The night had been tender. When the first rays of sunlight filtered through the window, Aurora stretched an arm out from under the blanket. Her skin was as fair and smooth as a piece of exquisite white jade.
The autumn breeze slipped in through the curtains, bringing a sudden chill that made Aurora open her eyes. She quickly pulled her arm back under the covers.
That small movement was enough to wake Julian. His eyes met her delicate face, and he leaned in to place a kiss on her smooth forehead. “Good morning, Little Bunny,” he said softly.
“Good morning, Julian.” Aurora nestled her head against his chest, still reeling from the passion of the previous night. She didn’t exactly want to recall it, but the memory lingered in her body.
“What’s making you smile so much?” Julian asked, noticing the faint curve of her lips. Her happiness seemed to warm his entire day.
“I was just thinking… when will I have a baby?” Aurora’s gaze drifted to her flat stomach. Alison was already pregnant, so surely it wouldn’t be long for her either.
Whenever the topic of children came up, Julian’s expression always darkened. Before learning about Aurora’s condition, he had been just as eager for a child as she was.
But not long ago, he discovered that Aurora’s body had complications. While he felt regretful, he didn’t dare tell her the truth, fearing the devastating blow it might deliver.
“Why the sudden hurry to have a baby?” Julian asked, gently stroking her hair.
“Didn’t you used to want one even more than I did?” Aurora smiled brightly. “Julian, my revenge is complete, the company is on track, and now I can spend the rest of my days with you.”
She spoke with such joy. She even loved the island Julian had bought for her. “Julian, I’ve already decided-when I get pregnant, I’ll go to the island to rest and take care of myself. Don’t you agree, Biscuit?”
Aurora reached out to stroke the sleepy Biscuit, who was curled up near her pillow. The little cat let out a soft meow without even opening its eyes, as if responding to her words.
“See? Even Biscuit agrees!”
Julian couldn’t bring himself to tell her the cruel truth. Every woman had a tender side, and for many, that tenderness manifested in their longing for children. Even the strongest people softened when it came to their children.
How could he tell her that she might never have a child? That kind of truth would crush her.
Every time he saw the hopeful light in her eyes, he couldn’t bear to extinguish it. “Aurora, having a child is something that should happen naturally. We shouldn’t force it. It’ll happen when the time is right.”
“Julian, why are you acting so strange?”
“What’s strange about me?” Julian asked, startled. Did she sense something?
“You didn’t used to be like this. You wanted children even more than I did. But now, you avoid the topic. You either change the subject or say ‘let nature take its course.’ Were you lying to me before? Do you not want children anymore, or… do you not want children with me?”
Aurora felt a flicker of irritation rising in her chest. Before, when she didn’t want children, he had been the one whispering baby names in her ear.
But now that she wanted to give him a child, he refused to give her a straight answer. She had brought it up three or four times already, and every time, Julian responded the same way.
She couldn’t understand. He was still so good to her, so why couldn’t they talk about this? Every time the subject came up, the atmosphere seemed to freeze over.
“Little Bunny,” Julian said, pulling her into his arms before she could get any angrier. “I dream of you giving me a little baby bunny. How could I not want your child?”
“Then why do you act so cold whenever we talk about it? I can feel your love for me, but why can’t we talk about having kids?” Aurora’s frustration bubbled over.
“It’s not that we can’t talk about it. I just feel that having a child isn’t something we can control. If you ever have one, I’ll be the happiest man alive,” Julian said, avoiding the truth once more.
“Why can’t we control it? We’re both young and healthy. Having a child should be simple.”
Aurora didn’t understand why Julian furrowed his brows as though it were an impossible feat.
“Little Bunny, if we’re meant to have a child, we will. Trust me, I only love you, and I only want to have children with you. Don’t let your mind wander,” Julian said sincerely.
“Alright, then let’s keep trying. I’m sure we’ll have a baby soon.” Aurora finally smiled again.
“Are you saying I’m not trying hard enough?” Julian teased with a mischievous grin as he rolled on top of her. Aurora pushed at his chest with both hands.
“I didn’t say that! Get up-we have work to do. Stop fooling around.”
Julian exhaled slowly. He had dodged the topic this time, but what about the next? If Aurora didn’t get pregnant in another month or two, she would surely start to wonder. She might even insist they go for a checkup.
When the results came out, knowing her personality, she would spiral into overthinking. She wanted a child so badly, and Julian couldn’t bear to see her disappointed.
As for the herbal remedies, Robert had only said they might help regulate her body. He never promised they would cure her condition. Even if they worked, who knew how long it would take?
Julian sighed deeply. Why did fate have to be so unfair to his Little Bunny? She only wanted a baby-why take away her chance to be a mother?
Aurora soon emerged from the bathroom, freshly showered. When she saw Julian sitting there with a furrowed brow, she tilted her head in concern.
“Julian, what are you thinking about? Your brows are all knitted together.”
“Just some work troubles. It’ll be fine soon,” Julian said, rising and heading to the bathroom.
Aurora watched his retreating back. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Julian was hiding something from her. But what could he possibly have to hide?
Aurora shook her head. If he wanted to tell her, he would. If he didn’t, then pressing him wouldn’t help. She let out a small sigh. Some things were better left alone.