Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Mio Walsh paused for a moment before replying, "My family moved to New York in the last century. Even though we immigrated, the elders in my family still missed Clothville. From the moment we're born, each generation is strictly required to learn about Clothville's culture and history. I might not visit often, but I know just as much as you do-if not more."

"That explains why you seem even more local than I do," Ivy remarked with a smile. "Of course. Otherwise, I'd get in trouble at home," Mio Walsh said, half-jokingly. "Your family is that strict?" Ivy's mind immediately conjured up the image of a stern, elderly patriarch.

"Strict is an understatement. It's downright insane," he replied with a bitter smile-a smile that concealed struggles only he could truly understand.

From the day Mio became the heir of the Walsh family, he was subjected to relentless demands. Tina, the previous heir, had undergone inhuman training since childhood. While Tina was naturally intelligent, her brilliance was largely forced out of her by the family's oppressive methods.

When Tina disappeared, the elders, fearing further unpredictability, decided to groom a backup heir. Initially, they chose Mira. But Mira, despite her young age, understood the crushing responsibilities of being the family head. She rejected the role, even threatening to take her own life to escape it.

At the time, many of the male members of the family, long dissatisfied with the women holding power, began scheming for control. That's how Mio ended up in the awkward position of a "backup heir."

The elders promised him that if Tina didn't return, he would officially become the family head on his eighteenth birthday. From a young age, Mio was indoctrinated with certain ideas: women should stay at home and raise children, and the family had been ruled by women for far too long.

Times had changed. The once-mysterious family legacy had broken apart with the modern age. Their ancient divination practices had faded, and the R family had carved out a space for themselves in the business world. However, most of the power in the family remained in the hands of women, causing long-standing resentment among the

men.

When Mio was thrust into the role of the backup heir, he was given a mission: to overturn the family's matriarchal power structure. Determined to surpass Tina, he studied tirelessly. In every aspect-academics, skills, and achievements-he committed himself completely. Like Tina, he skipped grades and excelled, earning recognition as a legitimate heir in the eyes of the family.

At first, Mio had little personal desire for the family head position. But over time, after relentless brainwashing and his own growing ambition, the idea of becoming the family head consumed him.

just as he was within reach of his

The elders offered him a simple apology and a consolation prize: the

so far. They had raised him to the highest peak, only to let him plummet into the abyss. How could he not resent

Tina,

You seem so lost in thought," Ivy

I was young," Mio replied, quickly

too young and naïve to anticipate such

mistake was enough. He vowed never to let it happen again. In recent years, Tina's health had been declining, and he grew stronger, more resourceful. It seemed he wouldn't even need to take action; Tina would exhaust herself and fade

He met Aurora at the company-a

had secretly given birth to a daughter. Fortunately, fate had been kind

her completely, there would be no further threats. Tina wouldn't last

you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Don't dwell on the past.

I won't. It's time to look ahead," Mio replied, curling his lips into a

would visit the Alvarez family for dinner

out to buy groceries. Watching her

help

why don't I call Mrs. Hill back to help you?" he

the holidays. Mrs. Hill has her own family to celebrate

else," Julian said, unwilling

Aurora was washing and prepping vegetables, Julian confidently rolled up his sleeves and stepped

Bunny, let me help you,"