Desires Die Hard

Chapter 22

Anya returned to her desk and shoved the thick stack of drafts away. She threw herself into work and began correcting them. She kept working as the hands of the clock on the wall kept moving steadily.

When she looked up from her work and stared at the clock, it was half past ten.

Her kids must be asleep now.

The thought of her precious darlings made Anya’s heart twinge painfully. She was working now and she foresaw many late nights in the office. She wasn’t going to have as much time to spend with her kids anymore.

On the bright side, she was done with these drafts. Anya tidied up the pile of papers and set them in a neat stack on her desk. She was ready to knock off work.

It was then that Jake emerged from his office with his briefcase.

He caught Anya tidying her desk and headed towards her. “Anya, let’s go. I’ll give you a ride home.”

Anya eyed the clock, then glanced at the window. It was dark outside.

Finally, she nodded and accepted Jake’s offer to drive her home. They chatted casually as they made their way to the carpark.

Jake drove a white Audi Q5. They got into the car. Jake asked Anya for her address and then started the car. Soon, they were on their way to Ellie’s apartment.

Within minutes, the car arrived at Anya’s apartment building.

me home.” “You’re welcome. You’re my staff. As your boss, I’m charged with making sure you get back home safely. Don’t you agree?” Jake said while he leaned one hand against

smile and got out

watched as Anya walked away and vanished into the

gradually settled

building looked rather shabby. Perhaps her family wasn’t doing

doing quite well for himself. He might have a chance if he started

foot into the gas pedal, speeding down the street and heading

headed up the apartment block with her

bag for her keys, found them and unlocked the door quietly. She didn’t want to wake her kids. The young woman slipped out of her shoes and into indoor slippers after

in the living room. She got to her feet when she heard Anya. “Are you hungry, Anya? There’s soup in the

floor and whispered. “Are

are,” Ellie said with a smile. “I

take a look at them,” Anya said before

“Would you like

quietly. “Oh, Ellie, I pumped some more milk while I was at work. I’ve got another two bags. They’re in my tote bag. You can take them out

said before heading back to the living room. She put

small cot. The lights from the corridor spilled into the room. A faint warm glow enveloped the kids as they slept quietly. They looked like

didn’t matter how hard life was or how tough work was. All she needed was a single look at her children. They were worth the

woman reached out and combed her fingers through Nathaniel’s and Eudora’s hair gently. Then, she leaned down and pressed a kiss to their cheeks. Her voice was a loving whisper. “Good night, my darlings.” She turned away