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 home to 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 Mio Walsh.

Last time, her order had been snatched away. Based on Mio 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.

just went to the airport," Erica

Where is he heading?"

replied. "Hawaii? Mio Walsh, a workaholic, going on

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

it be that Mio Walsh had changed? Or maybe he hadn't

was like a cunning fox. He was never as simple as

it,

out of

places like Hawaii or the Maldives? This matches

off. He's not someone to let his guard down so easily,"

more you stress, the more it takes a toll on you," John said, entering with a bowl

that if she didn't ease

Don't you want to go back?" John asked, sitting

Join us for

There's no need," Tina shook her head. Back then, she'd been drawn to the mystery of

you say that? Isn't little Aurora

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

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

alone to bear. Her daughter,

argue. He swallowed

medicine is

At the Airport.

finally appeared, she felt relief flood over

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

he emerged from the VIP section, tall and elegant, his handsome face exuding an air of noble