Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Julian noticed that Aurora had cout without drying her hair. He stood up and handed her a dry towel. "You didn't dry your hair again." "I'm used to you doing it for me," Aurora replied with a light laugh, sitting obediently on the sofa while Julian gently dried her hair.

In the days he had been away, she found it hard to adjust. It was like someone used to eating only vegetables suddenly having a taste for meat, only to have to go back to their old habits. Life without Julian felt like losing a phone-disconnected and insecure. He took care of her so well, like a meticulous housekeeper, that his absence left her feeling adrift.

Every reunion after a long separation filled their hearts with warmth. After a night of intimacy, Julian had work to attend to the next morning. Aurora agreed to explore the city on her own once she woke up. She wasn't new to traveling abroad, so Julian left one of his assistants to accompany her.

By the tAurora woke up, it was already past ten in the morning. Her body bore fresh marks of their passionate night, a testament to the intensity of their ttogether. Politely declining the assistant's company, she decided to take a sightseeing bus and explore the city's attractions alone. Such a free-spirited trip was something she had long wanted to experience.

Today, she dressed casually, shedding her usual identity to blend in like an ordinary tourist, walking and stopping at her leisure. Occasionally, she snapped a selfie and sent it to Julian. Even in the middle of a meeting, her photos stirred his emotions, making him long to travel with her-to take countless beautiful pictures of her.

He made up his mind: once this project officially launched and Aurora got her graduation certificate, they would get married. Then, during their honeymoon, he would make sure to take a long vacation just to be with her. Aurora visited the Colosseum, marveling at the grandeur of the ancient architecture, which silently showcased the splendor and magnificence of a bygone era. As the sun began to set, she was drawn to a shop-a quaint antique store. Feeling intrigued, she stepped inside on a whim.

The shop's decor was traditional, exuding an old-world charm. A sales assistant greeted her at the entrance. "Miss, is there anything you're looking for?" "I'm just browsing," Aurora replied. She hadn't planned to buy anything, but the sight of familiar-looking items in a foreign land sparked her curiosity.

The store was filled with antiques, most of which were relics from a previous era. Her gaze fell on a red jade bracelet displayed in a glass case. "This jade bracelet is quite remarkable," she said, pointing at it.

People often associated jade with shades of green, but in reality, it cin a variety of colors. Red jade, however, was rare.

"Miss, you have an excellent eye," the sales assistant said warmly. "This bracelet is made of the finest jade, with a vibrant luster. It's a top-tier piece, though many people shy away from red jade, thinking it carries an ominous aura." The assistant retrieved the bracelet from the display. "Why don't you try it on? This bracelet has been in our shop for ages, yet no one has taken an interest in it." Aurora hadn't intended to make a purchase, but since the bracelet was already handed to her, she felt it would be rude to refuse. She put it on.

Years ago, Joaquin had gifted her a jade bracelet of exceptional quality, yet this red jade captured her attention in a way nothing else had. Its deep crimson hue stood out against her fair skin, enhancing her natural beauty. "Miss, it looks stunning on you," the assistant complimented.

"This red jade must be very old," Aurora observed, studying the stone's texture and color. It was clearly a relic from many years ago.

"You have a discerning eye, Miss. I won't hide it from you-most of the items in our shop are antiques with significant history. However, their exact origins are hard to trace. Our owner speculates that many of these pieces cfrom prominent families who fled during wartime. Despite their wealth, they struggled to survive in foreign lands and eventually fell into decline. In desperation, spawned their cherished possessions, which is how many of these items ended up here.

"If you like it, Miss, you should buy it. Who knows? One of these antiques might even have belonged to your own ancestors," the assistant added, her tone growing more mysterious.

If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Aurora chuckled. "What are the chances of such a coincidence?" "Don't dismiss it so easily, Miss. I'm not just saying this to make a sale. Our shop used to be a pawnshop. Although we've changed our name, our true mission has always been to return these items to their rightful owners. Back then, speople had no choice but to pawn their most beloved possessions. We've merely been their temporary custodians, hoping one day these items will find their way back to their rightful homes. "Everything has a spirit. This bracelet has been here for over a hundred years. It's been in our family since my grandfather's time, yet no one ever took an interest in it-until you walked in. Isn't that fate?" The assistant's gentle words struck a chord with Aurora. "I do like this bracelet. Red jade like this is hard to cby. How much is it?" she asked, her curiosity now mingled with genuine interest.

"This bracelet was worth a significant amount even back when it was pawned. Based on current market prices, it would cost this much." The assistant entered a figure into the calculator and showed it to Aurora.

It wasn't cheap, but as someone who had worked in the jewelry industry, Aurora knew the price was fair. The bracelet, now resting on her wrist, felt like a docile child, waiting to be taken home.

Joaquin's previous gift, while exquisite, had always felt more like a piece of art- beautiful but emotionally distant. This red jade, however, resonated with her on a deeper level. People often spoke of love at first sight-not just with people but with objects too.

Aurora rarely felt such a strong attachment to anything. Perhaps the assistant was right-this bracelet might have sunknown connection to her past, which was why she felt so drawn to it. Regardless, their meeting felt like destiny. Aurora swiped her card, paid for the bracelet, and left the shop, still wearing it.

After she departed, the assistant stepped into the back room. "Boss, someone bought the red jade bracelet," she reported.

If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "After all these years, someone finally bought it..." the man murmured with a sigh.

Aurora returned to the hotel with the bracelet on her wrist. Julian had just arrived back

as well. "I'm sorry," he said. "I promised to have dinner with you, but e I got caught up at work." "It's fine, I just got back myself."

"How was your day?" Julian asked, holding her hand as they headed out for dinner. Aurora shared the details of her day, including her latest purchase. "Look, isn't it beautiful?" she asked, showing him the bracelet.

"Red jade?" Julian remarked, his gaze falling on the vivid vid crimson stone. It was an exceptional piece. "You like this color?" "Not particularly," Aurora replied. "It just felt familiar the moment I saw it, so I bought it." "As long as you like it. It's getting late-let's go eat." "Okay," she agreed with a smile.

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