Augustine’s eyes lit up, a smile breaking across his face. He tilted her chin up with a gentle finger, forcing her to look at him.
"Let’s make a baby then," he teased playfully, leaning down for a kiss.
But Anne pressed her fingers to his lips, stopping him just short. "I don’t want to be late for work," she said quickly. "And I need to resign today."
The joy in Augustine’s expression faltered instantly. His brows drew together in confusion and worry.
"Resign? Why? Lorie has already confessed. Everything is clear now. You can resu as the project lead, and I’ll support you completely. You don’t have to leave. Why resign?"
He searched her face, concerned, as if trying to understand the real reason behind her decision.
Anne’s shoulders slumped, her voice thick with disappointnt. "No, no, I don’t want to stay on that project anymore."
Her mouth tightened into a hard line. "If I go back as the team lead, it’ll just cause unnecessary friction with Luke. I saw how proud he was when gan promoted him. Even if he doesn’t show it openly, he’ll resent stepping down for . That bitterness will poison the whole team dynamic, and I don’t want to be the cause of that."
She let out a long breath. "And honestly, after everything that happened, my heart isn’t in it anymore. I’ve lost my passion for the project. Forcing myself to stay would only hurt the work and . It’s better if I step away. Don’t worry, I’ll find another job soon."
Augustine listened carefully, understanding her hesitation. "If you don’t want to continue, I won’t force you. But you don’t have to leave the company."
His smile returned. "Why don’t you beco my secretary instead?"
Anne’s head snapped up, her eyes sparkling with surprise. "Your secretary?" Her mind flashed back to the fact that Lorie had been dismissed. Of course, Augustine was without a secretary now.
He nodded. "I already inford HR to find soone. If you apply, I’ll speak to Helena and make sure it’s handled properly."
Relief and excitent bubbled up inside Anne, and a wide grin spread across her face. "Thank you," she bead. Then a thought struck her, and her smile faltered. "But... won’t it cause gossip?" she asked suspiciously. "People might talk about us."
Augustine’s hands ca to rest firmly on her shoulders, his gaze full of affection. "My dear wife, it’s ti the world knows. I’m tired of hiding what you an to ."
The sincerity in his voice made Anne’s heart flutter. She knew, with him by her side, she could face anything. But she was still hesitant.
Anne had always been the kind of woman who shied away from the spotlight, uncomfortable and anxious whenever attention found her. And Denis’s old warnings still echoed in her mind, leaving a mark she couldn’t easily erase.
He had once told her that making their relationship public would only complicate things at work, drawing eyes, judgnts, and unnecessary gossip. Anne still believed it. If everyone knew she was married to the CEO, it would change how people treated her, and she wasn’t ready for that.
"I don’t want everyone’s attention." A trace of unease crept into her voice. "The friends I have now might start keeping their distance if they find out I’m your wife. Others will just stare and whisper. I... I don’t want that. It makes feel uncomfortable. Can we keep it between us for now?"
Augustine’s face darkened slightly with displeasure. He hated the thought of hiding their marriage. "Anne, why should you care about what they think? You are my wife. You have nothing to be ashad of."
"I just need a little ti," Anne pleaded earnestly. She stepped closer to him, her fingers playing gently with the knot of his tie. "Let get used to working beside you every day. When I feel ready, when I’m braver, I’ll tell everyone. Just be patient with ." She blinked up at him coquettishly, her tone persuasive, hoping he would understand.
Augustine let out a long, helpless sigh. "Don’t look at like that. You know I can’t resist you when you look at like that. What you are asking is completely unreasonable."
"But you won’t refuse , right?" Anne asked sweetly, her big, pleading eyes locking onto his.
Augustine fell silent, torn between reason and the overwhelming urge to give her everything she wanted.
"You love , don’t you?" she pressed gently.
He groaned under his breath. "You are exploiting my love."
"No, I’m simply asking for a favor," she corrected with a playful pout. "Can’t you fulfill just one little wish for ?" She caught his hand in both of hers and swung it back and forth like a stubborn little girl begging for her favorite toy.
"Alright, fine," Augustine muttered, finally giving in with a defeated shake of his head. "But I want sothing in return."
Anne’s face lit up with a triumphant smile. "Anything. Just na it."
A sly glint flashed in his eye. "Think carefully before you agree. You are not allowed to back out later."
"I’m serious," she declared, nodding firmly. "I’ll do whatever you ask."
Augustine smirked devilishly and leaned down to whisper his request in her ear. The mont the words registered, Anne’s cheeks flad a deep crimson, her heart hamring in her chest. But she had given her word—and there was no way she could backtrack now.
"I-I understand," she stamred.
Pleased, Augustine captured her lips in a deep, lingering kiss, pouring all his affection into it. Anne lted against him, her hands clinging to his shirt.
"You make so happy," he murmured against her lips. "I’ll make sure to reward you later."
~~~~~~~~~~~
Anne had just stepped into the office when Rose and Lily hurried over, their faces lit up with excitent.
"Anne, you are early," Rose bead, grabbing Anne’s hands warmly. "We tried calling you the other day, but you didn’t pick up. We wanted to tell you—Lorie confessed. She admitted everything. Did you hear?"
Anne gave a small nod. "Yes, I heard."
"It’s such a relief," Lily said, her voice bubbling with energy. "The company acted quickly and dealt with her. Now everything is back on track—you can take your place again as the team leader."
"Exactly," Rose chid in with delight. "The rumors are cleared. No one has any reason to object. You deserve that position."
The other teammates gathered around, voicing their agreent. The mood was hopeful, supportive.
Luke approached from behind, offering a strained smile. "I’ll step down willingly," he said, though the tension in his eyes betrayed his true feelings.
Anne caught the flicker of discomfort in his expression. She gave a gentle but firm smile and said, "There is no need. I’m not returning to the project."
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