Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

In many ways, Julian was near perfect-thoughtful, intelligent, and astute, with all the strategy and skills one could ask for. However, there was one glaring flaw that marred this otherwise impeccable man: his cooking.

Perhaps it was fate's way of balancing his perfection, like a sculptor leaving a deliberate flaw in their creation. Aurora would never forget the first time he made her brown sugar water-it was an unforgettable disaster. The pasta he later cooked was passable, but only because it came with precise instructions on the packaging.

The real trouble began whenever Julian had to rely on his own creativity in the kitchen. Yet, when his eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, Aurora couldn't bring herself to dampen his spirits. Encouragement, even for hopeless endeavors, was better than crushing someone's zeal.

"Julian, why don't you help me peel some potatoes for the curry chicken instead?" she suggested gently.

"Sure!" Julian eagerly took on the task, convinced it would be as simple as peeling apples. But the misshapen potatoes and the unfamiliar peeler proved to be far trickier than he anticipated.

He managed to peel a few with some difficulty, but as his hands grew wet and the potato became slippery, it suddenly flew out of his grasp-straight into Aurora's forehead.

"Little Bunny, are you okay?" Julian tossed everything aside and ran to her.

Aurora, who had been salting fish, sighed helplessly. She touched her forehead, which was now slightly red. Thankfully, it had been a potato and not a knife.

"I'm fine, Julian, but maybe you can wash the fruits instead. Just rinse them-don't pluck them off the stems, okay?" Aurora smiled, recalling the grapes she had bought. She didn't want to return to find only bare vines left.

"Got it!" Julian dashed off happily, proud to contribute. Watching him leave, Aurora finally let out a relieved sigh.

lives. From that day forward, she decided

result in any catastrophes. But as Aurora finished her preparations, Julian stood in the doorway, watching her with a soft,

the guests will be here soon. Go greet them. I've got

he only caused trouble when trying to help, but he hated the thought of leaving her to handle everything alone. Torn between his desire to help and his fear of making things worse, he stood awkwardly by the door, his expression

want to watch you,"

a ghost haunting me. How about this?

if on cue, the doorbell

answer the door," Aurora said, waving him

away. When he opened the door, he found Asher standing there, suitcase in

"You're early," Julian remarked.

what you're like in the kitchen. I wasn't about to let you ruin everything. Now

into the house as if it were his own. Heading straight for the kitchen, he rolled up his

to cook? With your busy schedule managing the company,

ignored him, washing his hands and surveying the vegetables on the

of these need chopping?" Aurora gestured to the potatoes. "Some will go into the curry chicken, some for stir- fried shreds, and the rest

Asher replied, picking up

arms, watching skeptically. He still didn't believe Asher could cook. After all, his own attempts at chopping ginger had ended in

the potatoes for the curry chicken. His movements were swift and precise, producing evenly sized cubes