Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Lana froze, stunned that Aurora had completely ignored her. She had so much she wanted to say but couldn't seem to get it out.

"Alright, I'll have Mrs. Woolf make something for you. If you're tired, go back to sleep. You've been in the car for so long; you must be exhausted," Justin said as he escorted Aurora back to her room and closed the door behind her.

Aurora climbed back into bed and let out a yawn. Lately, she'd been sleeping so much that it felt like she could doze off anywhere, anytime.

"I'm sorry for letting you endure that," Justin said, feeling guilty about Lana's earlier outburst. It was his choice to bring Aurora here, and yet she was the one suffering for

it.

"You don't love her?"

"If I did, would I be standing here like this? Whether or not you showed up, she was never the person I wanted," Justin said with a helpless sigh.

"So this time, you're using me to make her give up completely, to stop her from waiting for you," Aurora said bluntly, hitting the nail on the head.

Justin met her sharp gaze. She was incredibly perceptive. "I'm sorry. I'm not using you-I really wanted to bring you here to see my hometown and to offer blessings for your baby.

As for Lana... yes, part of me hoped this would help her move on. We've known each other since we were kids, but I've never felt anything romantic toward her. She's already 25, which is considered late for marriage in the village."

Justin was a good man-Aurora had never denied that. His principle of not leading someone on without love was clear.

"It's fine. I understand her feelings and don't blame her," Aurora said. She knew she had no right to interfere with someone else's emotions.

"That's good to hear. Rest well," Justin said as he turned to leave. Aurora watched his tall figure retreating. If it weren't her standing here, he probably would've had a beautiful family by now.

Aurora slept until the evening. Stretching lazily, she got out of bed and mused that if she kept eating and sleeping like this, she'd soon turn into a pig. Would Julian even recognize her then?

Thinking of Julian made her heart ache. She kept telling herself that they would meet again eventually, but the image of him chasing after the car as she left still lingered in her mind, making her eyes sting.

Daddy soon. Mommy misses him, and Daddy will

voice from outside the door, he paused mid-knock. The slight nasal tone in her voice tugged at his

more he realized he couldn't enter her world or her heart. She was

into his mind. Was this really the right thing to do? When the

grew older, they might resent him as a thief who had torn their parents apart. Aurora wouldn't be happy, the child wouldn't be happy, and he himself would forever feel the weight of

letting go... that felt

while, when the room had gone quiet, he finally

"Okay, coming," she replied.

demeanor back in

nothing had happened. At dinner, Mrs. Woolf was enthusiastic, introducing Aurora to various dishes, many made from wild vegetables foraged from the mountains or

bowl.

wouldn't like it. You're used to eating the best food," Mrs. Woolf

own unique flavor. Mrs. Woolf, would you take a walk with me later? If I keep sitting around like this, I'll turn into a

for the complete experience—all for free.

is good for

I've been wanting to explore. I'm full now-let's go right away," Aurora said, springing to

her. Though

care.

a hint of girlish

Justin said, unbothered by the

"Alright."

Mrs. Woolf as they stepped outside. The mountain air was cool and damp

the river," Mrs. Woolf

know the area, so I'll follow your

outburst at Justin's house had already spread,

on with curiosity, while

Mrs. Woolf said, clearly having overheard some

wasn't fragile-she had weathered storms these people couldn't even imagine. A