Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Hayden had left. Before the New Year arrived, he had already gone to New York because he knew that this year, Julian would bring Aurora hto celebrate.

Since there was no way to change things, Hayden couldn't bring himself to call Aurora "Aunt." It was simply too much. So, he deliberately avoided her.

Aurora, however, extended an invitation to Asher, asking him to join her for the New Year. Asher hadn't fallen on hard times for no reason back then. It wasn't that he didn't have family-it was just...

Aurora thought about Asher being alone in New York. Regardless of her relationship with Julian, in her heart, Asher would always be her most important family.

At first, Asher refused. Aurora and Julian weren't married, but in essence, it was no different. They had the approval of both families, lived together, and trusted each other deeply-something even many married couples couldn't achieve.

Asher didn't want to be the third wheel. He rejected her invitation, but Aurora knew what he was thinking. Yet, whenever she imagined him sitting alone in a cold, quiet home, her heart ached.

After her persistent requests, Asher eventually gave in. What changed his mind was a single message from Aurora: "Ashy, I can't be your lover. You say you have no family. From now on, I'll be your family." Perhaps the word "family" held too much weight. Or perhaps it was because it had been so long since someone had said such a thing to him. Either way, Asher came.

He thought to himself, Why not? He could annoy Julian to death while he was at it. Besides, Denis hadn't returned to New York either. He was still in Clothville, waiting for Daria to appear. Slowly but surely, he'd stopped being entirely alone. Friends had gradually appeared in his life.

As the people of Clothville busied themselves preparing for the New Year, Tina's attention remained fixed on Walsh.

Last time, her order had been snatched away. Based on Walsh's character, he wouldn't let it slide. Yet, strangely, he had been completely calm lately, going about his days as usual, without any suspicious behavior.

For someone like him, the calmer he appeared, the more likely something was amiss. That was why Tina had been keeping a close eye on him.

"Madam, just went to the airport," Erica reported.

"The airport? Where is he heading?" Tina asked quickly.

"He bought a ticket to Hawaii. Apparently, he's going on vacation," Erica replied. "Hawaii? Walsh, a workaholic, going on vacation? Do you believe that?" Tina frowned.

"It's not impossible. After all, he's finished his projects, and the company doesn't have much going on lately. Losing the last order might've been his excuse to give himself a break." "Is that so?" Tina found it hard to believe. Could it be that Walsh had changed? Or maybe he hadn't discovered her connection to Aurora? Was she overthinking it? To Tina, Walsh was like a cunning fox. He was never as simple as he seemed. So, had she been worrying for nothing? "You don't believe it, Madam?" Erica asked.

"I just think it's out of character for him," Tina replied.

"But wasn't he always the type to vacation in tropical places like Hawaii or the Maldives? This matches his usual habits." "Still, it feels off. He's not someone to let his guard down so easily," Tina said.

"You worry too much. Your health is already fragile. The more you stress, the more it takes a toll on you," John said, entering with a bowl of medicine.

"Alright," Tina conceded, knowing that if she didn't ease up, John would just lecture her further.

"Are you staying in New York this year? Don't you want to go back?" John asked, sitting beside her and cooling the medicine before handing it to her.

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! "I don't have any family back there. There's no need," Tina shook her head. Back then, she'd been drawn to the mystery of that country, so she had run away. That's how she'd met Magnus upon returning home.

"How can you say that? Isn't little Aurora your family?" "You know I can't meet her," Tina replied, already aware of John's intentions. He had always wanted Aurora to return and take over the R family's legacy, hoping it would lighten Tina's workload.

But Tina was a stubborn woman. Once she made up her mind, nothing could change it. Aurora was her only family. She had to protect her at all costs.

The hardships Tina endured were hers alone to bear. Her daughter, Aurora, deserved a life free of such burdens. "You..." John sighed, knowing it was pointless to argue. He swallowed his words and changed the subject instead. "Drink slowly. The medicine is still hot." At the Airport.

Ivy had arrived early, waiting at the terminal. When Walsh finally appeared, she felt relief flood over her. No longer would she only meet him in her dreams.

She had dressed beautifully today, though she couldn't help worrying about her appearance. It had been days since they'd last seen each other. Did he miss her as much as she missed him? When he emerged from the VIP section, tall and elegant, his handsface exuding an air of noble sophistication, her heart bloomed like a flower.

Walsh carried himself with a refined grace, every movement radiating an aura that felt unattainable.

"Mio, you're here?" Ivy couldn't contain her excitement and quickly approached him. "Sorry to keep you waiting the weather wasn't great, and the flight was delayed," said apologetically, flashing her a gentle smile.

"It's no problem. I only just arrived," Ivy lied. In reality, she had been at the airport an hour early the flight delay had dragged her wait to nearly four hours. But all of that melted away in the joy of seeing him again. "You must be hungry after waiting so long. This is your territory, so you'll have to be my guide," said.

He knew she had been waiting far longer than she claimed. If Ivy's past hadn't been so unsavory, he might not have despised her as much. But even so, he could never truly care for her. Mio's future wife would have to be someone who matched him in status and could advance his career. Ivy, a penniless illegitimate child with no background, could never be that person.

Even if she were pure and virtuous, she would never becMrs. Walsh.

Despite his disdain, kept it hidden beneath a mask of warmth and kindness, leaving Ivy overjoyed by his attentiveness.

"Sure! I'll take you to try sauthentic local cuisine," she said eagerly.

"Sounds good," replied.

Ivy only knew that Walsh was a vice president of a large company based in New York. Beyond that, she knew very little about him.

"Mio, you've lived abroad for so long. How is it that you seem to know so much about Clothville?" Ivy asked curiously.

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