and my chest tightened.

“Bianca!” I shouted.

She smiled. “Yes?”

“Where are my clothes?” I asked.

She crossed her arms. “The ones Tyler bought? I gave them away.”

I pointed at the box. “Then what’s this?”

“Your old clothes. And the condoms? A little gift since you’ll need them,” she said with a smug smile.

I clenched my fists. “You’ll regret this,” I said.

I turned to Tyler. “I stood by you, worked for you, and you betrayed me. I know everything about your business. Don’t forget that.”

Tyler’s face dropped.

I closed my suitcase and walked away without looking back.

I wandered the streets without knowing where I was going. My legs felt heavier with every step. I had not eaten since the meal on the plane, and my body was starting to give up on me. I felt lightheaded, like my strength was draining away.

I kept walking aimlessly, but there was no one to turn to. The few friends I had were all Bianca’s friends, and I had seen them earlier at the engagement party, smiling like nothing was wrong.

I didn’t blame them. Everyone wanted to stay close to the rich and powerful.

I checked my phone. It was already seven in the evening, and the streets were getting darker. I had no idea how I would survive. I had no money, no friends, and nowhere to go.

A flash of headlights caught my attention. A sports car—a Ferrari—was speeding toward me, swerving like the driver had lost control. I knew I should step away from the road, but I didn’t move. I stayed right where I was, my suitcase beside me.

The driver honked, the bright lights blinding me, but I stood still.

What was the point of surviving? I thought. I closed my eyes, ready to end it all. At least no one would pity me again.

Seconds later, the car slammed into me. My body hit the ground hard. I forced my eyes open, then shut them again.

“Ma’am, can you hear me? Open your eyes!” a man’s voice called, distant like I was drifting away.

I used the little strength I had left. “Just let me die… please,” I whispered.

“What?” the man sounded shocked.

I let my eyes close, ready to disappear into the darkness.