Married To My Ex's Brother, Reborn Miraculously-Chapter 195: The private jet

Lorie visibly flinched, her body stiffening under his heated stare. For a moment, she couldn’t breathe. "Please... just listen," she said quickly. "I didn’t lose it—I swear. It’s just... It’s still at my old home. I haven’t had time to go get it. My father is still in the hospital, and my mom is tied up looking after him. I’ll find a time to talk to her. I’ll get it."

Nathan leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, clearly unimpressed. He had canceled his return flight just to meet her, clinging to the hope that he would get some more information from her that would help him identify that Anne was his sister. Now, he realized bitterly that Lorie was nothing but a waste of time.

Just then, the waitress returned with a pleasant smile. "Here is your latte, sir," she said, setting the cup down.

Lorie’s eyes flicked to the steaming drink, her pulse quickening with anticipation and nervous energy. Just a few sips, that’s all it would take for Nathan to fall into her trap.

But in the next moment, her hopes crumbled.

"I don’t need it. Enjoy the coffee," Nathan said coldly, pushing back his chair. Without another glance, he strode out of the café.

Lorie jumped up from her seat, flustered. "Hey—wait!" she called out, hurrying after him. But by the time she reached the door, he was gone, already disappeared into the street outside.

She stood still for a moment. Her lips pressed into a tight line, her eyes burning with frustration.

"I didn’t even get his name," she muttered, rage and wounded pride simmering beneath her skin. "You will never know that Anne is the one you are looking for."

Outside the cafe...

Nathan slid into the driver’s seat of his car, his mind still clouded with the conversation he had just left behind. He exhaled, gripped the steering wheel, and started the engine.

Just then, his phone buzzed against the console. It was the housekeeper from his house abroad. He snatched up the phone and answered quickly.

"Hello?"

"Sir, when are you coming back?" came the housekeeper’s strained voice. "Madam attempted suicide again. We rushed her to the hospital."

Nathan’s blood turned to ice in dread, which soon transformed into rage.

"What are you all doing?" he exploded. "I told you not to leave her alone. How did you let this happen?"

"She wouldn’t stop crying since last night," the housekeeper replied. "She refused to eat or drink anything. Then she started screaming and throwing things. She grabbed a piece of broken porcelain and cut her wrist. Thank God the wound wasn’t deep, but she fainted."

Nathan’s hand trembled slightly as he took a breath, struggling to stay composed.

"I’ll be back soon," he said urgently. "Stay with her. Don’t let her out of your sight."

He ended the call and threw the phone onto the passenger seat. Slamming the gear into reverse, he pulled out of the parking space, tires skimming the pavement as he sped off.

~~~~~~~~~~

Augustine guided Anne up the short flight of steps onto the gleaming private jet, one hand on her back, the other carrying their travel bag. The moment Anne stepped inside, her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Wow..." she breathed out, her eyes full of wonder.

The interior was nothing short of opulent. Cream-colored leather seats with polished mahogany armrests lined either side of the aisle. The floor was carpeted in a soft ivory weave, and ambient lighting cast a gentle golden hue throughout the cabin.

At the far end, a plush sofa wrapped around a small lounge space near a minibar stocked with fine spirits and crystal glasses. A sleek flat-screen TV was mounted against one wall, and silk drapes framed oval windows.

Anne twirled slowly in place, taking it all in like a child in a dream. "Your boss arranged a private jet for us!" she said, her face lighting up with excitement. "He is so generous."

Augustine ran a hand over the back of his neck, suppressing a smirk. It was his jet. But Anne, unaware that her husband was also the mysterious and powerful Mr. Bennet.

She turned to him with sparkling eyes. "You should thank him," she said brightly. Then paused. "No... I’ll thank him myself when I meet him."

Augustine chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling. "You can thank me now, if you want," he said with playful mischief.

Anne giggled, missing the deeper meaning behind his words. "Of course. Without you, I wouldn’t have even set foot in a place like this."

She stepped close, wrapping her arms around his neck and planting a sweet kiss on his cheek. He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring her touch, her warmth.

She had no idea what kind of man he truly was. But he would make sure this trip was unforgettable.

The jet hummed softly as it soared above the clouds. Anne sat by the window, her eyes marveling at the cottony clouds below, her chin propped on her hand. Beside her, Augustine reclined in his seat, a subtle smile playing on his lips as he watched her wonderstruck expression.

A moment later, a smartly dressed attendant appeared, pushing a polished walnut trolley adorned with elegant plating.

"Sir, Madam," she said with a graceful nod, "may I offer you our afternoon selection?"

Anne sat up straighter, eyes sparkling.

"For starters," the attendant continued, "we have warm spinach and ricotta-stuffed crepes, and a bowl of roasted butternut squash soup with nutmeg."

A linen napkin was folded across her lap, and her eyes sparkled as the attendant placed the first course. Anne shot an excited glance at Augustine. She took a bite of the crepe, her eyes fluttering shut with delight. "Mmm... this is heavenly."

Augustine leaned back, watching her with a smirk.

She sensed his lingering gaze on her. She stopped chewing and lifted her eyes at him. "What are you looking at?"

Augustine’s smirk widened as he watched the stain of oil at the corners of her lips. Grabbing a tissue, he reached out and wiped her lips softly.

Anne froze, her skin tingling at his touch.

"You know how to seduce me," he said hoarsely, eyeing her with raw desire.

Anne looked away, heat creeping up her cheeks. "I am not seducing you. I am just savoring the delicacy."

She dipped her spoon into the butternut squash soup, pretending to be savoring the taste. But she could feel his lingering gaze on her, and it only made her skin burn hotter.

"Don’t keep staring at me," she whispered, nudging at his arm.

Her flushed face only made him want to tease her further. "We are on our honeymoon. Who do you think I’ll stare at other than my wife?"

He leaned even closer, his lips brushing her ear as he spoke.

Anne shuddered, blushing even more. She caught sight of the attendant approaching. "Behave," she whispered, nudging his stomach.

Augustine leaned forward, sipping his soup. The smile lingered in the corners of his lips.

The main course followed shortly after: herb-crusted lamb chops with a red wine reduction, served with garlic mashed potatoes and honey-glazed baby carrots, and a delicate wild mushroom risotto.

The aroma alone made Anne sigh with delight. "I feel like royalty," she murmured as she took a bite of the risotto.

Augustine leaned in, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "This is only the beginning. There are many more surprises in store for you."

Anne’s eyes lit up with curiosity and thrill. She turned toward him, ready to ask the questions dancing in her mind, but before she could speak, his lips captured hers in a kiss.