Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 71 Things Have Changed

The distant azure sea repeatedly lapped against the shore, and Aurora, glancing at the time, realized it was getting late. She touched up her makeup, thoughts of her evening date prompting her to start towards the familiar place. She had deliberately spread a rumor earlier, certain that Susan would now be clinging to Hayden, or perhaps, quietly trailing him without alerting him. The "old place" they referred to was actually a restaurant, which to others might just seem like an upscale dining venue.

For Aurora, however, this restaurant was a place of great surprises. It was right here that Hayden had confessed his love long ago. Standing at the entrance of Grand Everstone, she stared at the familiar yet foreign sign. The name of the restaurant resembled sweet nothings and tender words between lovers, yet sadly, sweet nothings couldn't withstand the harsh reality.

They had once vowed to grow old together and dreamed of having many lovely children, making a lot of foolish yet sweet promises. Now, recalling these words only brought Aurora to ridicule. Standing here, she could almost remember how her face had once beamed with a radiant smile, declaring she would marry none but him. Entering the lobby, the cool air inside was a refreshing escape from the outside heat. "Miss, how may I assist you?" asked the waiter warmly. "I need a table for two," she responded. "We have a couple's booth available. Right this way," the waiter said, leading the way. Aurora merely smiled bitterly at the mention of the "couple's booth." As they passed through the lobby, her gaze was drawn to a white piano, a reminder that Hayden had once played a piano piece for her here. She adored watching him play the piano. The thought of Hayden brought back vivid memories of years spent on a ship. A young man in a white shirt playing the piano on board, his fingers dancing swiftly across the keys.

For a long time, she remembered that image, until she saw a classic movie, "The Legend of 1900." It felt familiar, yet she couldn't quite place where she had seen a similar scene before. Her fondness for Hayden was undeniably influenced by his piano playing. Pianists often had beautiful fingers and an elegant demeanor. She once thought she loved Hayden.

Now, she considered that it might not be the case. It was highly probable that her deep-seated impression of Julian playing the piano as a child had influenced her. Meeting Hayden, who resembled that long-forgotten boy, left a profound impression on her soul. Perhaps the person she truly loved was that boy in white, and Hayden was merely his shadow.

This realization startled Aurora.

"No, it can't be," she thought. At least back then, she truly loved Hayden.

The waiter turned back,

"Indeed, it has been here for a very long time, but business hasn't been great these past two years. We no longer employ a pianist," the waiter replied, somewhat disheartened. The pianist in the lobby had once added a beautiful touch to the scenery. What a shame

realizing that everything

enjoyment. The next chapter is just a click away, exclusively available on our site.

this way, please." The waiter was ready

stopped. "I would like to sit

for her. This was the very spot where she and Hayden had first sat together. Subsequently, every time they met here, they chose

restaurant's business had declined, so they could sit here without a reservation. Aurora ordered her meal. "I'm waiting for someone. Please serve the

miss," the waiter said, drawing

offering a view of the street. Across the street, a new restaurant had opened, its bright lights and upscale decor outshining this once-popular spot. No wonder business here was

she couldn't help but think of Julian. Until Julian pointed it out, she hadn't realized that ever since he mentioned how Hayden imitated