Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

As Mio and Rebecca grew closer, Aurora and Julian's relationship also deepened. Julian had spent three days watching monster movies with her.

At first, the movies made him queasy, but by the end of it, he could eat while watching and even recite the plot of a scene thirty-eight minutes in without missing a beat.

He had initially thought this romance with Aurora would feel like a redo of their first love-innocent and full of youthful confusion. Even movie nights were supposed to be about heartwarming or sweet romantic films. Who would have guessed they'd spend three days watching monsters? What kind of love story was this?

Still, despite the unusual beginning, their relationship progressed quickly. During this time, Aurora hadn't brought up the topic of business collaboration at all.

A week later, Radiant Horizons officially announced their new project on their website. Instantly, countless people scrambled to secure a spot to work with them.

Mr. Elderstone, however, was growing impatient. "Have you mentioned the collaboration to that young master yet? Mio has been working on his end for days. Usually, this is the point where he closes the deal."

"I... I'll get to it soon," Aurora replied, her heart conflicted.

Initially, she had approached Julian with the sole intent of securing a partnership, aiming to build a connection. But after spending time with him, she realized he was an exceptionally kind person-genuine and warm.

She had come to truly value him as a friend. Sometimes, it was easier to keep things unemotional, but once feelings got involved, discussing personal gain felt shallow and insincere.

"You need to hurry," Mr. Elderstone pressed. "Don't let Mio beat you to it. He's already approached Radiant Horizons' Vice President. Even though the project lead hasn't been announced, the VP's influence is significant."

"Alright, I understand," Aurora nodded.

The professional world had always been brutally pragmatic. Across all fields, building relationships often required catering to the right people.

Actors might trade favors with directors, contractors might offer gifts, and even insurance salespeople often bought small tokens to win clients over.

had approached Julian with the same intention, but she hadn't expected to click with him so well. In her heart, Julian

Mr. Elderstone, Aurora remembered her original purpose. A wave of guilt washed over her. It felt despicable to use someone who had treated her as

he had developed genuine feelings for her.

with her and not use

Aurora and Mio decided to come clean. They each

the announcement had turned this into a critical moment, wasn't surprised when

was time to reel her

Bunny, it's time to

past, Julian had always picked the meeting spots, but this time,

restaurant. From the windows, the

desserts here are quite special. I

always know my preferences so well," Aurora said with a smile. "I actually

so direct, getting straight to

for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter

the best possible way.

least she could do for someone who had treated her with such

do you want to say?" Julian asked,

new project, and I'd like to collaborate with you. Do you

which was why she

a smile, his expression calm and relaxed, as if she had just asked him something

him in disbelief. A multi-million-dollar project, one countless others were

yes?" she asked, still unsure

yes." Julian found her wide-eyed, stunned expression adorable. His Little Bunny was

about the new financial district project," Aurora clarified,

this be real? He hadn't asked