My Enemy's Daughter (Edited)

chapter 18

Fiona's POV

The hum of my computer was the only sound in my apartment as I stared at the screen, my thoughts a tangled mess. Samuel’s curt response to my call the other night had left me unsettled. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. His abruptness and refusal to share any personal details made me wonder if he was suspicious of me, or if my past had somehow come back to haunt me. The thought of him doubting me or worse, finding me deceptive, gnawed at me. I knew I had to be honest with him about my past, but the timing had to be right. I didn’t want to add to the confusion or stress that seemed to be consuming both our lives.

It had been days since Samuel’s call, and he hadn't reached out as he said he would. I wrestled with the urge to call him, but I remembered his words and decided against it. The last thing I wanted was to appear desperate or intrusive. As I sat in my small office, working on the mundane tasks that occupied my days, I found myself drifting back to thoughts of Samuel. I missed our conversations and the way he made me feel alive and connected.

I needed a distraction, so I decided to chat with Dina, Samuel’s secretary, whom I’d become quite friendly with. Her warmth had been a welcome presence amidst the growing tension in my life.

“Hi, Dina,” I said, trying to keep my voice light and casual. “How’s everything going?”

“Hey, Fiona!” Dina’s cheerful voice was a small comfort. “Everything’s pretty hectic around here, but you know, the usual.”

I smiled despite myself. “Yeah, I can imagine. How’s Samuel been? I haven’t heard from him in a few days.”

There was a slight pause on the other end, and I could almost hear Dina’s mental gears turning. “Oh, he’s been… pretty unavailable. Lots of meetings and stuff. It’s been busy for him.”

I felt a pang of disappointment. “I see. Well, I guess he’s got a lot on his plate.”

Dina chuckled softly. “Yeah, you could say that. But I’m sure he’ll reach out to you soon. He’s just swamped at the moment.”

I tried to sound hopeful. “I hope so. Thanks for letting me know.”

After we ended the call, I turned back to my work, attempting to focus on the tasks at hand. It was surprising how much of a relief it was to chat with Dina, even if it was just a brief conversation. Her update gave me a small sense of reassurance, though it didn’t completely assuage my worries.

As the clock ticked toward closing time, I wrapped up my work and prepared to leave. My mind was still preoccupied with Samuel’s absence and my decision to come clean about my past. It was unsettling not knowing what was going on with him, but I couldn’t keep my thoughts from drifting back to our last conversation.

Finally, just as I was about to step out the door, my phone rang. The caller ID flashed Samuel’s name, and my heart skipped a beat. I took a deep breath before answering.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Fiona,” Samuel’s voice was smooth and composed. “I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time.”

“No, not at all,” I replied, trying to sound casual. “I was just wrapping up for the day.”

“Perfect timing,” he said. “I wanted to invite you to an event being hosted by your father for one of his clients. It’s an important occasion, and I’d love for you to come along.”

I was taken aback. “I didn’t realize there was an event planned. I hadn’t heard about it.”

“That’s why you’re coming with me,” Samuel said, his tone light but firm. “I thought it would be a nice change of pace for you, and it’ll give us a chance to catch up.”

There was something about the way he spoke that felt rehearsed, but I pushed the thought aside. “Alright, I’d be happy to join you. What should I wear?”

“I’ve had some clothes sent over to your house,” Samuel said smoothly. “You should receive them soon. Just dress up, and we’ll meet at the venue.”

Before I could respond, I felt a sudden urge to address the distance that had grown between us. “Samuel, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about—”

“I’m really sorry, Fiona,” he interrupted, his voice slightly strained. “I’m tied up with some work at the moment. I’ll pick you up later, and we can talk then. I promise.”

The call ended before I could say anything more. I felt a mixture of relief and frustration. At least he had reached out, and the prospect of seeing him again lifted my spirits. Yet, the conversation left many questions unanswered. Samuel’s evasiveness only deepened my concern about his true feelings and his potential suspicions about me.

I couldn’t bring myself to tell him about my past yet. The fear of his reaction was paralyzing. My father’s exploitation of me for his business was a painful chapter in my life, one that I had managed to keep buried for years. The thought of Samuel knowing about it filled me with dread. I needed more time to figure out how to approach the topic, how to explain my past without jeopardizing our relationship.

With a sigh, I ended the call and prepared to leave. I decided to take a moment for myself before heading home. Standing by my desk, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I whispered a quick prayer, asking for strength and guidance. I needed to stay focused and navigate this complicated situation with care.

As I walked to my car, I tried to clear my mind of the swirling thoughts. The evening had turned cooler, and the crisp air felt refreshing against my skin. I drove home, the familiar route providing a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos of my emotions.

Arriving at my apartment, I found the clothes Samuel had mentioned neatly folded on my bed. They were elegant, suitable for the event, and I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of excitement. The prospect of spending time with Samuel, even under these circumstances, was something I looked forward to.

I took a long, hot shower, trying to wash away the stress of the past few days. As I dried off and began preparing for the evening, I allowed myself a few moments of quiet reflection. Despite the uncertainty and fear, I felt a glimmer of hope. Samuel’s invitation, though wrapped in business, was still an invitation. It meant he wanted to see me, and for now, that was enough.

I carefully chose an outfit from the clothes Samuel had sent. It was a beautiful dress, perfect for the event. By the time I was ready Samuels car was parked outside my house. I made sure everything was in place and took one last look in the mirror before heading out the door.

With a final prayer for guidance and strength, I walked out my apartment, ready to face whatever came next with a sense of resolve.