I Helped The Imprisoned Male Lead And He Became Obsessed - Side Story, Chapter 5 (END)

The doctor entered the bedroom, followed closely by maids carrying basins of clean water and linens.

“Ahh… ahh!”

Emilian sat beside Anise, gripping her hand tightly as her cries of pain filled the room. His brow furrowed deeply, reflecting the agony he felt as he watched his wife endure the ordeal.

He couldn’t begin to imagine the extent of her suffering, but if it were possible, he would have taken on her pain without hesitation—or, better yet, borne it all himself.

Gently, he stroked her arms and legs, trying to soothe her in whatever way he could. He continuously wiped her sweat-drenched face with a cool cloth, his voice steady as he whispered encouragement.

“Anise, just keep breathing—”

“Aaah!”

“Relax your body a little more… yes, just like that…”

He could feel her trembling through their joined hands, the strength of her grip mirroring her determination.

“You’re doing so well. You’re amazing, Anise,” he said softly, his unwavering words a lifeline amidst the storm.

Anise gritted her teeth, drawing courage from his presence. Though she was the one giving birth, Emilian’s unwavering support beside her made the pain feel more bearable.

And the life inside her belly—their child—was working hard to come into the world.

Drawing a deep breath, Anise bit her lip and pushed once more.

Time stretched on, each second filled with effort and hope.

Then, at long last, a loud cry pierced the air.

“Waaah! Waaah!”

After hours of labor, their first child was born, her powerful wails announcing her arrival to the world.

The doctor carefully cradled the newborn, her hands steady and gentle. She checked the baby’s condition and then turned to the parents with a smile.

“Congratulations, Duchess. You have a beautiful princess!”

At the word daughter, joy lit up both Emilian and Anise’s faces.

But before they could fully absorb the moment, another loud cry filled the room.

“Waaah!”

A few minutes later, their second child made his debut.

The doctor quickly tended to the baby, wrapping him in a soft cloth as she announced, “This time, it’s a prince!”

Emilian and Anise’s eyes widened in surprise, their expressions quickly giving way to pure, radiant delight.

That day, the Duchess of Bernstein safely delivered healthy twins—a boy and a girl.

News of the joyous birth spread quickly throughout the duchy, and the territory was soon alight with celebration, as though the entire realm had become part of their happiness.

***

The midsummer sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering in warm, golden beams.

Leaning comfortably against the bed, I nursed our firstborn, Rose. Her soft, brown hair fell over her round forehead, and her bright crimson eyes—so much like Emilian’s—sparkled as she suckled eagerly.

How can she be this adorable? My sweet baby.

I couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her tiny, wriggling body.

As I adjusted my position to make Rose more comfortable, a soft, whimpering sound came from above.

“Maah…!”

Our second-born, Elvin, blinked his big blue eyes as he reached out toward me from Emilian’s arms. His small hands stretched in my direction, his gesture a clear demand for his turn to be fed.

“Wait your turn, Elvin. Today’s your sister’s day to eat first, so you’ll have to be patient,” Emilian said, brushing his fingers through Elvin’s dark hair with a soothing touch.

Elvin, ever the gentle soul, calmed down quickly after a few quiet words from his father.

“Huuu…” he sighed softly, nestling back into Emilian’s embrace.

“There we go. Good boy,” Emilian said, pressing a tender kiss to Elvin’s forehead.

After some time, Rose’s belly grew round and full from her meal. Satisfied, she pulled away, her tiny arms reaching out toward Emilian.

“Baa!” she called out.

Emilian chuckled, taking Rose into his arms, while I took Elvin and began to nurse him in turn, smiling at the scene.

With her belly full, Rose’s eyelids began to droop. It wasn’t long before she fell asleep, snuggled against Emilian’s chest.

I watched as he carefully laid her in the cradle, his movements gentle and precise, and teased, “Emil, you’ve become quite the expert at this parenting thing.”

He turned to me, his long lashes curving with a soft smile.

“Hmm, maybe not an expert. More like the assistant to an expert?”

His playful comment made me laugh quietly.

Several months had passed since Rose and Elvin were born.

I’d read in books that raising twins was supposed to be twice as challenging, but with Emilian’s enthusiastic help, I hardly felt overwhelmed.

He ensured I never overexerted myself, insisting on the importance of postpartum care.

If the babies woke crying in the middle of the night, he was the first to rise, cradling both of them in his arms and soothing them back to sleep.

Sometimes, he would return to our room at dawn after tending to them, yet he never let exhaustion show, always carrying himself with the same calm and dedication.

Once Elvin had his fill and was sound asleep, Emilian returned to my side.

I glanced up at him and said softly, “Emil, thank you for everything.”

As a husband and as a father, he was nothing short of perfect. My heart overflowed with gratitude.

He brushed a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his smile warm and tender.

“I should be thanking you, Anise. For giving me two beautiful, healthy children.”

Meeting his gentle gaze, I felt a swell of emotion rise within me. The warmth of his words, his love, and our shared happiness brought tears to my eyes.

Leaning my head against his shoulder, I let out a content sigh, feeling his steady presence beside me.

