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.

pool, a tennis court, and various other amenities. But back then, in

Aurora brought him so much joy that he never once minded how small this house was. Every day, his thoughts were

of a single man," Julian said bluntly. "Once you have a girlfriend, you'll

Robert retorted, his lively energy shining through. Despite his cheerful demeanor, his head was always buried in

company. He's in the kitchen," Julian teased, throwing Asher under the bus without

busy cooking, he would undoubtedly have stormed out with a spatula to confront

more people arriving, the villa quickly became lively. Robert, like a spinning top,

to trouble you today. Who's

to help me in the

quipped, mispronouncing the

believe I'll 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 smoke and oil," Aurora

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was ushered out, Irene appeared at the

you're here,"

need help? You look pretty busy," Irene

the kitchen. Who knew if culinary incompetence ran in

Irene not only knew how to cook but was exceptionally skilled at it. Otherwise,

help," Irene said, putting on an apron. The moment she started slicing and dicing, Aurora realized

are you so good at cooking?" Aurora asked in amazement. Her own skills were at best beginner to intermediate. Her food

however, was evident. She didn't seem like the type to be so

"I've had my share of hard times. In those days, being able to

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

were better left untouched, and Aurora wasn't foolish

doorbell rang again. This time, it was Denis, arriving with cold air clinging to him. His expression