Chapter 285: Anne’s heart was full of gratitude.

Words : 1364 Updated : Oct 5th, 2025

Chapter 285: Anne’s heart was full of gratitude. "But it’s a good thing they finally found their missing daughter," Dimitri said, a flicker of admiration in his voice. "And it’s Anne, Augustine’s wife." A proud smile tugged at his lips. But Gabriel’s reaction was far from pleased. His irritation mounted, his fists curling slightly at his sides. Anne—someone who had once been a nobody, an orphan taken in by a modest household—had now risen to stand among the elite. Not only had she been welcomed into the Granet family, but she carried the bloodline of Margaret’s powerful maternal family, the Gildon household, as well. With all that behind him, Augustine was quickly becoming untouchable. The thought churned in Gabriel’s mind like acid. Augustine was now in a position to challenge everything—business, reputation, even legacy. And worst of all, he would have Oliver’s backing, which he had wanted for himself, for Denis. Gabriel couldn’t handle it. This revelation had crushed all his hopes and dismantled his carefully laid plans. Now, he’d have to rethink everything and start from zero to figure out a new way to deal with Augustine. He abruptly stood, ready to leave. Dimitri looked up, puzzled. "What’s the matter? You are leaving already? Dinner is about to be served." Gabriel didn’t meet his gaze. "I just remembered something urgent," he muttered. "Enjoy the evening with Jeanne. Denis will be joining soon. I’ll eat with you another time." Without waiting for a response, he turned and strode out of the house, the tension trailing behind him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ The car rolled to a quiet stop in the driveway as twilight settled over the city. Augustine stepped out first and came around to open Anne’s door. She stepped out slowly, still wrapped in the warmth of everything that had happened, her mind drifting through the day’s memories like a dream she wasn’t ready to wake up from. The images of Margaret’s embrace, Nathan’s support, and even Oliver’s tearful apology echoed in her mind. For the first time in her life, she felt rooted. As they walked into the house, Anne paused in the hall, turning slowly to him. Augustine dropped the keys on the console and turned to her, only to find her smiling. "What is it? You are smiling," he said, stepping toward her. Anne inched toward him, reaching out to undo his tie. "You really did all of this," she murmured. "You knew everything. And you kept it a surprise until the end. I haven’t thanked you properly." She put her hands against his chest, eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Augustine. For everything. You gave me back a life I thought I’d never have." He shrugged, lips curving into that playful, teasing grin. "This dry thanks is not enough. Kiss me." Anne laughed softly, coiling her arms around his neck. She tiptoed and pressed her lips against his, tears of emotion spilling over. He held her gently, wrapping his arms around her waist. "You deserve all of it," he whispered against her lips. "And I’ll keep giving you surprises if you promise not to cry every time." Cupping her face, he wiped her tears away with his thumbs. Anne pulled back just enough to meet his eyes, a watery smile on her face. "I’m not crying." "You are definitely crying," he said with a teasing glint in her eyes. "But don’t worry. You still look cute." She rolled her eyes and laughed, playfully swatting his chest. "You are impossible." "And yet, completely yours," he said with a wink. The next moment, he slid one arm behind Anne’s knees and the other around her back and swept her up into his arms in one smooth, effortless motion. Anne gasped, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck. "Augustine! What are you doing?" she laughed, breathless. "I can walk." He looked down at her, eyes smoldering but soft. "I know," he murmured. "But I want to carry you. Let me cherish you a little." There was something in his tone, an edge of seriousness beneath the playfulness that made her heart flutter. Her smile softened, her laughter fading into something quieter, more tender. He carried her through the hallway and into their bedroom. Everything became quieter as he kicked the door closed behind them. He set her down gently on the edge of the bed, his hands lingering on her waist longer than necessary. She looked up at him, her cheeks flushed, her breathing uneven now from the way his eyes were tracing every inch of her like he was seeing her for the first time all over again. Anne reached up slowly, her fingers brushing the side of his jaw. He leaned into her touch, eyes half-lidded, and then bent down, pressing his forehead to hers. Neither of them spoke. The silence pulsed between them, thick with heat and emotion. His fingers found the back of her neck, pulling her closer. Their lips met in a kiss that started softly but quickly deepened as desire ignited between them. Anne’s hands slid into his shirt, fingers trailing over warm skin. Augustine groaned softly against her mouth. He pushed her back onto the bed, following her down, his body heavy and warm over hers, his kisses moving from her lips to her jaw, down her throat. She arched into him, eyes fluttering shut, completely lost in the feel of him, the smell of him, the way his hands gripped her like he never wanted to let go. Her skin burned under his touch, every nerve heightened. She clung to him, her fingers gripping the back of his shirt, tugging him closer, needing more. He pulled back just enough to look at her—really look at her. Her eyes were dark, heavy with want, her lips parted, flushed from his kisses. "I want you," he whispered, the heat in his gaze almost unbearable. "Then take me," she whispered back, trembling with need. He reached for the hem of her dress, pulling it slowly over her head. She helped him, her breath shallow, her body humming with anticipation. The soft fabric fell to the floor, forgotten. His hands slid along her bare sides, savoring the warmth of her skin beneath his palms. Anne’s fingers worked through the buttons of his shirt, fumbling slightly, urgency building. When she finally pushed it off his shoulders, her hands ran over the toned muscles of his chest, the familiar strength there making her dizzy with longing. Their mouths met again, hotter this time, needier. The kiss deepened, their bodies pressing together like they couldn’t get close enough. He laid her back against the pillows, hovering over her, his weight surrounding her. His touch was everywhere—her hips, her thighs, the dip of her waist, each caress stoking the fire that had long since turned into a blaze. Anne arched up to meet him, her body aching for his. Augustine buried his face against her neck, whispering, "Anne, you are so beautiful." He met her eyes again, and for a moment, they simply stared—no words, no movement. His hand cupped her cheek, steadying her as if asking for silent permission. She gave it without words—just a look, soft and certain. And then he entered her in one fluid motion that stole the air from her lungs. Her eyes fluttered shut, her fingers clutching at his back. The world narrowed to sensation—the way he filled her, the press of his mouth against her shoulder, the way his hands touched her everywhere. Their breath tangled, hearts racing, losing all sense of time. His thrusts deepened, not rushed, every motion drawing them further into that consuming heat, that sacred closeness where words failed and only feeling remained. Anne gasped, clinging tighter, her body trembling beneath his. Her thoughts were scattered. Her nails scraped gently along his spine as her back arched, surrendering fully. He was everywhere—his scent, his weight, his groan. When the final wave crashed over them, their moans mingled. Augustine buried his face in her neck, breath ragged, arms locked tightly around her. Anne held him close, her skin flushed, her lips trembling in the aftermath, tears of ecstasy slipping from the corners of her eyes.

Chapter 285: Anne’s heart was full of gratitude.

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