Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

On the way home, Aurora was still engrossed in her notes. She had to admit, this was an area where Julian far surpassed her expertise. She was fortunate to have him as her teacher.

"You can review those at home. Reading in the car is uncomfortable. Besides, they're yours now-it's not like they'll run away," Julian said with a soft chuckle.

"That's true. I guess I'm just excited and want to finish them as soon as possible. Oh, Julian, the company will be on break in a few days. Once the holiday starts, how about we go shopping to prepare for the New Year?"

"Let Mrs. Hill handle those things. There's no need for you to do it," Julian replied, thinking of how busy Aurora had been. He wanted her to use the vacation to rest at home.

"If you make me stay home all day, I'd feel suffocated. Besides, Mrs. Hill will be going home for the New Year too. I've never prepared for something like this before. Would you come with me?"

Aurora wasn't looking for leisure; she simply wanted to do something ordinary with Julian, like a normal couple. Their time together was already scarce, so how could she not seize this opportunity?

"Of course. Anything you want to do, I'll support you wholeheartedly," Julian said as he playfully tapped her nose.

"You're the best, Julian."

"Naturally. In this world, only you are worth my devotion."

Aurora smiled softly and leaned her head against his chest.

---

The following days were busier than ever. Both Aurora and Julian were swamped, and the entire company was bustling with preparations for the holiday. All over Clothville, everyone was caught up in the festive rush.

Aurora had arranged for the finance department to distribute salaries early, along with generous bonuses for every employee. On the final day, after the company dinner, almost everyone was tipsy from the celebration.

Montgomery, Happy New Year

With the year drawing to a close, everyone looked forward to the New

the hotel to pick her up, he noticed Aurora's flushed

vacation!" "Yes, you are.

New Year would be unlike any before. Neither of them was alone anymore-they had

next morning, Aurora woke

"Julian, wake up!"

a little?" Julian replied, though he wasn't really sleepy. Both of them were used to waking up early, so

set to this time. Besides, I've already sent

make breakfast today." Aurora threw off

she wore a set of cozy loungewear. After a quick wash, she

he saw her in the kitchen. Her hair was tied loosely, and she wore an

Julian murmured as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, placing a

spread

you still so sensitive after all this time?" Julian teased,

and she nearly dropped it. Damn it-this man knew exactly where

to eat breakfast," she said helplessly. During their usual busy mornings, Julian was more restrained. Now that they had time off, he was

said with a

thought, her heart racing. Behind them, the eggs sizzled in the pan, and

Aurora scolded as she pushed him away. Seeing

stop." Though tempted to continue, he relented. He was genuinely curious to taste Aurora's cooking-a

a sigh of relief. She'd been worried he might lose control. If that had happened, who knew when they'd finally get to

finished preparing the meal. Normally, Mrs. Hill handled the cooking, but today Aurora had taken charge. To Julian, the food tasted

atmosphere, they both felt content. After breakfast, their