Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The airport.

Aurora and Julian came to see Asher off.

"Ashy, call me when you arrive," Aurora said softly.

"Don't worry, I'll contact you as soon as I land," Asher assured her.

"You'll be alone in New York, so take care of yourself. Make sure to eat on time and don't overwork. The company is already on track; there's no need for you to push yourself like before." Aurora hugged him gently.

She knew the company's rapid growth over the years was inseparable from Asher's hard work. When they had fought side by side, it hadn't seemed so exhausting. But now, with him working alone, loneliness was inevitable.

"I'm a grown man, Aurora. Don't worry about me. I'm heading to my gate now." Asher parted from her with a smile, walking away with a carefree demeanor.

Every time they met, it was hard to say goodbye. Parting was always bittersweet. But since leaving was inevitable, it was better to do so decisively-lingering only made it harder.

Watching Asher's solitary figure disappear, Aurora felt a pang of sorrow.

Julian wrapped his arms around her. "You feel reluctant to let him go, don't you?"

"Mm. Over the years, I've always been by Ashy's side. Now that he's alone, I can't help but worry. I don't know when he'll find someone to share his life with. It's his departing silhouette that I hate seeing the most."

"Don't worry. Everyone will find their partner eventually. It's not something to rush. Besides, Asher's still young, isn't he? Wait until he's thirty-five and still single-then you can start worrying."

"You're right." Aurora smiled faintly. "We still have two days of vacation left before work starts again. Let's make the most of it."

"How about we head back to our island?" Julian suggested. They had spent the past few days with family and friends, but a little time alone was overdue.

what I was

cold of winter, the island's weather was perfect. They spent two carefree

Mira had already called him two days earlier, asking him to come, but he had delayed his trip to spend more

himself that this would be the last major project he'd take on for the year. Once this deal was settled, he planned to leave the rest to Phil and Rock. June marked their wedding,

wrap up their commitments. Once these months of effort were behind them, life would become

submitted her resignation, announcing her plan to

feel better knowing Ashy won't be completely alone over

no time," Mona reassured her. Mona had spent

guidance, they've grown so quickly.

know me-I've never been one for goodbyes. It's better to leave quietly than to make everyone

"Fair enough. Safe travels."

Be happy." Mona

"You too."

Aurora understood Mona's unspoken feelings for Asher. Unrequited and one-sided, she had once tried to set them up, but Asher had

something that could be forced. Aurora had wanted to invite Mona to this year's New Year's party, but Asher flatly refused. He was aware of Mona's feelings but couldn't reciprocate. To avoid awkwardness, Aurora had reluctantly dropped the idea. Perhaps Asher had returned to the

lead her on. Mona understood, too, and

Mona off, Aurora sat down, taking a deep

farewells. While meetings are out of one's control, so too are goodbyes. The only thing people can manage

Heather

how was your New Year's?" Heather

cut her hair short, giving her a sharper and more vibrant appearance. Ian, too, looked

hold back on food over the holidays, did you? You both look

went home for the holidays. My family said I was too skinny and made

you. Ian went with you, didn't

two turned red, looking