Chapter 444 [Bonus Chapter]Welcome Back, Gorgeous.

Ever since Aries escaped Joaquin's grasp that day at the world summit, she never recalled a day she rested. Although her first several months in the Haimirich Empire were peaceful, her brain never relaxed. She couldn't help but always wonder about many things, such as 'when would Abel come to her room for her service?', 'was he violent?', 'what sort of pain must she prepare for? And the sort.

Obviously, Abel was very different from what she expected. He was quite tolerable, but at the same time, very stressful to deal with. She had to tread on eggshells around him, afraid she would lose her life if she uttered the wrong word or don't utter a word at all.

Even when her relationship with him had gotten better over time, Aries still pushed herself beyond the limit to exact her revenge on Joaquin until she finally stepped foot in this very land. As soon as she returned to the Maganti Empire, everything that followed was a series of scheme after scheme, acting all day even when no one was looking, and thinking about every possible setback and solution.

It was a miracle how she lasted for years of abuse, pressure, and battle for survival. But Aries was only human, and her body eventually tapped out, forcing rest into her exhausted body and mind.

Most of the time, Aries would have nightmares every single night, making her relive the traumatizing times of her life. It was like a reminder to her why she should survive and thrive.

But now, there was nothing.

There were no nightmares or the sort. It was just darkness, stuck in the middle of the lightless tunnel where she didn't want to move an inch to see where it would lead her. It was peaceful and silent, something she would get addicted to.

"Funny," she whispered, her voice echoing in this pitch-black darkness. Despite not seeing a thing, she knew she was sitting and hugging her knees. "I don't feel alone or lonely at all."

"Because you are not."

Her lips curled up upon hearing Abel's familiar voice right beside her. She lowered her head until her chin was on her knees.

"Am I dreaming?" she asked soothingly.

"You are... sleeping, but not dreaming," he answered while sitting beside her leisurely. "We are not in a dream, darling. We're in your subconscious."

"Oh..."

Abel kept his eyes on her and smiled, but said nothing further. As they kept their sentiments in their head, silence danced with the thick darkness for the two of them to watch.

"Have I been sleeping that long?" she asked after the prolonged silence.

N0 v el Next. CoM

"I wouldn't be here if you're not taking too long to come back to me, darling."

"I see," she whispered, lowering her eyes. "I was tired."

"I know."

"Were you angry I was taking too long?"

"No, but I definitely missed you."

She smiled subtly. "The only reason I will wake up is to be with you," she confessed under her breath. "Even so, I need a little break."

"I know." He rocked his head. "You deserved it, darling. Rest."

Silence once again fell on them after his remarks. Abel had been with her since coming to her room, keeping his silence and almost fusing with darkness. He didn't plan to let her know about his presence and simply planned to be there for her, but as expected, she was keen, even in her subconscious mind.

"What happened when I passed out?" she inquired once more after a long time.

He hummed for a moment to ponder about it. "I don't know."

"You mean you don't care enough for you to bother?"

"I can check for you."

N0 v el Next. CoM

"No need." She chuckled weakly. "Just stay here with me."

"It'll be an honor."

"Can you see me?" she asked out of plain curiosity because she couldn't see him. It was just darkness, as if she had her eyes closed, even when she was certain she had them open.

"Yes. Clearly."

"I want to see you," she whispered.

"Then, wake up."

Her lips curled bitterly. "Not yet," her voice was low and soft. "Will you get angry about that?"

"No." Abel let out a shallow breath, stretched his arm, and held her hand. "Better?"

Aries's eyes softened, feeling his hand on top of her fist that was between them. Her bitter smile was slowly replaced with affection and gentleness.

"Mhm..." she hummed. "Better."

"I will never get angry at you," he reassured calmly. "Even if you stab me in the back, I won't get angry. You don't have to keep asking questions with obvious answers."

"Can you blame me?" she returned in the same tone. "Your feelings and opinions matter to me. I don't want to upset you."

"The only time you will upset me is if you die."

Another faint chuckle slipped past her lips while his lips stretched. He squeezed her hand mildly, letting his faint warmth transfer to her chilled fingers.

"You'll be fine, darling," he reassured, raising her hand to his lips. He planted a soft peck on her knuckles. "You don't have to be afraid. I got your back."

Aries bit her inner lips. "I know that," she answered with a long-suffering sigh. "But that scares me."

She slowly adjusted her position until she was facing the direction where his voice was coming from. Although she couldn't see him, Aries could feel his gaze.

"I know you will not hurt me, but… what if I fail?" came out a whisper, expressing the newfound fear of the development of their relationship. "I can't… bear a child anymore, Abel."

"Was being unable to bear a child called a failure?"

"But…" she lowered her head. "… that's the only thing I can give you."

He frowned and sighed, cupping her cheek up. His eyes scanned her face in this darkness, seeing a thousand more unspoken fear settling in her heart aside from not being able to bear a child.

"Love me," he uttered under his breath. "And choose me even if it hurts, or it is hard sometimes. That's all you need to do, and that's all I need from you. To love me with all your heart… and allowing me to love you to my heart's content."

Nove l B(in).C OM

Abel leaned closer until his forehead was resting on hers. His hand was still cupping her cheek while the other cradling her hand.

"I don't want to fail you," she repeated, unable to express all other things that could be called failing him and this love. She might be sure she wouldn't want to fail him intentionally. It was just that everything she had loved often ended up miserable.

"You won't," he returned under his breath, but with conviction. "Trust me, you won't."

Aries raised her other hand to hold the hand that was cupping her cheek. "How do you know I won't?"

"Because I said so."

Despite not seeing his face, Aries smiled warmly. She could feel his affection not just from his touch, but also from his gaze.

"Just what if we failed?" she whispered, making him smile subtly.

"We'll figure it out... together."

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Aries slowly opened her eyes, only to be greeted by the same voice lying on her side. She blinked weakly until his face hovering on her side came clear.

"Welcome back, Gorgeous." His lips stretched into a sly smirk while she smiled back tenderly.

"I'm home."