Earlier at his company, Liam, after waiting for Fiona for the past two weeks, to show up and ask for her job so he could make apologize properly to her and try making it up to, had paced back and forth in his office, feeling a mix of guilt and worry.
He had tried to justify his actions by telling himself that Fiona had overreacted, but deep down, he knew he had gone too far.
After calling various companies and asking them not to hire Fiona, he realized that he might have inadvertently made it impossible for her to find a job and because her pride wouldn't let her come back to him, she might be struggling to make ends meet. Especially since her mother was sick and she needed a job.
The thought of Fiona, proud and independent as she was, having to suffer because of his actions, was unbearable.
Liam's mind raced as he thought about his next move. He needed to make things right, but he wasn't sure how. And then, it hit him.
Since Fiona had refused to show up, then he had to go to her and apologize for his actions. Maybe, just maybe, she would be willing to listen and take back her job and even though she isn't willing to forgive him just yet, he was going to earn it slowly.
With a sense of determination, Liam had grabbed his keys and headed out of the office after getting her address from her resume.
Here, he was, walking int her house not knowing the slightest way of how to begin his apology.
"What are you doing here?" Fiona asked, snapping him out of his reverie.
"I should at least sit down...."
"No. You have to state why you're here first before I can decide whether or not you can seat," Fiona said, looking at him.
Although a voice in her head was telling her that wasn't the way to approach the situation especially since she actually needed him there, she shut it out.
"I guess I deserve that," Liam said with a sigh. "I'm sorry, Fiona. For the way I spoke to you... For everything that has transpired between us since we met by the roadside," Fiona scoffed but that didn't stop Liam as he continued.
"I know I've wronged you, disrespected you and mocked you when in fact I should be lo...." Liam let his words trail off and Fiona raised a brow as she looked at him, waiting for him to finish his words.
"I'm really sorry. I promise I won't bring back the past if you agree to come back to the company. I still don't have an assistant and my secretary is on sick leave," Liam said and Fiona shook her head.
His secretary was on sick leave? So he wouldn't have bothered if he hadn't been on sick leave? Whatever excuse he had was good enough for her to take the job offer. At least, she didn't go back crawling.
Seeing her reluctance, Liam said, "I'll pay you double your previous salary if you come back."
Fiona looked at him doubtfully. Did he mean it? Why was he doubling her pay? Was he really sorry or he was trying to pay her for....
"Are you trying to pay me for that night?" Fiona asked suspiciously and Liam frowned, wondering why she was thinking that.
"Why would I do that? I..." Liam sighed. "I know I've wronged you but I'm here to make it up to you. You also need me right now and you know it."
Fiona gestured to the couch close to Liam as she took her seat and he did the same.
"So, what about your mom? What if she sees me at the company and gets to know we lied?" she asked the most disturbing question in her mind.
He knew that question was valid. There was no way Fiona would work there in his company and his mom wouldn't get wind of it.
But then, he couldn't let his mom be the reason Fiona couldn't work for him. "I'll take care of her. You shouldn't worry," Liam said and Fiona nodded.
"So, is that a yes? Will you return...."
"This is purely professional, Mr. Parker," Fiona emphasized, her voice firm but with a hint of vulnerability. "Whatever transpired between us in the past is past. We can't talk about it."
Liam shrugged nonchalantly, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of emotion. "We won't. You're merely my assistant, Fiona. Nothing more."
Fiona held his gaze for a moment, her eyes searching for any sign of insincerity.
Fiona was torn. A part of her was tempted by the offer, but another part of her was wary of getting tangled up with Liam again. She remembered the humiliation and hurt she'd felt when she left his company, and she wasn't sure she was ready to face that again.
But then, she had no choice. She needed the job. She knew she had to be careful. Liam's charm was legendary, and she couldn't afford to let her guard down, again. To be able to safe guard her pride, she had to keep it professional at all time.
She could also look for a job elsewhere while working there. She didn't mind having to face him everyday. She needed this job, and she was willing to put up with him. She decided.
"Very well, Mr. Parker," Fiona said finally, her voice crisp and professional. "What are my responsibilities as your assistant?"
Liam smiled, a small, triumphant smile that made Fiona's heart race and she turned her face away.
"I'll brief you on everything tomorrow. Don't be late," he said, standing to his feet. He looked at Fiona, his gaze lingering on her face before returning his eyes to her eyes. "Thank you," he muttered, taking Fiona aback but she made sure not to give away her emotions.
Fiona raised an eyebrow, her mind racing with possibilities. "Thank you?" she asked back and he shrugged.
"Yes. Thanks for giving me the chance to make it all up to you. I know you might be finding it hard to believe since I apologized the other time but still ended up here but im really sorry and want to make it up," Liam said and Fiona shook her head.
"You don't have to. Just keep it professional," she said and he nodded.
"See you, tomorrow then, Ms. Lopez." With that, Liam turned and walked out of the door, leaving Fiona feeling relieved for getting a job without having to crawl on her knees and worried for what the future held for her at Pk Enterprise.