Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Aurora glanced at the time-there were still twenty minutes before the auction began. Even while standing quietly in the corner, she had already been approached by several

men.

It wasn't surprising. Her aura was uniquely cool and detached, her beauty striking, and she had recently become a figure of public fascination. The black dress she wore accentuated her perfect figure, making even her silhouette captivating. Combined with the powerful background of the Montgomery family, it was no wonder that many young elites couldn't help but be drawn to her.

Though Aurora disliked these approaches, she forced herself to respond politely, even as her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Julian and Mira. There was no room for idle chatter. After turning down yet another attempt at conversation, she decided to head to the restroom to touch up her makeup and kill some time.

Standing before the mirror, she reapplied her red lipstick, its bold color enhancing her queenly demeanor. Just as she finished, a familiar reflection appeared behind her-it was Ivy. They hadn't seen each other in months, but Ivy's hatred for her hadn't diminished. In fact, it seemed even stronger now, her eyes burning with fury.

"Long time no see," Aurora said, putting away her lipstick.

"I've been dreaming of this moment," Ivy spat.

"Oh? I didn't know my dear cousin cared so much about me," Aurora replied, zipping up her handbag and washing her hands. To her, Ivy was no more than a passing stranger, someone incapable of stirring even the slightest ripple in her emotions.

Ivy's face darkened at Aurora's indifference. "You ruined my entire family. I've been praying every day for your death."

"Cousin, you really are vicious," Aurora said with a faint smile. "I thought everything that happened would've taught you a lesson. Clearly, I was wrong. People like you only focus on how others treat you poorly, conveniently forgetting the harm you've inflicted on others."

Aurora pulled a tissue from the dispenser and wiped her hands with her usual elegance, exuding an air of composure no matter what she was doing.

Ivy's lips curled into a cold smile. "I may have hurt you, but you survived-heaven seems to favor you. You're still living well, aren't you?"

matters," Aurora said flatly. She wasn't normally a woman who lacked patience,

but hesitated, remembering the strange power Aurora had exhibited at home

the freshly polished floor, and she nearly fell. Damn it, she thought, how could I be so careless? The embarrassment of falling in public loomed over

hit the ground, however, she felt herself being caught by a strong arm.

Aurora said as she looked up at her rescuer. The man's face was handsome and chiseled, his eyes strikingly familiar, as though she

by the floor-to-ceiling windows, wishing he

soon.

fragrant-was this the perfume she had developed herself? It smelled incredible, unlike anything he'd

with gentlemanly composure. "The floor was just

moved to step out of his arms, but his grip tightened

loosening his hold immediately. "I forgot myself for

retreating figure, her scent still lingering in his senses. Her body was so soft, he thought, unable

broke through his thoughts as she exited the restroom. Kyle's expression shifted instantly, the tenderness in his eyes replaced by icy

her earlier, he couldn't shake the thought that she

you, Mr. Raymond," Ivy said, her

go," Kyle

through

dimmed, signaling that the event was

stage and began the customary opening remarks. The audience fell silent, each person

announced. "This treasure comes from the distant lands of Africa. As you all know,

the diamond's origins, Aurora found herself distracted. Her mind was heavy, like a stone pressing down on her chest, leaving