"Madam! You?" Gustave nearly jumped, his eyes widening at the unexpected sight of Anne.
Anne's gaze sharpened instantly with suspicion. "Why? Can't I come here?"
His lips twitched into a crooked, half-forced smile that only made his face look strained. "I was just… surprised to see you so early in the morning."
Inside the room, Augustine froze where he lay. A bead of cold sweat slid down his temple.
'Too close.'
He had just returned, and now Anne was here. His mind reeled. He had seen her fast asleep before he left.
'Was she pretending?' The thought made his chest tighten.
Finished
He scrunched his nose, knowing Anne's temper would flare. She would never let go of his lie so easily. How on earth was he supposed to justify himself?
Holding his breath, he strained his ears to catch every word of their exchange.
"Yes, I came early," Anne replied evenly, "because I missed my husband. And you—why are you here so early? Or were you here all night?"
