The Devil Doesn't Bargain | Daerin

26 | Our Unspoken Vows

𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐕

I slowly open my eyes, wincing as I stir. My whole body aches from lying still for so long. Slowly, the room comes into focus.

Where am I? What happened? 

How long have I been sleeping?

I'm lying on a plush bed in a mansion, cocooned in layers of soft blankets. The room is dimly lit, with soft moonlight filtering through the curtains. It's a full ICU unit within the mansion, equipped with machines beeping softly and monitoring my vitals. The air is filled with the faint scent of jasmine, so soothing and comforting.

I feel a tenderness in my chest, a sensation that's both foreign and familiar. With the strength I have, I move my hand to my chest. The dull ache reminding me of the surgery I barely remember.

The first thing I see is a tall woman sleeping peacefully on a chair beside me. Her hand holds mine tightly, our fingers gently intertwined. She's in a black shirt, two buttons undone, like she's in a work suit without her tie and blazer. From what I see, she must've just come back from work.

I frown. I can't quite remember her name, but I can feel my whole heart filled with love. I love her so much.

Ah. Just then, I remembered. She's none other than my wife.

Kang Haerin.

I move my hand to touch her hair, though it aches. Just as I'm about to reach her, she stirs awake. Her cat-like eyes flutter open. Through her sleep haze, her expression softens as she sees me. A sweet smile curves her lips.

"You're awake," she whispers.

"Haerin." 

The first thing that I say is her name. Of course.

I move my fingers to stroke her hair softly before cupping her cheek. She leans into my hand, nuzzling it like a cat as she closes her eyes. The sweet smile never leaves her lips.

My throat feels dry. "Where am I?"

"You're safe, unnie. You're at the Kang Mansion, my dad's house," Haerin replies, leaning in to kiss my forehead. "Everything went perfectly without a single mistake. The surgery was a success."

Unnie.

Little did I know how much I'd missed her calling me by that name out of the thousands of nicknames she gave me. She sure knows how to make me feel special, doesn't she?

"But..." 

I want to ask why I'm in her dad's mansion instead of the hospital, but never mind. This whole house can build a complete ICU for me, and it's a good thing. Maybe she prefers to have me here, safer from all the people outside.

"Hm?" Her eyes are open. She looks at me softly to continue my words.

I shake my head, smiling to assure her. "Nothing. I just... love you."

Haerin chuckles, leaning in to kiss my lips, so soft and tender. She tastes so sweet, like vanilla. Definitely sweeter than that.

"I love you more, unnie. More than anything in this universe," she murmurs as she slowly leans back. 

Our eyes meet, and I see only sincerity in them, filled with a love that even the amount of stars can't match.

I continue stroking her face, memorizing every detail of the woman I love. "I was... I was unsure." I pause, taking a breath. "So the first thing I wanted to do when I woke up... was tell you I love you."