My Enemy's Daughter (Edited)

chapter 42

Fiona's POV

Samuel's car engine hummed steadily beneath us as we drove through the city, and I couldn't help but steal glances at him from the corner of my eye. His jaw was set in a determined line, his focus entirely on the road. The silence between us wasn't uncomfortable, but there was an underlying tension. Samuel had said he would show me his world, that he wanted me to believe in him. To trust him. I wanted to. I really did. But after everything I'd been through, I wasn't sure how much trust I could afford to give.

"Where are we going?" I finally asked, my voice breaking through the quiet.

"You'll see," he replied, glancing at me with a soft smile. "I want to be honest with you. You deserve that."

His words hung in the air, making my chest tighten. I had wanted his honesty for so long, and now that it was being offered, it felt almost surreal.

We pulled up in front of a sleek skyscraper, its windows gleaming against the morning sun. My eyebrows knitted together in confusion as I took in the imposing structure.

"As you know, this is my company," Samuel said as he parked the car. "I want you to see everything. No more secrets, Fiona."

I nodded and stepped out of the car with him. The tall building loomed above me, a testament to Samuel's success. I'd always known he was accomplished, but standing there again, I was reminded just how vast his world was. As we walked through the glass doors, the cool air-conditioning sent a shiver down my spine. The interior was sterile and modern, bustling with employees who barely spared us a glance.

When we reached the top floor, we were greeted by Dina, Samuel's secretary. Her face lit up when she saw me, and she quickly rose from her desk to greet us.

"Fiona! It's been ages!" she exclaimed, pulling me into a quick hug. "I've missed you. How have you been?"

"I've missed you too, Dina," I replied, smiling warmly. "I've been... well, you know."

Dina nodded knowingly, her eyes softening. "Well, it's good to see you here. I'll give you two some space." She turned to Samuel and gave him a wink. "You take care of her, boss."

Samuel chuckled and led me past Dina's desk into his office. The moment the door closed behind us, the atmosphere shifted. His office was large, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city below. But what caught my attention were the documents laid out on his desk.

"Come here," he said, beckoning me over.

I stepped closer, and he started showing me papers, contracts, and business deals. "This is what I do, Fiona. Everything I've built. Twenty years ago, I had nothing. But I built this from the ground up. We're into every type of business you can think of—real estate, manufacturing, technology."

I skimmed through the documents, impressed by the sheer scope of his empire. I'd worked in my father's company for years, but this... this was on another level entirely. Samuel's drive and ambition were palpable. And for the first time in a long while, I felt admiration stirring in my chest.

"This is incredible," I admitted, glancing up at him.

He smiled, a hint of pride in his eyes. "I wanted you to see this because I need you to understand that I'm not hiding anything from you. Not anymore."

I nodded slowly, absorbing his words. "Thank you, Samuel. This means a lot."

But before I could get too comfortable in this moment of peace, Samuel grabbed his jacket. "We're not done yet. There's one more place I want to show you."

We left his office, walking past Dina, who waved us off with a knowing grin. I couldn't help but feel like she was rooting for us. We exited the building, and I noticed that Samuel's pace had quickened. He seemed eager.

"Where are we going now?" I asked, a little more concerned.

He shot me a sideways glance. "You'll see."

We drove for a while, leaving the city behind as the landscape changed to a more secluded, wooded area. It was peaceful and quiet. When we finally arrived, I was taken aback. Before us stood a mansion, grander than anything I'd ever seen.

"This is my home," Samuel announced, pride lacing his voice. "And... it could be ours. When you're ready."

I couldn't help but stare at the house, a mix of awe and hesitation swirling inside me. It was beautiful, almost too beautiful. But I wasn't sure if I could picture myself living there. At least, not yet.

Samuel showed me around, leading me through rooms filled with expensive furniture, art, and the kind of luxury I'd only ever dreamed of. And as I followed him, a part of me started to imagine us together in this house, living a life filled with love and family. But another part of me held back, hesitant.

"It's amazing," I finally said, as we stood in one of the spacious living rooms. "But, Samuel... I don't know if I can accept this."

His face faltered slightly, but he quickly regained his composure. "Why not?" he asked, his tone soft yet probing.

I took a deep breath, my thoughts racing. "It's just... you're not a believer. And I can't... I can't marry someone who doesn't share my faith."

He went quiet, his jaw tightening. The silence stretched between us, thick and heavy. Then, his voice dropped to a low, somber tone. "I used to believe, Fiona. I was a devoted Christian, but God... He abandoned me."

I blinked, shocked by his confession. "What do you mean?"

Samuel shook his head, his expression hardening for a moment before softening again. "It's a long story. One I'm not ready to unpack right now. But for you, Fiona... I'm willing to try again. I'll give faith another chance. For you."

His words hit me like a wave. Part of me wanted to believe him, to trust that he'd make the effort. But another part of me wondered if he was only saying this to keep me.

I was about to respond when he brushed it off and took my hand, leading me back to the car. "Come on, let's get you home. We can talk more later."

The ride back was quiet but not uncomfortable. My mind raced with everything I'd learned that day and with Samuel's cryptic confession about his faith. When we finally reached my house, Samuel walked me to the door.

"Fiona," he said, his voice soft. "I want to remind you of something again."

I looked up at him, meeting his intense gaze. "What is it?"

"I love you," he said simply.

The words hung between us, and for a moment, I didn't know how to respond. But then, the truth slipped out before I could stop it. "I love you too."

He stopped, turning to face me fully. "You do?"

I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Yeah. I do. After everything you've shown me today... you deserve to hear it."

He stepped closer, gently cupping my cheek. His touch was warm, comforting. "We're making progress," he murmured. "Soon, you'll say yes to my proposal. I know it."

I watched him walk away, my heart fluttering and my mind still conflicted. I cared about him, that much was true. But there was something about that day that left me unsettled. His sudden willingness to try and serve God for my sake... it felt too convenient, too rushed. And that nagging feeling in my gut told me that something was still not right.

With a sigh, I stepped inside my house, closing the door behind me. My thoughts swirled as I leaned against the door, wondering if I was making the right choice by trusting him again.