Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Aurora didn't dare to open her eyes. She simply nodded. "Mm."

"Good girl. If you're tired, just sleep. I'll go take a shower. Don't wait for me," Julian said, gently kissing her forehead.

After he left, Aurora opened her eyes and caught sight of his tall, broad back. She wondered if, one day after she left, she would still remember that silhouette.

Though her body was exhausted, she couldn't sleep. Aurora got up and sat at the desk.

She took out a pen and paper, carefully writing down the words she couldn't bring herself to say to Julian's face-words that were cold and final. The sound of water from the bathroom, her shadow on the wall, and the soft, warm light of the lamp all added to the sorrowful atmosphere.

When Julian came out, Aurora was already asleep. He quietly turned off the light and got into bed. Like always, Aurora instinctively nestled into his arms, wrapping her arms around his waist.

He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but tonight Aurora held him tighter than ever before, as if he was her entire world, someone she couldn't afford to lose.

That night, Aurora was haunted by nightmares. She dreamt of separation and kept calling Julian's name.

"No, Julian, don't leave me."

Her cries woke Julian. He found her gripping his pajama shirt tightly, her face full of fear even though her eyes remained closed.

"Little Bunny, don't be scared. It's just a dream. I'm here with you. Don't be afraid." His voice was soft, comforting, like a mother soothing her child.

Aurora half-opened her eyes, unsure if she was still dreaming or awake. "Julian, don't leave me..."

to leave you? Did you have a nightmare?" Julian gently wiped

day I forget you? If

by her dream. Knowing how sensitive pregnant women could be, he gently held her close. "Silly girl,

What if I do forget you? What would you

I'll pursue you all over again. I'll do everything we did before so you'll remember me. You're the mother of my

make a promise. If I really forget you one day, you have to

alright. Let's make a promise." Julian linked his pinky with hers and kissed her gently.

arms. Perhaps it was his promise, but she slept especially soundly

morning, she didn't wake until nine. When she opened her eyes,

her little finger, she could almost feel the lingering warmth of his touch. Julian, you have to come find

his favorite white dress and tied her hair into a high ponytail. In the mirror, she looked nothing like someone about to become a mother. Without makeup, her face was as fresh and youthful as a high school student's. Slowly, she walked downstairs. The aroma of cooking wafted from the

He was reading

you! The serious expression on his face made it seem like

well? You had a nightmare

in front

months, when the baby grows bigger, you probably won't sleep well at all. If the baby's too fussy, maybe we shouldn't have another

than anyone, but at this moment, he was willing to give them up for her sake. Meeting a man like him was the luckiest thing that

"Julian, thank you."

down the spoon and turned to hold her in his arms. "Thank you for loving me, for showing me how beautiful love can be. Even years from now, when I think back to today, I'll still

forever and ever,"

the gentle morning sunlight, they held each other tightly. It was as if, before she left, this was her final way

with laughter and screams. Children ran around everywhere, their golden hair and blue eyes shining

a child with blue eyes passed by, Julian would glance at