Free Beyond Love Lies Deceit by Melissa Toppen Page A

man staring back at her, a woman who dreams of experiencing the ultimate fairytale; the handsome man swooping in and rescuing her from her damned fate to ride her off into the sunset where they will live happily ever after.
    Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath and push the thought away. For the first time in a very long time I find myself wanting something beyond my revenge. I think that’s the most unsettling part for me; knowing that the person capable of making me feel this way is tied directly to my road to vengeance.
    There’s no way I walk away from this situation a winner. No matter the outcome, I’ve already lost too much to ever consider myself victorious. But the thought that at the end of this I might have a chance at a normal life is something I have never considered before.
    At least not until Luke.
    He makes me long for a life I thought was out of my reach. He makes me want so much more for myself and yet, I hardly know him. It’s not about what he has done but rather, how he makes me feel. It’s in the simple everyday actions that I find this to be the truest.
    Just being in the same room as him, feeling his eyes on my face, is enough to show me that beyond all the hatred and anger, the lies and deceit, there is a woman that still longs for the one thing everyone wishes to find; love.

Chapter
Eleven
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    S amantha
    I can’t believe I’m actually here; New York. I knew coming here would be emotional, considering this is where Sean died, but I was absolutely not prepared for how good it feels being so far away from the West Coast, almost like existing in a completely different world.
    I cross the space of my large hotel bedroom, which is included in the penthouse suite, to the massive set of double windows that sit along the back wall. I can’t imagine what a room like this cost but considering its location in the heart of the city, I would say staying here one night is more than I make in a month. The thought is a bit nauseating really.
    What is it with rich people throwing their money away on unnecessary things? Would it be so bad to just stay in a normal hotel room like a regular person? Even still, I can’t deny the beauty of my lush surroundings or the amazing view of the city that stretches out before me. The view is breathtaking and completely intimidating at the same time.
    When Luke first mentioned the trip, I just assumed I would be staying in my own room. I never imagined we would be staying in a hotel room that looks more like an apartment or that I would be sleeping in a room just feet from where Luke will be staying. The thought makes my stomach twist tightly; mainly because it excites me but more because that excitement terrifies me.
    I hear a light knock on my door, jumping slightly as the noise startles me.
    “Yes.” I manage to croak out, my voice breaking at the end.
    “Hey.” Luke gives me a sweet smile the moment he steps into the half open doorway.
    “Hey.” I smile, turning inward to face him.
    “I have a few things I need to work on before our meeting tomorrow. I’m going to head down to the lounge.  I just wanted to make sure you have everything you need.” He glances at the view behind me before meeting my gaze again. “It’s incredible isn’t it?” He gestures to the window, not allowing me to answer his first question before asking another.
    “It really is.” I agree, turning slightly to look back out over the city.
    “I remember when I used to come here with my mom as a kid.” He says, pausing.
    I tense when I realize that he has not only entered the room completely but is now standing just two feet from me, sharing in my view of New York.
    “She would always make sure whenever we came here with my father on business that we got the highest room she could find in the city.” He continues. “After the sun would set, we would sit next to the windows and look out over the city. Each time she would pick a building and then she would