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.

switching girlfriends? At least I don't plan on dying

but his

or you might catch something. What's

you've never

to discuss this in front of me?" Aurora interrupted as the conversation veered off

drop it. I'll introduce him to a few girls later-absolute stunners," Gore said

did you become a matchmaker?"

who could take it or leave it, Asher seemed to see no

so Gore felt

of other women to choose from, better than a lifetime of solitude. Gore's intentions were good, but

isn't he here?" Aurora asked, thinking

Denis at

"Staking out?"

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

see. If he catches Daria,

chatted, two familiar figures appeared

called out

last time, Nick had been a huge help. However, Nick's

gotten the chance to properly thank

as if the world owed him millions of dollars.

"Irene, you're here too?"

didn't want to come," Irene grumbled, remembering how Nick had practically

tell from Irene's expression that the two hadn't fully reconciled yet. Still, it seemed their relationship had

to the group in greeting before pulling Irene

go of me! I can walk on my own!"

mouth to hide a laugh. It was clear Irene had grown accustomed to Nick's domineering ways,

project was