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.

I was

weather was perfect. They spent two carefree days there, enjoying each

already called him two days earlier, asking him to

planned to leave the rest

hard to wrap up their commitments. Once these months of effort were behind

submitted her resignation,

knowing Ashy won't be completely

With their help, your workload will lighten in no time,"

so quickly. Are you really leaving without saying

one for goodbyes. It's better to leave quietly than to make

"Fair enough. Safe travels."

Be happy." Mona hugged her

"You too."

you! Aurora understood Mona's unspoken feelings for Asher. Unrequited and one-sided,

reciprocate. To avoid awkwardness, Aurora had reluctantly dropped the idea. Perhaps Asher had returned to the States partly to avoid Mona. When Mona decided to go back to New York, it seemed like fate was playing its hand, keeping

avoidance wasn't accidental-it was deliberate. From the beginning, he hadn't wanted to lead her on. Mona understood, too, and didn't try to force anything.

Mona off, Aurora sat down,

control, so too

after Mona left, Heather and

Montgomery, how was your New Year's?" Heather

hair short, giving her a sharper and more

back on food over the holidays, did you?

went home for the holidays. My family said I was too skinny and made me eat more,"

seems love agrees with you. Ian went

turned red,