Married To My Ex's Brother, Reborn Miraculously-Chapter 218: Surviving the chaos

A low voice rang out. "You look like hell, brother."

Augustine let out a sharp breath of relief. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com

"Lucien," he rasped.

Lucien stepped forward, flanked by his men, dressed in tactical gear, their weapons ready. His dark eyes flicked over Augustine, then Anne, his jaw tightening.

"I’ve never been so damn happy to see you alive," he growled as he drew Augustine into his arms. "I am sorry. I was late." He scrunched up his face as he pulled back. "Those bastards won’t live to regret it. I’ll handle them."

Anne stayed close to Augustine, her fingers still curled around the fabric of his shirt. She was still trembling, the chaos fresh in her mind.

Lucien turned to her. "You are safe now," he assured her, then gestured toward a black SUV waiting nearby, hidden under a camouflage net by the cliffside. "We’ll take you both somewhere secure. This island isn’t safe anymore."

Lucien’s men moved quickly, spreading out, ensuring the perimeter was clear. As the doors slammed shut and the car sped away into the jungle road, Anne leaned against Augustine’s chest, finally letting out a shaky breath.

After a long, tense ride, they arrived at a hidden villa nestled deep in the hills. Built from dark red stone and surrounded by thick jungle, the place was fortified. They were escorted inside by one of Lucien’s guards.

The guard ushered them into a room. As the guard nodded and left, Augustine closed the door behind them and exhaled, his body sagging for the first time since the attack. The adrenaline was fading, and in its place came pain.

He winced, glancing down at his arms, where the fire had left its mark. He peeled off his shirt, his back hurting as well.

Anne’s hand flew to her mouth when his bare torso came into her view.

His arms and back bore raw, angry patches where the fire had kissed his skin. The wounds weren’t severe, but they were brutal enough to make her chest tighten.

"You are injured." Her voice trembled as she stepped closer, tears welling in her eyes.

"It’s nothing," Augustine replied, brushing it off like he always did. "I’m fine."

"Don’t say that," she whispered. "You could have died." Holding his hand, she took her to the bed. "Sit down. Let me get the med kit."

Augustine didn’t argue. He lowered himself onto the edge of the mattress while Anne crossed the room. She opened a cupboard, rifling through it until she found the first aid kit, then returned to him.

"Let me see," she said softly as she sat beside him.

Tears blurred her vision, and she blinked them away. Her fingers trembled as she put ointment on the burns.

"Who were those people?" she asked quietly, unable to keep it in. "Why were they after us? Are they enemies of Lucien?"

"Yes," he replied. "Don’t worry. Lucien will deal with them. They won’t come after us."

"How are you so sure? They almost killed us."

He turned to her, gently brushing a tear from her cheek with his thumb. "Don’t cry. You are safe, that’s all that matters to me. And I know how capable Lucien is. He won’t let anyone come near us. Besides, I am with you. I’ll increase the security. You will be safe."

He hugged her.

Anne leaned into his embrace, her heart still pounding, her mind replaying the night’s chaos in fragments.

A knock came at the door.

Augustine moved to open it and found the guard standing outside, holding a neatly folded set of clothes in his hands.

"These are for you," the guard said, handing them over. "The boss had them sent. Also, dinner is ready. Would you prefer to come out, or should I bring it here?"

Augustine glanced back at Anne. She was curled up on the bed, pale, her eyes heavy with exhaustion. She needed rest, not more movement.

"Bring it here," he said.

The guard nodded and disappeared down the hallway.

Closing the door, Augustine turned back to Anne. "Didn’t you say you were hungry? Food is ready. Go freshen up first. We’ll eat together."

Anne gave a tired nod and took the nightwear from him. She disappeared into the bathroom. While she was inside, Augustine changed out of his soot-stained, torn clothes and into the clean set Lucien had provided.

The guard returned with dinner, carrying two covered trays. Anne stepped out, her hair damp, her face freshly washed but still etched with exhaustion and the ordeal they had gone through.

Augustine tried to lift the mood with a smile. "Come on. Let’s eat. They sent fried chicken. Smells amazing...I might eat the whole plate."

Anne sat beside him, forcing a small smile. Her appetite was gone, but she picked at her food, eating slowly for his sake. He made small talk, trying to erase the fear from her heart.

After dinner, Anne lay down and drifted off almost instantly.

Augustine didn’t sleep. He stayed beside her, watching the rise and fall of her chest. His fingers moved gently through her hair, over her temple, down her cheek.

Knock-knock...

The soft rapping at the door stirred the silence. Augustine eased himself out of bed, making sure his movements didn’t wake her up. He crossed the room quietly and opened the door.

Lucien stood there, his expression unreadable. With a tilt of his head, he signaled Augustine to follow.

Augustine stepped into the hallway, gently closing the door behind him.

The corridor was dim, lit only by wall sconces. He followed Lucien across the hall to a small bar tucked into the corner of the villa.

Lucien moved behind the bar and reached for a bottle of aged scotch. "How is she?" he asked, uncorking it with a soft pop.

"Shaken," Augustine said, settling onto a stool. "But she’ll be okay."

Lucien poured him a glass and slid it across the counter before serving himself. He took a slow sip, eyes on Augustine. "Are you sure she is suitable for you? For this world?"

Augustine said nothing, just stared into the amber swirl of his drink.

Lucien continued, tone even but pointed. "After what happened tonight, she might see things differently. She might want out. What will you do if she asks for a divorce? Would you let her go? Or hold on?"