Chapter 147

Annie's POV

After my conversation with Susan about Sarah's tactics, I made my way back to Howard's office. As I approached the door, I could hear Howard's voice emanating from inside.

"Philip is gone," Howard said as I entered, his gaze immediately finding my eyes, thecorner of his mouth lifting in a barely perceptible smile.I looked at him, noticing a certain ease in his expression that hadn't been there when Philip was present.

"Let's head back," he suggested, lightly touching my arm.

"Alright," I answered, following him toward the office.

Even before I could ask, Howard anticipated my curiosity. "Want to know what Philip said to me after you left?"

"Hmm?" I responded, my interest piqued.

Howard continued casually, "Philip seems to think you're right. Comparing his behavior, he does appear to genuinely care about Sarah. But he still doesn't understand why he thinks of you when you're not around." His tone suggested he found Philip's confusion somewhat amusing as his fingers gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

I raised an eyebrow. "What advice did you offer him?"

Howard answered honestly, "I suggested he see a therapist." He gave me a questioning look. "Do you think my suggestion was too harsh?"

I shook my head firmly, the corner of my mouth turning up slightly. "Not at all."

"Actually. I've noticed he seems quite conflicted lately..." I reflected,thinking back on Philip's recent behavior. "He constantly comes to profess his feelings for me, but when it comes to actually making any effort,he's completely unwilling. Of course. I'm not saying he should be buying me things..."

Howard took my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze while smiling. "I understand," he said, understanding in his eyes.

His acknowledgment made me feel safe, grounded. A small smile played on my lips as I continued, "It's just that when I love someone, I'm willing to give myself to that person... my time, my energy. If I had money,I'd spend it without hesitation too. But for Philip, it's all just empty words.With Sarah, it's completely different. He claims not to love her, yet he's willing to give her everything. This contradiction, to me, suggests there really is some psychological issue at play. Seeing a doctor would be a good thing. If there's truly a problem, he should address it sooner rather than later."

Howard nodded,his gaze warm and concerned as he looked at me.

I didn't voice my thought; hoping that after therapy, he would honestly recognize his feelings for Sarah, take proper responsibility for her,and ultimately stop interfering in my life.

Howard nodded in agreement. "Exactly," he said, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze.

As we entered the office, he placed his hand lightly on the small of my back, the touch sending a momentary flutter through me. I could feel the

warmth of his fingertips through my blouse, this simple contact reminding me of our intimacy on the balcony last night.

He guided me toward the sofa rather than the work area, and I complied,sensing a different atmosphere flowing between us. I settled comfortably into the familiar couch, staring at the ceiling, feeling an unprecedented relaxation, alongside a subtle tension born from his proximity.

"Here," Howard said, handing mea glass of water, his fingers brushing against mine accidentally, leaving a trace of warmth.

I took it without thinking, looking up at him with mild surprise. Our eyes met, and a silent understanding passed between us.

Howard smiled as he explained, "I poured this before Philip arrived. It was hot then, but it should be just the right temperature now." His voice was lower than usual, with an intimacy that only I could detect.

I was touched by his thoughtfulness-such a simple gesture demonstrating his attentiveness. I took a small sip, finding the temperature indeed perfect.

"You always know what I need," I said softly.

Howard sat beside me, closer than usual, his thigh lightly pressing against míne. I naturally leaned against his shoulder, inhaling the familiar faint scent of his cològne mingled with a scent that was uniquely his. I reflected that although he had done many things for me before, somehow this simple act of consideration made me feel a sense of security I had never experienced before.

"How did I get so lucky to have such a wonderful boyfriend?" I said,turning to look at him, our faces inches apart.

Howard's gaze fell to my lips, his eyes growing deeper. "I'm the lucky one,"

he murmured, his voice carrying a huskiness I rarely heard, reminding me of our intimate moments in the bedroom last night.

I felt a warmth spread from my cheeks throughout my body. The better Howard treated me, the more it highlighted how difficult those years with Philip had been. His fingertips gently traced my cheek, like a silent promise, making me unconsciously tilt my head slightly toward his touch.

I remembered once when I was sick and asked Philip for water. He brought me a scalding hot cup, and when I wanted to wait for it to cool,his face twisted with contempt.

"Didn't you just say you were thirsty? Why aren't you drinking it? Are you pretending? Just so I'Il wait on you?" he had demanded aggressively.

I was feverish and dizzy at the time, unable to believe these words were coming from my own partner.

Philip had stared at me accusingly. "You have enough energy to glare at me but not enough to pour your own water? Who are you trying to fool? I'm not listening to you anymore, and I certainly won't do anything for you!11

Each of his words had cut into my heart like a sharp knife. It stood in stark contrast to Howard's gentle attentiveness now.

In fact, counting all the things Philip had ever done for me, that cup of water might havebeen the only thing.

I watched him leave, slamming the door hard enough to shake the walls.

Even then,divorce hadn't crossed my mind. I just thought that I needed to be more independent, not rely on a man.

After all. we come into this world alone and will ultimately leave it alone.

So the only person I could truly rely on was myself.

I gradually learned to suppress my feelings, to accommodate Philip ín our shared life.

But today, I finally realized-

I don't need to feel uncomfortable. My boyfriend is willing to pour water for me.

We don't need to argue over little things we can easily do for each other.

And he would never get angry over such trivial matters.

I was grateful that I had found Howard.

He thoughtfully took care of everything for me.

I lowered my gaze. "Thank you."

"Why so formal with me?" Howard asked, gently stroking my hair,his fingertips deliberately brushing the sensitive spot behind my ear that he knew well. "It's not a big deal."

I hugged him tightly, feeling the warmth of his chest and his steady heartbeat. "But when two people live together, isn't daily life made up of these small gestures? You pay attention to these little things. Doesn't that mean I don't even need to worry about the big things?" I looked up at him,feeling the air between us grow warmer with our proximity.

Howard didn't deny it. "I feel that doing things for you is simply what I should do," his voice was low, his gaze not leaving my eyes, and for a moment, his glance fell to my lips.

"Then I should express my gratitude." I responded with a soft laugh."

Otherwise,wouldn't I seem ungrateful?"

Howard drewcloser to me, gently cupping my face in his hands, his gaze slowly descending from my eyesto my lips. "So, how do you plan to express your gratitude?"