Chapter 65

Annie's POV

Penny's dramatic gasp echoed through the third-floor playroom as Lucy showed off their new domain. "This is better than a real theater!" she exclaimed, immediately striking a pose worthy of Broadway. I leaned against the doorframe, watching as the aspiring young actress surveyed her new stage with professional scrutiny.

"Let's pretend we're in a magical palace," Penny suggested,arranging the dolls in a circle. "These can be the royal family."

"The princess needs a best friend," Lucy added softly, carefully placing anotherdoll next to Penny's princess. Her eyes lit up as she spoke,a far cry from her usual reserved demeanor.

I watched as their story unfolded. The princess and her friend discovered a magical garden,rescued a fairy from an evil spell, and hosted a grand celebration - all through the voices of their dolls. Lucy followed Penny's lead naturally, adding her own ideas in a way that still surprised me.

"The princess is lonely in her big palace," Penny declared dramatically.making her doll pace back and forth.

Lucy picked up her doll and made it hug the princess. "Don't worry.I'll always be your friend," she said, her voice carrying such sincerity that my heart melted.

They played until both were tired out. Penny flopped onto the carpet first her limbs sprawled like a starfish. Lucy hesitated for just a moment before lying down next to her, mirroring her position. They didn't speak, didn't move -just existed together in comfortable silence. Looking at them, I realized Lucy had found something precious: a friend who understood her without words. "Annie." Howard's quiet voice drew my attention to where he stood in the hallway. With a subtle gesture, he directed my gaze toward Edward and Eleanor Parker, Lucy's grandparents,who were watching the girls from the opposite doorway.

The change in them was remarkable. When I'd first met them, both had carried the heavy weight of grief, their daughter's loss evident in every tired line of their faces. Now, observing their granddaughter's animated play and natural happiness, their expressions had softened. Eleanor's hand rested on her husband's arm, and though neither smiled openly,the rigid tension that had characterized their posture had eased considerably.

I stepped back quietly, unwilling to intrude on this moment of healing.This too was Howard's doing - his careful orchestration creating an environment where Lucy could help mend her grandparents' broken hearts while finding her own voice again.

This was what healing looked like, I realized. A little girI playing freely,grandparents rediscovering joy, a family slowly knitting itself back together.

The warmth of it filled me completely - not just because Lucy was happy,but because I was part of this. Part of a real family, messy and complicated and wonderful.

Watching them, I finally understood what had been missing in my previous marriage. This wasn't about perfect appearances or social status.It was about belonging, about hearts connecting. About finding home in each other's presence

As evening approached, Howard led me to the second-floor terrace. The setting sun cast long shadows across the manicured grounds, painting everything in soft golden light. I was acutely aware of his presence beside me-the subtle cologne he wore, the warmth radiating from his tall frame. "Your hand," he stated simply, extending his own toward me.

Before I could question his intent, he added in a lower voice, "Philip has been following you. He's watching from the south gardens right now."

My eyes instinctively started to turn in that direction, but Howard's hand gently caught my chin. "Don't look," he murmured. "Act natural."

I found myself studying his fingers - long, elegant, yet unmistakably strong. When our palms met, an electric curent seemed to race up my arm.His hand completely enveloped mine, the size difference sending an unexpected thrill through me.

Without warning, he drew me onto his lap. The sudden intimacy made my breath catch- I could feel the solid muscle of his thighs beneath me,the breadth of his chest against my back. His breath ghosted across my ear as he spoke: "Don't mnove,Annie."

My heart thundered against my ribs. This was supposed to be pretense, I reminded myself desperately. Just a show for Philip, who I knew was watching from somewhere in the distance. But my body's response felt anything but artificial.

"Tell me," Howard's voice dropped lower, "did Philip ever make you feel like this?"

The question should have angered me, but instead sent heat flooding through my veins. "No," I admitted, surprising myself with my honesty. In six years of marriage, Philip had never sparked this kind of raw awareness in me.

Howard's lips brushed my neck - the barest touch, yet it sent shockwaves through my system. Before I could process the sensation, he turned me in his arms and claimed my mouth with his. The kiss was controlled yet passionate, his expertise evident in every movement. My hands found their way to his chest of their own accord, feeling the strong, steady beat of his heart beneath my palms.

"Annie," Howard's voice was gentle as he stepped back slightly, though his hand remained protectively at my waist. "Are you all right?"

The genuine concern in his tone made my heart flutter. Even in this "pretend" relationship, his consideration felt real. I could still feel Philip's gaze burning into us from across the room, but somehow it mattered less and less.

"I'm fine," I assured Howard, surprised to find it was true. For the first time since my divorce, I feltgenuinely secure. Protected. Not because Howard was acting as a shield against my past, but because his steady presence gave me the strength to face it myself.

"Philip is still watching," Howard observed quietly, his thumb tracing a soothing pattern against my waist.

"Let him," I replied with newfound confidence. "I don't care anymore."

Howard's eyes searched mine, and something in his expression softened."Your courage continues to impress me," he said simply.

The quiet sincerity in his voice warmed me more than any passionate display could have. In that moment, I realized how dangerously close I was to forgetting this was all pretense. The way Howard looked at me,the gentle strength of his touch, the careful attention he paid to my comfort-it felt too real to be an act.

"We should join the others," I suggested, though I made no move to step away from him.

Howard nodded but didn't immediately release me. "Remember," he said softly,"I meant what I said. I'll protect you."

She's Mine

Philip's POV

The privet hedge provided perfect cover as I watched Annie through the second-floor windows of Howard Thompson's Long Island estate. My expensive Italian leather shoes were ruined by the damp earth, but I barely noticed. All my attention was focused on tracking her movements through the house.

My phone vibrated.Sarah.

