FATED TO BE YOURS

Chapter 25: Foe or Friend

Sam's concern grew as Mon remained unresponsive to her attempts to reach out. She sent a series of messages and calls, each one met with silence. Worried, Sam couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach.

Fearing the worst, Sam decided to give Mon some space, hoping she would reach out when she was ready. But the silence stretched on, leaving Sam feeling helpless and uncertain about their relationship.

Kirk found Sam in her office, her usual vibrant energy replaced by a somber mood. Concern etched his features as he approached her desk. "Hey, Sam. You seem a bit off today. Is everything okay?"

Sam sighed heavily, rubbing her temples. "It's Mon," she admitted, her voice tinged with frustration. "We had a big fight last night, and now she's not responding to any of my calls or messages."

Kirk listened attentively, his expression sympathetic. "I'm sorry to hear that, Sam. What happened between you two?"

Sam recounted the argument, detailing her concerns about Mon's lingering feelings for her late fiancé, Nop. "I just don't know what to do," she confessed, a note of desperation creeping into her voice. "I love her, but I feel like I'm constantly competing with a ghost."

Sam sighed, feeling guilty for burdening Kirk with her relationship issues. "I'm sorry, Kirk. I shouldn't have brought this up. I know how you feel about me."

Kirk waved off her apology with a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Sam. I'm here for you, no matter what. And you might be onto something about Mon. Maybe she's struggling with moving on, and she's realized that being with you isn't what she wants."

Sam furrowed her brow, pondering Kirk's words. "You really think so? That Mon's just using me to feel close to Nop?"

Kirk nodded sympathetically. "It's possible, Sam. Losing someone you love is hard, and sometimes people seek solace in unexpected ways. Maybe Mon sees Nop in you because of his heart."

Sam's expression darkened with the weight of Kirk's suggestion. "But that's not fair to me, Kirk. I can't just be a replacement for someone else."

Kirk reached out to gently grasp Sam's hand. "I know it's not fair, Sam. And you deserve someone who loves you for you. But it's important to consider all possibilities."

Sam sighed, feeling conflicted. "I just don't know what to do, Kirk. I love her but, if that is true, I don't want to be in a relationship where I'm just a substitute."

Kirk squeezed her hand reassuringly. "Take some time to think about it, Sam. And remember, I'm here for you."

Sam sighed, grappling with Kirk's persistent doubts. "Look, Kirk, I get where you're coming from. But Mon assured me that she's moved on and that she loves me."

Kirk leaned forward, his concern etched on his face. "But can you really be sure, Sam? What if she's just telling you what you want to hear?"

Sam rubbed her temples, feeling torn. "I don't know, Kirk. Maybe you're right, but I want to trust Mon. I need to trust her."

Kirk nodded understandingly. "I understand, Sam. Just be careful, okay? I don't want to see you get hurt."

Sam nodded, appreciating Kirk's concern. "Thanks, Kirk. I'll keep that in mind."

Kirk was lost in thought as he watched Sam walk away, his mind still wrestling with the conversation they just had. Just as he took a sip of his coffee, he heard footsteps approaching. Turning to see who it was, he was surprised to find Nita, their college best friend, standing there.

"Hey, Kirk," Nita greeted him with a warm smile. "Mind if I join you?"

Kirk nodded, gesturing to the empty seat across from him. "Of course, Nita. Sit down. Its been a long time. What brings you here?"

Nita settled into the seat across from Kirk, her gaze following Sam's retreating figure. "Was that who just left?" she asked, curiosity evident in her voice. "And speaking of which, whatever happened between you and Sam after college? Did you two end up together?"

Kirk shook his head, a wistful smile tugging at his lips. "No, nothing like that," he replied, his tone tinged with a hint of regret. "Actually, it's Sam's girlfriend that we were discussing."

Nita's eyes widened in surprise. "Sam has a girlfriend?" she exclaimed, clearly taken aback by the news.

Kirk nodded solemnly. "Yeah, it's been a bit of a journey for her," he replied, his tone reflective.

Nita leaned in, her expression playful. "So, what's the deal, Kirk? You're just letting her be with this girlfriend of hers, even though you've always had feelings for Sam?"

Kirk sighed heavily, his frustration evident in his voice. "I just can't shake this feeling, Nita. I want Sam to be happy, I really do. But it still hurts knowing she doesn't feel the same way about me."

Nita nodded sympathetically, her gaze fixed on Kirk. "I understand, Kirk. It's not easy watching someone you care about deeply be with someone else."

Kirk ran a hand through his hair, a mixture of frustration and determination in his eyes. "I just can't shake this feeling that Mon might not be right for Sam. I mean, I've been there for her since college. Shouldn't it be me?"

Nita chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Well, this is interesting."

Kirk raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Nita's response. "Interesting? What do you mean by that, Nita?"

Nita leaned in closer, her expression mischievous. "Kirk, if you're serious about wanting to be with Sam, then I think we can make things very interesting indeed."

A glimmer of hope sparked in Kirk's eyes as he nodded eagerly. "I am. I really am serious, Nita."

Nita's grin widened into an almost sinister smile. "Good. Then consider me your partner in crime," she declared, handing Kirk her calling card. "Give me a call, and we'll make a plan to win Sam's heart."

Kirk took the card, feeling a surge of determination. As Nita walked away, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension about what lay ahead. Little did he know, Nita had her own agenda in mind, and Kirk was about to become a pawn in her game of revenge against Sam.