Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

When they arrived at the restaurant, Michael Bardem was already there. As soon as Aurora walked in, she felt a gaze land on her.

"And you are?" Michael Bardem asked, with a hint of surprise in his eyes, as though he already knew her.

Aurora noticed his strange expression. She was certain this was only the second time they had met. At the banquet that other night, she hadn't even greeted him. For him, this should be their first encounter.

"Hello, I'm DO. I heard from Ashy that someone wanted to meet me-is that you?" Aurora replied with a polite smile.

"Yes, it's me. Miss, you seem quite young. May I ask where you're currently living?"

Aurora found the question odd-who asks about someone's residence upon first meeting? But since it came from Michael Bardem, she didn't dare to disregard it.

"Clothville," she replied.

"Clothville? Does your mother happen to have the surname Walsh?" Michael Bardem asked suddenly. Aurora paused to think and finally understood why he was looking at

her that way.

It must be because she bore some resemblance to Victoria. That explained his reaction. If he was an old acquaintance of her mother, then things might be simpler.

Still, Aurora wasn't entirely sure how to handle the question. Victoria had always kept her identity a secret. Was Michael Bardem a good person or a bad one?

"Miss DO, does my question trouble you?" Michael Bardem asked, studying her carefully. She looked so much like someone he once knew.

mother's surname is Walsh. Do you know her?"

many years ago. She's remained unmarried all these years, and few people even know she has a child. But I happened to know, and meeting you today confirms it. You're as

Bardem's words, Aurora gathered that he and her mother had some history. She recalled how Asher had mentioned that Michael Bardem had been quite taken with

friend of my mother's. What a

we all sit down and catch up? This is quite the serendipity," Asher chimed in, sensing an

had talked at length. Asher had been worried that Michael Bardem might take

connection, Asher thought

your full name?" Michael Bardem asked, giving Aurora a once-over. She didn't resemble John at

had been by Victoria's side for years. Aside from him, what kind of man could Victoria have liked? Michael

is Aurora Montgomery. My father lives in Clothville as

book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues.

next

I ever get the chance, I'd love to

very interested in my mother. What

was

but agree. No wonder Aurora was so likable-she clearly inherited it from

that makes you my mom's old friend.

course, you can. You're so much like your mother! I never imagined that

like my designs?" Aurora asked, genuinely pleased. As a designer, having

seem possible for someone so young. In this superficial world, your work stands out for its lack of pretension." Aurora smiled at the praise. "You flatter me, Uncle Bardem. Honestly, when I design, I

Clothville to her time in New York, she

next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! She had transformed herself, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, breaking through barriers to see the

Jewelry, though inherently lifeless, could be imbued with a