Chasing The Billionaire's Heart

Gabby Richard's eyes narrowed and darkened with anger where he sat loosely on the steel chair, but I did not flinch. I was ready to take that big step to my freedom, it felt so great that I would be rid of him. Natalie sitting beside me stood as a source of encouragement that emboldened me to look Richard in the eye. "Mr. Turner, my client here would --" Richard raised his hand to cut my lawyer's speech. A scornful smirk formed on his face, as he adjusted himself on the wooden chair. "This is it, uh?" He chuckled elfishly, "You ungrateful wench! I made sure you got everything you needed, and what did I ask in return? Your submission." He slammed his hand flat on the table, sliding the pen my lawyer had carefully placed in the middle of the document to the edge of the table. "I only asked for your damn submission." "Mr. Turner, I implore you to mind your speech against my client." Richard recoiled as my lawyer warned him sternly. The air conditioning in the room sent a chill down my spine, I remained stiff as my mind raced to eternity and back. The gory memories of Richard's animosity recurred in my head. I knew I had only one chance to make it right. This was the crucial moment that would determine my future. My lawyer slid two documents toward Richard, and his lawyer grabbed them immediately, skimming through both documents. "To your left is a document stating my client would like to be free from your union," my lawyer began, "and to your right, is my client charging you to court for domestic abuse. Either way, it's your choice to make." "Is this what you want?" Richard said with a scowl. I remained silent. I had nothing to say, not because I feared him; not at this point. I refused to say something because regardless of whatever I said, it would still not express how much pain I had suffered at his hands. No word can amount to the evil he put me through. I just remained mute. "Say something you bitch." My silence irked him. He rose from his seat and leaned forward in my direction, reaching his hands straight for my neck. His lawyer pulled him back, calling him back to order. "Mr. Turner, look around you," my lawyer said, pointing out to the CCTV cameras that were stationed at the four corners of the meeting room, "everything you say or do to my client now will be recorded and used against you as evidence if you make another irrational move there." His voice exuded confidence that made me feel at ease. Richard stuck his tail between his legs, after a brief scold from my lawyer. A glimmer of joy skittered across my face. "And if my client refuses?" Richard's lawyer asked with a squint. "My client will be left with no choice than to tug it out with Mr. Turner here, in court." My lawyer's confidence was extraordinarily reassuring. Richard was stuck in a difficult position. Our eyes locked for a minute and I was forced to look away, unable to keep my gaze on him. He picked a pen on the table and signed the divorce papers. A feeling of relief and exhilaration washed over me, tasting the blissfulness of freedom. "You got what you wanted, finally," Richard grinned at me, after sliding the document back to my lawyer. "Remember this day, Gabby, 'cos I'm not gonna forget the humiliation I suffered today. You will never know peace, Gabby, I will bring hell to heaven to make sure your life becomes far more than miserable. You belong to me alone, and I will get you back even if it is the last thing I do: this is a promise." He cackled loudly, and he left the meeting room with his lawyer. Natalie gave me strength by holding my hand, while I broke into tears. Tears of joy. Tearful because this would be the last droplet that will drop from my eyes because of Richard. However, his words terrified me to the core, I feared what he might come up with when he returns, till then, I savored every moment of freedom. The grandeur of the hotel's top-floor ballroom dripped off class. It was my first major gig as a chef and caterer since my divorce from Richard. I was finally happy to live my life the way I want it, free and determined. The floor-to-ceiling windows of the room showcased the beautiful night-time road network of New York City, overlooking the city skyline. It was adorned with elaborate floral arrangements and grand chandeliers hanging from above I gave no room for mistakes, scrutinizing the details of each dish I had planned to serve. The live band flicked the event to life as they performed a piece of soothing jazz music in the background, adding a refined touch to the atmosphere. There were plush couches and chairs scattered throughout the room, along with elegant tables displaying top-shelf beverages and delicious hors d'oeuvres, to ensure the comfort of each guest. Everyone in the room showed their creativity by wearing black dresses in unique styles., with the women wearing lavish gowns and men dressed in sleek tuxedos. I was at the food stand, overlooking everything my workers were doing, when my attention swerved to a man, slender and graceful, approaching me. "Can I get a cocktail please?" His silky voice sounded like heaven's trumpets in my ears. His glossy black eyes held me in total awe of his beauty. I froze, gawking at him until he snapped at me. "Excuse me miss, I asked for something." "Oh, yes... here is it," I said sheepishly, handing him a cup of freshly made cocktail juice. A brief smile laced his face. "Beautiful event, isn't it?" He said, staying at my stand while sipping his drink. I felt uneasy while he stayed, but I didn't want him to leave. There was a spark I could not understand between us. His smile at me drew me into an unprecedented journey of love that made my heart rumble.