When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese) novel Chapter 519

**Chapter 519: The Scent of Him**

Anneliese inhaled deeply, and in that moment, she was enveloped by a scent that felt like home—a familiar, crisp aroma that wrapped around her like a comforting embrace. It was a fragrance that belonged to only one person, a scent that had the extraordinary power to soothe her restless heart: Jonathan.

The sheer wonder of it all struck her like a bolt of lightning. She hadn’t reached out to him, hadn’t given him a single clue about her situation, yet here he was, as if summoned by some divine force, appearing at the most crucial moment. The surreal nature of his arrival weighed heavily on her mind, particularly when she recalled that during her accident, he had been thousands of miles away, on the far side of the globe.

“Babe, are you in pain? Please, talk to me,” his voice, thick with genuine worry, pierced through the haze of confusion that clouded her thoughts.

As she slowly lifted her head, the oppressive darkness that had shrouded her senses began to lift, revealing Jonathan’s anxious expression. He was there—solid, unwavering, a beacon of hope amidst her turmoil.

Anneliese blinked, struggling to fully grasp the reality of his presence. His very existence was like a soothing balm for her frayed nerves, yet an unexpected sting pricked at her nose. A wave of heat surged behind her eyes, and tears began to flow down her cheeks, silent and unbidden.

“What took you so long…” she managed to whisper, her voice quivering under the weight of her anguish and fear. The sweet, melodic tone she was known for had faded into a hoarse murmur, a stark reminder of the ordeal she had endured during her long hours of isolation.

Jonathan’s heart twisted painfully at her words. A tempest of rage and panic surged within him, intertwined with an overwhelming tenderness for her suffering. His eyes shimmered with a cocktail of emotions—deep sorrow, regret, and the haunting specter of what might have been had he been there sooner.

He noticed the stark white gauze that was wrapped around the back of her head, a jarring reminder of her fragility. With the utmost care, he cradled her neck in a steady hand and lifted her into his arms, handling her as if she were the most delicate piece of porcelain.

“It’s my fault. I’m so sorry, baby. I’m so sorry that I’m late. I failed to protect you. Please, don’t cry…” His voice dropped to a near whisper, imbued with a sincerity that felt almost sacred, as if he feared that any loud word might shatter the fragile moment they were sharing. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, the warmth of his lips a promise of comfort and safety.

Zion, who had been dragging Carter in behind him, froze at the doorway, nearly stumbling over his own feet. The sight of their usually stoic boss speaking in such a tender tone was enough to rattle him.

Carter, steadying Zion with a subtle nudge, couldn’t help but wince at the scene unfolding before him.

“Mr. Fullbuster, Mr. Chevalier is here,” Zion reported, casting a quick glance at Wendy, who stood beside him, her expression a mix of confusion and intrigue.

“Madam Chalmont, may we come in and check on Mrs. Fullbuster?” he added, trying to maintain a professional demeanor despite the emotional weight of the moment.

By this time, Jonathan had already bent down, carefully lifting Anneliese into his arms as if she were the most precious thing in the world. It was only after ensuring her comfort that he turned to Wendy, offering a polite nod.

“Madam Chalmont, Anne needs peace and quiet right now,” he stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for debate.

Wendy, a woman who had weathered countless storms in her life, found herself momentarily at a loss. She prided herself on her ability to maintain composure, having clawed her way up through the ranks with a steely resolve. Yet, the sight before her shattered her expectations. This Jonathan was a stark contrast to the aloof, untouchable man she thought she knew—now he was a devoted husband, tender and protective.

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