#Chapter 63 Anna’s Answer

“I love you, Anna,” Arthur repeated.

He stared at me expectantly, waiting for an answer. His eyes widened, and they reminded me of the doe eyes that my brother Michael used to give me when we were children and he wanted to get something from me. It made my stomach churn, and I almost vomited all over again.

How was I to respond to that? He saw how I responded to Barnett being with Julia the night before; did he think that my feelings could be changed so easily? Or was he really so blind to what all that had meant?

I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Arthur was not just my boss; he was one of my closest friends. I didn’t want to lose what we had.

At the same time, I couldn’t lie to him and say that I returned his affections. I loved him, but like a brother—like the brothers that he reminded me so much of. I couldn’t lead him on.

I could tell by the way his brow furrowed that my hesitation was already causing him doubt and upset feelings. I had to give him an answer, and quickly. I plac