Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Aurora stayed has Julian suggested. After all, what did it matter what they did as long as they were together? Besides, she wasn't feeling well, and staying indoors on a snowy day was the best choice.

Today, with srare free time, they finally had the chance to watch the movies they'd missed when they were released.

Julian was in the kitchen, not far away, making coffee. Watching Aurora's lips curl into a smile at the movie's plot, his heart warmed.

Aurora, I'm sorry, but as long as you stay by my side, that's enough.

He didn't want her to go out, fearing something might happen-what if she ran into John Walsh? The best solution was for her to remain at home, safe and sound.

Aurora, completely unaware of his concerns, hugged a pillow as the movie captured her full attention.

Julian walked over with a steaming cup of coffee. Through the rising mist, Aurora saw the gentleness and affection in his eyes.

Even though she knew he protected and doted on her willingly, Aurora still felt a little up in the clouds. She thought her life was too perfect now, so perfect it frightened her- what if one day, she lost it all? "Julian, let's watch it together," Aurora said, taking the coffee and placing it aside. It was still too hot to drink. "Alright." Before meeting Aurora, Julian had been a busy man. He rarely had tfor things like movies. Sitting beside her, he held her close, listening to her soft, joyful laughter in his arms.

He glanced at the darkening sky outside. It was night now-that person probably wouldn't keep waiting.

"Julian, what are you looking at? I feel like you've been a bit distracted these past few days," Aurora said, looking at him. She wasn't sure if it was her imagination, but although Julian still treated her as tenderly as ever, there seemed to be a shadow in his expression, as if something was weighing on his mind.

"It's nothing." But he didn't look like it was nothing.

"Julian, are you putting off work because of me? I know you've always been so busy," Aurora said, her thoughts never even brushing the real reason for his distraction.

Julian stroked her head and went along with her assumption. "It's fine. I'll take care of it when I'm back at work." "If you're busy, you don't have to worry about me. You know I'm not a clingy person. I..." Aurora's voice grew worried, fearing she had disrupted Julian's life too much.

Julian gently pulled her into his arms. "Silly Little Bunny, don't you think I know how independent you are? You don't need anyone. You could stand at the top all by yourself, pushing everyone else beneath your feet. But I can't bear to leave you. I want to be near you, to watch over you. Can't you grantthis one small wish?" Aurora leaned into his embrace. "Alright, but don't lethold you back from what's important." "Don't worry, I won't. It's getting late. Let's finish this movie and go to bed. You didn't sleep well last night, so tonight, go to bed early," Julian said, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"Okay. Julian, have you heard anything about the person I asked you to find?" Aurora asked, her mind drifting back to her mother.

She had been so consumed with work these days that she temporarily pushed her thoughts aside. But whenever she stopped, Tina's face would reappear in her mind- their hurried farewell and the curse Tina had mentioned, which Aurora still wasn't sure was real or not.

With no further clues and her mother refusing to contact her, Aurora felt utterly lost. "No news yet. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything," Julian replied, his biggest fear being that Aurora would pursue anything related to Tina.

"Alright." Aurora clutched his shirt lightly, her attention drawn back to the movie. Julian watched her laugh so freely, but his heart grew heavier. He sighed silently.

If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! At a high-end restaurant, a distinguished middle-aged man had been sitting by the window since four in the afternoon. He had been waiting for six hours.

The waiter cby a few times, but every time, his answer was the same: Wait a little longer.

From his seat, he could see the bustling crowds below and the endless flow of cars. The snow continued to fall, hour after hour, cold and relentless.

The waitstaff didn't know who the elegant man was waiting for. They only felt the deep sorrow radiating from him.

Even in middle age, his figure was impressive, without a hint of excess weight. His deep-set eyes, however, were filled with pain.

He was strikingly handsome, a mix of features that spoke of his heritage. If he looked this extraordinary now, one could only imagine how stunning he must have been in his youth.

Many young women these days admired men like him-mature, steady, and refined. And judging by his designer clothes, it was clear he was wealthy.

But the sadness enveloping him made people hesitant to approach. He sat there quietly, as still as a statue, gazing out the window.

By ten o'clock, the restaurant was closing. Most patrons had left long ago.

"Sir, I'm sorry, but we're about to close," a waitress said cautiously. They all knew he had been waiting for someone, and everyone understood how unpleasant waiting could be-especially for someone so important that he would endure six hours in the cold.

"Alright, I understand." His movements were stiff as he pulled out cash from his wallet and paid the bill mechanically.

He glanced at his phone. Since the message he'd sent last night, there had been no response from Aurora-no texts, no calls.

So this is how she chooses to reject me? He thought bitterly. Yet, not long ago, she had seemed so interested. After all, the person they were discussing was her mother. John Walsh stepped out of the restaurant, leaving the warm air behind and stepping into the biting cold.

He took out his phone and found Aurora's number. His thumb hovered over the call button, hesitating.

Just as he was about to press it, his phone rang. It was Tina. Without hesitation, he answered, his voice soft. "Hello?"

"John, is that project nearly done? Can you cback to New Yorkn now?" Tina's voice was gentler than usual, stripped of the sharpness it carried at work. "What, you miss me?" John suppressed his frustration, responding in a teasing tone he knew would deflect the real answer.

Over the years, he had stayed by Tina's side, the closest person to her.

Yet he knew she always kept her guard up, never truly letting anyone into her heart. "Yes, I miss you." Her words cas a soft sigh, almost like a whisper. John froze in place, the snow swirling around him. His expression shifted from shock to joy.

"What... say that again," he stammered, disbelief in his voice.

"John, I miss you. I want to see you," Tina's voice murmured through the line.

"I'll cback immediately. Wait for me." Because of her simple words, the man in the snow was already undone.

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