Escaping His Cruel Love

s office, scattering light and shadows across

surface, her hair disheveled, her

mely uncomfortable, ye

sting an ongoing call. A sweet, feminine voice floated from the speaker.

tely traced her collarbone, gl

moan, but Anthony quiete

to the woman on the phone, his actio

s waist, causing her to wince in pain

came through, tinged with w

ny responded, hi

tely, Joanna's been messing up at work. She

one? While you were on the l

anna wince, a wave of bitterness

ony had pledged to marry, had

only to reappear recently, resum

t the secretary and a subst

s, her father Henrik Peters suffered a stroke leaving him incapacitated, and her brother Kyso

lities had pil

ing about Anthony's lost love

elp with the Peters Group. In exchange, he ha

nna resembled, Anthony not only resolved the crisis for the Peters

Joanna had remained by Anthony

ing window, Joanna caught her reflection in

nable to bear the sight of

th unexpected understanding. "You must be swamped with work, and managing the boss' phone is

ing. Joanna sc

hony," Madisyn called out, her voice

y's unwelcome touch once more, caught off

remaining strength to respond with a calm she didn't feel.

okay? Your voic

y interjected, his tone casual without a h

y shook unco

overed her mouth with her hand, terrified of ma

, seemed determined to continue his torment,

other end, Madisyn bubbled over

Joanna's stifled moans es

fiancée overwhelmed her, and through clenched teet

e, a flicker of emotion in his usually indifferent gaze as he looked down

you ever consider this moment?" Antho

eventually overflowing and trailin

s reached

tt

e self, endeavoring to appease Anthony by emu

her, believing it justified his use of

allen in love with him

ng projects, far exceeding her responsibilities as a secretary, all

veral health issues, which Anthony

dequately reciprocated his kindness, hoping to transform their rel

rned, recapturing all

ould never supplant the one tru

get dis

face back toward his, pl

y until a warm sen

r heated, striking reflection stared back at her from t

k, his suit immaculate, appearing u

headed to the dressing room to

nd was seated in his chair, lighting a cigarette. He exhale

n down Joan

icy as he lo

panion, had always moved in perfect harm

descension. "Your family's bid for that project lan

nthony, confusion etche

orth at least

th her, but to offer such a large s

xon, th

r startled look, lifting her chi

or her stellar pe

ng her a piece of project land, one that was

oment before saying, "I prefer

influence, her family's chances of wi

be more where that came from in the futu

up, her conf

were they he

ht smile, her eyes sparkling seductively a

s thin lips, his dark eyes myste

tions, Anthony walked awa

nts scattered across the d

o life, displaying breaking news, and an i

emote and turned

up are scheduled for a lavish wedding. A match made in heaven - childhood frien

laugh esc

made

rn for her continued role as his secret l

ch sudden

bathroom, gripping

flection in the mirror, he

three years, she hadn't truly

is childhood sweetheart but still

akeup, she looked inte

et resolute. "I'm done