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.

the country, Julian had lived in his enormous villa, which was absurdly 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

him so much joy that he never once minded how

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

Robert retorted, his lively energy shining through.

single guy here. You two can keep each other company. He's in the kitchen," Julian teased, throwing Asher under

would undoubtedly

people arriving, the villa quickly became lively. Robert,

today. Who's that guy?"

can call him Ashy. He's here to help me in the kitchen today," Aurora explained

Robert quipped, mispronouncing

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

the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

appeared at the

here,"

you need help? You

the kitchen. Who knew if culinary incompetence ran in his family? She quickly

was exceptionally skilled at it. Otherwise, how could Nick, who usually kept everyone at arm's length,

The moment

were at best beginner to

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

share of hard times. In those days,

about Irene's past, but Aurora could guess that behind Irene's glamorous exterior lay

topics were better left untouched, and Aurora wasn't foolish enough to pry

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