Escaping His Cruel Love

The afternoon sunlight streamed into the CEO's office, scattering light and shadows across the man and the woman entwined on the desk.

Joanna Peters lay across the chilly surface, her hair disheveled, her slender waist propped up by the man.

The position was extremely uncomfortable, yet she remained silent.

This silence was mandated by the phone pressed against her chest, broadcasting an ongoing call. A sweet, feminine voice floated from the speaker. "Anthony, remember you promised to take me shopping today. Don't forget..."

Anthony Dixon's fingers delicately traced her collarbone, gliding down her body's contours.

Joanna shivered, about to moan, but Anthony quieted her with a quick kiss.

"I won't forget," he replied softly to the woman on the phone, his actions contrasting with his gentle tone.

He then tightened his grip on Joanna's waist, causing her to wince in pain. The phone clattered onto the desk.

"Anthony?" The woman's voice came through, tinged with worry. "What was that noise?"

"Nothing," Anthony responded, his voice smooth.

He then stood up and grabbed the phone. "Lately, Joanna's been messing up at work. She even let my phone slip through her fingers."

"Joanna was handling your phone? While you were on the line with me - your fiancée?"

The emphasis on "fiancée" made Joanna wince, a wave of bitterness washing over her as she listened.

Madisyn Tucker, the woman Anthony had pledged to marry, had been his love for many years.

She vanished for a long stretch only to reappear recently, resuming her place by Anthony's side.

In contrast, Joanna was just the secretary and a substitute for Madisyn's absence.

Three years prior, disaster had struck her family - the Peters Group encountered severe issues, her father Henrik Peters suffered a stroke leaving him incapacitated, and her brother Kyson Peters was wrongfully imprisoned. The Peters family teetered on the edge of financial ruin.

All responsibilities had piled on Joanna.

Desperate, she remembered hearing about Anthony's lost love who bore a resemblance to her.

Leveraging this, she approached Anthony for help with the Peters Group. In exchange, he had one condition. She had to become his lover.

Driven perhaps by obsession or profound affection for the woman Joanna resembled, Anthony not only resolved the crisis for the Peters Group but also vindicated Kyson, securing his release from prison.

Since resolving these troubles, Joanna had remained by Anthony's side, filling in for Madisyn.

Standing before the expansive floor-to-ceiling window, Joanna caught her reflection in the glass, her cheeks burning with shame.

She quickly turned away, unable to bear the sight of her and Anthony together.

Just as Joanna braced for Madisyn to voice suspicions about her and Anthony, Madisyn spoke with unexpected understanding. "You must be swamped with work, and managing the boss' phone is just part of a secretary's duties. It's a minor mistake. Anthony, don't be too hard on Joanna."

How understanding. Joanna scoffed inwardly.

"Joanna, thanks for looking after Anthony," Madisyn called out, her voice louder to reach across the distance.

At that moment, Joanna was feeling Anthony's unwelcome touch once more, caught off guard by Madisyn's sudden interruption.

She met Anthony's gaze, hesitated briefly, then mustered her remaining strength to respond with a calm she didn't feel. "Miss Tucker, it's part of my job. Thanks for your concern."

"Joanna, are you okay? Your voice sounds off..."

"Madisyn, I have things to handle," Anthony interjected, his tone casual without a hint of impatience. "I'll pick you up later."

Joanna's body shook uncontrollably.

She felt her heart pounding in her throat and covered her mouth with her hand, terrified of making any noise that might carry over the phone.

Anthony, who was standing behind her, however, seemed determined to continue his torment, moving in ways that nearly made her cry out.

Oblivious to the distress on the other end, Madisyn bubbled over with joy. "So it's all set then."

The moment the call ended, Joanna's stifled moans escaped, soft and quivering.

The indignity of being used while he chatted up his fiancée overwhelmed her, and through clenched teeth, she muttered, "Anthony, you've lost your mind..."

Reflected in the glass, she saw his muscular torso and, for the first time, a flicker of emotion in his usually indifferent gaze as he looked down at her, observing her face flush with a potent mix of desire and dread.

"When you begged to sleep with me, did you ever consider this moment?" Anthony taunted, straightening his posture.

Tears welled up in Joanna's eyes, eventually overflowing and trailing down her smooth, delicate cheeks.

A few tears reached her lips.

Bitter.

For three years, Joanna had concealed her true self, endeavoring to appease Anthony by emulating his lost love - submissive and gentle.

She rationalized that Anthony had aided her, believing it justified his use of her as a stand-in, a mere transaction.

