Chapter 122

Philip's POV

I stood there, watching Howard take Annie's hand, having just arrogantly declared, "The person I love has already appeared, and that won't change."

A twisting pain shot through my chest. I couldn't bear to see Annie leaning toward him-she who had once been my wife, now looking at him with a love I'd never seen before. All because of Howard. If not for him,Annie would surely have come back to me.

I needed to defend myself, my gaze fixed directly on Howard's detestable face. "Before Sarah appeared, I was good to Annie too..."

"When Sarah appeared, you changed your mind, proving you never truly loved Annie," Howard calmly interrupted, his logical analysis infuriating me."While I, on the other hand, genuinely appreciate her.I see all her virtues, which is why I gradually fell in love with her."

He thought he understood Annie? Six years of marriage, and he thought he could surpass that in just a few months? I felt a wave of anger rising within me.

"I've also thought about the potential problems we might face..."I attempted to argue.

Howard cut me off again: "And I've mentally prepared myself to face these issues. No matter how difficult things become,we'll face them together."

The way he said it, as if he understood loving someone better than I did.It was utterly humiliatng. Inside me churned an indescribable fury; I couldn't believe someone would love Annie so deeply. As her former

husband. I couldn't comprehend why someone like Howard would choose her.

"With your status and position, you could have any woman. Why specifically Annie?" I practically shouted. "She's been mnarried before, has a child... you hadn't even dated anyone before. She's not good enough for you!"

My words grew increasingly hurtful, but I couldn't control myself. Annie merely gave a cold laugh. which angered me further. Wouldn't she even defend herself anymore?

Howard's gaze sharpened, his voice carrying a hint of frost: "The fact that you think this way proves you never appreciated Annie. To me, Annie is gentle in nature but extraordinarily strong within. She also possesses remarkable foresight."

He continued, his tone cutting: "When she was with you, you made her a housewife,burying all her talents. You made her seem no different from others, then complained she wasn't as exceptional as other women."

"But wasn't that your fault? If you had been willing to hire maids and cooks,giving her time to pursue her interests, you would have seen how she shines in industries she's passionate about, admired by many."

I felt blood rushing through my veins. How dare he judge our marriage like this? How dare he pretend he knew Annie better than I did?

"In fact, by belittling her this way, deep down you know Annie is truly exceptional," Howard deliberately slowed his pace, speaking as if lecturing a child who didn't know better.

"That's impossible!" I protested instinctively, but deep inside, a small voice

told mne he might be right, which only fueled my anger.

"It you truly thought she wasn't good, you wouldn't regret losing,her,would you?" Howard's tone carried that detestable confidence.

I remained silent, turning my gaze toward Annie, but she only stared at Howard as if I didn't exist at all. Seeing her expression, my heart ached even more. What I once possessed now completely belonged to another man.

"Eventually, you'll meet someone better than Annie..." I tried to say something to undermine their relationship, to make Howard doubt his feelings for Annie.

Howard interrupted without hesitation: "There will never be anyone better than Annie."

I saw Annie's expression change, and she looked at me with unprecedented contempt: "So, Philip, do you finally understand how vast the gap is between you and Howard?"

Her words left me speechless. I couldn't answer, could only stand there feeling the agony of each passing second.

"Don't harbor unrealistic fantasies about me. From every angle, Howard is better than you. I don't understand why I should give him up to choose someone inferior to him in every way." Annie's voice was calm yet firm.

I felt a glimmer of hope fading. Had Annie truly given up on me completely? I had to make one final attempt: "Yes, he's good. I won't deny that. But wasn't I good to you too when we first got together? Can you guarantee Howard won't become like me in the future?"

Annie didn't immediately answer, giving me a ray of hope.

"Annie, if Howard ever disappoints you, you can come back to me." I said sincerely,hoping to plant a seed of doubt in her mind.

"That won't happen," Annie responded firmly, crushing my last hope."I trust he won't change,but even if he does eventually treat me poorly, I would only leave him. But I would never consider reconciling with you."

"Because..." She looked directly into my eyes, her voice clear and resolute,"No matter how difficult life might be alone, it would still be better than those six years with you. Since the day I divorced you, I've never thought about going back."

Her words completely destroyed my last hope. I felt tears flowing uncontrollably, which was humiliating-showing such vulnerability in front of the person I despised most.

"Fine, I'll remember that," I managed to keep my voice steady, then turned and quickly walked back to my car.

Sitting in my car, I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my gaze still fixed in their direction. I felt filled with hatred, especially loathing toward Howard.If not for him, Annie wouldn't treat me this way. It was he who had transformed her into a different person, he who had taken what should have been mine.

I couldn't understand why Annie wouldn't forgive me. I had only made one small mistake-doesn't everyone deserve a second chance to make amends?

Howard's superior attitude made me sick. Who did he think he was to judge my marriage like that? Just because he had money and power, he thought he could simply take someone else's wife?

I wiped away my tears, feeling utterly rejected and heartbroken.Just then,my phone rang.

"Hello?" I answered, trying to make my voice sound normal.

"Remember when you asked me to investigate Howard? I've found something." The voice on the other end immediately revived my spirits.

"What did you find?" I askedeagerly.

"I discovered that during Howard's high school years..." he said with satisfaction. "he had a profound first love, an unrequited first love."

"Really?" I could hardly believe it, my heart racing.

"You don't believe me?" he laughed.

"So Howard is just like me!" I suddenly felt a wave of joy. Before, I had been haunted by the "perfect Howard" that Annie had portrayed, but now knowing he had weaknesses just like me made me feel immensely relieved.

"Keep investigating," I instructed, my mood beginning to improve.

After hanging up, my thoughts became active. If Howard had a an unrequited first love, then her reappearance might divert Howard's attention from Annie-just as Sarah had once diverted mine.

When that happened, Howard would neglect Annie just as I had, and I would have my chance to win her back.

I told myself to be patient, not to rush. Most importantly, Annie would eventually return to me. Howard wasn't as perfect as he appeared; he simply hadn't faced enough temptation and tests yet.

I decided not to tell Annie about this discovery yet. I would first gather

more evidence, so when I revealed it to Annie, she would immediately lose trust in Howard. I wanted her to see Howard's true face, to see that he didn't love her as much as he claimed.

A thought surfaced in my mind: if I couldn't have Annie, then neither should Howard.

As I started the car, a kind of dark satisfaction settled over me. I had been too rash today, too emotional. I needed a different approach. I needed to be smart,strategic-patient. Yes, patience would be key.

"Just wait, Annie," I whispered to myself. "You'll see him for who he really is."