Chapter 56

Howard's POV

I tapped lightly on Annie's office door. She was absorbed in her work,stylus moving across the tablet screen.

"Annie," I said, using the gentler tone reserved only for her and Lucy. "It's time for lunch."

"Is it that time already?" She checked the clock,quickly saved her work and stood. "Let's go. I am hungry, actually."

As we exited the building, I immediately detected something amiss. Philip Baker stood at the entrance with an elaborate display: a heart-shaped frame filled with their old marriage photos, surrounded by lilac roses. A banner beside it read "Please Forgive Me, For Our Memories."

I maintained my neutral expression despite my displeasure. My immediate concern was Annie. I quickly assessed her reaction: slightly accelerated breathing and tension in her shoulders, though her expression remained composed.

Philip wore an expensive suit, clearly having come from his Wall Street office. Upon seeing Annie, he strode forward confidently.

"Annie, I decided to express my feelings in a more meaningful way.These are our most precious memories..." Annie remained still as she looked over the photographs. Her expression showed none of the emotional turmoil I had anticipated-her eyes held a detached quality instead. "Philip," she began, her voice remarkably steady,"these photos certainly document our past. But that's all they represent now-the past." Philip cut in eagerly: "But those memories still exist, Annie. Our six years of marriage, our son Brian-all of it proves that what we had was real."

Annie shook her head slightly. "The Annie from before might have been moved by this gesture, but people change,Philip. The woman who would have been touched by romantic gestures like this doesn't exist anymore."

This statement captured my full attention. Annie's perspective on conventional romantic demonstrations had evidently shifted-information that would necessarily impact my pursuit strategy. I'd been formulating next steps in our relationship, but this new data point suggested a recalibration might be required.

"Annie, please give me another chance..." Philip's voice interrupted my analysis.

"We're finished," Annie stated with finality. "The best thing is for both of us to move forward. If you truly respect me, you'll stop these gestures."

Philip's expression registered injury. "Do you really feel nothing at all for our past?"

Annie drew a measured breath. "I value the good memories, but that doesn't mean I want to return to the past."

I stepped forward to stand beside her. "How would you like to handle this situation?" I asked quietly, ensuring my tone con veyed that I would respect whatever decision she made. Annie glanced at me gratefully. "These things should be removed, but I'd prefer to avoid creating a scene." I nodded once, extracting my phone to send a brief message to my head of security.Within fifty-eight seconds, my security team materialized with professional efficiency. "Mr. Baker," I addressed him with deliberate neutrality, "please allow our staff to assist you with these items. This is company property, and such displays require prior authorization."

Philip appeared ready to protest but, after evaluating my expression,chose compliance instead. The security teamn began systematically dismantling the display, removing the frame and banner with practiced efficiency.

"This changes nothing," Philip said to Annie as a parting statement. "I'Il prove to you that I'm sincere."

Night had fallen. Annie sat in her customary position on the terrace,holding a cup of chamomile tea. I'd chosen water-caffeine would disrupt my sleep.

My thoughts remained fixed on the afternoon's incident. Annie's response to Philip's romantic gesture necessitated reconsideration of my approach.

"Regarding Philip's display today," I began,selecting my phrasing with precision, "I'm curious about your perspective on that type of... public declaration."

Annie sipped her tea thoughtfully before responding. "The person I used to be might have found it moving. But now, this kind of gesture seems performative-designed to satisfy his need for validation rather than considering what I actually want." "So you dislike romantic gestures?" I probed further. A slight smile curved her lips. "I don't dislike romance. I've just come to appreciate romance based on understanding and respect, rather than orchestrated scenarios." Her answer provided critical insight. Annie hadn't rejected romance entirely but had redefined what constituted meaningful romantic expression. I mentally recorded this distinction for future reference.

My peripheral vision caught movement in the parking area. A familiar vehicle had stopped there, lights off but with someone still inside. I confirmed my suspicion-Philip Baker.

Anger flared in my chest before I suppressed it. Philip had tacked Annie to my private residence? This behavior crossed all acceptable boundaries.My initial impulse was to move closer to Annie, perhaps take her hand to demonstrate intimacy.

I immediately rejected this impulse. Such an action would reduce Annie to a possession, no different from Philip's approach. Annie wasn't a prize but a person deserving respect. Initiating contact without consent would violate my principles.

Instead, I extracted my phone and rapidly composed a message to Philip:"Jealous? I'm the one sitting with her watching the moonlight now."

After sending it, I returned to my seat, experiencing a small but distinct satisfaction.

"What is it?" Annie asked, noticing my attention shift. "What are you looking at?"

"Nothing important," I replied evenly. "Thought I saw wildlife movement.Likely a false alarm." My phone screen illuminated with Philip's response: "Annie and I shared six years and have a child together. That's a connection you can never replace." I permitted myself a slight smirk, responding: "Mr. Baker, that belongs to the past. I represent her present and future." "Really?" Annie asked, clearly noting the subtle changes in my expression.

I pocketed my phone, offering a measured smile. "Indeed. It's getting late.

We should retire. You have an editorial meeting tomorrow morning."

Annie nodded, rising from her chair. "You're right. Goodnight,Howard."

"Goodnight, Annie." I watched her departure from the terrace.

Once certain Annie had moved beyond hearing range, I returned to the terrace edge, observing as Philip's headlights finally activated and his vehicle departed. I extracted my phone once more,sending a final message:"If I chose to, I could ensure you never approach her again. Mr. Baker."

Ten minutes later, seated in my study's leather chair, I organized materials for tomorrow's executive meeting when my phone vibrated with Philip's reply:

"Sarah's been injured. I need to check on her. If Annie knew how much I care about others, she'd understand what a loving person I am!"

I emitted a cold laugh, instantly comprehending the situation. Philip proclaimed love for Annie while immediately abandoning his pursuit at Sarah's call. This behavioral pattern had likely existed throughout their marriage, explaining Annie's absolute certainty in terminating that relationship.

I responded: "Did you ever show such concern when Annie was hurt? No.Your differential treatment reveals everything-your affection lies with Sarah,not Annie: I suggest you return to Sarah and abandon this self-deception."

Setting down my phone, I contemplated the insight Philip's behavior provided. If I truly intended to win Annie's heart, I needed to avoid Philip's fundamental error-I must genuinely respect her, understand her needs ratherthan imposing my expectations upon her.