Regrettably, she had fallen in love with him during this charade.

Joanna labored tirelessly, day and night, meeting clients and managing projects, far exceeding her responsibilities as a secretary, all to bring in more business for Anthony's firm as a form of repayment.

Her relentless drive had led to several health issues, which Anthony noted but did nothing to mitigate.

Joanna had planned to confess her feelings once she felt she had adequately reciprocated his kindness, hoping to transform their relationship from patron and proxy to one of mutual and simple love.

But then Madisyn returned, recapturing all of Anthony's focus.

Joanna realized then that she could never supplant the one true occupant of Anthony's heart.

"Don't get distracted."

Anthony gently turned her face back toward his, pleased with her reaction.

He didn't pull away until a warm sensation filled her.

Joanna slumped onto the chilly, smooth marble floor. Her heated, striking reflection stared back at her from the surface, her skin dotted with the imprints of kisses.

Yet, Anthony was already by the desk, his suit immaculate, appearing untouched by their recent intimacy.

Ignoring the discomfort, Joanna headed to the dressing room to fetch a spare suit for Anthony.

By the time she returned, Anthony had finished his shower and was seated in his chair, lighting a cigarette. He exhaled slowly, his expression unreadable as he glanced her way.

A shiver ran down Joanna's spine.

His eyes were icy as he looked at her.

Joanna, ever the obedient and gentle companion, had always moved in perfect harmony with him in their intimate moments.

He seemed content, his voice carrying a hint of condescension. "Your family's bid for that project land in the south end of the city? No need to continue."

Stunned, Joanna faced Anthony, confusion etched across her features.

The land was worth at least thirty million.

Anthony had always been generous with her, but to offer such a large sum at once... what could it imply?

"Mr. Dixon, this is..."

Anthony appeared pleased with her startled look, lifting her chin tenderly. "This is your reward."

It was a reward for her stellar performance in bed.

He was always generous toward her, but offering her a piece of project land, one that was government-funded no less, was beyond lavish.

Joanna remained silent for a moment before saying, "I prefer to see how the bidding goes."

She was aware that without Anthony's influence, her family's chances of winning the bid were nearly nonexistent.

"Stay on your best behavior, and there'll be more where that came from in the future," Anthony murmured in a resonant tone.

Joanna looked up, her confusion growing.

What future were they headed towards?

She quickly masked her concern with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling seductively as she softly said, "Thank you, Mr. Dixon."

A faint smile played on Anthony's thin lips, his dark eyes mysterious and slightly contemptuous.

After issuing his instructions, Anthony walked away to handle other affairs.

Joanna gazed at the documents scattered across the desk, her emotions tangled.

Just then, the wall-mounted TV flickered to life, displaying breaking news, and an image briefly captured Joanna's attention.

She grabbed the remote and turned the volume higher.

"Madisyn Tucker, the heiress to Proria Group, and Anthony Dixion from Dixon Group are scheduled for a lavish wedding. A match made in heaven - childhood friends who are now set to wed, their love as romantic and perfect as a fairy tale."

A bitter laugh escaped her.

That made sense.

A piece of project land was given in return for her continued role as his secret lover, his mistress hidden away from view.

Her stomach suddenly turned.

Joanna rushed to the bathroom, gripping the sink and gagging.

Looking up, she saw her reflection in the mirror, her lips already colorless.

She understood that even after three years, she hadn't truly grasped Anthony's character.

He was on the verge of marrying his childhood sweetheart but still clung to her, Madisyn's stand-in.

After refreshing her makeup, she looked intently at her reflection.

Her voice was steady yet resolute. "I'm done being the substitute!"

As Joanna stepped out, her expression was calm. She submitted her resignation, making her way to the CEO's office.

Just outside the door, she caught the conversation between Anthony and his friend, Jack Andrews, a prominent figure from the affluent Andrews family.

"Anthony, Miss Tucker seems to thrive on creating drama," Jack comment. "She insists on you abandoning your responsibilities to cater to her demands. Are you actually considering giving your work for her whims?"

A pause hung in the air before a mute chuckle escaped, and Anthony responded, his voice tinged with resigned amusement, "It's typical for girls to get a bit emotional at times."

Joanna picked up on the warmth in his tone, a soft affection that seemed almost involuntary.

However, Anthony's voice soon shifted, taking on a derisive edge as he continued, "The Peters family has only risen by leeching off the Dixon Group. They've reaped plenty of benefits. Joanna has no right to feel offended."

A crushing weight seem to press on Joanna's chest, stealing her breath.

