Chapter 53: Jealousy and resentment

Words : 1033 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 53: Jealousy and resentment Tania’s phone chimed with incoming messages. As she opened them, a photo of Denis appeared on the screen. He was standing in front of Anne, reaching out toward her. But what caught her attention was the unmistakable concern in his eyes. The attached text read: ’Denis looks worried about Anne. He seems desperate to get her back.’ Her grip on the phone tightened as she scrolled to the next image. This time, Augustine stood in front of Anne in a protective stance, ready to confront Denis. A surge of jealousy and resentment twisted in her gut. Both Denis and Augustine were prepared to fight for Anne. How was it possible that an ordinary woman like her had managed to ensnare not one but two men from the Beaumont family? Denis didn’t even love Anne, yet he refused to let her go. What was it about her that kept him so obsessed? Why couldn’t he just move on? And Augustine? He had been abroad for ten long years, surrounded by countless women, yet the moment he returned, the one who caught his interest was Anne. What made her so special? "Ugh..." Tania let out a frustrated growl and hurled the phone aside. "Anne, you bitch. How dare you? I won’t let you ruin my dream." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When they arrived home, Augustine carried Anne gently to the bed, laying her down with care. She stirred slightly, murmuring something incoherent under her breath. Sitting beside her, he reached out, brushing away the strands of hair clinging to her forehead. "Sleep well," he whispered. His gaze lingered on her peaceful face. The fire she had unknowingly ignited within him refused to fade. His fingers trailed down, hesitating at the corner of her lips, the urge to kiss her growing stronger. He swallowed hard. And then, as if drawn by an invisible force, he leaned in and pressed a soft kiss against her lips. Closing his eyes, he savored the moment, his heart aching with unspoken emotions. "How do I tell you that I love you, Anne?" he murmured huskily. A shaky sigh escaped him as he straightened up. He didn’t want to spend the night alone in the cold guest room—he longed to be with her, to hold her close. But reason held him back. If she woke up and found him beside her, she would be upset and even misunderstand him. He was torn. But then, a voice in his mind reminded him—they were legally married. There was nothing wrong with them sharing a bed. No. He shook off the thought. "I can’t rush her. I won’t—not until she is ready." Resolving to leave, he pushed himself to his feet. But before he could step away, Anne’s hand shot out, her fingers wrapping around his wrist. "Don’t go," she mumbled. He froze. Slowly, he turned back to see her groggy eyes blinking up at him. "You promised to stay with me," she pouted. "Are you breaking your promise?" His resolve wavered. "Are you sure you want me to stay?" he asked, his heart thumping. She nodded without hesitation. "One hundred percent sure." Smiling sleepily, she shifted to the side. "See? I made space for you. Sleep with me." He stiffened, his fingers twitching. "You have no idea how difficult you’re making this for me." But Anne was in no state to grasp the weight of his words. With a determined tug, she pulled him down. Augustine lost his balance, stumbling forward—his lips firmly pressed against hers as he landed. He remained completely still, his muscles tense, his breath caught in his throat, yet his heart pounded wildly, like a horse in full gallop. The moment he felt her lips move against his, a surge of electricity shot through him, igniting every nerve in his body. His restraint crumbled as he claimed her lips with unbridled hunger, savoring her taste, drinking her in. She smelled of vodka, yet her lips carried a delicate sweetness that only made him crave more. Augustine couldn’t bring himself to stop, but deep inside, a voice whispered a warning. ’She is drunk. She isn’t in her right mind. If she wakes up and realizes you took advantage of her state, she’ll never forgive you.’ But he brushed that warning aside, his senses clouded by the intoxicating pull of her. Rationality blurred as his desire threatened to consume him completely. Just when he was about to surrender to the fire burning within him, he noticed something—she had gone completely still. She wasn’t responding to his kiss. Startled, he pulled back. His gaze dropped to her peaceful face, her long lashes resting against her cheeks, her breathing soft and steady. She had fallen asleep. A deep groan escaped his lips as he hung his head, his body radiating heat and frustration. "Anne," he muttered, dropping beside her. "You’re an unbearable temptation. What should I do with you?" He rubbed his forehead. Just then, his phone vibrated in his pocket. Pulling it out, he glanced at the screen—Gustave. With a quick look at Anne, he answered the call. "Hello?" "I dealt with him," Gustave reported bluntly. "Broke both his hands for daring to lay a finger on Madam Anne. He confessed everything—said Denis Beaumont was the one who ordered him to play with her." A cold glint flashed in Augustine’s eyes, his grip tightening around the phone. "I know," he replied with an icy voice. "Expose his cruelty toward women to the public. I want his reputation in shambles. Let the world decide his fate." "Understood, sir." "There is one more thing," Augustine added, his tone turning even solemn. "Look into Anne’s former colleague, Becca. I don’t want her stirring up any more trouble." "I’ll handle it." Ending the call, Augustine turned his gaze back to Anne. The sharp tension in his features softened as he watched her sleep peacefully. A quiet smile tugged at his lips. "No one will ever hurt you again. I’ll make sure of it." Gently, he wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. With her warmth against him, the weight on his chest eased, and he drifted into a deep, undisturbed sleep.

Chapter 53: Jealousy and resentment

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