Chapter 12
**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.”
YOU ARE READING
My Enemy's Daughter (Edited)
RomanceTwenty-one years ago, the wife Samuel Fox had married at the young age of eighteen, with the hope of spending the rest of his life with, was murdered on "accident" with his unborn child by her jealous and deranged admirer Justice wasn't served then...
