Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

"Ding-"

The elevator doors opened. The receptionist led Mira to Aurora's office door and knocked politely. "Miss Montgomery, Miss Mira is here."

"Come in," Aurora's voice came from inside.

"Miss Mira, please go ahead."

Mira entered Aurora's office to find someone seated behind a computer, seemingly engrossed in painting. "Miss Montgomery, how refined. Even at work, you find time to cultivate your artistic interests," Mira remarked with a hint of sarcasm.

Aurora ignored the jab. She had never been one to let others dictate her actions. Finishing the last touch of color on her canvas, she put down her brush.

"Miss Mira, forgive me for not welcoming you sooner," Aurora said, standing up and picking up a damp cloth to wipe the red paint that had accidentally smudged her hand.

Mira walked towards Aurora. "What are you painting, Miss Montgomery? I studied art back in the day. Why not let me take a look and offer my critique?"

Mira was genuinely curious. Having already regarded Aurora as a rival, she sought to compare herself to Aurora in every way. Even Aurora's painting skills were something she wanted to evaluate.

However, Aurora had no intention of showing her work. This particular piece was a special one-created exclusively for Candy, a one-of-a-kind design that would not be part of any commercial project.

For a designer, sketches were precious. Many had encountered problems when their designs leaked before official release, causing unnecessary trouble.

As Mira approached, Aurora calmly took a blank sheet of paper and covered her sketch. "It's a trade secret, I'm afraid I can't share it."

twinge of irritation at being refused. "Miss Montgomery, I heard you're also involved in fashion design. Is this a draft for a new collection? I heard Julian brought

you have to draw your own designs? You truly are a designer misplaced

words were laced with insinuation. Aurora felt her patience wearing thin. She had not sought trouble with Mira, yet this

familiar was Mira with him? If Aurora didn't trust

was at it again. Although Aurora knew Julian

you didn't come here just to hurl insults at me? If you're in the mood, I can have someone make you a cup

someone so young would be immature, but Aurora remained unbothered, her expression calm

about to say so earlier, but when I saw you painting, it slipped my

a feeling this woman wasn't here with

secretary to prepare coffee, then returned to her seat. "Please,

well. I'm not one for beating around the bush, so I'll get straight to the point. Earlier, Julian and I traveled to

didn't involve herself in Julian's work. During their time together,

surprised her back then. He

you, even declaring that I should

been so close to

having heard bits and pieces about the situation from Julian. His explanation, however,

to

had known it was a significant project but had never imagined such a staggering figure. And to think it was only

Julian had been able to secure a foothold, the future potential was beyond imagination. Aurora already knew he had given up

were reasons for what happened," Aurora said, unwilling to

more capable than the average woman, what else do you have? What makes you worth his unwavering devotion? What could possibly make him sacrifice so much for you?" "You'd have to ask him that. I'd like to know the answer myself," Aurora replied honestly. She had asked herself that question countless times. What was so special about her? Why

even deserve his

times, his meticulous care made Aurora feel undeserving. She had seen plenty of