Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 501: I Am Not Your Mother

Tina's cold hand was tightly held by Aurora, who struggled to maintain her composure. "So what if I am?" she asked.

"If the curse is real, won't you end up like the other family heads?" Aurora's voice trembled as she held back tears.

Before coming here, she had considered that this might just be a rumor Denis Vukic had overheard. But now, seeing the expression on Tina's face, she was certain it wasn't a lie. At the very least, the curse was real-though perhaps with some details misrepresented.

"Nonsense. Who's been filling your head with this? Curses? It's the 21st century, and you're still this superstitious? Did you even learn anything in college?" Tina quickly regained her icy demeanor.

"Medical technology is so advanced now. People are living longer and longer. Then why are the family heads' lives getting shorter and shorter?" Aurora pressed further. "It's just a coincidence. When someone's time is up, no one can stop it. Girl, I've got things to handle. If you have nothing else, leave." Tina had issued her ultimatum.

Aurora suddenly lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around Tina and refusing to let go. "Mom, I know it's you. You can deny it, and I can pretend I don't know. But at least tell me whether the curse is real. I just want to do something for my mom. I don't believe in curses-I just want you to live. Even if you never acknowledge me in this life, I don't care. I only want you to live happily for the rest of your days."

Tina's body trembled in Aurora's embrace. What mother wouldn't feel heartbroken hearing such words from her daughter?

Tina had always acted in Aurora's best interest. But what could she do? If there was any way to avoid it, she wouldn't have left Aurora in the first place. She knew that if she told Aurora the truth, her daughter would get dragged into this mess too. And that was the last thing Tina wanted.

Both of them wanted the other to be happy, but a river separated them, leaving them on opposite banks, unable to truly reach one another.

"Mom, do you know? All these years, I thought you were no longer in this world. Until this year, when I saw you-I realized you were alive. And that's wonderful. At first, I couldn't understand. If you're alive, why didn't you want me? Was I a burden to you? Did I get in the way of your new life?

"I thought it was because of Dad and Genevieve that you left, losing all hope. But later, I realized that wasn't it. You love me. You love me more than anyone else could.

to protect me. You didn't want me to interfere with your life. Maybe you're in some kind of trouble now, and you're afraid I'll find out and get dragged

world. I'm the flesh and blood you carried for ten months. You gave birth to me, and

I do something too? Let me

from crying. She nearly spilled the truth, but if she did, wouldn't her years of effort be

even offering to inherit the position of head of the

was her most precious treasure. It was enough for Tina to bear this pain alone; she didn't want Aurora to carry

mother died long ago-over ten years ago. The person standing before you

don't believe you. You're obviously my mom. Otherwise, why are you crying? That night in the hotel, you secretly applied ointment to my injuries. I wasn't asleep then-I knew

imagining things," Tina denied

then why are your eyes red now?" Aurora grabbed Tina,

what if they're red? Can't I have sand in my eyes?" Tina's gaze was

waiting for you! Aurora slowly knelt in front of her. "Mom, I'm not

tell. I'm busy. Leave and stop disturbing me." Tina pushed

me away, Mom. I just want

anyone's help. If you keep pestering me, I'll cancel the partnership with your

away quickly because she wasn't sure how much

my company, you're still my mom. The more you push me away, the

her childhood ways. Whenever she wanted something, she'd tug on Tina's sleeve and beg with a

kneeling at Tina's feet, she did the same thing. But the smile was gone, replaced by tears. She pulled

number. Erica arrived quickly, startled by the scene

now on, no unauthorized personnel are allowed in my