Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 457: Girlfriend Denis Vukic parked the car outside the villa. Aurora followed him out, her eyes catching the green vines winding along the villa's walls, dotted with small blossoms.

Her heart began to race nervously. What kind of person would Professor Lockman be? What if things didn't go as planned? The door opened, and a housemaid appeared. Before Aurora could react, Denis grabbed her hand and led her inside with commanding ease.

A middle-aged woman emerged from the living room, her face lighting up the moment she saw Denis.

"Denny, you're back! Why didn't you call ahead? I could've made your favorite burgers. And... who's she?" The woman's cheerful tone faltered as she noticed Aurora standing beside him.

Aurora froze at the word "Mom." She studied the elegant woman carefully. The resemblance to Denis was undeniable.

So, this was Denis's mother. Which meant Professor Lockman was probably his father. No wonder Mino said his word carried weight-how could a father ignore his own son? But despite returning home, Denis showed no trace of joy. His face remained impassive, his lips pressed into a tight line.

"Where is he?" "Your father...," the woman began, her smile unwavering, clearly delighted by Denis's presence.

"How many times do I have to tell you? He's not my father. My father is dead." Denis's cold words cut through the air, and in that moment, Aurora understood. Every family had its own struggles, and this one was no exception.

Perhaps this strained family dynamic was what made Denis so distant and cold. Aurora suddenly felt awkward for being caught in the middle of it all.

"Why are you so harsh? You'll scare the poor girl away. Come, my dear, have a seat." His mother's gentle demeanor reminded Aurora of Victoria, warm and inviting. She took Aurora's hand and led her into the living room.

Denis had never brought a woman hbefore, so in his mother's mind, Aurora had already becher future daughter-in-law.

"Hello, I'm Aurora-Aurora Montgomery. I cto see Professor Lockman about something, and Mr. Vukic was kind enough to bringhere," Aurora introduced herself politely.

"Well, whatever the reason, you're a guest. Please, sit down. What would you like to drink?" His mother's kindness and hospitality left Aurora unable to refuse.

Before she could respond, another voice answered for her.

"Mango juice." "Alright. You rest here for a bit, and I'll go get his father." His mother instructed the maid to prepare sfruit before heading toward the study.

She knocked on the door, and an impatient voice from inside responded, "Don't bother me, Elina. I'm not hungry." "Denny's back. He hardly ever comes home," Elina replied cheerfully.

The moment she finished speaking, the lock clicked, and a man stepped out of the room.

Aurora's eyes landed on him. He looked like he hadn't shaved in a week, his linen shirt was wrinkled, but his sharp features still hinted at a once-handsman. He bore little resemblance to Denis.

"You're back," the man said, his tone carrying a faint happiness as he moved toward Denis. The faint scent of perflingered around him.

"Don't touch me," Denis snapped coldly before the man could get too close. The sharpness in his voice made the man freeze mid-step.

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! For a man nearing fifty, his hesitation and awkwardness made him seem almost childlike. Was this the renowned Professor Lockman, admired by so many? Elina quickly stepped in to ease the tension. Clearly, this wasn't the first tsuch a situation had occurred. "Denny just got back. Maybe he's tired. This is his friend, Miss Montgomery," she said, redirecting attention. Lockman finally noticed Aurora, who had been quietly sitting on the couch. She couldn't help but wonder if her presence was that insignificant. Why was she always the last to be noticed? In most households, wouldn't the first question be about the unfamiliar guest? But then again, this wasn't a typical family. Both Elina and Lockman seemed entirely focused on Denis.

"Miss Montgomery, are you Denny's girlfriend? My son has good taste-" Aurora, mid-sip of her mango juice, nearly choked, spraying it everywhere. "No-no, I'm so sorry! That was very rude of me," she stammered, flustered. Denis, quick to react, tossed her a mint-scented handkerchief. "Wipe it off." Mortified, Aurora hurried to clean her face and the mango juice on her clothes.

Elina, watching the scene unfold, smiled faintly. It was clear that her son had developed feelings for Aurora. Otherwise, someone as fastidious as Denis would never lend his belongings to anyone.

"Miss Montgomery, it's alright," Elina reassured her, trying to ease the embarrassment.

"You've misunderstood. I'm not Mr.

Vukic's girlfriend. In fact, we've only known each other for three days. for already have a fiance. I'm here to seek Professor Lockman's help, and Mr. Vukic was kind enough to bring me," Aurora clarified, eager to dispel any misunderstanding. Elina's gaze lingered on the sizable diamond ring on Aurora's finger. From her demeanor and attire, it was clear Aurora wasn't an ordinary woman.

Her formal address of "Mr. Vukic" and distant attitude only reinforced the fact that she didn't harbor any romantic feelings for Denis.

Yet, Elina couldn't help but wonder. Denis wasn't the type to help strangers. If he were, he wouldn't stay away from hfor an entire year. Clearly, there was more to this story.

Elina's initial excitement faded. She had hoped this woman might be the one to thaw her son's icy demeanor and break down the walls he had built around himself.

But upon learning Aurora was already engaged-and to someone wealthy enough to afford such a ring-her hopes dissipated.

Lockman, oblivious to the subtleties of the situation, spoke up. "Miss Montgomery, I apologize. Denny never brings women home, so I assumed you were his girlfriend."

"I understand. Actually, I chere to ask for your help. I deeply admire your work in perfumery would you be willing to teach me?" Aurora said earnestly, cutting straight to the point. "You want to learn perfumery from me?" Lockman seemed surprised.

Over the years, many had sought to apprentice under him, but Aurora was the first person Denis had ever brought to his doorstep.

"Yes. I would be incredibly grateful for the opportunity, Professor Lockman," Aurora said, her sincerity evident.

"I'm sorry, but I don't take students anymore. Besides, I'm currently busy developing a new perfumed don't have the tto teach anyone," Lockman replied bluntly. Teaching a novice from scratch was far too time-consuming, and his focus was entirely on his research. mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1