Augustine's arms trembled slightly as he held her close. A shaky breath escaped his lips. "Thank God you're okay… You scared me to death."
Anne didn't respond—her body was still stiff from the shock, her mind trying to process what had just happened. The scene kept playing over and over in her head.
"How long do you plan to lie on top of me?" Augustine let out a low, mocking chuckle. "I'm in pain, you know."
That snapped her back a little. "S-Sorry!" she stammered, quickly scrambling off him. She reached out to help him, but he winced in pain and clutched his arm.
"You're hurt?" she asked, her heart dropping. "Where? Let me see—please."
Her hands hovered around him, unsure whether to touch or pull away.
Just then, Gustave came rushing toward them, his face pale with concern. "Sir! Are you alright?" His gaze flicked between Augustine and Anne. "Should I take you to the hospital?"
