Chapter 272: Megan is exposed
Audrey smiled widely, her eyes darting between Anne and Augustine, trying to smooth over the fraying edges of the moment.
But Anne wasn’t so easily pacified. Her heart still pounded, unease curling tight in her chest.
It was a lot to take in. The one friend she trusted most had been romantically involved with a feared mafia king, and she had been completely in the dark. Not once had Audrey given her even a hint.
As Anne’s eyes met Lucien’s intense, razor-sharp gaze, a chill ran down her spine. Her heart dipped, unease flooding her. She shifted closer to Augustine, slipping partly behind him and clutching the edge of his sleeve. There was no doubt, this man frightened her.
"Why didn’t you tell me before?" she asked quietly.
Augustine, already sensing the depth of her discomfort, gently placed his hand over hers. He turned to her fully, his hands rising to rest on her shoulders.
"Anne, listen to me. I didn’t know it was Lucien, not until Audrey was hospitalized. You were already going through so much... I didn’t want to add to it. I thought...I’d tell you when the time felt right."
Anne searched his eyes. Hearing the sincerity in his voice, her shoulders eased under his touch, but the tightness in her chest remained.
"I’m sorry if I upset you," Augustine added. "That was never my intention."
Before Anne could reply, Audrey chimed in again, "Come on, Anne. Don’t be upset." She leaned her head against Lucien’s shoulder with a dreamy sigh. "Aren’t you happy for me? I mean, look at him, my incredibly handsome boyfriend."
Anne’s chest felt tight as she watched Audrey nestle so comfortably beside the very man whose name sent chills down her spine. A thousand thoughts swirled behind her gaze. She was trying to be happy for her friend. But in that moment, all she could feel was the chill of uncertainty brushing her skin.