"What kind of flowers does Annie like?"she asked without preamble.

The question caught me off guard. "What?"

"Annie. Your ex-wife. What kind of flowers does she prefer?" Sarah's tone carried an edge of impatience.

I frowned, trying to recall. Had Annie ever mentioned favorite flowers? She must have, during our sixyears of marriage, but I drew a blank.

"Does she like classical music?" Sarah pressed when I remained silent."What about art? Fashion preferences?"

"Why do yo care about Annie's tastes?" I demanded, irritation rising.

"Research," Sarah replied smoothly. "When I see her again, I want to have conversation topics ready. You know how these things work -the more you can relate to someone's interests, the easier it is to build rapport."

Her words triggered a sudden memory; Annie excitedly showing me her new illustration portfolio, her eyes bright with passion as she explained each piece. I'd barely glanced at it, muttering something about being too busy with work.

"Besides," Sarah continued, her voice taking on a calculatng tone, "don't you think Howard Thompson would be more likely to notice me if I shared some of Annie's... qualities?"

The implication made my stomach turn. "You want to copy Annie?"

"Not copy exactly," Sarah corrected. "Just... incorporate certain elements.The things that clearly appeal to Howard. Her style, her mannerisms..."She paused deliberately. "The way she carries herself."

I remembered how Annie used to approach everything with quiet determination. Even when I'd been cruel- and I could admit now that I had been cruel-she'd maintained her dignity. Howard clearly valued that quality in her.

"She was always reading," I found myself saying. "Children's books mostly,studying illustration styles. And she loved the scent of lilacs..." My voice trailed off as I realized how little attention I'd paid to her interests during our marriage.

"Perfect," Sarah purred. "What else?"

"She pursued me first," I admitted, the words spilling out unexpectedly."She was so genuine in her affection. After we married, she was unfaiingly kind, always putting my needs first..."

"And you took it for granted," Sarah finished when I fell silent.

"Yes." The admission felt like swallowing glass. "Whenever she wanted to celebrate holidays or create special moments, I'd dismiss her. Claim I was too busy with work, or that I just didn't understand romantic gestures. She always forgave me."

"How convenient for you," Sarah observed dryly. "And now Howard Thompson is reaping the benefits of your negligence."

As if summoned by her words, movement on the second-floor terrace caught my eye. Howard appeared, leading Annie by the hand. My throat constricted as I watched him draw her onto his lap.

"I have to go," I choked out, ending the call.

The scene before me was torture, yet I couldn't look away. Howard's hand rested possessively on Annie's waist -*my* Annie's waist. When he kissed her neck, bile rose in my throat. My hands trembled violently as I gripped the hedge branches, barely registering the thorns cutting into my palms.

Then Howard turned her in his arms and claimed her mouth. The kiss was clearly passionate-I could see Annie's hands pressed against his chest, not pushing him away but drawing him closer. My vision blurred,tears of rage burning my eyes.

*This isn't happening. This can't be happening.*

But it was. I watched, my chest constricting painfully, as Annie melted into Howard's embrace. The intimacy of their interaction was undeniable.This wasn't some business arrangement or casual flirtation - the way they moved together spoke of genuine connection.

She was truly slipping away from me. Annie would never forgive me now..

She had a new life, a new love.

With trembling fingers, I dialed my friend's number. "Do you have any results from the investigation I requested?"

"Brother, it hasn't even been a day!" The exasperation in his voice was clear. "How could I possibly have anything yet?"

"Just wait a bit longer."

Though I could hear the frustration in his tone, I pressed on desperately." But I need it as soon as possible."

I couldn't bear watching Howard and Annie interact as a couple any longer. Howard's excellence was undeniable - if I allowed Annie to keep spending time with him...her love for him would eventually surpass what she once felt for me.

By then, I'd have no chance at all.

But I had to try! I couldn't just watch helplessly as Annie belonged to someone else.

"Fine," my friend sighed. "I'll work overtime on this for you these next few days."

"Thank you." I continued staring at them masochistically.

The day I got the evidence, I would take it straight to Annie.Once she became disillusioned with Howard, I wouldn't have to watch them being intimate anymore... I wouldn't have to feel this agonizing pain.

Most importantly, that would be my chance to appear by Annie's side,to comfort her properly. She would surely be moved by my devotion and fall in love with me again.

The thought finally lifted my spirits slightly.

Then I watched as Howard lifted Annie into his arms. She buried her face in his chest as they disappeared from the terrace.

What were they going to do?

I lurched forward, my feet carrying me toward the front entrance before my brain could process the action. The security guard's hand on my chest brought me up short.

"Sir, this is private property," he stated firmly. "I need to see Annie," I gasped, my breathing ragged, "Annie Baker. She's inside with Howard Thompson."

"Ms. Baker is not available," the guard replied, his expression hardening."Please leave the premises immediately."

Humiliation burned through me as I stumbled backward. My trembling fingers found my phone, desperately dialing Howard's number.

It rang once. Twice. Three times.

"Thompson speaking." His voice was calm, controlled - asif he hadn't just been kissing my wife. *Ex-wife*, a traitorous voice in my mind corrected.

"Stay away from her," I snarled, my voice barely recognizable to my own ears. "She's mine. She'lI always be mine."

There was a brief pause before Howard replied, his tone carrying a dangerous edge. "Mr. Baker, you appear to be experiencing some confusion about boundaries. Allow me to clarify: Annie is not your property. She never was. Furthermore, any attempt to harass or intimidate her will be met with immediate legal consequences. Do we understand each other?"

The line went dead before I could respond. I doubled over, violent tremors wracking my body as I pictured Howard returning to Annie, touching her,loving her in ways I never had.

*She's mine*, I thought desperately. *Mine. And I'll make her remember that. Whatever it takes,*