When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese) novel Chapter 520

**Chapter 520: Awkward Intimacy**

In that fleeting moment, time seemed to stretch into an infinite chasm, each tick of the clock dragging forward with agonizing slowness. Jonathan felt as though the weight of the world had settled heavily upon his shoulders, an oppressive burden that amplified his concern for Anneliese until Carter’s reassuring voice finally pierced through the fog of his anxiety, confirming her safety.

“Are you still feeling unwell?” he asked softly, his voice tinged with genuine worry, his brow furrowing deeply as he scrutinized her pale face, the distress etched upon her delicate features tugging painfully at his heartstrings.

He reached out instinctively, brushing a damp strand of hair away from her temple, wishing fervently that he could absorb her discomfort, to somehow take away her pain and replace it with warmth and comfort.

“No…” Anneliese murmured, uncertainty lacing her tone as she bit her lip, but Jonathan could see the unease twisting her expression, deepening the worry coiling tightly in his chest. “Zion! Go drag Carter back here!”

Frustration surged through him at the sheer absurdity of the situation. Why did everything have to feel so convoluted and tangled?

“On it,” Zion replied, his voice steady as he strode purposefully toward the door.

Yet, panic flickered across Anneliese’s features as she clutched Jonathan’s hand tightly, her grip almost desperate. “Don’t call him,” she pleaded, her voice barely rising above a whisper, thick with vulnerability.

As her words hung in the air, she leaned into him slightly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment, which only intensified the moment’s charged atmosphere. Jonathan noticed the subtle shift in her posture and instinctively lowered his head closer, catching her almost inaudible confession.

“I… I can’t hold it much longer.”

Her voice was faint, a mere breath against the tension that enveloped them. Jonathan blinked in surprise, and then, a slow grin spread across his lips, warmth flooding his heart at her admission.

He turned to Zion, who lingered hesitantly at the door, clearly unsure of what to do. “We’re fine. You can go,” he said, dismissing him with a casual wave of his hand.

Once Zion left, Jonathan chuckled softly, lifting Anneliese effortlessly into his arms, her slight frame fitting snugly against him as he carried her toward the bathroom. “We’re practically an old married couple now. How are you still shy about using the bathroom?” he teased, a playful glint dancing in his eyes.

Anneliese froze at his words, her mind racing. An old married couple? Seriously? The thought sent a rush of warmth through her, mingled with a wave of embarrassment that made her heart race even faster.

With Carter having just barged in for the exam, every inch of her felt tense and awkward, and admitting that she was fine seemed impossible when she was on the verge of bursting.

“I’m not shy!” she snapped, her cheeks flaring crimson, though her voice came out softer than she intended, betraying her embarrassment.

Yet, when Jonathan stepped into the bathroom and reached to help with her pants, a wave of humiliation washed over her.

“Get out! I can do it myself!” she protested, desperation creeping into her tone.

Even that small act of resistance made her sway slightly, her vision darkening at the edges as anxiety threatened to overwhelm her.

“Don’t struggle. I’ve got you,” Jonathan said in a low, calming tone, unwavering in his determination to assist her. He steadied her against him and carefully slid her pants down, sending Anneliese’s face into a fiery blush of mortification. In a flurry of embarrassment, she hastily seated herself, but he remained directly in front of her, the proximity sending prickles of discomfort racing across her skin.

“Red-faced, she pinched his waist. “Nope. Out!”

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