Above us, the golden midday sunlight poured in, bathing us in its gentle warmth.

***

It was a night overflowing with stars, the full moon hanging high over the lofty spires of the duchy.

Emilian and I had just tucked Rose and Elvin into their cradles. After a busy day of rolling over and wiggling about—skills they had been eagerly practicing lately—the twins fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

We kissed each of their foreheads softly, marveling at the angelic serenity of their sleeping faces, and then returned to bed, lying side by side.

I rested my head on Emilian’s firm chest as his arm gently encircled my shoulder.

The soft glow of the lamp cast a warm and cozy atmosphere over the room.

Emilian’s tender gaze brushed against my face as he spoke.

“It’s so peaceful.”

“Yeah, it really is,” I replied with a quiet laugh.

Then, lifting my head, I looked up at him.

Come to think of it… I feel like I haven’t paid much attention to Emilian lately.

Since the twins were born, the time we spent alone together had naturally diminished.

Though Emilian had never once expressed dissatisfaction, I wondered if he might have felt neglected.

Moreover, with the precautions we had taken before and after the birth, it had been quite some time since we’d shared any intimacy as a couple.

Have I been too inattentive to my husband?

Caught up in caring for the babies, I hadn’t even realized how much less affection I’d shown him lately.

The thought struck me hard, and I let out a soft, self-reproachful sigh.

But it’s never too late to make up for it.

Resolving to start now, I leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Emilian’s lips.

His eyes widened slightly in surprise before his long lashes curved with a tender smile.

“Anise, what’s with the sudden adorableness?” he asked, his voice laced with amusement.

Caught off guard by his question, I hesitated briefly before confessing, “I just… feel like I’ve been neglecting you lately.”

When I asked if he had felt hurt by it, Emilian chuckled, reaching out to lightly poke my cheek with his finger.

“You caught on faster than I expected.”

Wrapping an arm snugly around my waist, he murmured teasingly, “I was wondering when you’d notice.”

His tone held more playfulness than reproach, but there was something else in his gaze—a flicker of warmth that deepened into smoldering intensity.

As he shifted his position, I suddenly found myself beneath him, his solid frame casting a shadow over mine.

Trapping me in his embrace, Emilian spoke softly, his voice threaded with yearning.

“To be honest… it hasn’t been easy holding back all this time.”

As he spoke, his lips brushed softly against my forehead, a tender and fleeting touch.

He continued, trailing kisses down the bridge of my nose and across my cheeks.

His hand slipped beneath the hem of my chemise, fingers grazing my thigh with a gentle yet deliberate motion.

Smiling faintly, I murmured, “I’m sorry, Emil. I should have realized sooner.”

“Does that mean tonight, I have your permission?”

The corners of his lips lifted into an irresistible, teasing smile, one that left me unable to deny him.

“Yes, as much as you want,” I replied softly.

No sooner had the words left my lips than his descended on mine, capturing them in a deep kiss.

His tongue swept across the sensitive skin inside my mouth, caressing and exploring. His hand on my thigh pressed higher, sending a wave of heat through me.

“Mm…”

The kiss grew more fervent, leaving my breathing shallow and my stomach tingling with anticipation.

When he finally pulled away, a fine string of saliva bridged the distance between our lips.

His roughened thumb brushed over my mouth, wiping away the lingering moisture, before he brought it to his own lips, licking it away with a smirk as though savoring something sweet.

“Shall we move to the next room?” he asked, his voice low and inviting, as he scooped me into his arms.

I looped my arms around his neck and nodded. “Mm-hmm.”

With a chuckle, he tightened his hold on me, his eyes shimmering with warmth and desire.

***

Nestled in Emilian’s arms, I let out a soft, contented breath. His firm chest, slick with sweat, pressed warmly against me.

What had started as him coaxing me had turned into something I craved even more.

After holding back for so long, we had come together again and again, making up for lost time in each other’s embrace.

Emilian reached out, brushing aside the damp strands of hair clinging to my forehead. His gentle touch made my heart swell with warmth.

“Hey, Emil,” I began softly.

“Yeah?” he replied, his voice calm and steady.

“I’m so glad I married you,” I said, my words sincere but quiet.

His crimson eyes widened slightly in surprise before his lips curved into a mischievous smile, like that of a playful boy.

“Is this because I impressed you tonight?”

“T-That’s not what I meant…”

My face flushed as I shook my head rapidly in denial.

Though, of course, Emilian was impressive, and that certainly made me happy, but…

“Every day with you is so much fun, and I feel happy all the time.”

My voice was a bit shy—this was something I’d always thought but rarely said aloud.

I lifted my gaze, meeting his eyes, which had grown deeper, richer with emotion.

In a voice as sweet as honey, he murmured, “I feel the same, Anise. I can’t imagine a tomorrow without you in it.”

His heartfelt confession made my chest tighten with emotion.

Smiling, I buried my face in his chest, letting his strong arms wrap securely around me.

The night felt fuller, warmer, simply because we were together.

It was a night of perfect happiness, deepening as the hours passed.

<End of Side Story>