Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The men were always the earliest risers. Irene, however, was used to sleeping in- thunderstorms or pouring rain wouldn't wake her.

Aurora hadn't slept long. When she woke, Julian wasn't beside her. Her head throbbed, and her thirst was unbearable. Reluctantly, she got out of bed to freshen up.

By the tshe cdownstairs, Denis and Robert had already left. Nick, waiting for Irene, stayed behind and was idly watching the news.

Julian and Asher noticed her pale face.

"You still don't feel well? You should rest more," Julian said.

"No, I'm awake now. Can't sleep anymore. Did you all already have breakfast?" "Yes," Asher replied. "I got up early and made breakfast for everyone. I made porridge for you too. You drank too much last night-your stomach must be upset. Don't drink so much next time." "I know." Aurora was already accustomed to Julian's constant concern and reminders. Asher handed her a bowl of porridge. "Eat more. You've gotten thinner, haven't you?" "I've been busy these past few days. Lost two pounds. You can even tell that?" "I'd notice if you lost a single strand of hair," Asher said, exaggerating but sincere in his care for her.

Aurora laughed. "I know you're the best, Ashy. Tonight, we're going back to the Alvarez family. I've already told my dad and grandpa. You can wait forat the Montgomery family. I'll cby tomorrow." Aurora understood Asher's situation. Like her former self, he lacked familial love. This time, she had prepared in advance, letting her family know she was bringing a friend hfor the holidays.

The Montgomery family had grown quieter after Genevieve and Ivy left. Asher had even met Magnus before, so he wasn't entirely an outsider.

Initially, Asher hesitated, feeling it might not be appropriate. But Aurora had already considered him her closest friend. Family belonged together, she told him.

Reluctantly, Asher agreed. At least he wouldn't have to spend the holiday alone.

Irene didn't wake until nearly noon. Nick, knowing her habits, had been waiting patiently.

"Do you feel unwell anywhere?" he asked.

"Mm... my head hurts." Irene rubbed her temples, feeling as though her skull might explode.

"Idiot. You know you can't drink, yet you drank so much last night." Nick scolded her gently as he handed her a glass of honey water.

"Here, drink this." Irene let him prop her up and downed the glass in one go. "I'm starving." "I saved sporridge for you. Eat that first, and I'll take you to get something else later." Irene looked at the man before her, so gentle and attentive. He was nothing like the man he used to be.

"Nick, if you'd treatedlike this from the beginning, do you think we would've ever split up?" Nick didn't know how to answer. No one could predict how things might have turned out.

If he had known back then that Irene would becthe most important person in his life, how could he have ever hurt her? "Irene, I promise you, I'll treat you well from now on. I won't hurt you again. Giveone more chance, just one." "I'll think about it." Irene's heart wavered. She knew how much he cared for her now. But could she truly forget everything that had happened? After breakfast, Nick said goodbye. That night, Irene and Aurora's relationship had grown closer again.

"Little Bunny, let's meet up again sometime," Irene said.

"Okay, Irene. Callthen." "Alright, I'm leaving." Nick urged her to go.

If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! After seeing Nick and Irene off, Aurora prepared to leave as well. She dropped Asher off at the Montgomery family. His charm quickly won over Oswaldo, who was delighted. "It's such a pity I only have one granddaughter. If only I had two," Oswaldo said with a sigh, clearly fond of Asher. Asher was a good man, and Julian treated Aurora well too. If both could bechis grandsons-in-law, Oswaldo would be thrilled.

"Grandpa, even though I'm not in Clothville, I can still visit you often when I have time," Asher promised. "That would make this old man very happy," Oswaldo said, holding Asher's hand warmly.

"Of course, Grandpa." Perhaps because these were Aurora's family members, Asher felt a sense of closeness too. The distance he'd once felt disappeared instantly.

Meanwhile, Aurora was a bit anxious. Though she had been to the Alvarez family before, her current status was different. Now, she was returning as a future daughter-in-law, and the thought made her shy.

"What's wrong?" Julian asked. He was always attentive and noticed her unease, even while keeping his eyes on the road.

"Nothing. I'm just a little nervous," Aurora admitted.

"This isn't your first tat my house. Why would you be nervous?" "You know what happened last time." Julian's expression darkened at the memory of that dreadful scene. "Don't worry. This time, no one will hurt you. Besides, Hayden left for New York yesterday. You won't see him, so it won't be awkward." "That's good." "Just treat it like going back to your own home. Ignore the people you dislike. We're only staying for a day. Tomorrow, we'll return to the Montgomery family," Julian reassured her.

"Alright."

His words calmed her. As their car pulled into the Alvarez family estate, Aurora couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion.

She never expected that, after all her twists and turns, she would end up marrying into the Alvarez family. It seemed her fate was sealed-she was destined to be a part of this family. The butler was already waiting at the door. "Madam, everyone is waiting for you." Aurora blushed slightly. Though they weren't officially married yet, Julian casually took her hand. "Let's go in," he said.

"Okay." Inside, Mary and the others were already present. Perhaps because Joaquin had given prior instructions, Mary greeted them with a warm smile.

"Aurora, Julian, you're back! Cin, cin. It's so cold today." "Yes, it's quite chilly," Aurora replied politely, keeping her tone neutral.

"Aurora, I've had your room prepared," Joaquin said, clearly in high spirits now that Julian had returned for the new year.

"My old room?" Julian asked, catching the implication.

Joaquin had arranged for Aurora and Julian to stay in a different room, worried about a repeat of the last incident. "No, I had the old room renovated recently. It's still a bit messy, so I've prepared another room for you two." "That's fine." They all understood the reason but left it unspoken.

Among the Alvarez family, Joaquin was the only one who treated then couple sincerely. The others wore masks of hypocrisy. It was no wonder Julian disliked being there. If not for Joaquin's happiness, neither Aurora nor Julian would have returned.

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