Chapter 109: Is this the surprise you planned for me?
Augustine blinked, taken aback. His mind reeled with Lucien’s accusation as he sifted through his memories of Anne—the hesitation in her eyes, the moments she had pulled away, and the one night she had drunkenly leaned toward him, trying to kiss him.
"But she said she wanted to take things slow," he recalled. "I didn’t want to pressure her. I thought it would scare her away."
"You fool," Lucien scoffed. "Sometimes a girl’s ’no’ just means she wants you to try harder. You’ve got to read her signals, not just her words. That’s where instinct comes in."
Augustine scratched his head in confusion. Could it be that she had wanted him to make a move? That she had been waiting for him to step forward and take that final leap?
"Go to her. Talk gently. Tease her, tempt her—seduce her. You’ll see, she won’t resist you."
Something sparked in Augustine’s chest—hesitation turning into a quiet, simmering determination. A slow smile curved his lips, confidence returning like a long-lost flame.
"Alright. I know what to do now. Thanks, Lucien."
As he ended the call, that smile stayed on his lips, spreading warmth through his chest. The weariness from earlier was gone, replaced by a thrill of anticipation.
"Tonight, I’ll close this distance between us. I’ll make her mine."
Augustine swung his legs off the bed and strode toward the door, a newfound determination in his chest. But as soon as he opened it, he froze.
There she was—Anne—standing just outside his room. He paused as a cold wave washed over him.