My Enemy's Daughter (Edited)

Chapter 12 (edited version)

Fiona's POV

"The number you've dialed is currently not available. Please try again later," the automated voice declared before a long beep cut off the call.

"Pfff." I let out a frustrated huff, tossing my phone onto my vanity table before flopping down on my bed, face-first.

For over three weeks now, I had been trying to reach Mr. Fox without success. The only communication I'd had from him came through his secretary, who collected the newly amended contract on his behalf and returned the signed copy to me.

The last time I actually saw him was after that party a few weeks ago. I thought we were making progress-not necessarily romantically, even though he did give me butterflies, but in terms of our working relationship. I believed we had found some middle ground.

I didn't realize just how much I had grown accustomed to our constant spats until Mr. Fox went completely off the grid. Now, after weeks without them, there was a strange emptiness I couldn't shake.

"Hmmm... what are you doing, Fiona?" I asked myself aloud, sighing into the mattress.

As if that weren't enough, Ethan had also been unreachable. We'd planned to grab dinner last week, but he canceled last minute and disappeared off the radar since. No explanation, no follow-up. Just... silence.

Was I really that unbearable? Did people just not want to be around me?

With another sigh, I got off the bed and prepared to head to evening service at church. At least there, I wouldn't feel shut out.

It didn't take long to get ready, and before I knew it, I was walking into the church. I made sure to leave my frustrations at the door, determined to lift my spirits. The message during service reminded me that God was always with me, even in the hard times. It was comforting to hear.

The service ended about an hour later, and by then, I felt a little lighter. I was making my way towards the exit when I heard a voice behind me.

"Fiona, could I have a word with you?" Pastor Simeon called out.

I sighed internally but turned around with a smile. "Good evening, sir."

"And a good evening to you too, Fiona," he replied kindly, his expression warm yet knowing.

Pastor Simeon, now in his late forties and approaching fifty, was renowned for his unique ability to connect with young people. Despite his age, he remained the youth pastor because he had an almost uncanny understanding of the challenges facing today's youth. He also had the trust of every young person who confided in him, myself included.

"Can you wait for me in my office? I'll join you shortly," he said, before turning back to the group of teenagers he had been speaking with.

I walked briskly to his office and sat down on the couch to wait. About twenty minutes later, he entered, apologizing for the delay as he settled beside me.

"So, how have things been?" he asked with genuine concern.

"Fine. Everything's fine," I replied evasively, knowing exactly what he was asking but unwilling to go into it just yet.

"You're really going to make me ask directly, huh?" he teased lightly.

"Yup," I said with a small pop on the "p."

He smiled. "Okay. How are things with your dad?"

"Same old story. He still thinks all this..." I gestured around me, "...is just a hobby."

"Hmmm... And how's work?"

"Work's fine," I whispered, averting my eyes, knowing he would see right through me.

"Fiona," he called softly.

"Hm?" I still avoided his gaze.

"You're avoiding eye contact."

"I'm not avoiding it," I mumbled.

"Then look at me, dear."

With a pout, I finally met his eyes.

"Let me rephrase the question. Fiona, how do you feel about your job right now?"

I sighed deeply. "I feel... exhausted. Physically and emotionally. It's like no matter how much effort I put in, it's never enough. My father never misses a chance to insult me, Ethan has vanished without a word, and Mr. Fox refuses to return my calls. Am I such a horrible person that everyone I care about just leaves? I feel so... unlovable."

By the time I finished, the tears were flowing freely.

"Unlovable?" he repeated softly, his hand reaching out to gently squeeze mine. I nodded, trying to control the sobs.

"How did you come to such a conclusion?"

"After everything I just told you, you still have to ask?" I sniffled. "And it's not just that. I have zero friends."

"Fiona, if you were truly unlovable, I doubt Christ would have gone to Calvary just for you. That would make no sense. Or maybe He died for me alone?" He added with a playful smirk.

"Pastor Simeon!" I whined, rolling my eyes through the tears.

"What?" he asked innocently.

"I know Jesus loves me. But I'm talking about people here!"

"Ah, people," he nodded, understanding. "And therein lies the problem. You seek too much validation from people."

I shrugged, unsure of how to respond.

"Fiona, my dear, people are fallible. We have good intentions, but we're limited. Even the best of us fall short sometimes."

I nodded, feeling his words sink in.

"And by the way, don't think I missed the part where you called Mr. Fox 'important,'" he added with a mischievous grin.

"It's not like that!" I protested, smiling despite myself.

"Hmm, okay," he teased, clearly not buying it. "But we'll save that conversation for another time. For now, are you feeling better?"

"I do, actually. Thank you, Pastor."

After we wrapped up our conversation, we talked about the sermon and upcoming youth events. By the time I left the church, it was late, and I headed straight to bed once I got home.

The next morning, I was startled awake by my phone ringing.

"Hello?" I answered groggily.

"Hi, Fiona. It's me, Ethan."

"Ethan?!" I practically shot up in bed. "Where have you been?"

He laughed. "Long story short, I had a last-minute business trip and forgot my phone. I didn't realize it until I was halfway across the globe. I just got back. I'm sorry for going MIA."

"It's fine," I replied, feeling relieved.

"Actually, Fiona, I was hoping you could do me a favor."

"Sure, what is it?"

"I've got this event tonight, and honestly, I could use the company. Want to come with me?"

I groaned. "You know I don't really do parties anymore, Ethan."

"Please?" he asked, his tone pleading.

"I'll have to pass."

"Pretty please?"

"I'm really not up for-"

"Sam Fox is on the guest list," he cut in casually.

I froze. "I'm coming!"

Ethan burst out laughing. "That was fast. Fiona, is there something I should know?"

"Nope," I replied quickly.

"Uh-huh. Pick you up at seven?"

"I'll be ready," I said, trying to sound casual, though excitement had already bubbled up.

Once the call ended, I sprang out of bed, frantically planning what to wear for the night. I was halfway through choosing my outfit when I realized it was still only eight in the morning-and I didn't have to be ready for at least ten hours. Plus, it was a weekday. I still had to get to work!