Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

In many ways, Julian was near perfect-thoughtful, intelligent, and astute, with all the strategy and skills one could ask for. However, there was one glaring flaw that marred this otherwise impeccable man: his cooking.

Perhaps it was fate's way of balancing his perfection, like a sculptor leaving a deliberate flaw in their creation. Aurora would never forget the first the made her brown sugar water-it was an unforgettable disaster. The pasta he later cooked was passable, but only because it cwith precise instructions on the packaging.

The real trouble began whenever Julian had to rely on his own creativity in the kitchen. Yet, when his eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, Aurora couldn't bring herself to dampen his spirits. Encouragement, even for hopeless endeavors, was better than crushing someone's zeal.

"Julian, why don't you helppeel spotatoes for the curry chicken instead?" she suggested gently. "Sure!" Julian eagerly took on the task, convinced it would be as simple as peeling apples. But the misshapen potatoes and the unfamiliar peeler proved to be far trickier than he anticipated.

He managed to peel a few with sdifficulty, but as his hands grew wet and the potato becslippery, it suddenly flew out of his grasp-straight into Aurora's forehead.

"Little Bunny, are you okay?" Julian tossed everything aside and ran to her.

Aurora, who had been salting fish, sighed helplessly. She touched her forehead, which was now slightly red. Thankfully, it had been a potato and not a knife.

"I'm fine, Julian, but maybe you can wash the fruits instead. Just rinse them-don't pluck them off the stems, okay?" Aurora smiled, recalling the grapes she had bought. She didn't want to return to find only bare vines left.

"Got it!" Julian dashed off happily, proud to contribute. Watching him leave, Aurora finally let out a relieved sigh. She had learned something new: while most people cooking might cost money, Julian cooking could cost lives. From that day forward, she decided it was best to ban him from the kitchen altogether.

Thankfully, washing fruits didn't result in any catastrophes. But as Aurora finished her preparations, Julian stood in the doorway, watching her with a soft, wistful gaze.

"Julian, the guests will be here soon. Go greet them. I've got this under control," she said, noticing his lingering presence.

Julian hesitated. He knew he only caused trouble when trying to help, but he hated the thought of leaving her to handle everything alone. Torn between his desire to help and his fear of making things worse, he stood awkwardly by the door, his expression a mixture of guilt and longing.

"I just want to watch you," he murmured.

Aurora shivered slightly under his intense gaze. "Julian, you look like a ghost haunting me. How about this? When Ashy arrives, you can learn how to make dumplings with him." As if on cue, the doorbell rang.

"Someone's here. Julian, go answer the door," Aurora said, waving him off.

Julian reluctantly turned and walked away. When he opened the door, he found Asher standing there, suitcase in hand.

"You're early," Julian remarked.

"Of course," Asher replied as he stepped inside. "I know what you're like in the kitchen. I wasn't about to let you ruin everything. Now move-I'm here to save Aurora." Asher kicked off his shoes and strode confidently into the house as if it were his own. Heading straight for the kitchen, he rolled up his sleeves, ready to work.

Julian trailed behind, skeptical. "Ashy, you actually know how to cook? With your busy schedule managing the company, I doubt you've ever touched a knife." Asher ignored him, washing his hands and surveying the vegetables on the counter. "So early, Ashy?" Aurora greeted him warmly.

"I had to cearly. I knew you'd be overwhelmed, and this guy here wouldn't be much help," Asher said, nodding toward Julian. "Which of these need chopping?" Aurora gestured to the potatoes. "Swill go into the curry chicken, sfor stir-fried shreds, and the rest I'll decide on later." "Got it," Asher replied, picking up a knife.

Julian crossed his arms, watching skeptically. He still didn't believe Asher could cook. After all, his own attempts at chopping ginger had ended in uneven chunks. This was bound to be entertaining.

Asher started by dicing the potatoes for the curry chicken. His movements were swift and precise, producing evenly sized cubes in a matter of seconds.

Julian's eyes narrowed. "Hmph, even I can do that. It's just cutting cubes." But as Asher moved on to slicing and shredding, his knife skills beca blur of speed and precision. The rhythmic tapping sound of the blade against the cutting board filled the kitchen, leaving Julian speechless.

How was he so fast? Julian stared in disbelief. He had completely underestimated Asher's abilities.

Asher, sensing Julian's shock, smirked. "She didn't always have it easy, you know," he said as he m continued chopping. "When she first cto New York, we had no money. Eating out wasn't an option, so I cooked at home. Over time, as her stomach grew weaker from stress, I learned how to prepare meals that were good for her health."

m Though Asher's tone was matter-of-fact, Julian couldn't help but feel a twinge of gratitude Whatever role/Asher had played in Aurora's life, it was clear he had been there for her during her toughest times. How could Julian resent him for that?

Aurora chimed in with a soft smile. "We were clumsy at first, but we figured it out. Since we had to cook every day, we thought we might as well make it enjoyable. Ashy even researched recipes online and perfected the dishes I loved from home. His cooking is far better than mine." She and Asher exchanged a glance, their shared history evident in the silent understanding between them. Julian felt a pang of envy but swallowed it down. Instead, he resolved to attend a cooking class after the new year.

"Aurora, someone else is here. I'll get the door. You two handle the kitchen," Julian said, excusing himself. "Thanks, Julian," Aurora replied with a grin.

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