Chapter 12: Husband & Wife

Aizen's POV

Last night, Desiree and I shared a passion that ignited a fire within me, unlike any I've ever felt before. Her kiss seared my skin, leaving an indelible mark, a sensation I couldn't shake off. At that moment, I craved her like never before. She tasted of sweetness and innocence, yet her passion matched mine. It was as if she yearned for me just as fiercely. I wanted her completely, to claim her as mine, to hold her close. But I had to restrain myself, stopping at that kiss. Despite my burning desire to take things further, I had to resist. It was then that I realized the depth of my feelings for her. And because I love her, I must deny myself the chance to possess her fully. 

I watched her sleeping—a delicate figure amidst the darkness of the room. Her presence was like that of a fallen angel, yet the blood stains on her dress tainted the ethereal image. 

I sighed heavily, running a hand through my hair in frustration. I hadn't anticipated her still being awake last night, catching me in such a compromising state. The fear gnawed at me relentlessly; the prospect of her discovering my secret life was daunting. 

As much as I yearned to be completely honest with her, I knew the consequences would be dire. Desiree's devout Christian beliefs would clash with the darkness of my deeds. If she were to uncover the truth, it would undoubtedly lead to her despising me. And the thought of her recoiling in fear and disgust haunted me. 

Moreover, her safety hung precariously in the balance. If she were to become aware of the dangers lurking in my world, she would be thrust into a perilous existence. For her sake, I must continue to conceal the truth, even at the cost of my own turmoil. 

Desiree's eyes fluttered open, a soft yawn escaping her lips as she rubbed the sleep from them. Sitting up, she met my gaze, her expression a mix of curiosity and embarrassment, her cheeks flushed with color. Her reactions are cute as always. 

"Aizen," she began, her voice hesitant, "last night..." She trailed off, her words faltering momentarily. Moving closer to me, she reached out, her hand tenderly grasping mine. "What happened?"

"Between us or before that?" I asked, the words slipping out before I could stop them, earning a playful pinch from her. 

"Aizen," she groaned, her eyes filled with concern. "I know what happened between us, alright? What I want to know is what happened to you..." Her voice wavered with anxiety, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "When I called you, I heard a gunshot... and the scream I heard wasn't from that TikTok, was it?" A single tear escaped, trailing down her cheek, and she wiped it away hastily. "I was scared and worried for you."

I enveloped her in a gentle embrace, pressing kisses to her shoulder as reassurance. "I had to handle some dangerous situations," I disclosed softly. "That's all you need to know, alright?" It wasn't entirely false; the encounter involved dealing with a rival spy. "Do you trust me?"

To my surprise, Desiree nodded. "I trust you, Aizen," she affirmed, her arms encircling me. "Somehow, I find myself trusting you. So, please, don't break my trust." Her tone was a blend of pleading and sincerity, a plea from the depths of her heart. "Aizen, about last night..."

"You mean what happened between us?" I interjected playfully, a hint of mischief in my tone. 

"Aizen," Desiree's voice carried a note of seriousness as she spoke my name. 

"I won't let anything bad happen to you," I vowed my voice firm with determination. "I will protect you with my life. So, you can trust me, Desiree." Gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, I continued, "As for what happened between us, I understand that the circumstances might've gotten us carried away. I understand if you want to forget it ever happened."

Though I wish you wouldn't… But it's better if you did.

"I told you to stop making assumptions, didn't I?" she interjected, her hand cupping my face as she guided me nearer. "Aizen, I think I'm…" Her voice faltered, her lips caught between her teeth in uncertainty. 

Don't say it, Desiree. If you do, I'm not sure I could ever let you go.

"I think I'm falling for you," she confessed, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. 

I couldn't help but smile at her admission, her bashful demeanor melting my heart. Despite her embarrassment, there was a fierce determination in her eyes, like a grumpy cat ready to attack. 

"Well say something!" she demanded impatiently, her frustration evident. 

Before she could retreat in embarrassment, I reached out and pulled her back into my embrace, her face now pressed against my chest. She glared up at me, a playful pout gracing her features. 

"I loved you since we were children," I found myself confessing before closing the gap between our lips. I smiled, pulling away from her. "I'm sorry it took me so long to realize that," I apologized. "But the truth is out. I love you, Desiree Gotz."

Her puzzled expression only fueled my amusement. "Well," I teased, "Say something."

