Howard’s POV
The weight of my possessive fury battled against the tide of conflicting emotions as I confronted the choices laid bare before me. In that dimly lit bar, shadows danced across faces, each one an embodiment of a past that seemed both distant and painfully present. The lingering scent of regret and nostalgia intertwined, creating an atmosphere thick with tension.
Vera's plea echoed in my ears, and for a moment, time stood still. The dim light cast a somber glow on her features, her eyes reflecting a mix of desperation and determination. A chessboard of emotions played out in the private room, where the stakes were high, and the pieces moved with calculated precision.
I took a deep breath, attempting to subdue the maelstrom within. My eyes met Vera's, and in that silent exchan
