Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Aurora stepped back into the event hall, her eyes scanning the crowd. It didn't take

long for her to spot three dazzling figures standing together amidst the sea of guests. Julian stood at the center, his presence commanding, flanked by two men so striking they seemed almost otherworldly.

The trio's appearance caused a stir. Guests whispered and craned their necks, some already raising their phones for sneaky photos. The assumption was obvious: they must be celebrities.

"Asher? Denis?" Aurora's voice broke into a mixture of surprise and delight as she approached them. "What are you two doing here?"

Just two days ago, she'd seen Asher over video call, lounging at Denis Vukic's home and half-watching a soap opera. He'd told her he was swamped-something about the company's recent public listing-and wouldn't be able to make it. She hadn't expected him to come, let alone Denis, whose busy schedule and infamous aloofness made his presence all the more improbable.

Yet here they stood.

"We wanted to surprise you," Asher said, his blue eyes sparkling like a clear summer sky.

Aurora's face lit up as she threw her arms around him. "You have no idea how happy I am to see you!"

"This is your debut work," Asher replied, pulling her closer. "How could I not be here for you?"

Julian, standing just a few steps away, worked hard to keep his expression neutral. He knew the bond between Aurora and Asher was purely platonic, but the sight of her in another man's arms still set his teeth on edge.

Aurora let Asher go, then turned to Denis, offering him a warm smile as she pulled him in for a brief hug. "Denis, I can't believe you're here too."

Denis, ever composed, returned the hug with a polite nod before stepping back. "As your mentor, it's my duty to be here. Don't embarrass me."

made his

arm around Aurora's waist

pitch. What had started

out of a movie!" someone murmured from the

just when the scene couldn't get more surreal, another figure appeared. He walked in with an effortless grace, his cream-colored coat catching the light, his smile warm enough to melt the winter chill. The air

Alvarez?" a

be someone really special." "And all

the one in black. Isn't he famous?

here, he doesn't lose out one

the sound of her name. "Mr. Alvarez?" Her surprise was genuine as her gaze locked

perfume launch and thought I'd drop by." His tone was casual, but Aurora knew him well enough to sense

complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Before Aurora could respond, Julian's voice cut through the moment like a blade. "It's Mrs. Bernet," he corrected coldly,

like a slap, a reminder of what he'd lost. He couldn't bring himself to say it-to

of another car pulling up outside caught everyone's attention. The

lit up with joy as she recognized

a hearty laugh as he approached. "Of course we came! How could we

her father, gave her a

them. She hadn't expected either of

grow more crowded by the second, the atmosphere buzzing

too," Aurora said, her voice tinged

his tone firm yet kind. "How

glanced at his father, his voice quieter but no less sincere.

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