Chapter 238

Howard's POV

These past two days alone with Annie felt like adream.When we weren't making love, we were talking. as if the world had narrowed down to just the two of us. The weekend had gifted us with unexpected solitude-the Parkers had taken Lucy out for the weekend. This rare tranquility provided me the chance to truly contemplate what I wanted in life.

Now. Annie nestled in my arms as we sat quietly on the balcony. The subtle scent of lilac from her hair mingled with her unique fragrance,drifting into my senses and stirring something deep within me. Her skin pressed against mine, warm and soft. I could feel each of her breaths, her chest rising and falling slightly,gradually synchronizing with my own breathing.

How long had it been since I'd experienced such serenity? Since taking over the company and caring for Lucy, every day had been filled with responsibilities and constant activity. But now, these moments with Annie had sparked a thought in me-I wanted this to last forever.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked softly, her breath brushing against my chin and sending small currents of electricity through me.

"About you," I answered honestly, my fingers unconsciously tracing circles on her back, feeling her warmth through the fabric of her clothes. "About how beautiful all of this is."

Annie shifted slightly in my embrace, the warm and wet sensation sending a rush of heat to my groin. She tilted her face upward, her gaze carrying a hint of mischief, clearly noticing my reaction.

She smiled, a sound like flowing honey, sweet and enticing. I couldn't resist leaning down to kiss her lips. Initially just a gentle touch,but quickly, the kiss deepened and intensified. Her response carried the same passion, and when our tongues met, I felt every drop of blood in my body begin to boil.

My hand unconsciously moved from her back to her breast, feeling the soft curves beneath my touch. Her skin trembled slightly at my caress,releasing a gentle sigh. That sound nearly broke my control. I wanted her-a desire that seemed to burn through every inch of my skin.

Suddenly, she gently pushed me away, her chest rising and falling,her breathing unsteady.

"Wait," she said softly, her voice slightly hoarse with desire, "I need totake my birth control pill first."

In that moment, a thought became crystal clear-I didn't want to be with her just for tonight; I wanted every night, every tomorrow. Realizing this,I loosened my hold, but my gaze never left her face.

I caught her wrist, feeling the pulse beating there, as rapid as my own heart.

"What is it?" Annie asked, her brow slightly furrowed, eyes flickering with confusion and a hint of unease. The air between us seemed to thicken,filled with unspoken words.

"Don't go," I said, my voice low and determined. "We need to talk."

Annie sat back down beside me, that familiar lilac scent surrounding me once more. Her shoulder lightly pressed against mine, the warm contact softening my heart. She didn't speak, just waited quietly, but her eyes were

full of questions.

I took a deep breath, savoring this moment of peace and intimacy. I was accustomed to precise calculations and strategic thinking in the New York business world, but right now, I wanted the simplest, most direct expression.

"Annie," I began, my voice much softer than usual, a tone that even felt strange to me, "Maybe you don't need to take that pill."

Her eyes widened slightly, her brow creasing. I could feel her body momentarily tense. "Why? Do you... want a child?" Her voice carried a trace of tension and uncertainty.

The question made me pause. A child. I had never seriously considered this question. Since William and his wife's yacht accident, all my energy had been devoted to raising Lucy and running the company. The former Howard Thompson,once a prominent figure in the business world, had unconsciously transformed into a single uncle, almost forgetting that he too could have a complete family.

"No, not right now," I finally said, looking directly at her, hoping to convey my genuine thoughts. "Actually, I want to ask you,will you marry me?"

The question came out more directly than I had planned. I had no ring prepared, hadna't bent my knee, had no romantic plans in place. Just a simple question, yet it contained all my hopes for the future.

Annie's expression transformed from surprise to complexity, her lips slightly parted, as if wanting to say something but not knowing where to begin. I could feel my heartbeat growing faster, my palms slightly damp.This nervousness was something I hadn't experienced in any business

negotiation for many years.

She lowered her head, biting her lower lip. The fingers in my grasp trembled slightly; I could sense her inner struggle.

