Chapter 112 Memories

Chapter 112 Memories
Fiona’s POV

A mixture of several emotions runs through me as I drive through the busy city. Who knew a day would come when I’d miss the loudness and busyness of this place?

My fingers tighten on the wheel of my G-Wagon when I try to imagine the emptiness of my office. I’m not supposed to report physically today, but I choose to. I want to see how things are right now, what the atmosphere feels like, and most importantly, how well the company is doing.

I know that it’s no longer my place to oversee that, but that’s the only way for me to be at rest.

Nicholas had tried to talk me out of it—not just him, but his mom—but I guess he was never wrong when he called me stubborn.

Speaking of his mom, Mrs. Felicia Duncan, we have grown very close, and I’ve learned so much about her. Just like Alexa, she’s very sweet, curious, funny, and extremely caring. Sometimes she stops the cook from making my meals and takes over.

She always makes sure I’m good, both physically and emotionally. And it’s not just because I’m pregnant; she also sees me as her daughter. I’m glad that I get to experience this daughter-in-law to mother-in-law relationship.

I finally pull up at the underground garage of the building, taking a few seconds to catch my breath.

Stepping out of the car, the memories of the day I ran into the building after discovering a box carrying a note assault me. I ran into Daphne, who ‘comforted’ me.

A sad smile slips out of my mouth; she probably was behind that, or Steph.

Everything looks the same when I walk into the building, with just a few people here and there acknowledging my presence. Some send me a look of pity, some are surprised, while others are intrigued.

I make sure to respond as politely as I can. I don’t want to start making secret enemies now.

“Welcome back, Mrs. Fiona,” Mr. Colin chirps when he sees me.

“Good morning to you too,” I force a smile, searching his face. He looks better than the day I last saw him. I guess he’s handling things better now.

“Now, let me introduce your new assistant to you.”

We walk in silence until we stop in front of my office. Some part of me expects to see the huge glasses on a smiling Daphne’s face, but I’m slightly disappointed to see a new face.

I doubt I’d ever get used to this.

“Good morning, ma'am. I’m Celine,” she greets formally.

The lady before me is young, most likely in her early twenties, with short hair, dressed well, and makeup on point. She is someone I’d like to describe as prim and proper. She embodies the role so much that I don’t think this is her first personal assisting job.

“Nice to meet you, Celine. I look forward to working with you.”

“You both have a great day ahead. She’ll update you on everything.” I nod in agreement, watching him walk away from us.

“You can just send in the files of recent and ongoing events.” I don’t think I’m ready to converse with her. I need to settle in. Everything still feels strange.

“Yes, ma'am.”

With that, I enter my office.

Nothing has changed. No one has occupied this space since I left, and I can only be grateful for that. Some old files stack up on my desk; my computer is as I left it. It’s like it’s frozen in time.

Also, there is no speck of dust anywhere, as if they were preparing for my return. Carefully, I sink into my seat, shifting the desk forward to create space for my baby bump.

Shortly, I hear a knock and my new assistant walks in with some files. She places them neatly on the desk and waits for me to dismiss her before leaving.

Daphne would have barged in with new gossip. By now, I would be complaining about how much she needs to learn how to knock. If she wasn’t talking about the Duncans, it was about her boyfriend or exes.

Were they ever real?

Undeniably, I was entertained. She made my office days worthwhile. And she was really passionate about the job. Competent, too. She always made sure everything went fine.

Staring at the door, my mind drifts back to the very first day she walked into my office.

We were understaffed at the time and had posted a vacancy for a personal assistant. Just like the rest, she came for an interview. There were about six of them including her.

“I am Daphne Theodore, and I’m confident in my skills. In a few weeks, you are going to look back at today and be glad that you hired me,” she smiled so confidently.

I remember being surprised by her words. The fire in her eyes matched her attitude. I knew I was in for a challenge that day.

So I deliberately made her questions tougher than the rest, and shockingly, she excelled. There was no denying that she was the perfect fit for the job.

On the first day she resumed, she handled it so perfectly. She scheduled events and checked with the rest of the team. That alone drew me closer to her.

Beyond being good at her job, she was a very cheerful person. I remember telling her that she reminded me of summertime—bright and always happy. She was also attentive.

That period was when I was still trying hard to heal from the heartbreak that Charles caused. She noticed it, pointed it out, and listened to me. I got comfortable enough with her to open up.

Now, I’m asking myself if that was her real personality or if it was all part of the plan. I doubt it’s the latter; she remained that way for years. Or she was just a really good actor.

“You will meet someone better. That man never deserved you in the first place.” The genuineness that lurked in her eyes when she said this to me still haunts me.

My heart still feels heavy. All these memories are choking me.

My shoulders shake as I cry into my desk. It’s dawning on me now. Getting justice wasn’t enough; I still have a long way to heal from this.