Page 5 of Let Her Live

Fiona took a step back, her jaw tight. "Mark, I'm sorry, but it's over. Please leave."

Mark's face contorted with emotion, and he took a step toward her. Fiona's heart began to race. She didn't know what he was going to do. But then Mark's expression softened, and he let out a deep sigh.

"Okay," he said softly."Okay, I'm sorry. Just… can we at least talk about it first? I promise, I won't be too pushy, and I won't get angry. Don't I at least deserve some sort of explanation?"

Fiona hesitated, unsure if she wanted to engage in more conversation about the relationship. But Mark's sad eyes and pleading voice tugged at her heartstrings.

"Fine," she relented. "Let's talk."

Mark let out a small smile and sat down on the couch. Fiona sat across from him, her arms crossed. Mark took a deep breath before speaking. "I know I haven't been perfect, and I know I've been a bit overbearing," he began. "But I really like you, Fiona. I think we have something special."

Fiona couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt and doubt. Maybe she was being too hasty in ending things with Mark. But then she remembered the kiss with Jake and how she had been feeling suffocated by Mark's possessiveness.

"I like you too, Mark," she said, her voice softening. "But it just doesn't feel right. I think we want different things in life."

Mark looked down at his hands, his shoulders slumping. "I don't want to lose you, Fiona," he said quietly.

Fiona sighed. "I don't want to lose you as a friend either, Mark. But I think it's best if we end things now before things get even messier."

"It's just—" Mark sighed. "It's just, ever since things with my parents went south, I've been... scared."

Fiona frowned. His parents? She didn't remember him mentioning them before. Part of her figured he was just bringing them up to guilt trip and manipulate her, but another part of her was curious. She decided to keep her guard up as she asked, "What about your parents?"

"My mom cheated on my dad," Mark said. "It was really traumatic for our family, and when I feel something for someone, I just get afraid of losing them. I know it can be a bit much, and I don't blame you for having doubts, but..."

Fiona listened to Mark's explanation, aware that he was opening up to her. She felt a twinge of sympathy for him, but at the same time, his fear of losing her was suffocating her. She had her own fears and insecurities, and she didn't want to feel trapped in a relationship that didn't feel right.

Mark looked at her, his eyes pleading. "I can change, Fiona. I'll work on my jealousy and possessiveness, I promise. Just give me a chance."

Fiona hesitated, unsure of how to respond. She didn't want to lead him on, but she also didn't want to hurt him more than she already had.

Just then, her phone started ringing from her purse. It was likely work-related, so she held up her hand to Mark.

"I'm sorry, just give me a moment. It could be work."

He sighed as Fiona took out her phone. Sure enough, it was Chief Harold Whittaker.

For the past while, Fiona had been working alongside Jake Tucker, a seasoned FBI agent, and was in training now to become one herself. She hadn't quite earned the title yet and had a lot of physical training to go, but she was Jake's only partner for now since his previous partner—and girlfriend—transferred. Fiona had been filling her void, although she knew that there was only so much support she could offer.

"Yes, Chief?" Fiona said into the phone.

"Red, I need you to meet Tucker at the airport, now," he said.

Fiona frowned. "What's going on, sir?"

"Pack enough clothes for at least a week—we have a case, and we need your expertise. Specifically on entomology. Tucker can explain everything else when you get there."

Fiona felt a sense of excitement and fear. This could be the case that she had been waiting for, the one that could potentially launch her career as an FBI agent. But it also meant leaving everything behind, including her messy relationship with Mark.

"I'm on my way," she said, before hanging up the phone. She turned to Mark, who was watching her expectantly.

"I have to go," she said, standing up. "There's a case and I need to pack."

Mark's face fell. "So, that's it then? You're leaving like this?"

Fiona hesitated. She didn't want to leave things like this, but she also didn't want to drag out the breakup any further.

"I'll call you when I get back," she said. "Until then, I need you to go."

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