" Henrico's roar of fur

e house before her father unl

a complete mess, parading around town in that... that

face flushed with shame, bu

sh part of her had always hoped to soften his hardened heart. That ho

ooting her husband a stern look before turning t

Alessia, was stifling a laugh, a quie

tonela hadn't married the city

ister despised her, Antonel

rdling into a sharp, defensive anger. "I was forced to marry a man I didn't even

t before he closed the distance and

hit her, though his words had left

look at him. All she saw in his expre

t her. "And that marriage was our only way out. If you can't land a decent h

force of a second slap: Henrico cared only about

. Her family was on the verge of bankruptcy. Marryi

problem was being tired of her f

out. "Why do I have to work

to me, Antonela?" Alessia sneered, let

nnoyance mounting. "Do you think my life falling apart is some kind of joke? While I'm ex

t the taunting smile

need to explain that Alessia is a full-time student. She can't work.

back to her father, but there were things she couldn't let stand. Still, s

ted for the stairs when Aless

ay." She laughed. "I doubt anyone in this town w

in her throat and ran to her room. She

e would be calmer. But the moment she sat down for

nto the table and spoke

company." He snatched the coffee cup from

r's inconsolable expression. She decided not to defy he

at position I'm applyin

owner," he said, already grabbing her

ot to fall apart right there, but

her a quick kiss on the cheek,

ged. Then she called Dominique, a

as if she were headi

he had no control, no say in her own life,

towering office building, Dominique i

ay," Antonela said, her voic

insisted, trying to offer some comfort. "You

couldn't shield Antonela from the impact of her father's

r. The second they reached th

ick. But all the color drained from her fac

rouch, hiding behind

rn. "What are you doing, Antonela?" she hissed, rushing to her

he counter at a man standing a few feet awa

yes widened for a fraction of a se

e receptionist in the eye, and aske

n Dominique indicated and smiled brightly. "That's

her eyes shut. Tha

ce. Benjamin Dylon, the fiancé who had abandoned her at t