Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Julian returned to the villa once again. Once, this place was his warmest refuge, but now, even before stepping inside, it felt as though his heart had been pierced by a sword, bleeding profusely.

To reassure Irene and Nick, Julian feigned calmness as he saw them off. "Don't worry about me. I'll be fine," he said.

"The salvage team is still working. No news is the best news. Little Bunny has survived so many storms before," Nick said, trying to comfort him.

Julian nodded. "I'll go home and get some rest. If anything comes up, I'll contact you." "Alright. We'll leave now," Irene replied, her exhaustion evident.

In truth, none of them were in good shape. Over the past few days, no one had slept properly. Everyone was drained. Irene, in particular, could only think about her bed at home. They hadn't found Aurora yet, but they were already on the verge of collapse. Julian calmly bid them farewell. Mrs. Hill's red-rimmed eyes betrayed her emotions as she stood nearby, unsure of how to console him.

"Mr. Barnet, she will be alright. You must be hungry. Let me prepare some food for you," she said, covering her face as she retreated to the kitchen. She feared saying anything that might remind Julian of Aurora.

Even though the villa's heating was on, Julian felt a coldness seep through his entire body. Normally, he would ascend the stairs in just a few seconds, but now every step felt like a monumental effort.

In the room, filled with memories of Aurora, everything reminded him of her. It took all his strength to walk inside. The room was exactly as she had left it-wrinkled bedsheets, scattered papers on the desk.

Julian approached the desk and picked up a piece of paper. The moment his eyes landed on its contents, the pain and sorrow he had suppressed for days surged forth. There was no one else here. No one to see his tears. He didn't need to hide his emotions anymore.

The paper he held was one of Aurora's design drafts. The colorful sketches of jewelry included over ten variations of wedding ring designs.

He remembered her words from their last phone call: "Julian, I have a surprise for you when you return."

"What surprise?"

I tell you now, it won't be

you

his mind. The surprise she mentioned must have

abstract engraving of the initials "AJ," symbolizing their intertwined

how, during the nights he was away, she must have sat at

me..." Julian pressed the draft against

his phone and opened their voice messages.

overwork yourself or rush deadlines. I'm waiting for you

cold anymore. So, can I wear dresses now? Don't worry, it's really not

I just landed a big project. Looks like I'm one

taking my medicine and eating properly. When you come back, I

book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the

unbearably precious. Their last exchange had ended with the

hadn't been so busy, if only he had called her, even just to hear

interrupted his

of noodles. Eat something before you get some rest,"

anyone. Hearing the hoarseness in his voice, Mrs. Hill's eyes filled with unshed tears. "Mr. Barnet, you must take care of yourself. If Miss Aurora comes back and sees

chord. Julian clenched his fist. She would come back. They

himself to stay strong. He couldn't fall apart.

to wash up. His unshaven chin, with its rough stubble, caught his attention. He hadn't shaved in

remembered how Aurora used to wake up and nestle in his arms, her small hands brushing against

tidied himself up. He needed to be in his best state to welcome

Aurora's voice messages playing, Julian struggled to fall asleep. At most, he could sleep for two or three hours