Chapter 63

Annie's POV

Back in my office at Howard Technologies, I carefully removed the last traces of makeup from the charity gala, feeling both relieved and slightly wistful as I changed back into my regular work clothes. The navy blue evening gown hung pristinely on a nearby rack, its elegant silhouette a reminder of last night's unexpected developments.

"The dress suits you," Howard commented from the doorway. "You should keep it."

I turned to face him, trying to ignore how his presence still made my heart skip slightly. "It's far too expensive for a single evening." I protested softly."I checked the label this morning -it's a custom piece worth nearly half a million dollars."

"Consider it a memento," he replied matter-of-factly. "My girlfriend's first gala dress deserves preservation,don't you think?"

The word 'girlfriend' sent an unexpected warmth through me, even as I reminded myself this was just pretense. "But we're not really..." I began.

"To make others believe we're dating." Howard stated matter-of-factly, "we should interact like a normal couple would."

My heart fluttered at his words. Even though I knew this was just pretense,the mere thought of acting like Howard's girlfriend sent a wave of warmth through me. The memory of lastnight-his steady presence beside me,his hand protectively at my back, the gentle way he'd adjusted my shawl-was still vivid in my mind. "Otherwise, they'll eventually notice something's off," he added when I remained silent, too caught up in my own thoughts to respond.

"How exactly should we do that?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady despite the surge of anticipation coursing through me. Just playing at being Howard's girlfriend seemed dangerous - how long before these growing feelings became impossible to hide?

Howard's voice took on an almost hypnotic quality. "It's simple. Just treat me as your boyfriend in daily life."

*Just treat him as my boyfriend*. The suggestion made my pulse quicken.How many times had I caught myself already slipping into that mindset?Noticing the way his eyes softened when he looked at Lucy, admiring how his commanding presence filled a room, finding comfort in the quiet moments we shared on the terrace? This "pretense" felt like permission to acknowledge what I'd been trying so hard to ignore.

Even if I were to treat this relationship as real. I couldn't carelessly spend his money. After all... My entire month's salary,while generous,wouldn't cover even one ddress like this.

After careful consideration, I finally said, "Then in the future,please don't give me such expensive gifts."

"Otherwise,Philip will immediately know our relationship isn't real."

Howard looked puzzled."Why?” I explained patiently. "It's about reciprocity. Given my personality, when you give me something. I'll naturally want to give you something in return.And he knows about me." "If the gifts are too expensive. I won't be abe to reciprocate,so I won't accept them." Howard listened to my explanation, then smiled softly. "Alright then."

Later that afternoon, I waited outside the Upper East Side Private Preschoo1, watching as Lucy said goodbye to her friend Penny. The transformation in my daughter over these past months still amazed me -from a silent, withdrawn child to one who now had genuine friendships.

"Mom!" Lucy called out excitedly as she approached. "I have news!"

"What is it,sweetheart?"

"I was chosen for the school speaking competition," she announced proudly. Then her expression turned slightly uncertain. "But... Brian Baker will also be performing."

My heart clenched at the mention of my son's name, but I focused on keeping my expression encouraging. "Are you worried about that?"

Lucy shook her head slowly. "Not for me. I thought... it might make you sad."

The simple consideration in her words touched me deeply."Oh,Lucy," I knelt to her level, "don't worry about me. This is your moment to shine."

"Really?" She searched my face carefully. "Really," I confirmed. "I'mn so proud of you for being chosen. When is the competition?" "Next week," she replied, her excitement returning. "Can we practice at home?” "Of course we can." The Long Island estate glowed warmly in the evening light as we pulled up to the entrance. Lucy practically bounced out of the car, her earlier concerns forgotten in her enthusiasm to begin preparing for her speech.

We settled in the living room, surrounding ourselves with paper and pencils. Lucy's dedication to her studies contnued to amaze me-she attacked each new challenge with determination that belied her young age.

"Can we look up some words in the dictionary?" she asked, carefully writing out her speech ideas.

"Of course," I replied, reaching for the children's dictionary we kept nearby."Which words?"

"'Perseverance' and 'determination," she replied without hesitation. "I want to use big words in my speech."

As we worked through the definitions together. Lucy suddenly looked up."Mom,could we maybe get some elementary school books? For extra practice?"

Before I could respond, Howard spoke from where he'd been quietly observing. "I have something to show you both first."

He led us up to the third floor, stopping before a door I hadn't noticed before. When he opened it. Lucy gasped in delight. The room had been transformed into a magical playroom, filled with educational toys, art supplies, and what appeared to be every imaginable tool for creative learning. "Dad!" Lucy exclaimed, her eyes wide. "This is amazing!" Then,showing that remarkable matuity that still caught me off guard,she turned to Howard."Could Penny come play sometimes? She'd love these toys too." Howard's lips curved in that slight smile that I'd learned to recognize as genuine pleasure. "I thought you might ask that. That's why f ordered two

of everything."

Lucy's face lit up even brighter."Can I call her now?"

After getting our approval. Lucy carefully dialed Penny's number on the house phone. I listened as she excitedly described the playroom to her friend, then handed the phone to me so I could discuss arrangements with Sue Peterson.

"We'd be happy to have Penny visit," I assured Sue. "Edward and Eleanor have offered to handle the transportation."

As I finished coordinating details with Sue, I caught Howard watching me with an expression I couldn't quite read. When I raised an eyebrow in question, he simply shook his head slightly, that ghost of a smile still playing at his lips.

Later, watching Lucy carefully organize her new educational games, I felt an overwhelming surge of gratitude. Months ago, I'd been a broken woman, betrayed by my husband and son. Now, somehow, I'd found myself part of something that felt increasingly like a real family.

"Stop overthinking," Howard's quiet voice interrupted my reverie. As always, he'd read my expression perfectly.

"How do you always know?" I asked,genuinely curious. "You have a particular expression when you're analyzing things too deeply."he replied matter-of-factly. "Your brow furrows slightly,and you bite your lower lip." The fact that he'd noticed such small details about me sent an unexpected warmth through my chest. *This is just pretend*, I reminded myself firmly.But watching him help Lucy arrange her new toys, seeing the gentle patience in his interactions with her, I couldn't help but wish it wasn't.