Haunting Past

Chapter 7 - Flashback 2

Fiona’s POV

I turned around and looked at Ronald and then at his hand holding my wrist. His eyes held lots of emotions and it accelerated my heartbeat. Is he going to shower me with bad words or would he ask you to cut down on my relationship with Rose? 

“Fiona, I don’t want to make you embarrassed. I know you want me to know everything about you. The part of your past you just revealed didn't make any difference to the way I feel for you. I stopped you because I know it’s getting really hard for you to say it in front of me. That’s why I stopped you. I didn't start liking you for your past but for what you are right now. I don't want to know about your past anymore. I don't want you to get embarrassed in front of me. I don't want you to get embarrassed in front of anyone. So just forget about your past, because that is not going to bother me in any way. My proposal is still there and it will be until you accept it. If we ever have a future together, I promise that your past will never come between us." His words not just made me happy, but it gave me hope.

"I still want you to know because it's a part of my life and I want to be an open book to my partner." I said the last words in a low voice. 

"What did you just say?" He asked. 

"I liked you from the time we met. You are the perfect package for an ideal partner. Any girl would be really happy to be with you. That's the reason why I want you to know my past. You are perfect and I don't want to make you imperfect with my past," I said.

"Why are you always stuck in your past? Come out of it. Live in your present and dream of your future. I want you to be my present and future. There's no importance for the past in our life." He said, pulling me towards him, making us just inches apart. I could feel his breath on my face. 

"Just say yes." He whispered.

"Ronald, I have to go. I'll call you tomorrow." I said and turned away from him. I hurried back to my car before he could stop me. Driving back to the apartment was not easy. I am happy and at the same time confused. I want him, but not before telling him my past. I have to find a way. 

When I reached the apartment, Helen was not there. She had left me a message on the dining table. She was having dinner with Martin and so asked me not to wait for her. I looked at that time and it was 7:00 in the evening. I didn't feel hungry and so I grabbed an apple and poured a glass of wine and went to my room. I had been thinking of a way to tell Ronald everything without looking at him and finally decided to make a video. I adjusted the camera and kept it on the table and sat on a chair facing it. With a deep sigh, I started from where I had stopped. 

"My mother's boyfriend's name was Shaun. After college, I joined an IT company as the secretary to the CEO. I was just dedicated to my job. In the beginning, I ignored the advances my boss made. But as time went by, he started behaving sweetly and I fell into his trap as I was really in need of love and care. I started developing feelings for him but was so blind to seeing his intentions. I thought I was his girlfriend but realised that I was his mere mistress when he announced his engagement to a rich heiress. That day I left the job. My boss who made me his mistress was Arthur Black. 

After leaving him, I just wanted to show him that there is still love in this world. I just wanted to find my true love, which made me fall deep into the dirt. I started ending up in one-night stands and that changed me. I became ruthless and cruel to the world. I needed a job because I was not ready to touch the money that my father sends me every month. That's how I ended up at Dumont enterprise. From there, my life changed because of your sister. I haven't been in any relationships since joining the enterprise. I know it will be hard to accept a girl who doesn't even know how many men she has slept with. I won't feel bad if you go back on your words after hearing this." I stopped the recording and took out the sd card. I just have to wait for tomorrow so that I can give the recording to Ronald. 

I was woken up by the constant ringing of my phone. I answered the call without checking the display. It was Ronald.

"Tomorrow's here. So what's your decision?" He asked.

"Can you come over to my apartment?" I asked.

"Sure I'll be there within half an hour," he said.

"No Ronald, please take your time. I have just woken up," I said.

I quickly went to the washroom and did my morning rituals. Then I took a quick shower and white shorts and a blue shirt. I was making breakfast when Ronald came. 

"Please come, I am making breakfast. Would you mind having some?" I asked, making him smile. He helped me to take everything to the table. There was just toast, scrambled eggs and bacon along with orange juice.  We had our breakfast in silence. 

"So what's your decision?" He suddenly asked.

"Before I make any decision, I want you to see this recording." I said, giving him a memory card. 

"What's in it?" He asked again. 

"My story which I want you to hear," I said.

" OK, if I see this and still want to be with you, then will you accept my proposal?" He asked, making me nervous. I know I will accept him but I can't say it to him right now. 

"You please see the recording first. We can talk later." I said, and he left with the recording without looking back.

It was Tuesday and I had an important meeting which I had to attend with Megan. So I got ready for the office to make myself busy. I immersed myself in the work so that I didn't get time to think over anything else. It was six when I reached my house. Ronald was waiting for me at the doorstep. I unlocked the door and invited him in. I was about to go to my room, when he grabbed my wrist and, in a swift moment, pinned me to the wall. Slowly he lowered his lips on mine. It was short but passionate. No one has ever kissed me like this before. 

"Fiona, I can't live without you and that's the only truth. Now it's up to you to decide. You want me to live or die." His words made me the happiest person in the world.