Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 212: The Beloved

"Do you know the truth will be disappointing?" Julian observed her calm demeanor. The young girl was adept at controlling her facial expressions, concealing the truth from anyone who looked at her.

"It's just a bit surprising, really. I thought he was only looking for a well-matched lady to help him secure his inheritance, but since he wasn't sincere, why bother finding out his reasons?" Aurora's smile was tinged with scorn. She had long seen through Hayden's true nature, and any disappointment was a thing of the past.

"It's good that you think this way. When I knew he was with you, I was a bit angry and even planned to break you two apart. But then I saw how gently you smiled at him, and in that moment, I realized you had fallen for him. If I had forcibly separated you, you would have hated me, wouldn't you? I observed him for a while and noticed that he started to care more about you. I thought it was divine providence, so I did nothing but silently support you from behind. I kept telling myself that each look at you would be the last before I left, but I couldn't control my heart and would always watch you from afar. Even just a glimpse of your silhouette, a sound of your voice, or your smiling face made my day joyful."

Recalling those days, the corners of Julian's mouth lifted slightly. Unrequited love was painful, but it was also sweet. Seeing Julian's tender smile, Aurora could no longer hold back and threw herself into his arms. She had not realized this man could be so deeply in love; she had once thought him a great devil.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Although Julian spoke these words lightly, she thought about the long years he had spent like a shadow, watching and loving her, yet unable to step forward and tell her of his feelings, having to watch her be intimate with other men. How strong must his heart have been to bear all this?

He was happy for her happiness and sad for her sorrows, all hidden from her sight. Julian gently patted her back, "Silly girl, you have nothing to apologize for. You did nothing wrong; all that I did was willingly."

"It was I who failed to see the truth about people and wronged you. Thinking of how you were heartbroken while I was sweetly with someone else, my heart feels so guilty." Aurora had been very young when they first met, and her casual promise to marry him was something she had long forgotten, yet he had never forgotten.

"Silly girl, if I really blamed you, I would have done so long ago, wouldn't I? You were young then, and it's normal not to understand these things. And with a man like Hayden, how many women could say no? I don't blame you at all. In fact, I should thank him. He taught you how to grow and taught both of us what it means to cherish."

In front of others, Julian always maintained a cold, proud demeanor, but he was always warm and gentle in front of Aurora.

"Does Hayden know about what you've been doing secretly?" she asked.

"If he's a man and hasn't noticed me, then isn't he rather incompetent?"

never bested me in anything, except when it came

feelings for you were genuine, and he was more anxious than anyone when he found out

step aside, even planning to completely leave

take advantage of the situation to speak ill of Hayden,

talk about that unpleasant man anymore. Now, you are all that's in

mind, now content just to

butler said respectfully, standing

toward the dining table as the sun

candles and the table was

approached, Aurora's mouth watered

stomach tonight; I bet you've skipped

so delicious," Aurora said as

subtly imprinted with patterns, exquisite stemware,

the fragrance not

such a scene? Under the flickering candlelight, Aurora's smile

everyone?" Aurora suddenly asked. Hayden had been nice to her, but Julian seemed

was the type to pamper you to the core, always

I am only good to you. Maybe because I've lost before, now I want to treat

a bit cheesy, it still

did not stop his hands and