Unforeseen Circumstance

Chapter 1

Robert found himself staring out the floor to ceiling windows in his office. He was done with today's work and was getting ready to go home, but somehow got sidetracked to watching the colours in the sky change as the sun set.

His mind went through the events that happened in the past few weeks; getting lost in the emotional ache in his chest as he remembered the significance of the papers he'd just finished. His breathing became heavy as the ache in his chest became a caving hole that was spreading. A black hole that was eating him from the inside.

Robert continued to watch the sun dip below the horizon; the sky turning beautiful hues of orange and blues. The beautiful scenery whisking his mind away from the dark thoughts.

"Earth to Herjavec."

Robert jumped at the sudden noise in the room. He spun around in the chair, facing the person who just entered; It was a fellow Shark.

"Mr. O'Leary," he began, interested in his sudden appearance. Leaning back on the chair as he continued speaking, "What brings you to The Herjavec Headquarters?"

Kevin's smiling expression turned serious. Worry flashing across his face and disappearing just as fast as it showed, "for the same reason the media is after you."

Robert rolled his eyes, running his hands through his hair. He was getting frustrated with the media, making the relationship sound like it was based purely on his riches and making it the reason behind the divorce.

"People fall in love and they fall out of it," he said through gritted teeth, "not everyone has a fairytale ending." He spun his chair around to face the windows once more. "Why can't they see that?" His voice became softer as the sentence registered, the realization making his heartache once more. Papers shuffling in the background caught his attention, bringing him back into reality once more.

Robert turned to face the noisemaker that held the papers like evidence.

"I'm guessing you've finished this?" Kevin O'Leary said, placing the papers back in front of him. "What's the plan? Are you staying here in New York or are you going back to Toronto? What about -"

Robert cut him off, "we're going back to Toronto." He took the papers and placed it into a folder, paper clipping it closed. "She'll be starting 1st grade there."

Mr. O'Leary nodded, agreeing that it would be for the best, understanding what has to be done to better her future.

Robert continued to speak as he packed up, "there's a headquarters there too, so it's not going to be hard to balance work there." He slung his messenger bag over his shoulder and walked towards the door.

"Starting off with a clean slate," Mr. O'Leary commented, "that's good... For the both of you." He got off his seat and followed Robert out the door, who was agreeing with the comment.

"Yeah," Robert locked the door to his office. "It's for the best, right?"

The question lingered as they headed to the elevator. Was it the best for his daughter or was it the best for himself? Were they going back because it was the best for both parties? Or was it the best for himself?

"Robert," the call of his name brought him back to the present, "you deserve the best for yourself too." Kevin's replied as though he had read his mind.

"While you're there," they entered the elevator and he pressed the parking button, "you should find someone." Kevin half smiled as he got the reaction from his friend.

Although the topic was serious, Robert found himself laughing at what the conversation turned into. "Find someone?" He shook his head as they neared the parking level. "I just got divorced and you're telling me to get into another relationship?!" They both laughed as they got out of the elevator.

"So!?" Kevin joked around with him even though this was no laughing matter. "It's not too late, or early, to get back in the game!" Robert shook his head and laughed with him.

"Weren't you the one that called me a chicken?" Laughing a bit louder than before as they walked towards his Ferrari.

They continued chatting and laughing, but as they neared the car, they slowly became serious once more.

Robert opened the passenger door and placed his stuff on the seat. He closer the door and walked over the the driver side door where Kevin was standing.

"Robert," Mr. O'Leary smiled and moved over to let him get into the driver side of the car. "Don't let this, or the media, get to you."

He smiled back at him, getting into the car and kept the door open; as well as the conversation.

"Take a leap Herjavec," Kevin placed a hand on the car door. "Find someone that will love you as much as you love them," Robert nodded.

"Thank you for the wise words, Mr. Wonderful," he replied as he started the engine. "I'll take it to heart."

Kevin gave a small laugh and began closing the door. Before the door completely shut he added, "say hi to your daughter for me." He stepped back as Robert started backing up.

"Will do."