Caught Between My Mate And A Demon

After they finished their masters and graduated from school, their relationship continued, as although they hadn’t shared love, they did share their body for such a long time.

Attachment was bound to be a thing between them, even if it’s just for the benefit of the flesh.

Joel had felt everything would continue the way they were until Anna had broken the news to him that she would be travelling out of the country for additional studies to be able to take over her family’s corporation as she was an only child.

Joel had been indifferent towards the news but realized how devastated Anna had been.

She has let her emotion seep through her usually indifferent face and cried a lot. She claimed she didn’t wish to part from him.

Joel had asked why she would not want to.

She had always known what her family had in store for her.

“You’re such a cruel man, Joel.” She had said to him, which confused him deeply.

“Anna.” He had called, speechless by her word.

“So, you won’t miss me? You can’t even say any sweet words or tell me to stay?” She gave him another shock.

Joel had just pulled her to him and gently rubbed her back to make her calm down, and when she did, she tried to dismiss her outburst and claimed she was only teasing him, but Joel wasn’t stupid.

He realized Anna might have fallen for him at some point, or perhaps she just got attached than she was meant to.

He had decided to cut contact ties with her after she left, afraid to make her feelings linger.

He wouldn’t have minded taking her as his woman if he felt anything, but keeping her when he couldn’t love her truly would have been a cruel decision.

Anna seemed to understand his reasoning and also didn’t try to reach out to him.

…….

At present, Joel wondered why she had suddenly called his office line.

“Hi Anna. It’s been a while.” Joel greeted.

“I know, right? 4 years is a long time. I bet you won’t even recall how I look now.” Anna joked.

Joel chuckled softly, “Who knows.” He said.

“I have a business collaboration I would like to discuss with you. I read into your company and could see you must be a busy man. I’m booking your attention in advance.” She said,

Joel was silent for a few minutes before saying, “Anna, my assistant can handle that.”

“I know. I just wanted to use the opportunity to meet an old friend. Would that be a problem?” She asked.

“Well, if you put it that way, I guess I shouldn’t be a jerk.” Joel said, and Annah chuckled at the other end.

“You’ve always been a jerk and always will be. I’ve learned not to take your words to heart.” Anna said in a casual tone.

Joel sighed. Women and their naming sense for him. He glanced towards Carey, knowing she had not used that word on him because of his position as her boss.

“Wait a minute, are you back?” He asked.

“I was wondering if you will ever ask. Anyway I will be back in 2 weeks. Come pick me up at the airport.” She said,

“Anna, I cannot…..” Joel began to say, but Anna cuts in, saying “I won’t take no as an answer.”

Joel chuckled softly before saying, “I’m sorry, Anna, but you will have to take ‘no’ as it’s the only answer I can offer.”

“Rude.” Anna said as a matter of factly.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“I know.” Joel replied. The last thing he wanted was a woman he had shared 5 years of intimacy with to be entangled with him when he had found someone that made his heart beat.

“Alright. I now understand you’re drawing a business line. No friendship. Got it.” She said, and Joel remained silent.

“I will leave you to your work now. I will discuss the business details with your assistant. I don’t want to force you to meet with me. Let’s keep things professional like you wanted.” She said, indicating that she would no longer meet him to personally discuss the proposal until he had seen and approved of it.

“Smart idea.” Joel replied.

“Alright. Have a lovely day.” Anna said.

“You too, Anna.” Joel said, and the line was dropped from the other side.

Joel had not meant to be rude to Anna, but until he was sure that what he suspected from her reaction on the day of their last meeting was a misunderstanding, he didn’t want to be friendly with her.

She had told him she had no heart anyone could break, and love is the last emotion she will indulge in.

Joel wanted to keep things that way. What scared him was the notion that Anna could be in love with him and managed to mask it.

He never took her on a proper date or showed affection that could be mistaken as love towards her. She didn’t seem unsatisfied with anything.

To think she will let him treat her like that when she harbours true feelings for him is a scary revelation to Joel.

That’s too cruel to oneself.

His consolidated thoughts had been that she realized her feelings when it dawned on her that they would be parting ways for such a long time.

And if that was correct, Joel didn’t want any part in it. He could play the body game, not the heart’s game.

Turning towards Carey’s desk, he noticed she was watching something on her mobile phone with eyes so lit that they could ignite a candle.

“Carey.” He called, startling her.

She looked flustered as if caught in the middle of stealing.

“Anna will reach out to you about a proposal. Handle it as you would any other random client. Don’t consider the fact that I had known her.” He said, and Carey nodded.

One of the things everyone around Joel was aware of was how strict he could be at times that warranted it.

He doesn’t like questions asked when he is in that mood.