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.

as he was within reach

were abruptly taken away. The elders offered him a simple apology and a consolation prize: the promise of a future position as vice president of the family

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

On the surface, he appeared loyal to Tina,

You seem so lost in thought," Ivy asked, noticing Mio's

I was young," Mio replied, quickly masking the complex emotions on

had returned just as he was about to achieve his goal, he had been too young and naïve to anticipate such an unexpected turn of events. He had believed the family head position was already his. But life had thrown him

years, Tina's health had been declining, and he grew stronger, more resourceful. It seemed he wouldn't

twist occurred. He met Aurora at the company-a woman who bore an uncanny resemblance to

years Tina had vanished, she had secretly given birth to a daughter. Fortunately, fate had been kind to him this time,

eliminate her completely, there would be

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. We all need to look forward," Ivy said, assuming Mio's strict upbringing had

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

Year's Eve. According to her agreement with Julian, Aurora would visit the Alvarez family for dinner the following evening. Tonight,

Aurora went out to buy

help but feel

Mrs. Hill

her own family to celebrate with, doesn't she?"

we can hire someone else," Julian said, unwilling to let

wasn't that he didn't want to help-he had tried before. The last time Aurora was washing and prepping vegetables, Julian confidently rolled up his sleeves and stepped

let me help