Chapter 24

CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Fiona Hardin sat at the kitchen table, tracing her fingers over the rim of her coffee cup she was exhausted and it had settled into her bones. She really needed to find a way to get some sleep.

She glanced over at her sister with a fond smile, Rosa, was busy typing away on her laptop.She had been so energized since getting this job.
“I’m so glad you found a job,” she said,
“When do you start?”

Rosa looked up, her face brightening.
“Next Monday. I’m really excited. "

" A writing assistant" she mumbled and she nodded
" It’s not glamorous work but it’s a start. Plus, I’m looking forward to getting my own place. Living in this rich complex isn’t for me.” she stated her nose scrunched

Fiona nodded, understanding her sister’s desire for independence, she was better now so of course she wanted no hovering eyes.
“I get it. You need your own space.”

“And what about you?” Rosa asked leaning from the table
“Have you had any luck with job applications?”

Fiona sighed, her smile fading. “Not much. I’ve applied to a bunch of places, but only one has called me back.”

Rosa raised an eyebrow at her
“Which one?”

Fiona hesitated, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment and if she allowed herself to think on it annoyance
“Donald’s company.”

Rosa’s eyes widened.
“Donald? Are you serious?”

“I know it was a stupid choice, but I’m desperate,” Fiona admitted.
“I need a job, and maybe I don't have to see him, maybe...”she paused exhausted

Rosa shook her head, her expression turning serious.
“You don’t owe him anything, Fiona. You deserve better and you got it" she mumbled and Fiona smiled.

" Thank you "
The day for the interview arrived far too quickly. Fiona dressed carefully, choosing a simple, professional outfit that she hoped would give her confidence.

As she stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her blouse, she took a deep breath. She couldn’t let her past with Donald define her future, it would kill her to realize she had let him have that much power over her.

She stood in front of the venue the office building looming over her a stark reminder of everything she had been forced to leave behind because of her family.
Taking one deep breath to steady her racing heart, she walked through the front doors, her heels clicking on the polished marble floor.
She approached the receptionist,

"Please I'm here for the interview" she directed her to the seventh floor, she took a deep breath that wasn't Donald's floor. Maybe she could avoid him.

The elevator ride seemed to take an eternity. Fiona’s mind raced with memories of her time here when she had been foolish and in love . She clenched her fists, determined not to let the memories affect.

The elevator doors opened, and Fiona stepped out into a sleek, modern office. She approached the receptionist, who smiled politely and told her to wait with the rest of the candidate.
Moments later,they were led to a room where a panel of interviewers were seated the door opened and there he was—looking as smug and self-assured as ever Donald Tristan walked into the room.

He wasn't supposed to be there, the surprise on the men's faces told her that much.
" Sit I just want to listen in" he offered and they did.

The interview begun in earnest, they asked questions and listened to the answers and soon it was over.
She sighed walking to the elevator
“Fiona,” Donald called his voice dripping with false warmth.

“It’s been a while.”
" What do you want " she hissed and he laughed looking around them where eyes were watching
" Follow me"

She followed him into his office, every step feeling like a march to her own execution. The door closed behind them with a soft click, and Fiona’s nerves heightened.
She forced herself to meet his gaze, refusing to be intimidated by him as Rosa had said she owed him nothing.

“Please, sit,” Donald said, gesturing to a chair.
" No thank you, I'm fine. What do you want" she asked
Donald smiled, though it didn’t reach his eyes.

" I was surprised to see your application. What brings you here?” he asked as if he didn't know

“I need a job,” Fiona said simply.
“I had thought... I had hoped that maybe we could put the past behind us.” she mumbled softly looking over his shoulder to the window.

Donald’s smile twisted into something almost sinister
“The past is never really behind us, is it?”

Fiona’s heart pounded as Donald stood and walked around the desk. He leaned against the edge, his eyes raking over her in a way that made her skin crawl.

" Shouldn't you be with Julie, I hear the wedding is soon" she mumbled but he ignored her completely

“I heard you’ve been keeping company with Raven Qing,” he said, his voice low and mocking, Fiona froze, his tone was the least of her problems
How did he know about Raven and did he know about the marriage.

“Quite the step up from me, wouldn’t you say?” he mumbled

Fiona stiffened. “My personal life is none of your business.”

Donald’s smile widened.

“Oh, but it is. You see, I’ve heard things, Fiona. Things about you and your new... lifestyle.”
Fiona’s stomach twisted with unease.

“What are you talking about?”
Donald leaned closer, his breath hot against her ear. “I know you’re Qing bastard's slut, that you’ll do anything for him.”
“That’s not true.” she hissed, her hands paling as she gripped at her purse.

“Isn’t it?” Donald sneered.
“I think it is. And I think you’ll do anything to get this job.”


Before Fiona could react, Donald grabbed her arm and yanked her to himself.
Panic surged through her as he pushed her against the wall, she made to scream but his hand clamped over her mouth.

“You’ll service me, right here, right now,” he hissed.
“Or I’ll ruin you. I’ll make sure you never work in this city again.”
Fiona struggled,

" You can't be serious what about this. You have Julie" her mind racing with fear and desperation. He laughed
" Of course, she'll be my wife but gou– you will be my whore " he hissed pushing his head against her face to kiss her, she turned away.

She had to get away, had to stop him, but he was too strong. She squealed pushing against him trying to push him off her but it wasn't working, tears filled her throat.
It happened in the flash of a second but Donald was of her, she stood there gasping wondering what the hell she was going to do. A man had grabbed Donald by the collar and yanked him away from her throwing him to the ground with a force that left him still gasping for breath.

“Get away from her,” the man growled, his voice low and dangerous.