Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

"Is that your new girlfriend? Go on, coax her. There's no need to stand here in the cold wind with me." Aurora noticed the piercing gaze Alisa had shot her earlier and understood immediately that the woman had misunderstood the situation.

Gore, however, wasn't comfortable leaving Aurora alone. After all, she was quite striking, and the event tonight drew a diverse crowd-people of all types, nationalities,

and ages.

To be honest, Aurora was like a rose with thorns, both beautiful and attention- grabbing. Although he wasn't her man, he decided to play the role of her protector until her man arrived.

"Who's standing in the cold wind with you? Can't I stay outside to observe if there are any beauties around?" Gore deflected. He didn't like bringing up his girlfriend in front of Aurora, nor did he enjoy women clinging to him.

Aurora, seeing his insistence, didn't push further and let him stay. In the past, she had been used to being alone, thinking it wasn't a big deal. But over time, she had grown accustomed to being cared for and protected. Having a friend by her side wasn't such a bad thing after all.

From a distance, Aurora spotted Asher approaching. He seemed surprised to see her and quickened his pace unconsciously.

"What are you doing here?"

"Gore told me there was a banquet here. I remembered you mentioning you'd be in Europe, so I guessed you might attend," Aurora replied with a smile.

There was a time when Aurora felt that living in this world was the most miserable thing. How could she be so unlucky? But then, during her darkest days, Asher had appeared like a ray of sunlight, brightening her world.

Aurora began to realize that life could actually be beautiful. From being betrayed and abandoned, trusting no one, she slowly built bonds with friends, a lover, and family.

The more connections she made, the harder it became to sever ties with the world. Yet, these connections were what brought happiness into her life.

"So, you didn't come for me, huh? Hmph." Gore feigned displeasure. He had known Aurora was a sly little fox, unlikely to come just for him. Still, he couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, even though he had been happy for a while earlier.

"I'm just here to join the fun. It doesn't matter for whom I came."

"It's been a while, Gore. I heard you've already switched to a new girlfriend," Asher quipped, a teasing smile on his face.

with switching girlfriends? At least I

Aurora, but his

like you. Be careful, or you might catch something. What's so

because you've never tasted a woman.

this in front of me?" Aurora interrupted as the

to a few

did you become a

Aurora ran deep. Unlike himself, who could take it or leave it, Asher

fighting on the same side, so Gore felt a certain pity for Asher. He wanted to help

were plenty of other women to choose from, better than a lifetime of solitude. Gore's intentions were good, but he didn't realize how

Why isn't he here?" Aurora

saw Denis at the press conference, she hadn't seen him again and

"Staking out?"

out Daria returned home and set a trap for her. He's been focused

he catches Daria,

two familiar figures appeared

Irene called out excitedly, running toward

had been a huge help. However,

hadn't gotten the chance

the world owed him millions of dollars. Even around acquaintances, his face

"Irene, you're here too?"

want to come," Irene grumbled, remembering how Nick had practically dragged

Still, it seemed

giving a slight nod to the

go of me! I can walk on my own!" Irene protested,

her mouth to hide a laugh. It was clear Irene had grown accustomed

this project was