Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The second group to arrive was Nick, Robert, and Irene. As soon as the door opened, Julian was greeted by Robert's overly enthusiastic face.

"Ta-da... surprise!" Robert exclaimed, holding a massive cake in his hands.

Julian frowned. "It's New Year's, and you brought a cake? Did something scramble your brain?"

"Bringing supplements or whatever would be boring. This is a specially ordered cake. I guarantee you'll be shocked when you see it," Robert declared proudly.

Looking at the lively and eccentric Robert, Julian couldn't help but wonder how he and Nick could be brothers. The two were polar opposites, as different as night and day.

Nick's face was cold, as though he were owed millions of dollars. He seemed much more composed, handing Julian a paper box.

"Happy New Year," Nick said curtly.

Julian glanced at him and felt like he wasn't celebrating New Year's but instead hosting someone on a solemn occasion.

"It's good that you came," Julian replied as he accepted the gift.

Irene, meanwhile, seemed unusually quiet and well-behaved. Julian's gaze shifted between her and Nick, wondering what might have happened between them this time.

"It's cold outside. Come in," Julian said, brushing off his thoughts. Whatever was going on with them was none of his business. Love was a matter no outsider could meddle in.

Julian welcomed them inside. Robert, ever the chatterbox, immediately started looking around. "So this is your love nest? Why is it so small? It's not your style at all."

The beachside villa was modest compared to Julian's usual living standards. Except for Asher, no friends had visited before.

large-at least five times bigger than this one. It had a swimming pool, a tennis court, and various other amenities. But back then, in his pursuit of Aurora, he had resolutely moved next door to her. Later, he shamelessly moved in

that he never once minded how small this house was. Every

Julian said bluntly. "Once you have a girlfriend, you'll realize that being with her is

all paired up? Big deal!" Robert retorted, his lively energy shining through. Despite

can keep each other company. He's in the kitchen," Julian teased, throwing

Asher hadn't been busy cooking, he would undoubtedly have stormed

more people arriving, the villa quickly became lively. Robert,

sorry to trouble you today. Who's that guy?" Robert asked, unfamiliar with

to help me in the

Robert quipped, mispronouncing the

smack you with this spatula?" Asher threatened, waving it in the air. "Alright, stop messing around. Julian, take the guests to have some fruit. The kitchen's full of

experience-all for free. The next

ushered out, Irene appeared at the kitchen door. "Wow, such a dutiful

you're here," Aurora

help? You look pretty

thought of Julian, who was a disaster in the kitchen. Who knew if culinary incompetence ran in his family? She quickly shook her head. "No need. Asher is helping

but was exceptionally skilled at it. Otherwise, how could Nick,

apron. The moment she started

good at cooking?" Aurora asked in amazement. Her own skills were at best beginner to intermediate. Her food wasn't

evident. She didn't seem like the

as Irene smiled faintly. "I've had my share

gone into detail about Irene's past, but Aurora could guess that behind Irene's glamorous exterior lay a difficult story. Everyone had their own painful experiences

left untouched, and Aurora wasn't foolish enough to

This time, it was Denis, arriving with cold air clinging to him. His expression was distant, a clear sign that