Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 542: Heating Pad

Aurora stood in front of the thick, down-filled coat, her lips tugging into a faint pout. It was this year's latest design-stylish and expertly crafted-but no matter how fashionable it was, a down jacket could never rival the elegance of a tailored coat.

From across the room, Julian watched her with an amused smile. Aurora, who always carried herself with the poise of royalty in public, only let this softer, more candid side show when they were alone. It was a sight that never failed to warm him.

As if drawn by instinct, he walked over and slipped his arms around her from behind, his chin brushing her shoulder.

"If you don't want to wear the down jacket, don't," he murmured, his voice low and teasing. "Just remember: it's freezing out there."

Aurora tilted her head slightly, her gaze still fixed on the coat. "It's fine," she said at last. "I'll wear this one."

She reached for a long black coat and slipped it on, pairing it seamlessly with a dark navy dress beneath. The combination was sleek, understated, and undeniably elegant.

As she adjusted her outfit with practiced ease, Julian returned, carrying a small bundle in his hands.

"Julian, what's that?"

"Heating pads," he said simply.

Aurora raised an eyebrow. "Heating pads?"

Julian chuckled. "Yeah. Yesterday, during the rehearsal, you were freezing, even though it was a short one. Today's going to be much longer, and I don't want you catching a cold."

He had discreetly consulted Rocky the day before, asking for advice on keeping Aurora warm without compromising her style. Rocky, ever the resourceful one, had suggested heating pads-a winter essential Julian had thought to be useful only when Aurora was on her period.

against the fabric of her

the sudden warmth spreading through her body. "Why didn't I

skin, light but lingering. Julian grinned. "You're too busy

laughed, the sound soft and

to the mirror, her hands moving deftly through her makeup routine. Today's look was more intricate than usual; there was no room for error with so many reporters expected. Once her makeup was complete and her

company building, but

a note of curiosity in her voice.

if it wasn't, I

be there for my big moments." "Always," Julian said, reaching over

square hosting the launch was alive with energy. A sea of people had gathered, and the air buzzed with anticipation. Across the plaza, another stage had been set up for a competing event hosted by

invited Sophie, a mega-celebrity from Clothville, to appear at his event. Sophie's

car. The sheer size of it made her pause for

a concert than a launch," she said under her breath, marveling at the power of celebrity culture. Fans had traveled from all over just

her hand, his grip steady and reassuring as they wove through the crowd toward the stage. Though neither of them were celebrities, their striking looks and

could stop hearts. Even fans who had come for

to enter show business, Julian mused, she would take the industry by storm. But he knew she had no interest in that kind of

---

they approached the backstage area, Ian appeared,

mess, and dark circles shadowed

her tone light, though there was a hint of concern behind her

prepped for snow, but I'm still worried something might