Chapter 1219

Annie turned to Emma, saying, “You can head back to the office. Ensure the video edits are completed. I have other matters to attend to.”

Emma nodded quickly. “Certainly, Ms. Silver.”

Over an hour later, Steven returned to his apartment, a spacious unit in a recently purchased building where several colleagues resided. This apartment was to be his future home with Mona.

As he unlocked the door, someone hugged him from behind. He froze, then recovered. Assuming it was Mona, he playfully remarked, “Stupid girl, didn’t you say today’s update wasn’t ready, and you’d be back tomorrow? Why are you here now?” This spontaneous surprise was typical of Mona. His voice, filled with affection, revealed his deep feelings for her.

Annie heard his words, a sharp pain piercing her heart, leaving her breathless. She gasped for air, regaining composure as tears welled in her eyes. A profound hurt mingled with a longing for their past intimacy.

When the hugger remained silent, Steven sensed something amiss. An unfamiliar perfume, unlike Mona’s, alerted him. His face hardening, he pushed the person away.

“Who are you?” he demanded.

He saw Annie. His expression instantly shifted; his brow furrowed, his face cold. “Why are you here? What are you doing at my apartment? How did you even find me?”

His rapid questions chilled Annie, freezing her. Tears streamed down her face. She felt utterly vulnerable and defeated—a feeling unfamiliar in years.

“Steven, must you treat me like this?” Annie retorted, her voice trembling.

Their past promises flooded her mind—their vows, their shared dreams. It all felt so recent, so vivid, so sincere. She wondered if Mona had erased it all from his memory. She could perhaps accept another exceptional woman, but Mona, an unremarkable online writer, seemed unworthy of his love.

Steven frowned, his face impassive. “We settled things years ago, Annie. We shouldn't cross paths, and you shouldn't be here.”

“That was years ago. I made a mistake, but it’s been so long. Steven, will you hate me forever? I’ve explained it—I was a Silver then, powerless against my parents' wishes. They controlled me. But I’ve regretted it every day since. I never stopped thinking about you. For three years, I’ve clung to any chance to see you. Hearing you have a girlfriend, planning to marry her, tore me apart. Seeing you today, I realized…I can’t lose you.”

Annie's voice softened, her vulnerability evident as she stepped closer. This was her last chance. Steven understood her implicitly. She had finally revealed her feelings, painfully sincere.

Steven appeared momentarily stunned. Annie wiped her tears, forcing a smile.

She continued, “I asked someone today if past mistakes can be rectified, and they said to pursue it wholeheartedly. I can’t wait any longer. If I do, I’ll lose you entirely.”

Her confession was heart-wrenching.

Steven’s gaze darkened. After a long silence, he said, “You lost me long ago. I’m getting married. Don't seek me out again. Take care, Annie.”