Chapter 76

Annie's POV

My lips still tingled from Howard's kiss, his arms wrapped tightly around me in an intoxicating embrace. The solid wall of his chest pressed against me. sending shivers down my spine. The pretense of our relationship had completely dissolved, replaced by something real and undeniable. When Howard finally pulled back, we were both a little breathless, his normally composed eyes now dark wwith wanting.

"If we keep this up," he said with a slight smile, "we might go from pretending to be a couple to actually being one."

I turned to lean against the sofa, considering the implications of what had just happened. "You know, Howard, if you keep being this intimate with me,you'll never find a real girlfriend."

Though the thought of keeping my distance for his future's sake suddenly seemed necessary, it left a hollow feeling in my chest.

Howard's tone was light, but his expression showed an unfamiliar nervousness. "How do you plan to compensate me for that,then?"

"What kind of compensation do you want?" I asked, watching his reaction carefully.

Howard's dark eyes filled with emotions I couldn't fully comprehend. "If I'm still single in a few years, you should marry me.Become my wife."

I stared at him in surprise. "But I thought you didn't have plans to find a girlfriend anytime soon?"

Howard had never looked this anxious, not even during negotiationsfor major company mergers. "That's correct." "So you want me to marry you?" I asked hesitantly, trying to understand what he really meant.

Howard didn't deny it. I could almost see his heart beating rapidly beneath his expensive suit.

I took time to consider his proposition. Howard was always confident at work-whether planning long-term corporate strategies or finalizing specific project details. But today, as he waited for my answer, all that signature confidence seemed to have vanished.

This version of Howard, waiting for my decision, filled me with warmth.Unlike my relationship with Philip, where I had always tiptoed carefully,afraid that one decision would cost me his approval. Now, after months working at Howard Technologies, my illustration career was finally taking off, my designs recognized in the market, with my own studio and income.I was no longer the Annie who depended on others.

Perhaps now I was finally worthy of standing beside Howard. Not as a weak person needing his protection, but as a partner who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him. The thought filled my chest with determination.

After careful consideration, I finally responded: "If you're serious about marrying me, then for the next few years, no matter how exceptional other women might be, you can't develop feelings for them." I looked directly into his eyes. "You must choose me without wavering. Can you accept that?

"

Howard's answer was unusually solemn: "Of course."

When I didn't immediately respond, he looked at me steadily, his tone carrying a rare sincerity: "Since taking over the company and caring for Lucy, I haven't considered personal relationships. Not for lack of opportunity, but for lack of necessity." His gaze deepened,his voice low and firm: "Until now."

I couldn't help but admire the strong line of his jaw, the way his shirt stretched across his broad shoulders. For a moment, I allowed myself to imagine what those shoulders might look like without the crisp white shirt,what it might feel like to run my fingers across his skin. The thought sent heat rushing through me, and I quickly pushed it away, though not before a flush crept up my neck.

The meaning contained in this brief answer was unmistakable. For the typically concise Howard, this was a rare emotional disclosure.

"What if we date first?" I suggested tentatively. "We could confirm whether we're right for each other before getting married."

My heart raced. A few months ago, I wouldn't have dared imagine myself standing on equal ground with someone like Howard. Back then, freshly divorced, having lost my son, my future was a blur. But now, my work had gained recognition, my designs printed on products,and I had financial independence. I was no longer the woman who would cower at her husband's words.

I wanted to know how a relationship with Howard might develop-one built on equality, where I wouldn't have to sacrifice my self-worth.Perhaps this was the opportunity I'd been waiting for, to experience what a truly healthy relationship feels like.

An unspoken question lingered in my mind: What if we weren't right for each other? Would we part ways? I'd always thought Howard would make an excellent partner, and I wanted to experience what a normal,healthy romantic relationship felt like. But more importantly, I now had the confidence to puirsue such a relationship, rather than viewing it as a luxury I didn't deserve, as I had in the past.

Howard couldn't hide his smile. "Agreed." The intensity in his eyes made my breath catch. There was something primal about the way he looked at me-possessive yet tender, as if I were both precious and desired.

Inwardly, he regretted not specifying an exact timeframe, saying "a few years" instead. That way, he would have known exactly when I would become his wife.

I noticed his delighted expression and turned my face away. I'd recently realized that our "pretend relationship" was barely distinguishable from a real one. We held hands, embraced, kissed-all things real couples do. At this pooint, arguing whether it was real or fake seemed pointless, which was why I agreed to make it official.

"So we're really a couple now?" Howard asked,his tone still tinged with disbelief.

"Yes," I confirmed simply.

"Then may I exercise boyfriend privileges?" he asked, his eyes seeking mine.

I laughed. "Of course."

Howard cupped my face in both hands, his eyes reflecting only my image. "Your face is so small," he said tenderly.

"Is it?" I smiled in response.

Before I could say more, Howard leaned down and gently kissed me-our lips meeting briefly. Then he kissed my cheek, my forehead, and finally pulled me into an embrace that he seemed reluctant to end. His cologne wrapped around me, woodsy and masculine, making my head swim.I was acutely aware of every place our bodies touched, the firmness of his chest against mine, his strong arms encircling my waist.

"I never imagined you'd be like this when in love," I commented. "Oh?" Howard responded, curious about my meaning.

I gently touched his cheek. "Not calm and composed, but rather overly passionate,"

Howard buried his face in the crook of my neck. "Don't you like it?"

"Not at all," I answered, feeling unusually happy. His eagerness made me feel cherished. "But aren't we at the company?"

"Just want to spend more time with you," Howard whispered,still holding me.

I laughed. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Howard, you still have a company to run, and Lucy needs looking after,"I gently reminded him. "What would everyone at Howard Technologies think if their CEO suddenly turned into a lovesick teenager focused only on romance?"

Hearing this, Howard reluctantly straightened up, but still wouldn't let go of my hand. His gaze fell on my tablet, where my sketch from earlier was still visible.

"Continue with your work," he said. "I have a few emails to handle myself.

I returned to the sofa, picked up my tablet, and suddenly found inspiration for how to continue with my illustration concept. I quickly sketched,becoming completely absorbed in my work.

Though focused on creating, I could feel Howard's occasional glances.He sat at his desk handling documents, but couldn't help looking up at me from time to time.

After completing a set of sketches, I noticed him watching me again,this time not even pretending to work. I couldn't help but smile as I walked over to him: "With you staring at me like this, are you really planning to get any work done?"

"All urgent matters have been handled," he said, reaching for my fingers."It's a rare opportunity, and I'd like to take you out for dinner.To formally celebrate our relationship. What do you think?"

I hadn't expected him to place such importance on the occasion. Though it seemed a bit amusing, I decided to indulge him. "Alright."

Howard happily leaned forward to kiss me again, this time with more intensity. His hand slid from my waist to my hip, pulling me against him.I gasped softly against his mouth as I felt the evidence of his desire pressing against me. My own body responded instantly, a rush of heat flooding through me as his kiss deepened. His other hand tangled in my hair, tilting my head back to give him better access. All rational thought began to slip away as I melted into him, my fingers gripping his shoulders.

"Creeak." The office door suddenly pushed open without warning. Howard's expression darkened dangerously, but he instinctively shifted his body to partially shield me from view, one hand still possessively at my waist."Knock before entering next time," he said, his voice icy with barely controlled frustration.