Chapter 197: A hidden chamber

Words : 1240 Updated : Sep 27th, 2025

Chapter 197: A hidden chamber In his previous life, Augustine had uncovered a devastating truth about his parents’ demise. His sources had unearthed clues pointing toward Gabriel’s involvement in the car accident that had taken them away. From that moment on, a relentless fire for revenge had burned within him. He had crafted a careful plan to take Gabriel down and had decided to return to his hometown—something he never imagined doing after building his company in this new city. But tragedy had struck the moment he set foot there. His uncle and cousin had orchestrated an accident, and Anne had paid the ultimate price. The memory of that night remained etched in the depths of him, a nightmare he could never forget. The guilt of killing Anne, even if unintentionally, still haunted him deeply. All he wanted now was to make her happy, to shield her from every danger. "I’ve come back," he whispered. "Fate has given me one more chance. And this time, I won’t let justice slip through my fingers. They’ll pay—every last one of them." His features tensed as he turned to face the board on the opposite wall. He stared blankly at Gabriel’s name on the board, remembering the lifelessness in Anne’s eyes, her blood-stained body, and the unbearable silence that had followed. The pain still gnawed at the corners of his heart. But every time he looked at her now, alive and breathing, he was relieved and happy that he had been able to change the past. His fists clenched at his sides. "I won’t lose Anne this time. I won’t fail my parents." Knock-knock... The soft knocks on the door, followed by the housekeeper’s voice, reached his ears. "Sir, your coffee is ready." Augustine quickly wiped away the trace of emotion from his eyes and stepped out of the hidden chamber. He took a seat behind his grand desk, adjusting his posture before calling out, "Come in." The housekeeper entered, holding a porcelain cup of coffee. He placed it gently on the desk before Augustine. "It would be helpful if you could tell me Madam’s food preferences," he said softly. "I’d like to prepare something she truly enjoys." Augustine’s expression softened. The moment Anne came to his mind, a faint, unguarded smile curved his lips. "She loves seafood... and spicy dim sums." The memory of a photo she once posted flashed in his mind—her grin wide as she devoured street food, chopsticks in one hand, noodles hanging mid-air. "I see!" the housekeeper said, blinking in surprise. He stared at Augustine with a gaping mouth. In the five years he had worked for the man, he had never seen him smile like this—genuine, light, even a little bashful. It was clear: Augustine was in love. Noticing the lingering stare, Augustine cleared his throat. The smile quickly faded, replaced by his usual composed demeanor. "She is not a fussy eater," he said with a casual shrug, lifting the cup to take a sip. "Make whatever you feel like." The housekeeper nodded, holding back a smile. "Understood, sir." He turned to leave, but as he walked out of the room, he couldn’t help but mutter to himself with quiet joy, "It’s good to see him like this. At last, he has found the one." ~~~~~~~~~~~ The next morning... Anne slowly opened her eyes, her lashes fluttering. The unfamiliar ceiling came into view. A ripple of confusion ran through her as she realized she wasn’t in her own room, and Augustine was nowhere beside her. Her heart skipped a beat. "Augustine?" She sat up, scanning the room. The space was dim, cream-colored thick curtains muted the morning sun. A single night lamp on the bedside table still glowed faintly. She pushed the covers aside and let her feet touch the plush carpet. Her eyes fell on the suitcase placed at the side of the room. She hadn’t even changed out of her travel clothes before falling asleep last night. Now, she needed to freshen up, unpack, and somehow shake off the lingering drowsiness. It was at that point that she registered the sweet floral scent in the air. She inhaled deeply, the fragrance instantly soothing her nerves. She looked around and found fresh lilies arranged in a glass vase on the coffee table near the sofa. A smile crept onto her face. She rose to her feet and walked to the flowers. The soft, snowy petals looked dewy, as though they had just been placed there. Pulling the curtains apart with both hands, she let the sunlight flood in. She squinted at the sudden brightness, but her eyes quickly adjusted. Beyond the glass, a stunning swimming pool stretched out like a mirror, the water shimmering with crystal clarity. Elegant lounge chairs lined its edge. "Wow... a swimming pool," she exclaimed with a delighted grin. Her fingers pressed to the glass. Then her smile faltered slightly. "But... where is Augustine?" she murmured, suddenly feeling uneasy in that quiet room. She turned to find her handbag, which was lying beside the suitcase. She picked up the handbag and fished out the phone. The door knocked. Thinking it might be Augustine at the door, Anne quickly crossed the room and opened it, her anticipation fading slightly when she was met instead by a composed, middle-aged man. He stood tall and neat, with silver-streaked hair combed perfectly back. "Good morning, madam," he greeted her politely with a small bow. "I’m Johnson, the housekeeper. Breakfast is ready. Shall I bring it up for you?" "Oh, um..." Anne blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Where is Augustine?" "Sir is in the gym, doing his morning workout," Johnson replied smoothly. "Oh!" Her eyes widened in surprise. She hadn’t expected to hear that. Augustine often woke earlier than her, but he was usually already buried in meetings or out of the house by the time she opened her eyes. She had never imagined him starting the day with a workout. "He’ll be back by the time you are done freshening up," Johnson added. "You can come down for breakfast then." Anne nodded, deciding a shower was exactly what she needed before eating. "Alright. I’ll wait for him and come down together." "Very well." Johnson gave a slight nod before walking away. Anne closed the door behind her and made her way to the bathroom. Discarding her clothes into the laundry bag, she stepped into the shower, surrounded by sleek glass panels, and turned on the water. A warm stream poured down, washing over her face as she tilted her head back, eyes closed, letting the heat melt away the fatigue clinging to her body. The soothing rush of water eased the tension in her shoulders, loosening every muscle. Her fingers ran slowly through her hair, pushing it away from her face as droplets slid down her skin. Reaching for the shower gel, she squeezed a generous amount onto a sponge and began to gently scrub her arms, shoulders, and neck. The familiar fragrance of lavender filled the space, calming her thoughts. She lingered in the shower, allowing herself to unwind. Eventually, fully refreshed, she turned off the shower and stepped out, wrapping herself in a towel. But as she emerged into the bedroom, her steps faltered. Standing by the doorway was Augustine, freshly showered, his damp hair tousled and his skin still glistening faintly from the steam. Their eyes met in a moment that was electric.

Chapter 197: A hidden chamber

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