Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Life in Rome was inexplicably relaxing. During the day, Julian went to work, leaving Aurora with an unexpected vacation. She would sleep in, waking naturally, and then spend her time exploring. By now, she had wandered through every corner of the city center.

One morning, her phone rang.

"Hello, Gore," Aurora answered, her voice groggy as she sat up in bed, running a hand through her messy hair.

"You still remember me? You're in Europe and didn't even bother to visit? It's only a two-hour flight from Rome to Paris," a frustrated male voice retorted on the other end.

"Well, well, someone's keeping tabs on me. Big boss," she teased.

"Of course I am. Not only do I know where you've been, but I also know you designed a custom, one-of-a-kind ruby jewelry set for Candy."

"That was supposed to be a secret between her and me. How did you find out?" Aurora asked, intrigued.

"I know Candy too. We ran into each other at an awards gala the other night. The moment I saw that set, I knew it was your work. A little digging confirmed my suspicion."

"Big boss, our contract doesn't restrict me from gifting jewelry to friends. I didn't breach any terms, did I?" Aurora chuckled.

"You heartless woman! Do you think I called to talk about contract violations? My talented designer, now that you've ventured into perfumes, are you planning to abandon your jewelry fans? They're starving for your creations!" Gore's voice was exaggeratedly dramatic.

This man was none other than Gore, a renowned jewelry tycoon and Aurora's contract partner. His company was among the most prestigious in the world. Years ago, when Aurora's brand, DO, shot to fame, Gore had immediately recognized her talent-and her charm.

Of course, Aurora had turned him down on both counts. Designing was just a hobby for her at the time; she had her own company to establish.

she had the audacity to

must have been so shocked that his jaw could've fit a salted duck egg, considering how many renowned designers clamored to join his company. For her, he had bent the rules and personally extended an offer, only to

only did she refuse the job, but she also declined

admirers. But Aurora, with her innocent looks and thorny, rose-like

his expectations. Aurora eventually signed a contract with him, but not

provided the raw materials, and she crafted the pieces, which were then sold through the company's platform.

creations were works of art, not commodities. The difference, she said, was that art was rare, while commodities

was crazy-turning down easy money. But

couldn't rush her, alter her designs, mass-produce her work, or reveal her

accepted. But now, six months had passed without a new release from

new collection will have to wait until spring," Aurora replied seriously. Although the contract didn't specify deadlines,

at? I'll come pick you

Business

just for

that," Aurora said firmly. She knew Gore wasn't a bad person; back then, he had only been mildly infatuated with her. But even as a joke, she refused to entertain any ambiguity

jokes. Hmph, putting romance before friendship," Gore grumbled, feigning indignation. Of course, he already knew about Aurora and Julian.

few friends, despite how insufferable he had been in the beginning. Over time, their shared passion for design had brought

smiled wryly. "What if I really did fly all the way from Paris just for you,

years ago, he had learned just how indifferent she could be. He had thought she might end

carefree playboy, changing girlfriends every month. But deep down, he knew there was only one person who truly mattered to him. When he heard she was in Rome, just two hours away by plane, he had booked the earliest

see her, talk