Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

When Aurora called out Julian's nand saw the way his eyes sparkled with joy, like a sly fox, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had somehow fallen into a trap.

"Isn't this form of address a bit too much?" she asked cautiously. After all, they had only known each other for a week.

"What's wrong with it? We've already watched movies together for several days. What's the big deal in calling my name?" Julian's casual rebuttal left her speechless.

Aurora opened her mouth, trying to respond, but even though his reasoning made sense, it still felt strange to her.

"What about the collaboration?" Aurora redirected the conversation, focusing on the business matter. Julian's overly accommodating attitude made her feel like she was dreaming.

"Don't worry. I'm the lead for this project. As long as I give the green light, it's ninety-nine percent a done deal." Julian wasn't bragging. Years ago, after finding the Bafamily in New York, his grandfather, Maxwell Barnet, had been determined to keep him by his side.

But Julian's mind was set on Aurora. If he stayed in New York to develop his career, wouldn't that mean he'd rarely get to see her? So, he had refused Maxwell's offer, claiming he wanted to return to Clothville. Back then, he was still full of resentment toward Joaquin, and the Alvarez family didn't like him either, leaving him in an awkward position. Fortunately, he had a sharp mind. He started with small businesses, and Maxwell, aware of Julian's stubborn personality, discreetly enlisted the help of old friends in Clothville to support him.

Later, after meeting Irene, he connected with Nick. By then, Nick was already a successful figure and lent Julian a helping hand.

No one achieves success alone in a short period, and Julian was no exception. Neither was Aurora.

Perhaps both of them had endured their share of hardships, but they had also encountered many people willing to help, shaping them into who they were today. Once Julian began to make a nfor himself, Maxwell repeatedly tried to bring him back to the family business. Currently, the company was managed by his Aunt Clara. Rebecca, Clara's youngest daughter, served as vice president, while Irene, the eldest daughter who had been lost for years, had only recently returned.

Maxwell had another daughter, Mae, who had two children-Phil and ten-year-old Lila. Lila was too young, and Phil was playful and unfocused, respecting only Julian.

As Julian's own company grew larger, Maxwell eventually stopped pressing him to return, instead sending Phil to work under him to learn. If Julian didn't want to inherit the family business, then Phil would take over.

The Bafamily was harmonious and had never experienced property disputes. If Rebecca weren't short on successors, she would have long since stepped down as vice president-such a tiring role.

When Julian explained his situation, he admitted he was wary of using his own company for fear of arousing R Company's suspicion. That was why he had asked his grandfather to use the Bafamily's ninstead.

The plan worked perfectly. Even Mr. Elderstone hadn't suspected anything and had willingly proposed the wager. Since Mr. Elderstone had taken the initiative, even if he later discovered Julian's identity, it wouldn't be Julian's fault.

The entire Bafamily supported Julian upon hearing about the project. That very night, they devised the multi-billion-dollar plan.

In truth, the deal was orchestrated for Aurora's sake. Of course, as businessmen, they weren't doing it for nothing-they would profit from it as well.

The family had painstakingly set this trap, and now that Aurora had stepped into it, there was no way Julian would let her go.

Aurora, meanwhile, found it surreal how easily Julian had agreed to her proposal. The entire dinner felt like a dream.

It wasn't until Julian dropped her off at the villa and told her to meet him tomorrow for an on-site inspection of the project that Aurora began to feel a sense of reality.

"Don't stay up too late tonight. Get srest. Goodnight." As always, he kissed her forehead gently.

Julian knew Aurora well. Even though he had agreed to the collaboration, she would want to gather as much information as possible to ensure everything went smoothly. She had a habit of staying up all night working. "Goodnight." Aurora watched him leave, realizing she was growing increasingly accustomed to his touch. She even found herself looking forward to his goodnight kisses whenever they parted ways.

Gently placing a hand on her stomach, Aurora felt conflicted. On one hand, she wondered where the father of her baby was and why he hadn't clooking for her.

On the other hand, guilt gnawed at her. She spent her days with Julian and dreamed of him at night.

Every night, her dreams were different. Sometimes, they were on a boat in the ocean. Other times, they were in a seaside villa.

She must be losing her mind. How could she dream of having once lived with Julian? While she missed him during the day, it wasn't to such an extent, was it? Shaking her head, Aurora resolved to cut ties with Julian after this project. She couldn't risk falling in love with such a gentle and considerate man.

The contract was finalized, and Aurora was sure Julian wouldn't deceive her. She knew was finished.

Still, getting the contract so easily felt unreal. She had approached Julian with her intentions, only to find herself in this unexpected situation.

Julian treated her far too well-almost like a male lead in a doting on the heroine.

His kindness was a poison, slowly seeping into her heart.

Aurora shook her head vigorously. She couldn't dwell on such thoughts. Perhaps Julian treated everyone as well as he treated her.

But the idea of him being this kind to others filled her with jealousy. Damn it, she was in too deep.

Meanwhile, Julian returned to Aurora's old apartment. Though he owned several properties in the area, wherever Aurora was, that place bechis home.

He didn't bother with a large villa. Instead, he stayed in the small m apartment where Aurora had lived for alyear: Being there made him feel as if they were still living together.

Lying on the bed they had once shared, Julian counted the days since Aurora had left. Even though they e saw each other daily, he had to maintain the guise of being just a friend. The effort it took to suppress his feelings was agonizing. Pretending not to care about her was almost unbearable.

Once the project was finalized and Aurora secured her position as the as the head of her family, Yulan planned to reveal the truth. He would finally tell her that he was the father of her child. And as for Mr. Elderstone? Julian couldn't wait to see his reaction when he learned who the project leader really was.

The wager was won, Aurora had unknowingly fallen for him, and soon, they would be together forever. "Little Bunny," Julian thought, "just wait a bit longer. Soon, we'll never be apart again." mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1