"Shit!" The call ended, and an awkward silence filled the air in the car. Fidelia was lost in thought.
'How did he figure it out?'
Fidelia had at least expected that she could sneak back in and remove the flash drive, as she was only able to insert it the first time. She didn't have a chance to go back there and remove it. This was what made Fidelia realize Andrian must have found out she had tampered with April's system.
'I guess I have no choice then', Fidelia said in her mind again.
After a while, the car stopped and Sarah spoke up.
"We have arrived"
Fidelia pulled herself from her thoughts and replied. "Good," Fidelia said, then she opened the door and she stepped out.
"Alright then, I'll be going. Take care of yourself, will you?" Mia said.
"I will"
"And call me if you need my help I'll rush over"
"I won't" Fidelia replied once again and Mia mouthed a 'I hate you' sentence as he was leaving.
Fidelia smiled and waved after she saw she took a taxi and then left. Mia was the only one in the car now.
Fidelia was outside, staring at the gate of the house she had once lived in. Her memories of this place were not pleasant ones. Nevertheless, it was where she grew up. She grabbed her bag tightly around her fingers and walked through the gate into the house.
She got to the door and pressed the doorbell twice until she finally got an answer. Then the door opened, and there she was Bridget Crawford, Fidelia's younger stepsister.
She wore a tight revealing dress and a short skirt all which were designer and really flashy. Her long wave hair fell on her shoulders which she used her glowing shining nails to brush. Her plan was to make Fidelia feel oppressed and jealous.
"I never thought you'd come," Bridget said with a smirk on her face.
"Well, the only reason I came was to see him, so don't be too excited." Fidelia rolled her eyes and continued "You're not that pleasing to look at."
"I don't have time for this," Bridget scoffed. "I won't let you ruin my day," Bridget said as she left the door and walked back into the house, leaving with a big hiss.
Fidelia took a step forward and could feel her heart racing a bit, but she kept her composure by acting strong and holding her head high. She walked inside and finally stopped at the entrance of the dining room, where she saw everyone seated.
At the far end of the table was Derek Crawford, her stepfather, clad in a very expensive black suit with a gold wristwatch on his left hand. His gray hair was neatly trimmed and combed, and a newspaper rested in his hand. He carried the domineering aura of a wealthy man and the head of the family his presence was unmistakable.
Alice, Fidelia's stepmother, sat beside him, giving Fidelia a deadly stare, while Bridget sat back down beside her mother. On the table were lots of fancy dishes, as if they were having some sort of "welcome back" occasion.
"The prodigal daughter returns," Alice said in an obvious tone that was filled with mockery. "So now that your father is back, you can come back into this house."
"Trust me" Fidelia met her gaze confident and coldly "I wasn't planning on stepping foot into this house again," she replied.
Derek cleared his throat. He had been silent throughout the dining room, and everyone went quiet. He folded the newspaper in his hands and placed it aside.
"Father," Fidelia said, bowing slightly.
"Fidelia, come sit," Derek said in his deep, old voice. He was above fifty but still quite agile. He removed his glasses and set them down, watching as Fidelia walked forward toward the table and took a seat directly opposite Alice.
"I called you here so we could sit together as a family," Derek said. "Have a proper meal and discuss some important matters. But first… let's eat."
Derek took a fork and knife in his hands as he cut through the steak in front of him. He took a bite, savoring the delicious meal. Alice and Bridget were also eating, while Fidelia just poured herself a glass of wine and sipped quietly.
""I also heard you broke off your engagement with Silas… and went ahead to steal your sister's fiancé Andrian Richardson."
Fidelia replied in a straightforward tone, "That's correct."
"Derek leaned back, his tone was calm but his next words were heavy. "Alright. I understand you. The issues we've all had while I was away caused this. But now, I want peace. You'll settle things with your mother and sister. Let bygones be bygones. Then, you will proceed as I wish." He looked at Fidelia to make sure she was following
"Whatever thing you have with Andrian Richardson, call it off. He will be marrying Bridget. I want you to focus on winning back Silas and proceeding with the engagement."
Derek finally finished his words, and Fidelia froze, dropping her glass on the table as expected.
He was the head of the house, her stepfather a man many feared. She also feared him. If it were in her previous life, she would never have gone against him. Seeing how she ended up living in the shadows, hiding herself, impaled in fear she was not that girl anymore.
She looked him straight in the eyes."You know," Fidelia began quietly, meeting his eyes, "I kind of expected this from you."
Her voice sharpened and came stronger "Don't you think you've controlled my life enough? Why are you forcing me to marry for your benefit? Why do I have to suffer while you all enjoy it?"
Derek's expression changed drastically to a frown listening to her.
And then it got to a point Derek snapped. His hand slammed on the table. Everyone jolted back from the shock, but Fidelia steadied her breath and continued.
"Father, I have no reason to do such. I am marrying Andrian Richardson. And like I said, I'm never coming back into this house again."
"Fidelia, how dare you speak to me like that?" Derek spat. "I raised you, took you in like my child, and now you're going to betray me? I advise you to choose your next words wisely."
He leaned forward, adjusting his tone once again to become calm but it was still deadly "I'll overlook this because I assume you're speaking out of anger. But you will do as I say."
'Like your child? I'm so speechless'
"Why should I?" Fidelia immediately spat back out confidently
"Do not push me Fidelia" Derek said these words one by one emphasizing the intensity.
"And if I do, what will happen?" Fidelia retaliated.
"Are you crazy?!" Alice shouted as she scattered the food on the table in anger.
Fidelia moved back slightly, her focus still on Derek.
"I knew it. You shouldn't have brought this bitch back into this house," Alice said again.
"Father, do something! She can't marry Andrian, he's mine!" Bridget said.
Derek shot a glare at Alice and Bridget. "Both of you, leave."
Bridget was about to argue when Derek raised his voice even louder.
"I said leave!"
Alice stood up, dragging Bridget along, making sure she left before her father lost his temper.
"You are starting to become more like your father," Derek said.
Fidelia's attention snapped toward him. Her father?
He said it again 'Her father'
She froze. 'He must know something… Who exactly was her father?'