Chapter 167

Philip's POV

I was jolted awake by the shrill ringing of my phone, a pounding headache making it difficult to focus. The sunlight streaming through the half-drawn curtains indicated it was already late afternoon. I groaned,running a hand through my disheveled hair as I searched for the source of the noise.

These past few days. Dr. Matthews' words had been echoing in my mind like a cruel mirror, forcing me to confront the person I truly was. His clinical assessment had stripped away the comfortable illusions I'd built around myself.

"When you honestly answer these questions, you need to determine if your desire for reconciliation with Annie stems from genuine love, or merely resentment at seeing her flourish without you," his voice resonated clearly in my ears. "Or perhaps you simply miss the comfort her care provided,but are only willing to value that care at a housekeeper's salary.The extra money,you'd rather keep entirely for yourself."

I sat up in bed, wincing at the sharp pain behind my eyes. Last night's decision came flooding back to me. After hours of soul-searching, I had finally acknowledged an uncomfortable truth: what I had felt for Sarah wasn't love but merely vanity and stubbornness. My ego couldn't accept that she had rejected me, so I'd spent years trying to prove her wrong.

And Annie... I had hurt her deeply, making her endure pain she never deserved. The realization of how I had treated her-taking her for granted.being stingy with money even as our financial situation improved, forcing her to live frugally while I impressed others with my wealth filled me with a shame I had never experienced before.

Last night. I had summoned the courage to call Howard. Not to threaten or compete, but to ask him to arrange a conversation with Annie. I wanted to apologize for everything I'd done, to tell her I hoped we could part on better terms, and maybe someday even become friends. Though I couldn't speak directly with Annie, this decision had brought me a small measure of peace.

I glanced at my phone again. Annie's number was still in my contacts list,though I knew she had blocked me long ago. Since the divorce, she had cut off all communication channels with me, which was why I had to call Howard last night. Today, I needed to find a way to speak with her face-to-face.

Just then, my phone suddenly rang. The screen displayed Allen Stark's name-my friend and the private investigator I had hired to look into Howard's background.

"Hello?" I answered, my tone tinged with impatience.

"Phílip, it's Allen," his voice sounded excited, energized. "You asked me to investigate Howard Thompson's past, right? I've made a significant discovery."

My attention was immediately captured. "What discovery? Tell me."

"Apparently, the woman Howard loved was his high school classmate..."

Allen beganrecounting his findings.

I leaned back against the headboard, listening intently as Allen continued.

"This female classmate was academically excellent-always first in class, incredibly intelligent." Allen explained.

"Even though Howard wasn't fully dedicated to his studies at the time-he preferred experimenting with small business investments-he was extremely proud and believed he should be number one."

"So he eventually channeled all his non-business energy into studying,but still couldn't surpass her. This frustrated him considerably."

"What bothered him most was that other classmates called this girl a nerd...if she was just a nerd, then what did that make them, who couldn't even outperform a nerd?"

"Howard asked her how she managed to achieve such good grades.She told him it was simple and even shared her study techniques."

"Later he discovered that this female classmate worked so hard at school to build her reputation. Her goal was to impress wealthy classmates with her abilities so they would hire her as a tutor."

I lay back down, feeling a strange mixture of emotions. "Is that when Howard started to be attracted to her?"

"More or less," Allen confirmed.

I contemplated the significance of this information. Howard was attracted to intelligent, independent women... traits remarkably similar to Annie's.Annie might not be an academic genius, but she was creative, persistent,and had shown extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity. Was this merely coincidence?

"You're saying Howard fell for a smart girl in high school," I said slowly,"but what does this have to do with Annie?" "Not sure yet." Allen admitted. "but I suspect Howard's attraction to Annie might be connected to his past. You know. people are often drawn to those who remind them of their first love."

This thought made me uncomfortable. What if Howard only loved Annie because she reminded him of someone else, not for who she truly was?

"What happened next? Did they get together?" I pressed.

"I'm still investigating," Allen replied, "but it seems their story doesn't have a clear ending. They probably went their separate ways."

I sat up straighter, an idea forming in my mind. "Keep digging. If Howard is just using Annie as a substitute... then his feelings for her aren't real,right?”

"Maybe," Allen sounded uncertain, "but remember, even if the initial attraction comes from similarities, feelings can develop into something genuine over time."

I hung up, sinking into deep thought. Allen's discovery had exploded like a bomb in my mind. Howard liked smart, independent women? He had once loved a girl with qualities similar to Annie's?

If Howard's feelings for Annie weren't genuine, if he was merely using Annie as a substitute for that high school girl, shouldn't I tell Annie the truth? Should I try once more to win her back?

Suddenly, I felt ashamed. Just moments ago, I had decided to let go,to respect Annie's choices, to apologize for my mistakes; and now, merely because of a vague lead about Howard's past, I was wavering.

"What am I thinking?" I whispered to myself, "If I truly love Annie. I should want her to be happy, even if that means she chooses someone else. But simultancously,if Howard wasn't sincere about Annie, didn't I have a responsibility to let her know? After all, she had already experienced betrayal and hurt once...

I checked my watch and realized it was alroady late afternoon. The Upper East Side Private Preschool would be dismissing students soon, and Annie would certainly be there to pick up Luey.If I left now, I might catch her at the school gates and have a few minutes to talk privately.

After quickly getting ready, I sat in my car, contemplating the impending encounter. Would I choose honest apology, blessing her relationship with Howard; or would I use Allen's discovery to plant seeds of doubt about Howard's sincerity? Would I finally let go,or would I fight for one more chance?

"If I truly love her, I should want her happiness," I told myself,then immediately countered, "But what if she's walking into another trap?"

I started the engine and drove toward the Upper East Side, the conflict in my heart unresolved. Perhaps, when I looked into Annie's eyes,I would know what to do.