Fiona

Read Story: SEASON 1 EPISODE 12

They made their way to the other side of the pool, under the Pallava hut.

“By morning, I would be gone. I wanted you to know that I am grateful for everything you and your family have done for me. Sometimes you are not the nicest person, but I know deep down you are a good man with a kind heart. I owe you my life, Michel.” Fiona said almost between tears

. “Thank you very much for everything,” She added.

“It’s okay. I just hope you feel better and stay safe” Michel replied absentmindedly, as if not interested in what she has to say.

“I know you have plenty of questions, not sure I have answers to all of them but….” she went silent for a few seconds before continuing. “My dad was not feeling well. At least, he complained about old age and wants to retire because his health is unstable. He wanted me to return home to take over Arden. That was how I returned from the UAE where I had been doing my MBA for the past two years.”

“Arden is your father’s company?” Michel asked.

“No, It belongs to my father and I”, Fiona replied. “See, when I was sixteen in high school, my school nominated me for an environmental project and I won. I was then able to use my idea and the funding to start a recycling company with the help of my father

. It took almost four years when we were able to invest the money in real estate little by little. With time, the two branches, recycling, and real estate grew, and we gave it our last name, Arden Incorporated. I own 60% percent which was Father’s idea and he owns the remaining. “ Fiona clarified to him.

“So if your father retires, you’re gonna have the company to yourself?” Michel asked.

“I don’t know yet. We, at least my dad, wanted my brother to own his share.“ Fiona informed.

“You haven’t mentioned anything about your mom,” Michel pointed out.

“My stepbrother and I grew up with our dad. Mom died when I was eleven years and Dad divorce my brother’s mother even before he met my mom. The only people I have truly known are my father, brother, and Olivia.” Fiona said in a sad tone.

“Olivia, the girl from the other day?” Michel asked and Fiona smiled upon hearing the name Olivia.

“Yes, she is my one true best friend,” Fiona replied.

“How well do you know her?” Michel asked. “We have known each other since high school. I knew she had a crush on my brother but things did not seem to work out well between them, I guess.” Fiona said with a wide smile as the thought of her loved ones excited her.

“You seem to love and trust her.” Michel inquired.

“Yes, I do, I love her very much. I don’t know what I would have done without her. She has been there for me so many times than I can say.” Fiona started with confidence and Michael nodded.

Fiona’s phone rang with an incoming call.

“Fiona” Olivia called immediately when she answered the phone.

“Olivia, is everything okay?” Fiona asked. “Yes sure, I was just looking for you, where are you?” Olivia asked.

“I am with Michel, I will join you guys in a bit,” Fiona told her.

“Okay,” Olivia hung up.

“You should get going,” Michel said and Fiona chuckled as she made her way to leave. “You can always stay here if you want, especially that you don’t know who is out to get your life”

“Michael, I know, but I have to go. My family needs me” Fiona said.

“Family, you mean husband? ” Michel blurted out even before he could catch himself.

“What?” Fiona asked with confusion.

”Don’t lie to my face, Fiona. I saw all the pictures and comments on your Instagram.” He added with a calm and emotionless expression.

“What? You’ve been digging through my page to get answers when you could just ask me.” Fiona snapped.

“I wasn’t trying to intrude but I needed answers” He replied keeping his calm.

She went silent for a while before adding, “I was once engaged, Michel. His name was Augustine. The account you saw is an old account. I lost access to it ever since and I didn’t try to recover it.…….. My Fiance, my fiance is dead.”

His face immediately flushed with embarrassment. For a second he felt completely stupid. “What?….. I am sorry.” he empathized. “Do you know what….” He trailed off.

“No, I don’t know what killed him. At least the results have never really been clear.” Fiona replied.

“What do you mean” He questioned, puzzled.

“It was the night after our official engagement. He had an accident and was taken to the hospital but according to the doctor, the accident wasn’t the cause of his death. He was poisoned.” She immediately started crying.

Without second thoughts, Michel pulled her in his arms and held her tight as he used his other hand to stroke her head. He had a mixed feeling, a bit of sadness that she was crying but more relieved that she was available.

“Did you try to investigate the case?” He asked.

“I wanted to but my family thought I should let it go. They believe that it was his time and maybe the doctor thought wrong. They said if I pursue it, I could hurt myself finding out” Fiona cried.

“It’s okay, I am here for you. I promise” He assured her before losing his grasp from her.

“I should get going now,” Fiona said and they both agreed. “And thank you for the gifts she said and held the phone in her hand, I love them,” Michel only blushed silently as he watched her leave.

“I told you all is not black and white for our precious, Michel. He seems to be falling faster for Fiona than expected” Jojo spoke through the phone.

“It seems like my dear cousin is not invincible after all.” the person at the other end of the phone replied.

“I told you it was a bad idea. Do you think Fiona is ever going to hurt Michel? Even the way she looks at him. They are both cuddling under the Pallava hut as we speak.” Jojo argued.

“That’s why you must get closer to her and win her trust,” the person commended.

“The investigator sent her report, Fiona is a very powerful woman and when she unites with Michel, it will be a disaster for us.” Jojo retorted.

“I don't care who she is or isn't, I just need Michel out of my way. And if she serves as an obstacle, we will take them down together but until then, do not show any sign of suspicion. Have she told you who tried to kill her?” The person asked.

“She did not say, she doesn't know” Jojo informed.

“Well, I am sure whosoever did will try again and this time, I pray they succeed,” the person said.

“I think I already know who that could be” Jojo replied before hanging up the call.

Author’s POV

So Jojo still got something against FIONA, this one is strong.

Please what do you think is going to happen next?