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.

with the same intention, but she hadn't expected to click with him so well. In her heart, Julian had become an important friend. She

her. It felt despicable to use someone who had treated her as a friend.

Rebecca, he realized he

and not use her, which left him deeply

come clean.

had turned this into a critical moment,

to reel her

it's time to

picked the meeting spots, but

restaurant. From the windows, the ocean view

desserts here are quite special.

well," Aurora said with a smile. "I actually

expect her to be so direct, getting straight to

nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for

had been anyone else, Aurora would have maneuvered carefully to secure the collaboration in the best possible way. But she considered Julian a friend and didn't want to treat him the way she treated

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

do you want to say?"

like to collaborate with you. Do you think

which was why she

expression calm and relaxed, as

project, one countless others were fighting tooth and

yes?" she asked, still unsure if she had heard

Julian found her wide-eyed, stunned expression adorable. His Little Bunny was just too cute. After all, this project had

district project," Aurora clarified, still

this be real? He hadn't asked any