Julian gently wiped the tears from Aurora’s face. “Go on, take a look. See if you like this belated birthday gift,” he said softly.
Aurora couldn’t help but think back to that night three years ago when he had whispered in her ear like a devil, saying he would make her an adult. Back then, she had thought of him as nothing less than a demon.
But the gentle man before her now seemed like an angel, the complete opposite of that devilish figure. She nodded, released her hold on his neck, and walked toward the wooden staircase.
The place was impeccably clean, clearly maintained regularly. Aurora carefully stepped onto the stairs.
Julian stood below, watching her ascend. She wore a simple white dress, her dark hair flowing freely down her back. The sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows across her figure.
She looked so natural and fresh, a sight so simple yet so beautiful. His heart filled with emotion. He had spent so many moments in the past watching this same silhouette, convinced he would never have her in this lifetime.
But now, she was truly his. The life he wanted was never about grandeur-it was about quiet, simple moments like this.
Aurora reached the top of the stairs and stood in front of a glass door. There was no keyhole, only a keypad.
“Julian, what’s the code?” she asked, turning to look at him.
Julian had already made his way up behind her. Sliding his arm around hers, he gently guided her hand to press the keys.
Aurora watched as the numbers lit up-it was her birthday. “You set it to my birthday from the start?” she asked, surprised.
“This entire island is yours, let alone this house,” Julian said with a soft smile.
Though they hadn’t just met, he still had a way of surprising her, filling her heart with warmth and gratitude.
The moment she pressed the confirm button, the door emitted a soft click and swung open automatically.
The interior was predominantly wooden, with bold, whimsical designs that felt like they had been plucked straight from a dream.
Before Aurora could take it all in, a soft “meow” broke the silence. She froze, stunned, her body momentarily paralyzed.
She had thought the heart-shaped island and the glass treehouse were the surprises. But apparently, there was more.
A white cat strutted gracefully out of the room, its long tail swishing behind it like it owned the place.
“Julian, is he… is he for me?” Aurora asked, her voice trembling.
She had never told anyone-not even Asher-that she loved cats. It was a secret she kept to herself. Yet somehow, Julian knew.
“He’s yours. His name is Biscuit. You can hold him or pet him-he’s very gentle,” Julian said warmly.
Aurora sat down on the floor and scooped Biscuit into her arms. He was a Ragdoll cat, with silky white fur and striking blue eyes that sparkled like sapphires.
“Biscuit… Biscuit,” she murmured. Though she wasn’t someone prone to tears, she found herself crying again. Her tears fell onto Biscuit’s soft fur.
Sensing her emotions, the cat nuzzled her hand with his head, showing no trace of fear despite meeting her for the first time.
Julian sat down beside her, wrapping both her and the cat in his arms. “Little Bunny, don’t cry. Biscuit is here now.”
Her tears weren’t born of sadness but from a deep sense of gratitude and emotion.
When Aurora was a child, her family had a white cat named Biscuit. He had been her best friend, a part of her family. Biscuit had been there even before Aurora was born, taking care of him being one of Victoria’s favorite pastimes.
After Aurora was born, Biscuit was especially close to her. He accompanied her for five years. One day, when Aurora returned from kindergarten, she found him lying motionless in the yard.
Though usually lively and adventurous, Biscuit always made it home before dark. But that day, something had gone wrong. He had barely made it back, holding on to his last breath, just long enough to lick Aurora’s hand before closing his eyes forever.
To little Aurora, Biscuit wasn’t just a pet. He was her friend, her family. His passing left a hole in her heart for a long time. Even when her mother suggested getting her another identical white cat, Aurora refused.
It was then she learned the pain of loss, and she never wanted to go through it again.
Years later, on the ship, Aurora had shared Biscuit’s story with Julian while he told her a story of his own. She never imagined he would remember-and be so thoughtful.
Though the Ragdoll in her arms wasn’t exactly the same as the Biscuit she once had, Aurora’s heart swelled. She had never owned another pet since then, but she had always loved them.
“Don’t worry,” Julian assured her. “This time, Biscuit won’t leave you. I’ve made sure he’s well cared for. He’ll be with you for the rest of his life.”
Aurora stroked Biscuit’s fur. It was clear from his sleek coat and healthy body that he had been cared for with great attention. She buried her face in his soft, snowy fur, breathing in his unique scent. Warmth spread through her heart.
“Let Biscuit roam for a bit. There’s more for you to see,” Julian urged, eager to show her the rest of the house.
“Okay,” Aurora said, releasing Biscuit. The cat affectionately rubbed against both of them before padding off, his tail swaying behind him.
The house was filled with plants, giving it a lush, natural atmosphere. The tempered glass walls allowed a full view of the outside, yet from the outside, all anyone could see was a shimmering green-blue tint.
The living room was cozy, with plenty of areas for relaxation. A bar stocked with fine liquor sat nearby, perfect for hosting parties.
Upstairs, there were two bedrooms, a study, and a music room. The highlight was the large terrace, where a swing and lounge chairs awaited.
Standing on the terrace, Aurora could see the entire island. The surrounding sea stretched endlessly, a brilliant blue. A gentle breeze carried the scent of saltwater, mingling with the fragrance of the flowers planted nearby.
“Julian, the ocean… this is…” Aurora stood there, taking in the breathtaking beauty. She felt her heart expand, as if all her worries had been swept away.
“Do you like it here?” Julian asked, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
Aurora nodded. “I love it. When we’re old, can we come here to live? We could have a carefree, peaceful life.”
“There’s no need to wait until we’re old. If you want, we can live here now,” Julian said, smiling.
Seeing the joy on her face made everything he had done worthwhile. All he wanted was to see her smile like this.
“Yes,” Aurora said, twirling around on the terrace. “This place is better than any vacation. Here, I can do whatever I want.”
“Then why don’t we start by doing something right now?” Julian said with a mischievous smile, stepping closer to her.