Chapter 265

Annie's POV

The day had finally arrived. I woke up in the master bedroom of Howard's Long Island mansion, staring at the ceiling as I took a deep breath. A month had passed since that nightmarish kidnapping incident, and though the scars were still healing, we had decided to use this opportunity to begin anew.

The room was already filled with fresh flowers. Just as I sat up, there was a gentle knock at the door.

"Come in," I adjusted my robe and watched as Ruth, my mother, and Selena, Howard's sister, entered with faces beaming with joy. "My daughter is getting married!" Ruth embraced me with tears in her eyes. "From Boston to New York, you've been through so much. Now you're finally going to be happy."

Selena raised a champagne glass with her characteristic playful smile. "Ready to become Mrs. Thompson?" "More ready than I've ever been," I smiled, accepting the glass.

As we clinked glasses, Lucy burst in wearing her small white dress. "Mommy! Can I wear my flower girl dress now?" "Of course, sweetheart," I kissed her forehead, noticing Brian hesitating at the doorway. "Brian, come in," I beckoned to him. Brian entered, uncertainty still lingering in his eyes. "Mom... Annie, can I walk in front of you with Lucy?" "Nothing would make me happier," I replied softly.

The morning progressed with a sense of peace. As time passed, more guests arrived. Catherine Morgan and Susan Moore entered with champagne. "The untouchable CEO Howard Thompson conquered by a Boston girl!" Catherine laughed.

Susan handed me a blue box. Howard asked me to deliver this—your 'something blue.' I opened it to find an exquisite sapphire necklace with a note: "To my star, may you always shine. Love, Howard."

Time slipped away. By noon, I could see the wedding venue on the beach. Rows of white chairs were arranged neatly. As the music began, Lucy and Brian led the way, scattering flower petals. Finally, the wedding march played. Arm in arm with Ruth, I walked slowly toward Howard.

When I reached him, he took my hands. "You're breathtaking," he whispered. The minister began the ceremony. "Do you, Howard Thompson, take Annie Baker to be your lawfully wedded wife?" Howard's voice was unwavering. "I do." "And do you, Annie Baker, take Howard Thompson to be your lawfully wedded husband?" "I do," I replied.

As we exchanged rings, I noticed Howard's hands trembling slightly—this powerful CEO was overwhelmed with emotion. "I now pronounce you husband and wife," the minister announced. Howard gently lifted my veil and kissed me with such tenderness.

The reception that followed was intimate and joyful. As dusk fell, Howard rose to speak. "Annie, thank you for giving Lucy and me a true home." When it was my turn, I said: "With Howard's love, I've found where I truly belong."

Later that night, after the guests had left and the children were asleep, Howard and I stood on the terrace, watching the moonlight reflect on the ocean waves. He drew me into a warm embrace, his presence a steady anchor for my soul.

"Welcome home, Mrs. Thompson," he whispered against my temple. "I've been home all along," I replied, leaning my head against his chest, "because home is wherever you are."

In the quiet of the night, I felt a profound sense of peace. The nightmares of the past were gone, replaced by the promise of a shared future. I knew that whatever challenges might come, we would face them as one. I had finally found my place. Like the end of a fairy tale—we would indeed live happily ever after.