Love's Endless Realm

Clean wholesome inspirational romance novella, a sequel to "The Beauty Within" and "Blossoms in the Snow." Cathy, a legal secretary, has worked several years for Patrick, a lawyer, a young, kind, respectful, honest man. The best of friends, rather than spend their lives each carrying a torch for the one unable to requite their feelings, they enter into a marriage of convenience.
Excerpt: It was no secret, though never mentioned openly, that the girls among the staff at the branch of the Flower Chain Anthony managed for his parents were jealous of Cathy, expecting any day to hear that she and Anthony had become an item. The entire branch was as shocked as she was that morning, returning from her break and seeing that shy, quiet, young woman with the loveliest auburn hair brushing her narrow shoulders, entering the department ahead of her. The young woman, feeling the presence behind her, turned, and seeing her, smiled and held the door open for her to enter.
The homeliest face she had ever seen responded to her “Th- thank you” with a nod, and followed her into the department. The young woman headed for the receptionist’s desk and meekly asked the receptionist to direct her to Anthony’s office.
“Do- do you have an appointment?” the receptionist asked, similarly shocked. And at her nod, “What’s your name?”
“Oh, sorry. Gabriella. Anthony is expecting me.”
“Have a seat.” The receptionist pointed to the line of chairs by the entrance.
The young woman thanked her. Whatever might be said about her face, her smile and manner were pleasing.
Cathy grimaced, remembering the memory of Anthony hurrying out of his office, hardly a breath from the moment the receptionist mentioned Gabriella’s name over the intercom. Hurrying toward this homely young woman, his eyes shone with ardor and affection, the love on his face for this thin, barely a curve, young woman, there for everyone to see. And reaching her, he took her in his arms, and kissed her gently, lovingly. Then, as though remembering where he was, the cynosure of the entire department, he cleared his throat. “Sorry, Gaby, I didn’t mean to embarrass you.”
“It’s okay,” the girl said, pale green eyes filled with equal ardor and affection.
“Well,” Anthony sighed, turning to face his department, “it’s time my staff met the love of my life, my wife-to-be, Gabriella.”
The memory of her hopes shattering at that moment, forcing herself to join the staff in congratulating the boss, still tore at her heart and brought tears threatening to spill.
The next day when she handed in her resignation, Anthony showed no surprise. Neither did he ask her to reconsider, except for. “It’s going to be hard replacing you.” But his next words finally revealed to her what she had never suspected.
“I’m sorry, Cathy. I’ve never been blind to your feelings for me. But I didn't share your feelings. And I was never the type to take advantage of you, no matter the temptation. I have always respected you too much to do otherwise.”
“I wish you had told me.”
“I wasn’t completely sure I was reading you correctly. And if I was wrong, I didn’t wish to embarrass you. But your resignation coming right after my announcement, confirms I was right. However,” he sighed, “I don’t intend to leave you in a lurch, job-hunting. Patrick Gregson, the most valued lawyer in my brother-in-law’s firm, is in need of a Legal Secretary. It’s the position you would have had if you hadn’t met me the morning of your scheduled interview with him. It’s there if you want it, with my best recommendations and best wishes. You know, Theo has never stopped ribbing me for taking his best secretarial applicant away from employment in his firm. Patrick Gregson is one of the best lawyers in Theo’s firm. He’s a good man. A man of good principles. A good Christian. You can feel comfortable working for him. He also has loved and was not loved back.”