Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

"It's strange, really," Tina said, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Aurora shouldn't have been able to get pregnant. Even with just some medicine, the odds are slim. I can only assume that perhaps fate wanted to bless you two with a child. After all, there are so many things in this world that science just can't explain."

Julian listened quietly, feeling unsettled. Rational and pragmatic, they didn't believe in the supernatural, but stories of unexplainable phenomena always seemed to linger.

"Julian..." Aurora's voice called from behind him, pulling him back to the moment. Reluctantly, he ended the call.

After learning this secret, Julian found himself looking at Aurora differently. Despite his skepticism, Tina's words had planted a strange feeling in his heart. Could there really be forces beyond their understanding?

"What were you doing out on the balcony?" Aurora asked, puzzled.

"Nothing much," Julian replied, his tone calm. "Just finalizing the meeting plans with Rock for tomorrow. It's late-you should rest now."

Aurora yawned, her fatigue apparent. "I am tired. Stay with me tonight."

"Of course. Let's go." Julian took her hand and led her inside.

The days passed in a quiet rhythm. Aurora stayed home, focusing on her health. Julian didn't need to impose any restrictions; she had adapted to a slower pace of life naturally. Her mornings began late, around ten o'clock. After lunch, she rested again, often taking long naps.

Sometimes, she would read, letting the hours slip by. Julian made it a point to return home every evening to have dinner with her. Afterward, they would take peaceful walks along the beach. Time, once equated to money for Aurora, now moved gently, and she didn't mind the change. She had more time to simply exist, to let her thoughts wander.

as Aurora finished her nap and prepared for her usual tea, an unexpected

there's a guest here to

Irene often dropped by with lavish meals to help her stay nourished. On weekends, Heather and Willow would visit. Even distant relatives who rarely stayed in

weather was growing warmer. Aurora descended the stairs casually, dressed in her nightgown with a white robe draped loosely over her shoulders. She wasn't expecting Genevieve's entire

"Frank?" Aurora asked, surprised.

Frank greeted her with a

didn't recognize you," Aurora remarked, recalling how unkempt

out and about, I thought I should make an effort. By the way, Ivy has something she wants to say to

seat on the sofa. Compared to her demeanor at the office, she seemed more relaxed at home, though a faint chill

want?" Aurora asked bluntly. Her voice carried a quiet strength, one that reminded

done. Ivy had nearly cost her everything, including her unborn child. But now, perhaps because of the baby, Aurora had chosen to let go of

Every encounter with Ivy had been hostile, and today, her

Ivy

Aurora. She had never expected them from Ivy, who had always been consumed by her

Ivy began, her voice trembling. "I always thought you'd stolen everything from me. I wanted to destroy you. When the fight over the shares started, I despised you

not even my father's child. I'm just an illegitimate daughter. All my anger, my

me. More capable. I hated you for it. That's why I believed

realized how foolish I'd been, how much harm I'd caused. If you or your baby had been