Clean slate

Liam woke up to an unsettling silence. Oblivious to the fact that he was the only one in bed, he reached out to his side, expecting to feel Fiona's warm body, but instead, his hand met the cold sheets.

A knowing smile played on his lips as he didn't need anyone to tell him what was going on. Fiona had left. He would've naturally assumed she was in the shower or perhaps the kitchen wanting to make them breakfast like his other flings, but he couldn't.

This was Fiona. After all she said that night and still ended up having sex with him, she would be too embarrassed to stay till he woke up. He would have sneaked out if he was her too.

So, he was one hundred percent convinced that she wasn't in his house anymore. And as if to confirm what he already knew, he sat up and looked around the room and saw that her clothes were gone.

All trace of her disappeared save for the dresses he had gotten her at Vanessa's store.

An amused smile played on his face as he thought about how their encounter on Monday would be.

He got out of bed, his mind racing with the possibilities of how it will play out. He had always enjoyed a good challenge, and this was going to be a fascinating one. Feisty Fiona realizing he was her boss.

He could already imagine the tension between them, the sparks flying as they would navigate their new working relationship.

What would be her first reaction? Walk away in embarrassment? Or stay because she seriously wanted a good-paying job in a good company? Whatever her reaction would be, he was ready for it.

Liam stepped into the bathroom, his mind racing in anticipation of the next day. He stepped into the bathroom and her lingering scent hit him.

He closed his eyes and inhaled it. Flickers of the night before playing in his head. He had wanted to have a feel of her and now that he had it, he just somehow felt like he wanted more.

He wanted more and more of her and that seemed unsettling to him. He knew that feeling and he wasn't ready for it. He had thought perhaps, having her would quench his thirst for her but it only seemed to leave him even more thirsty for her.

Fiona seemed like an addiction to him, one he wanted to be free from but somehow, he just wanted her close. To hear her laughter, her scolding, to see her angry and flare up.

As much as he wasn't ready for anything that has to do with love yet was very much interested in keeping Fiona close, he could only hope he wasn't making a mistake. One that would change the course of his life.

He assured himself that he was only anticipating their next meeting because he was just curious about what her reaction and choice would be.

Away from there, Fiona walked into the hospital room, with a bouquet of flowers in her hand and a smile on her face.

Her mother, Mrs Diana Lopez, looking frail but radiant, sat up in bed, her eyes lighting up with joy at the sight of her daughter, her source of joy.

"Mom," Fiona greeted as she bent down to kiss her mothers cheeks before helping her up on the bed.

"Fiona, darling! It's so good to see you. Why are you just coming since Wednesday? And you look tired. Have you been resting enough?" Diana asked, her concern evident on her face.

Fiona sighed, feeling a mix of emotions. Guilt, love, and relief.

Fiona, trying to sound convincing said, "Mom, I'm so sorry I haven't been here. Work has been...."

Her mother's expression turned worried as she quickly cut in with a frown. "Work? Fiona, you've been working too hard. You need to take care of yourself too. I really don't want you overworking yourself."

Fiona smiled and took her mother's hands. "Don't worry, yourself, mom. I've actually got some good news. I got a better job offer, and I'll be resuming tomorrow. I won't have to work late night shifts or overwork," she said and her mother's face lit up with pride.

"Oh, Fiona, that's wonderful." tears stung Diana's eyes as she said, "I'm really sorry you're going through all this hassle..."

"Mom, you shouldn't say that. You did for me. You worked shifts and multiple jobs just to care for me and now, it's my turn. Let's me take care of you, okay? Don't say stuff like that," Fiona said and her mother sniffled as she pulled her into a hug.

"Stop worrying your head and just focus on getting better so you can come home soon." she said as she pulled away and her mother sighed.

"Fine."

"Good. So, how have you been? Has the caregiver been looking after you pretty well?" Fiona asked, wanting to catch up with her mom and her mom smiled, happy to fill her daughter in on the things that happened in her absence.

While Fiona was there, her phone rang and she took out her phone to see that it was her manager calling.

Her mother watched as the happy smile faded off Fiona's face, replaced by hesitation and uncertainty as she excused herself to go receive the call.

"Hello, sir," Fiona greeted once she took the call, and waited for him to speak up.

"How are you Fiona?" the manager asked and Fiona sighed.

"I'm fine. What can I do for you, sir?" she asked and the manager cleared his throat.

"The client you were assigned to called earlier to applaud you. He said he was very pleased with your services," he said and Fiona's grip on the phone tightened in anger.

Liam, mocking her like this? She felt a surge of anger but kept her cool. She wasn't going to see him again and it was good enough he didn't spill the events of last night to her manager.

"Thank you, sir. That's great to hear," Fiona said, her voice neutral and the manager nodded.

"Is there something else I can do for you?" Fiona asked wanting to end the call so she could return to the room.

"Uhm, about you quitting, are you sure you don't want to reconsider working with us? You're our best staff member, and we'd hate to lose you. If you want, I could be assigning you to jobs away from the city, that way, your mom won't get to find out." he offered, attempting to persuade her.

Fiona took a deep breath, her resolve firm. "I appreciate the offer, sir, but I've made up my mind. Plus, I already got another job."

Her manager nodded. "In that case, congratulations are in order. Wishing you good luck with your new endeavors."

Fiona hung up the phone, her mind still reeling from the call. She couldn't believe Liam's audacity, but she was determined not to let him get under her skin. She had a new job to focus on, and she was ready to start fresh. She was going to wash all her experience from working in the agency under the bridge and start her life on a clean slate.

Fiona decided as she returned to the room to chat with her mother.