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

airport? Where is he heading?" Tina

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

the company doesn't have much going on

it be that Mio Walsh had changed? Or maybe

never as simple as he seemed. So, had she been worrying for

it, Madam?"

of character for him," Tina

he always the type to vacation in tropical places like Hawaii or the Maldives? This matches his usual

someone to let

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

knowing that if she didn't ease up, John would

go back?" John asked, sitting beside her and cooling the medicine

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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

you say that? Isn't

can't meet her," Tina replied, already aware of John's intentions. He had always wanted

mind, nothing could change it. Aurora was her only family. She

alone to bear. Her

to argue. He swallowed his words and changed the

medicine

At the Airport.

early, waiting at the terminal. When Mio Walsh finally appeared, she felt relief

worrying about her appearance. It had been days since they'd

section, tall and elegant, his handsome face exuding an air of noble