Chapter 5: Denis’s cousin

Words : 1326 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 5: Denis’s cousin Tania walked over to her. "Anne, you are at the hospital. Are you okay?" Tania's voice was laced with feigned concern, but the glint in her eyes betrayed her true intentions. Anne's stomach churned at the sight of her. She had no desire to exchange words, let alone acknowledge her presence. Without a response, she attempted to walk past. "Wait..." The single word rooted Anne to the spot. Her body tensed, every muscle coiling with restrained emotion. Tania's fists clenched in frustration at Anne's dismissive stance. The sheer audacity made her blood simmer, but she forced a smile. "Last night, Denis brought me here. He stayed with me the whole night. I hope you don't mind." Anne didn't say a word. Tania's fake smile wavered before vanishing completely. Her eyes darkened as she stepped in closer. "I know you've been taking care of Denis for the past three years." Her voice dropped to a murmur. "But I'm back now. He doesn't need you anymore. Leave him." A storm of emotions churned within Anne, her fury barely contained. This woman—this vile, scheming woman—had been the reason for her death in her past life, shoving her in front of a speeding car without a shred of remorse. And now, she had the audacity to stand before her, spewing nonsense. Anne wished she could kill her right away. "You should know you have no chance with Denis," Tania sneered with smug confidence. Anne's lips curled into a slow, knowing smile, and the sight of it made Tania's expression tighten with irritation. "If you think you can snatch him from me, you're wrong," Tania added. "He is mine." "I'm not interested in him," Anne said simply and moved to walk past. But Tania wasn't done. She stretched her arm out, blocking Anne's path. "Don't think you can get his attention by acting all defiant." Anne's patience snapped. "What is wrong with you?" she snapped. "I already told you—I have no interest in him. Why are you so insecure?" "You—" Tania's hand flew up, poised to slap her. But she paused when she saw Denis walking over. In an instant, her entire demeanor changed. Instead of delivering the slap, she let out a sharp gasp and crumpled to the floor like a wilting flower. Anne's mouth hung open in disbelief. "Tania." Denis rushed toward them; concern etched into his face. And in that instant, Anne understood why Tania had pulled that drama. She scoffed under her breath, crossing her arms. "She is as pathetic as ever." Tania let out a delicate whimper, eyes shimmering with fake tears. "I only tried to talk to her. But she pushed me down." "I didn't even touch you," Anne groaned. "Enough," Denis roared. "If you are upset, come to me. Don't hurt her." Anne laughed sarcastically. The liar on the ground and the fool who had fallen for her act. "A bitch and a scumbag – you are a perfect match." Denis's eyes flashed with a dangerous glint. "Who did you curse just now?" His voice thundered with authority as he stepped closer. "Apologize to her right now." Anne met his gaze without flinching. "Why should I apologize to her?" "It's okay," Tania chimed in. "Don't force her." Denis's expression softened as he turned to her. With careful hands, he pulled her up. Then, his sharp glare snapped back to Anne. "If you don't apologize to Tania, you'll face the consequences," he warned. "I don't care," Anne snapped. "I'll never say sorry to this pathetic liar." "Who are you calling a liar?" he growled, reaching out to grab her wrist. A whimper escaped Anne's lips as a jolt of pain shot through her injured hand. Her muscles tensed, her face contorting as she tried to pull away. Denis's gaze flickered downward. The bandage around her hand caught his attention, but instead of concern, a sneer curled his lips. "Are you pretending to be injured now?" he mocked. "Trying so hard to get my attention that you faked an injury and followed me all the way to the hospital?" He leaned in slightly. "Just admit it—you can't live without me." "Let go." Anne struggled in his grip, wincing as his fingers tightened around her wound. "You are hurting me." Denis chuckled. "Stop pretending. It's not funny, okay? You love me so much that you chased after me and even pushed Tania. And yet, you keep claiming you want to break up with me?" He snorted. "You're so manipulative. You'll do anything to get my attention, won't you?" "Let go of me," she sniveled, tears pricking her eyes. But he didn't leave her hand, his grip tightening further. "First, apologize to her," he demanded. "Then apologize to me. Your sincerity will determine whether I'll forgive you or not." "Leave her alone." The deep, commanding voice sliced through the tension. All heads turned in unison. Anne saw Augustine approaching. For a moment, she couldn't look away from him. There was something about him—something steady, unwavering. He strode forward with an air of quiet authority and shoved Denis back, pulling her into a protective embrace. Anne stiffened for a fraction of a second, caught off guard. But as the warmth of his body surrounded her, a strange sense of security washed over her. She didn't move away. She didn't want to. Her eyes remained fixed on his face, searching, questioning. His gaze met hers, filled with something she couldn't quite name. "Sorry, I am late," Augustine said apologetically. Denis, still reeling from the interruption, narrowed his eyes. "You?" he snapped with disbelief. His gaze darted between Anne and Augustine. "You two..." Suspicion grew like a storm in his expression. "Do you know him?" His sharp gaze swung back to Anne, demanding answers. "Yes." In one swift motion, Anne slipped her arm through Augustine's. "We met on a blind date and decided to get married." Augustine's entire body tensed. His head whipped toward her, his eyes widening in shock. 'Marriage?' The word rang in his ears, reverberating through him. He hadn't seen that coming—not at all. But as the surprise settled, something else took its place. He felt a rush of exhilaration. Even if she had said it just to push Denis away, he didn't care. He liked the idea of marrying her. Denis stood frozen for a moment, struggling to process Anne's words. But then, his lips curled into a mocking smirk. "Marriage?" he scoffed. "Do you even know who he is?" "Of course, I know him," she shot back confidently. "He is my fiancé. Can't you see? He even accompanied me to the hospital." She looked up at Augustine, her gaze pleading, silently urging him to back her up. A slow, easy smile stretched across his lips. "Why bother explaining to others?" Augustine said smoothly. "You're hurt. Let's go find the doctor first." He started to lead her away, but Denis's voice rang out, halting them. "Wait." Denis's eyes blazed as he took a step forward. "Anne, you've gone too far this time," he seethed. "Just to piss me off, you went and hooked up with my cousin?" Anne's heart shook. Her grip around Augustine's arm tightened involuntarily, her mind reeling. The man who had saved her last night... was Denis's cousin, Augustine Beaumont, who lived abroad. Could it be that he had returned? Heart pounding, Anne slowly lifted her gaze to the man beside her. And there it was. That knowing amused smile was playing on his lips. She swallowed. 'It's really him...' She felt her hair rising on her nape. 'I'm finished.'

Chapter 5: Denis’s cousin

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