Chapter 169: She deserves honesty.

Words : 1168 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 169: She deserves honesty. Augustine opened his mouth, but no words came. How could he explain it? The version of himself he showed her was only a fragment of who he truly was. That behind closed doors, he wielded influence, made dangerous decisions, brokered deals that required a different kind of ruthlessness? That Denis knew more than he should...and might use it against him? Augustine tightened his grip around her even more, fearing he would lose her. ’She deserves honesty,’ he thought. ’But what if the truth changes everything? What if she leaves me?’ His chest constricted, the fear gnawing at him like a slow-burning fuse. She was his heart, soul, all of it. But one wrong move could undo everything. And still, he couldn’t lie. Not anymore. He loosened the grip slightly. His fingers gently reached for her face, tilting her chin so her eyes met his. She looked up, searching his expression. "Anne..." he began, his voice rough with restraint. "Do you want to go on our honeymoon?" Anne blinked, taken aback. "What?" A burst of excitement replaced the earlier shock. He had finally asked her about the honeymoon. "Now?" she asked, brows knitting. Of course, she wanted to go on their honeymoon. But she didn’t want to rush into it. Her father was still lying in a coma at the hospital. "My father is still in the hospital. The doctors said he might wake up soon. I can’t just...leave right now," she said apologetically. "I know," he said, his thumb brushing her cheek, hesitant. "I know it sounds sudden, maybe even selfish. But this isn’t just about a honeymoon. I need to go abroad for a while...to the Sphere Group’s head office." She stared at him, puzzled. "The main headquarters? Why?" He pressed his lips into a thin line, his restlessness growing. "It’s an annual meeting," he said as he couldn’t tell her the full truth yet. "I need to go there. And I want you with me." Anne thought for a while. As his secretary, it was her duty to accompany him. But she also didn’t want to miss the opportunity to see her father wake up. "When are you planning to leave?" she asked. "Right after the engagement party," he replied. Anne nodded, chewing the insides of her cheeks. After a moment of deliberation, she smiled gently. "Okay. I’ll talk to the doctor and find out what my father’s condition is. If he stabilizes, I’ll go with you." Augustine let out a breath he didn’t know he had been holding. He pulled her into his arms, wrapping her tightly against him. His lips pressed against her hair, his arms trembling slightly. "Thank you," he whispered. Anne hugged him back, her lips stretching wide. "If we stay like this, we’ll be late for work. Go freshen up. The breakfast is ready." "I’m not going anywhere today. I’ll spend the whole day with you. Wait for me. I won’t take long." He kissed her on the brow before getting out of bed and stepping into the bathroom. Anne chuckled, excited by the prospect of what he had stored for her. ~~~~~~~~~~ Denis reached the office earlier than usual, his expression serious as he strode into his room and took his seat behind the desk. Without wasting a moment, he picked up the phone and summoned Haris immediately. Haris arrived within minutes, composed and attentive. "Good morning, sir," he greeted with a respectful nod. "I’ve received word that the Sphere Group is planning a major development project. They are transforming the suburban area into a model city. But they are facing obstacles from local land mafias." His tone was brisk, his gaze sharp. "I want you to verify this. See how credible the information is." "Understood, sir." "I need the details quickly," Denis added with urgency. "Don’t delay." "I’ll get on it right away." Haris nodded again and exited the room. Once alone, Denis leaned back in his chair, his face set in a thoughtful, determined expression. He was willing to seize any opportunity that could secure him a deal with the Sphere Group—even if it meant getting entangled with dangerous land mafias. A faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Land mafias?" he scoffed under his breath. He didn’t see the land mafias as a real threat. In his mind, they were just thugs who could be easily bought off. "All they care about is money, and I’ve got plenty of it. Once the information checks out, I’ll step in and offer the Sphere Group my support," he thought confidently. He was certain the Sphere Group would remember his timely support and reward him, perhaps with a major project or even a partnership offer. A satisfied smile tugged at his lips as he imagined the possibilities. "Just wait, Augustine," he muttered, brimming with resolve. "I’ll outplay you again. And Anne... she still has feelings for me. She always will. I’ll get her back soon." At Augustine’s house... After breakfast, Anne thought she would go to the hospital and talk to the doctor about her father. Anne had barely tugged a blouse from the closet when Augustine’s voice thundered through the house. "Anne!" She flinched, frowning. "Why are you shouting?" she called, stepping into the hallway. Then she froze. The entire hall had transformed. It looked like a high-end boutique had materialized overnight. At least half a dozen women, impeccably dressed in navy-blue pencil skirts and crisp white blouses, moved with quiet efficiency. Each one pushed racks of luxurious gowns—satins, silks, chiffons, and velvets—lined up like royalty on parade. The rich scent of fresh fabric and expensive perfume filled the air. Augustine stood casually in the middle of it all, hands in his pockets, his expression smug and amused. Anne stared, dumbfounded. "What are you doing standing there?" he asked with a smirk, gesturing for her to come over. "Come check the dresses. I had them brought in for you." She took a few hesitant steps forward, eyes flicking across the rows of gowns. Midnight blacks, deep burgundies, shimmering golds, and soft ivories—all tailored, high fashion, and impossibly elegant. Some were sleek and minimal, others dramatic with layers of tulle or elaborate beadwork. "I didn’t take you shopping for the party," Augustine said, his voice lower now as he stepped in, closing the space between them. "So I brought the shopping to you." Anne raised an eyebrow, glancing around at the ocean of fabric and fashion professionals bustling quietly around them. "Some dresses? This looks like a boutique exploded in the living room." He shrugged, utterly unfazed. "It’s nothing. If you want more, just say the word—I’ll get it." Something warm stirred in her chest at his casual generosity. She turned back to him, eyes gleaming. "You are getting more and more cheesy." A laugh escaped him, amused. He leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper. "It’s your fault. You tamed the beast. Now I’m soft. Playful. Practically a lover."

Chapter 169: She deserves honesty.

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