"So what are we now?" she asked, her hands lightly clutching my shirt. 

"Husband and wife," I replied, planting a tender kiss on her eye. "You're mine and I'm yours. Just as it always should've been." Holding her close, I felt a surge of happiness in my heart. "Let's do this right—our marriage. At least until it's over and you've decided you want to return to your old life."

"Shall we do that?" she smiled, burying her face against my chest, her arms tightening around me. "If you keep all your promises… If you don't break our trust… I might just stay with you." Her words resonated with sincerity, carrying the weight of her commitment. "If that's what you want."

It is. I want it badly… But a girl like you—an angel—can't possibly descend into hell with me. I'd rather see you ascend than witness you broken and scarred because of me. 

"You don't want it?" she asked, bringing me back from my reverie.

"I do," I replied, "But as you saw last night, life with me is dangerous… Are you sure you can handle that?"

"For better or for worse, remember?" Desiree reminded me, her voice filled with conviction. "In sickness and health… Til death do us part…"

"Des…"

"Don't worry about it," she assured me, her innocence and kind-heartedness shining through. "We're supposed to be a team. So, lean on me, and I'll lean on you." She planted a gentle kiss on my cheek, then my lips. "Let's just live in the now, alright? Five years is a long way from now."

I smiled warmly, nodding in agreement as Desiree's expression turned serious. 

"I do have a request," she began, her eyes stern and her tone firm.

I nodded, encouraging her to continue. "What is it?" I inquired gently.

She fidgeted with her hands, a hint of embarrassment evident in her demeanor. "Regarding children…" she trailed off, her cheeks flushing pink.

"Oh," I murmured, feeling a similar warmth creeping up my own cheeks. 

"I don't want to…" Desiree struggled to articulate her thoughts, her embarrassment palpable. "I'm a Christian girl, and I don't do… that," she admitted hesitantly, her breath coming out in short, nervous bursts. "I know that we're married, too," she continued, her gaze refusing to meet mine. "But… until five years have passed and we're certain about staying…" Her voice wavered, her hands trembling with uncertainty. "I don't want to have children."

I couldn't help but chuckle at her candidness, though I quickly realized my mistake as tears welled up in her eyes. 

"Bastard!" she exclaimed, pulling away from me and making her way to the door, her frustration evident in her every step. 

Chuckling softly, I shook my head in amusement at her outburst. Despite her anger, she still managed to look adorable. 

She's so damn cute.

Desiree returned a moment later, her anger evident in her posture. "This is my room," she declared, pointing towards the door. "You should be the one getting out!"

"I'm sorry," I murmured, pulling her into a tender embrace. "I love you, Desiree." Planting gentle kisses on her pouting lips and forehead, I continued, "Of course, I wouldn't force you to have children. I respect your wishes." 

Desiree smiled, her tears drying as she leaned into my embrace. 

Unable to resist teasing her, I whispered in her ear, "But if you ever change your mind…"

"Pervert!" she accused, playfully hitting my chest. "You just had to ruin the moment." She sighed, shaking her head in mock exasperation. "How could I have fallen for someone like you?"

"Because I'm handsome, hot, and smart," I replied with a playful grin, tightening my hold on her. "By the way, why did you call yesterday?"

"Oh," she said, her expression brightening, "I got an offer for my novel… I wanted to ask you if it was alright to sign.."

"That's fantastic news!" I exclaimed, genuinely thrilled and proud of her achievements. "What's the publishing house?"

"Imperial Inkwell Press," she replied. 

Furrowing my brows in surprise, I mused, "Imperial Ink? They sent you an offer?"

"Yes," she confirmed with a nod, "Why?"

"That's one of our companies," I explained, feeling a surge of pride. "I suppose they recognize your hard work!"

She regarded me skeptically. "Are you sure you didn't send this?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. 

"No," I reassured her earnestly. "This is the first I've heard of it. I swear." Tenderly kissing both her hands, I continued, "My wife, I would never interfere with that. This is something you love doing, right? You got that offer because you're talented."

Her smile widened at my words. "Alright," she said, her grin infectious, "Wait until they find out who 'Sunny' really is!"

I embraced her tightly, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. 

I wish that all this isn't a dream, and that despite everything, even if you find out about who I really am and the secrets that I kept… I hope that you'll still stay. 

I silently wished that this moment would last forever, praying that despite the secrets I kept, she would choose to stay by my side...