She remembered her own desperate circumstances when she'd first become involved with Anthony, and even now, she realized she was nothing more than just a plaything in his eyes.

"She's merely a secret lover, correct? She really knows how to adapt."

"Knows how to adapt?"

Anthony's words drip with sarcasm as he spoke. "I've already given her more than enough. What more could she possibly want?"

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

Joanna entered without waiting for a response, her expression icy as she approached Anthony and placed a folder on his desk.

"Mr. Dixon, I've sent the records and files to your email," she stated flatly.

Without glancing at the folder, Anthony began barking orders, "Fine, adjust the schedule. I need tomorrow afternoon and evening clear. Oh, and book a table at Inlens Restaurant."

Inlens Restaurant was known for its romantic ambiance.

Was he asking her to plan a dinner for himself and Madisyn?

"Mr. Dixon."

Joanna's tone was firm, breaking through his commands. It was uncharacteristic, her usual deference gone. "I've already submitted my resignation. Please approve it."

Anthony's gaze snap to Joanna, finding the resignation notice on his work software.

She had resigned?

How could she!

"Joanna."

With a chill in his voice and narrow eyes, Anthony's expression gave nothing away. "Are you aware of what you're saying?"

Joanna's voice was calm, her usual smile in place yet tinged with distance. "You're getting married, so let's end this. I'll hand over everything related to work to the new secretary as soon as I can."

With these words, Joanna turn and left.

Jack was still piecing together what was going on when he realized that she was already gone.

He turned to Anthony, his expression incredulous. "So... your lover just walked out on you?"

Anthony's expression darkened, a flicker of doubt crossing his eyes.

Joanna had seemed off lately, often appearing distracted. He had assumed it was due to her workload, never imagining she would actually break things off.

Break things off?

What kind of relationship did she think they had?

Joanna had been the one who initiated all this, and now she was unilaterally deciding to end it?

The audacity of her defiance stunned him.

Who did she think she was?

Joanna began transferring her responsibilities.

"Lillian, these notes detail Mr. Dixon's preferences. Take some time to familiarize yourself with them."

She passed three hefty notebooks to Lillian Mitchell, who accepted them, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Joanna, you're actually leaving? How will we manage without you?"

Anthony's temper was a known wildcard. When his fury peaked, the entire office avoided the CEO's door - except Joanna. She had a knack for soothing his storms somewhat.

Without her, navigating work would be significantly tougher.

"Don't worry, Clint Palmer's still around. You can reach out to him if you need anything."

While speaking, Joanna caught a glimpse of a towering figure through the door.

Anthony strode into the Secretary Department, his expression as foreboding as an impending storm.

Sensing his mood, the others swiftly vacated, preferring not to engage.

"Once you sign off on my resignation, Clint will find a replacement. The sooner, the better," Joanna stated, continuing her packing without pausing to look at him.

"Joanna, haven't you had enough?" Anthony snapped.

Joanna's smile carried a trace of derision.

Was it not clear to him yet that she was serious, and not just throwing a fit?

"You're getting married, so I'm leaving, just like we agreed."

Anthony seized her wrist, his grip firm, his voice dripping with irony. "Seems like your demands just keep growing. The land in the south of the city, the jewelry deal with Peters Group - aren't those enough for you?"

Joanna stiffened, his words echoing in her mind. "They've reaped plenty of benefits..."

A surge of revulsion washed over her, her stomach turning, yet she suppressed the urge to gag and jerked her hand away. "Anthony, that's enough!"

Anthony's hold tightened, his tone icy as he fixed her with a penetrating gaze. "I'm running out of patience. What is it you want? Name your price!"

Even now, he was attempting to bind her with material gifts.

In Anthony's view, she had only entered his life for financial gain, and her resignation was merely another ploy to extract more from him.

The sudden, sharp pain in her wrist jolted Joanna from her thoughts.

She had long understood the reality - that she was merely a stand-in.

A faint smile appeared on her pale face.

After spending so much time with Anthony, she had picked up a bit of his demeanor.

With a mocking, playful tone, Joanna challenged, "What if I say... all I desire is for you to marry me?"

Their gazes locked, unyielding.

Joanna stood her ground, unwavering.

Anthony, detecting a spark of resolve in her eyes, moderated his tone, holding his frustration in check. "There's still a month before the project bidding concludes. If you reconsider before the results are out, let me know."

A chill enveloped Joanna, solidifying her resolve to leave Anthony for good.

She then baited him deliberately, her voice steady yet resolute. "I don't want anything else. All I want is to marry you."