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.

a swimming pool, a

he never once minded how small

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

all paired up? Big deal!" Robert retorted, his lively energy shining through. Despite his cheerful demeanor, his head was always buried in medical books, leaving no time

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

would undoubtedly have stormed out with a spatula to confront

villa quickly became lively. Robert, like a spinning top,

to trouble you today. Who's

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

Robert quipped, mispronouncing the

with this spatula?" Asher threatened, waving it in the air. "Alright, stop messing around. Julian, take the guests to have some fruit.

complete experience-all for free. The next chapter

at the kitchen door. "Wow, such a

you're here," Aurora

need help? You look pretty

knew if culinary incompetence ran in

to cook but was exceptionally skilled at it. Otherwise, how could Nick, who usually kept everyone at arm's length, be so attached to

apron. The moment she started slicing and

were at best beginner to intermediate. Her food wasn't

didn't seem like the type to be so skilled

"I've had my share of hard times.

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

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

air clinging to him.