Chapter 95

Annie's POV

The silence in the office was comfortable, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy Catherine had brought in earlier. I leaned back in my chair, stretching my stiff fingers, when the door opened again. This time, it was Howard.

The way he looked at me—with such unwavering focus—always made my heart flutter. He didn't say a word at first, just walked over and stood by my desk. The air between us felt charged, not with the tension of work, but with a deep, magnetic connection that had been growing for weeks.

"You've been working too hard," he said softly, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate in the quiet room.

"I wanted to finish the project," I replied, looking up at him.

He reached out, his hand gently covering mine on the desk. The warmth of his touch was grounding. In that moment, the barriers I had spent years building around my heart felt like they were finally dissolving. He pulled me up from my chair, and for a heartbeat, we just stood there, centimeters apart, lost in each other’s gaze.

Howard drew me into his arms, a firm and protective embrace that made me feel like I had finally found my harbor. When he kissed me, it was a revelation—a blend of deep affection and a promise of a future where I wouldn't have to fight my battles alone.

I leaned into him, my hands resting on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. It was a rhythm I wanted to get used to. As he held me, I realized that this wasn't just a rebound or a fleeting spark. This was a new beginning, a relationship built on mutual respect and a love that was as steady as it was intense. We weren't just two people anymore; we were becoming a team.