Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

"Since it's your lucky charm, I can't take it. You're expecting now, and you'll be returning to the family soon. You should keep it," Tina said, handing the bracelet back.

"Mom, my health is perfectly fine right now. But your complexion looks so pale. I can't always be by your side, so if you wear this bracelet, it'll feel like I'm with you all the time, okay? Even if the lucky charm is just psychological, I truly hope you'll get better. You need to live a long life," Aurora said as she carefully placed the bracelet on Tina's wrist.

"Alright then," Tina replied, knowing it was likely just a comforting notion, and didn't refuse further.

The two shared a heartfelt conversation, so warm and intimate that anyone overhearing might mistake them for sisters. Tina's face was remarkably smooth, without any visible wrinkles.

John Walsh entered with a platter of fruit. "Are you two done talking? May I come in now?" He always seemed to know what Tina was up to, as if he could read her mind.

"Yes, come in," Tina said.

The fruit platter was thoughtfully prepared: some of it was Aurora's favorite, while the rest was Tina's. It was clear how attentive John was, making sure everyone's preferences were considered.

"Thank you, Uncle John," Aurora said sincerely.

When Tina had first appeared, Aurora had desperately wished for her parents, Tina and Magnus, to reconcile. Magnus had made mistakes, but he had always loved Tina. As their daughter, Aurora naturally longed for her parents to reunite.

However, after John Walsh entered the picture, Aurora realized she had been wrong. John treated Tina so well that, perhaps, he was better for her than Magnus ever was.

Reuniting her parents was important, but more than that, Aurora wanted her mother to be happy. If John Walsh was the one who could bring that happiness, then she had no objections.

you two is my responsibility," John said with a smile, placing the fruit platter on the table. He then adjusted a pillow behind

speared a piece of orange,

this was how the two of them usually interacted. But now, with Aurora

also worried about how Aurora might feel. After all, Magnus was her father, and no child would

parted to accept the orange before closing again, followed by a quick, shy glance

Tina

had been fiercely independent, never relying on anyone for anything. Now

you," he

replied, trying

you?" John's voice trembled slightly, revealing his lingering fear. Aurora

about my health and didn't dare tell me directly. I found out through the news that you were missing. I

and rushed her to the hospital in time. Tina spoke of it lightly now, but Aurora could imagine how dire the situation must

hand tightly. "It's okay. See? I'm perfectly fine

if you visit her often, Tina's health will recover even faster," John chimed in, feeding Tina another piece

Tina forgot about her earlier hesitation and instinctively ate the orange. As she chewed, she suddenly remembered Aurora was still in the room. Spitting

the child is still here," she scolded John, playfully hitting him

arm.

all her energy to work. But now, seeing her blush like a shy young woman, John felt a surge of affection. If Aurora weren't present, he would have struggled

That's what John thought in that

be his little girl, no matter how capable and formidable she appeared to the outside world. She was someone he wanted to