Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 415: A New Beginning

It was the first day of work. The employees who had received offers arrived at the office, their faces glowing with excitement. For those who had switched jobs, this was a fresh start, a new chapter in their lives. Everyone seemed eager to prove themselves.

For the recent graduates stepping into the workforce for the first time, their hearts were filled with hope and anticipation. Ian and a few of his friends, dressed in suits and ties, had shed their carefree college personas.

"We're really starting work here today. It still feels like a dream," one of them remarked.

"Yeah, and no more skipping class or sleeping in. Nobody's going to cover for you now," another teased.

"Ugh, back in school, I couldn't wait to get out of that cage. But now that I'm free, I kind of miss it," someone else added with a sigh.

"Joining the workforce is just entering another type of cage. How many people truly escape it? Unless you become your own boss," a friend replied, shrugging.

Their conversation grew reflective as they realized how much life had changed. School had been full of carefree moments-skipping classes, ordering takeout, staying up all night gaming. But the workplace was a different world. Success here required strategy, focus, and a willingness to fight for one's interests.

"Ian, you've been acting distracted lately. Don't tell me you're not excited to start work?" one of them asked, noticing Ian staring off into space.

"No, of course I am," Ian replied hastily, snapping out of his thoughts. He had been thinking about Aurora. This was her company. Did that mean he would get to see her often?

"You've been zoning out a lot lately. First happy, then dazed. Don't tell me you're lovesick?" Leonard teased.

"Shut up! What nonsense are you spouting?" Ian retorted, glaring at him.

"Wow, touchy, aren't we? Come on, tell us. If you're not into Gemma, who's caught your eye now?" the group prodded, their curiosity piqued.

Her outfit exuded a mix of innocence and allure, designed to appeal to someone like Ian, whom she knew had always been drawn to her. After all, it was

he had dared to look down on her when she

is easily within reach, it's taken for granted. But once it's out of reach, it becomes the one thing they

that her job situation was secure, Gemma's next goal was to find a stable boyfriend. She knew Ian's capabilities well. Back in school, she had overlooked him because his family background couldn't satisfy her materialistic cravings. But now

only fueled her desire to win him back. She was convinced he was just throwing a tantrum and that with

same university, and now we're working at the same company. Please take care of me," Gemma said sweetly, sticking out her tongue and extending

playfulness came across

now seemed calculated and repulsive to him. Without a

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believe you got in too. But work isn't like school-there's

have some sort of grudge against me? Why do you always speak so harshly?" Gemma feigned hurt, her voice tinged with mock innocence. She genuinely couldn't understand why Ian disliked her so much. Aside from

quickly

ruin the

help each other out. Ian's just been in a weird mood lately. Don't mind him," Leonard added with a laugh, though he hid a secret of his own. He had always harbored a quiet crush on Gemma but had kept it to himself out of

Aurora entered the room. Ian's eyes lit up the moment

used to look at her, with admiration and longing. But now, that gaze was directed at someone

Ian's line of sight,

It was her.

a tailored trench coat. She wore no stockings, only a pair of elegant black stiletto heels. Her sleeves were rolled up

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