Chapter 97

Annie's POV

The moon hung high outside the window, casting a silver glow over the room. I looked at the jade pendant in my hand, its cool surface a stark contrast to the warmth radiating from Howard as he stood close behind me.

"Do you like it?" his deep voice vibrated through the small space between us.

I turned around, meeting his gaze. "It's beautiful, Howard. But it's too much. I can't possibly accept something this valuable."

"It’s not about the value," he said, stepping closer until I could feel the steady rhythm of his presence. He reached out, his fingers brushing against the jade as he helped me put it on. His touch was light, yet it sent a wave of calm through me, a feeling of being truly protected.

I looked up at him, my breath hitching as I saw the intensity in his eyes. There was a raw, unspoken promise there—a commitment that went far beyond words. In that moment, the rest of the world vanished. There was no more office politics, no more shadows of the past, just the two of us in this quiet, sacred space.

Howard’s hand moved from the pendant to cup my face, his thumb grazing my cheek with a tenderness that made my heart swell. "Annie," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "You are more precious to me than any gem."

He leaned in, and our foreheads rested against each other. The air was charged with an undeniable connection, a profound bond built on trust and shared trials. When he finally kissed me, it wasn't just a gesture of desire; it was a seal of a new beginning.

He held me close, his arms wrapping around me like a fortress. I leaned into him, closing my eyes and simply feeling the strength of his embrace. We stood there for a long time, anchored by each other, knowing that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them as one. This wasn't just a fleeting moment; it was the foundation of our future.