Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

"Is that your new girlfriend? Go on, coax her. There's no need to stand here in the cold wind with me." Aurora noticed the piercing gaze Alisa had shot her earlier and understood immediately that the woman had misunderstood the situation.

Gore, however, wasn't comfortable leaving Aurora alone. After all, she was quite striking, and the event tonight drew a diverse crowd-people of all types, nationalities, and ages.

To be honest, Aurora was like a rose with thorns, both beautiful and attention- grabbing. Although he wasn't her man, he decided to play the role of her protector until her man arrived.

"Who's standing in the cold wind with you? Can't I stay outside to observe if there are any beauties around?" Gore deflected. He didn't like bringing up his girlfriend in front of Aurora, nor did he enjoy women clinging to him. Aurora, seeing his insistence, didn't push further and let him stay. In the past, she had been used to being alone, thinking it wasn't a big deal. But over time, she had grown accustomed to being cared for and protected. Having a friend by her side wasn't such a bad thing after all.

From a distance, Aurora spotted Asher approaching. He seemed surprised to see her and quickened his pace unconsciously.

"What are you doing here?" "Gore toldthere was a banquet here. I remembered you mentioning you'd be in Europe, so I guessed you might attend," Aurora replied with a smile.

There was a twhen Aurora felt that living in this world was the most miserable thing. How could she be so unlucky? But then, during her darkest days, Asher had appeared like a ray of sunlight, brightening her world.

Aurora began to realize that life could actually be beautiful. From being betrayed and abandoned, trusting no one, she slowly built bonds with friends, a lover, and family.

The more connections she made, the harder it becto sever ties with the world. Yet, these connections were what brought happiness into her life.

"So, you didn't cfor me, huh? Hmph." Gore feigned displeasure. He had known Aurora was a sly little fox, unlikely to cjust for him. Still, he couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, even though he had been happy for a while earlier.

"I'm just here to join the fun. It doesn't matter for whom I came." "It's been a while, Gore. I heard you've already switched to a new girlfriend," Asher quipped, a teasing smile on his face.

"What's wrong with switching girlfriends? At least I don't plan on dying alone," Gore shot back. He liked Aurora, but his feelings weren't as deep as Asher's.

"I'm not like you. Be careful, or you might catch something. What's so bad about being alone?" "Hmph, that's because you've never tasted a woman. Once you-" "Ahem! Boss, are you sure you want to discuss this in front of me?" Aurora interrupted as the conversation veered off course.

"Fine, I'll drop it. I'll introduce him to a few girls later-absolute stunners," Gore said with a chuckle.

"Since when did you beca matchmaker?" Asher retorted mockingly.

Gore knew Asher's feelings for Aurora ran deep. Unlike himself, who could take it or leave it, Asher seemed to see no one else in the world but Aurora.

They were comrades in arms, fighting on the sside, so Gore felt a certain pity for Asher. He wanted to help him move on.

Without Aurora, there were plenty of other women to choose from, better than a lifetof solitude. Gore's intentions were good, but he didn't realize how deeply Asher loved Aurora. If Asher could have moved on, he wouldn't have waited all these years.

"By the way, where's Denis? Why isn't he here?" Aurora asked, thinking Denis might be interested in the project. "He's busy staking out," Asher replied with a smile. Since the last tAurora saw Denis at the press conference, she hadn't seen him again and wondered what he had been up to.

"Staking out?" "Yes. He found out Daria returned hand set a trap for her. He's been focused on that lately, with no tfor anything else." "I see. If he catches Daria, it would be a good thing." As they chatted, two familiar figures appeared in the distance.

"Little Bunny!" Irene called out excitedly, running toward Aurora.

The last time, Nick had been a huge help. However, Nick's aloof demeanor meant Aurora hadn't gotten the chance to properly thank him.

Nick wore his usual expression, as if the world owed him millions of dollars. Even around acquaintances, his face remained impassive.

"Irene, you're here too?" "Hmph, I didn't want to come," Irene grumbled, remembering how Nick had practically dragged her along.

Aurora could tell from Irene's expression that the two hadn't fully reconciled yet. Still, it seemed their relationship had improved somewhat, and she believed they'd be together eventually.

"Let's go," Nick said, giving a slight nod to the group in greeting before pulling Irene along.

"Let go of me! I can walk on my own!" Irene protested, visibly annoyed.

Aurora covered her mouth to hide a laugh. It was clear Irene had grown accustomed to Nick's domineering ways, though she still put up a show of resistance.

With Irene and Nick's presence, Aurora realized this project was likely even bigger than she had initially thought.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, more familiar faces appeared. Eric arrived with Jason and his team, presumably representing his company.

If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all' for freen The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Emily trailed behind, hopping along. "Hey, Eric! Can you slow down? So what if you're tall?" Eric frowned but obediently stopped, allowing Emily to grab his arm.

"Now we can keep pace," she said with a mischievous smile.

"You don't belong here. Who told you to come?" Eric sighed, clearly exasperated by the lively girl.

"Who says I can't be here? You draggedaway from my blind date that day, so now you're responsible for me. If you don't letfollow you, I'll go back hand date ten or so handsmen. My grandparents already have a long list of candidates for me," Emily said smugly. "You wouldn't dare!" "Try me. Unless you letstay, I'll do exactly that," Emily replied, knowing she had him cornered.

"Are you missing something in your life? Always running off to blind dates?" Eric snapped, clearly annoyed.

"Yes, I'm missing you." Emily flashed a brilliant smile, her grin as sly as a m fox. Watching the two Aurora couldn't help but smile. Their dynamic was amusing, and it seemed Eric had finally found someone who could brighten his past. Aurora remembered bits and pieces of Eric's history, and seeing him with Emily now felt like a happy ending.

Eric sighed in defeat and allowed Emily to cling to his arm. But when he turned his head, he spotted Aurora in the distance.

Caught off guard, he awkwardly greeted her. "Uh... how have you been?" "Pretty good, cousin," Aurora replied warmly. To her, Eric would always be her cousin, no matter what his role in her life.

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