Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

By the time they returned to Clothville, it was already evening. The streets were glowing with colorful lights, a festive display that hinted at the approaching New Year. The vibrant atmosphere felt romantic, like a scene from a dream.

"Julian, it's been years since I last spent New Year's with my family," Aurora said softly, leaning into Julian's embrace. Over the past few years, she had been staying in New York, far from home.

Whenever the New Year approached, she would tell her grandfather she was too busy with her studies to return. In truth, she was afraid. She feared that, without a solid foundation of her own, her return might spark conflict. Staying away was a way to avoid frightening Genevieve, who would see her presence as a threat and might go to any length to eliminate her.

For three long years abroad, Aurora had only Asher by her side. He would take her out

to feel the festive atmosphere of the New Year, even going so far as to research Clothville's holiday traditions online. They clung to each other like family, a bond forged in loneliness.

Julian's voice pulled her out of her thoughts. "It's okay. From now on, I'll spend every New Year with you. Why the sad look? What's on your mind?"

"I was thinking about Ashy. Every year, he was the one who spent New Year's with me," Aurora replied with a wistful smile. "I can still remember the first time we fumbled around in the kitchen together."

Her mind traveled back to her first year in New York, the hardest year of her life. They had no money to eat out, so they stayed in their tiny rented apartment and cooked their own meals. She could still picture Asher's clumsy attempts at cooking. The food they made was far from appetizing, but they ate every last bite, laughing at their own foolishness.

Julian observed Aurora's expression and knew it wasn't love she felt for Asher, but rather a fond recollection of the kindness and warmth they had shared during difficult times. He hugged her tighter.

"Little Bunny, do you know something?" Julian said softly. "I envy Asher. He was there for you when you needed someone the most. You struggled and fought together, while I... I didn't even know where I was back then. But I'm also thankful. Thankful that you didn't love him."

didn't resent Asher's place in Aurora's heart. He understood that Asher would always hold a special spot in her life-perhaps not as a lover, but as someone even more significant than family. "Maybe it's

agreed. He knew there was no threat to their relationship, so he didn't mind

we can invite him too. And Nick, Irene...

from being alone to

is perfect. This year, I'll cook for everyone. I've never celebrated New Year's with so many people

want, as long as you're happy," Julian said, holding her close. For him, as long as

Piles of documents filled their desks, and

overtime, sharing a quiet understanding that these long hours were a

past, he wouldn't have answered this person's

"Hello?"

home for New Year's? It's been

time, things were different. He had already discussed it with Aurora,

Julian replied

line, Joaquin was stunned. He had never expected such an easy yes. "Are

Julian sounded slightly exasperated. He knew he had hurt this old man deeply in the past, so much so that a simple agreement

then. I won't bother you anymore. Just make sure you come back early," Joaquin said,

call. "I wasn't

he had changed. Love had softened him, transforming the man he once was into someone kinder and more patient. All because of Aurora. She made him want

he put down the phone, a small smile tugged at his