Reader-response Criticism

Madeline Jamison falls irrevocably in love with Sawyer Holt after he saves her from a group of thugs. She pulls every trick she can think of to end up by his side, yet she doesn't dare to reveal her love for him. Why? Because he can't stand the thought of a woman being in love with him. Madeline puts up with his probing, harsh words, and mistrust, fearing that he'll chase her away. However, she's ultimately the one who makes up her mind to leave, and she does it without looking back. Sawyer has a severe psychological condition. He doesn't allow women to get close to him, and Madeline is the only one who breaks his rule of never hiring a female secretary. He despises her and is determined to drive her away, but things change after he sends her off to Hutton. Madeline's cold detachment and lack of response finally push him over the edge. "When are you coming back? As long as you come back and apologize to me, I'll stop being mad at you for talking back, alright?" He can't help being attracted to her, but things spiral out of control when he's told that she has secretly been in love with him for seven years! Sawyer can't hold back his revulsion, his anger, and his terror, driving him insane. "A crush, huh? You did a fantastic job of hiding it! Get out of here and go to Froda right now! Seeing you makes my stomach turn!" When Madeline sees how agonized he is, she agrees and leaves the country that very same day. Although Sawyer drove Madeline away in a fit of rage, he can't fight the deep yearning he feels for her. However, she turns down every order to return to the country, showing through her actions that she has no intention of coming back once she's left. Three months later, Sawyer personally travels to Froda. There, he sees another man lift Madeline into the air, his arms wrapped around her slender waist. Sawyer's eyes turn red with jealousy, and he finally panics.