"Howard. I... there's something I must tell you," she looked up, her voice almost a whisper, tears glistening in her eyes. "I probably... can't give you children."

This confession sent a jolt through my heart. So that's what it was. That's where her worry stemmed from. I recalled the complex emotions that flashed in her eyes whenever Lucy was mentioned, and everything suddenly became clear. I tightened my grip on her hand,feeling her warmth,hoping to convey my support.

"What happened?" I asked softly, trying to keep my voice steady.

Annie took a deep breath, as if gathering courage. Her eyelashes fluttered slightly, tears welling in her eyes. "After my marriage with Philip began having problems. I fell down the stairs," she said,her voice tinged with self-reproach."The doctor said I might not be able to conceive again."

She looked up, tears finally falling,glistening like crystals in the moonlight.

"I don't want to deceive you. If you want your own children, then I..."her voice choked, unable to continue.

In that moment, I felt an unprecedented urge to protect her. I wanted to hold her close, tell her everything was alright. After so many years in the business world, I'd seen too many marriages formed for profit, too many families maintained just for the sake of children. But what Annie gave me was something entirely new, a genuine emotional connection untainted by any utilitarian motives.

I didn't let her continue, carefully reaching out to touch her lips with my fingertips. That softness melted my heart, while also making me more certain of my decision.

"Annie, listen to me," I slowed my speech, hoping each word would convey my sincerity. In front of her, I was no longer the CEO of Howard Technologies, no longer that cold businessman only concerned with profits and market share. At this moment. I was just an ordinary man wanting to protect the person he loved. "I have Lucy. And I don't need more children.What I need is you."

Her eyes widened,her lips trembling slightly, the tears making her eyes particularly bright in the moonlight. I could feel her hand tightening slightly in mine, as if trying to confirm this wasn't a dream. "Are you sure?You really don't mind?"

"I don't mind at all," I anaswered without hesitation, my voice carrying unprecedented certainty. Deep down, I knew this was true. Lucy's presence had already fulfilled all my aspirations for the role of "father.""Lucy is enough. We don't need to have a child to prove anything."

I continued, explaining my thoughts to her. After Lucy's parents died,I had considered my life choices. But reality quickly put that idea on hold.It wasn't until I met Annie that I began to imagine a shared future again.

"For me, family means love and responsibility, not blood ties," I said softly,wiping the tears from her cheek. "Lucy isn't my biological daughter, but I love her more than anything. The three of us can be a perfect family."

Annie held my hand tightly, her eyes continually fixed on me, as if verifying every word I said. I looked back at her, my gaze steady. In this moment, I was more certain of my feelings than ever before.

"Will you really be satisfied with that?" she finally asked softly, her voice still carrying a hint of uncertainty.

I leaned forward. my forehead lightly pressing against hers,our breaths mingling. "Annie," I said softly, "I would give up the entire company for your happiness. To me, you're not just a partner; you're the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. You've made me realize that besides my career, life has much more worth cherishing."

Her eyes moistened again, but this time with joy. I could feel her body relaxing, that wariness and concern slowly melting away in the warmth between us.

She nodded slightly, the corners of her mouth turning upward,revealing the most beautiful smile of the evening. "Alright, I accept. When Lucy returns. we'll ask for her opinion. If she agrees,we'll get married."

This promise instantly filled my heart with joy. I knew Lucy would accept Annie. In fact, she had already expressed her affection for Annie in many small details. A few days ago, I had accidentally discovered a drawing in her sketchbook-three people holding hands in front of a house, with "My Family" written above it. In that moment, I knew Lucy was also longing for this day.

"Now," I moved closer to her, my thumb gently caressing her cheek, "can we continue where we left off?"

Annie's face flushed pink as she nodded slightly. This time,we both knew no contraception would be necessary.

I carried her toward the bedroom, my mind painting a picture of a future belonging to the three of us. Not the future I had imagined, but one more beautiful than I could have ever envisioned.