Kiara walked through the airport terminal, her suitcase rolling smoothly beside her, hand tightly clasped around the handle.
Oversized shades shielded her eyes, and her long, wavy, light-blonde hair framed her petite figure, making her almost unrecognizable.
The confidence she radiated carried an almost intimidating aura, compelling people in the bustling lobby to make way for her without question.
As she stepped outside, a jovial smile spread across her face. Being back home sent a thrill through her chest.
She was returning to the place that had once broken her, but this time, she was stronger than the way she left, at least she thought.
"Happy to be back home," she sighed, taking in a deep breath. The crisp air filled her lungs, forcing its way up her nostrils, and she giggled at the simple joy of it.
Minutes passed as she wandered in her little world of fantasies, speaking softly to herself. Anyone watching might have mistaken her for an imbecile.
Her daydreams were abruptly interrupted by the sound of an approaching crowd of reporters.
They crowded around someone, and from the look of things, that someone was either some big shot in the government or your everyday famous young CEO. Or perhaps a celebrity.
Anyway, who cared who they were, but even so, Kiara couldn't help but want to have a peek at that someone. Standing on her tiptoes, she tried to look over the crowd. Oh, sorry, too short. She couldn't look over.
Fortunately, the crowd began to move, and as it flowed around her, she was able to have a glimpse of the person in question.
"Huh," she huffed. "No wonder he's commanding all that attention."
Turning to walk away, she paused. "But I should admit he is quite handsome, that's a fact."
She then continued to walk away from the crowd, but something compelled her to walk back.
"Excuse me." She tapped a bystander, a girl in her teens.
"Who is he?" Kiara asked when the girl turned to her.
With a scoff, the girl replied. "You new around here? How could you not know who Fionn is? Anyway, quit wasting my time." The girl then immediately turned her attention back to the crowd.
"Fionn?" The name echoed, but Kiara didn't give it much thought and walked away.
Suddenly, her phone rang, and digging it out of her handbag, she huffed at the caller ID before answering.
"If I knew you'd make me wait, I might as well have called one of my dad's men to pick me up," she said.
The voice on the other end didn't answer; he just laughed, as if the entire matter were a joke.
"I can't believe you're just laughing!" she fumed.
"Look to your right," came a calm voice.
Kiara slowly turned her head, eyes landing on a sleek black car. Inside, a man smiled from the driver's seat.
"You joke too much," she said, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips.
She disconnected the call and walked toward the car. Samuel stepped out to meet her, and the two shared a friendly hug before he grabbed her luggage.
After loading her luggage into the boot, Samuel joined her, taking up the driver's seat, his eyes studying her profile.
"Why the sudden return? Thought you'd be making a fortune abroad," he murmured, his gaze portraying a hint of admiration.
"I missed the people back home, especially my sisters," she said nonchalantly, eyes closed as her thumb idly played with her nose. Samuel watched, intrigued by the small gesture.
He smiled as she tilted her head in his direction and slowly opened her eyes. Their gazes met, and Kiara blinked, a hint of confusion in her expression.
"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me that way?" she muttered.
"I just can't get enough of your beauty," he said, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
"If you can't get enough of me, then I think you'll faint, or worse, die, when you meet my sisters, especially my little sister," she chuckled.
"Her beauty is just unmatched," she added sincerely.
"Can't wait to meet the person whose beauty obliterates your own," he replied, grinning widely.
Kiara huffed, a smile forming on her lips. She leaned back, her head resting on the headrest, the evening sun casting a warm glow across her fair skin. The car navigated through the bustling streets, the silence stretching for a while until Samuel finally broke it.
"There's someone I want you to meet… my boss," he said, his focus fixed on the road.
"Why? I'm not interested," she muttered.
"Proud as always," he huffed. "I just want the two of you to meet. He might have a spot for you at the firm… You know it would be a pleasure to work with you. And… maybe even a future partnership."
"I appreciate your concern," she said softly, her smile warm. "But I already have an appointment with someone who matches my energy."
"Then… fine, if you say so," he replied, his voice laced with frustration. "I'll..."
"Don't fret," she interrupted, placing a hand lightly on his shoulder. The touch sent a subtle spark down his spine. "For your sake, I'll meet up with whoever they are."
"Alright… I'll let him know," he said, glancing away to hide the smile that threatened to escape.
The rest of the journey was silent. Kiara was buried in her phone, scrolling absentmindedly, completely unaware of the man beside her, who remained focused on the road, occasionally sneaking glances at her.
"Should I drop you at home?" Samuel finally asked, glancing at her from the corner of his eye.
"Not really," Kiara replied, her tone calm but distant. "I'll go there tomorrow. Drop me here." She tilted her phone toward him, showing the glowing map on her screen.
About forty minutes later, they pulled up in front of a quiet apartment building. The night air was cool. Samuel hurried to the boot and grabbed her suitcase.
"You don't need to come in with me," she said, taking the handle from him with a small smile.
He frowned, scratching the back of his neck.
"But… what if you need my help? You've been away for years. It could be untidy in there."
His tone carried a mix of concern and hesitation; he didn't seem ready to leave her just yet.
Kiara chuckled softly, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. "Don't worry," she said reassuringly.
"I'll be sharing it with someone. Mum told me earlier she had it rented out to someone named... was it Fio, Fiona? Yeah, something like that. I'm sure it's tidy."
Samuel blinked. "Alright, if you insist."
"See you," Kiara laughed lightly, tugging her suitcase behind her.