Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 540: I Was Waiting for You Denis Vukic had arrived just yesterday. Knowing that Aurora was hosting her perflaunch today, how could he not show up to support her? Aurora held a special place in his heart. She had once revealed the truth to him about the past. Although the Vukic family had moved to New York years ago, their old house in Clothville had never been sold.

When his grandfather was alive, they would return to Clothville every year for the New Year. Back then, young Daria had always said she loved it there.

Could she have returned to Clothville to settle down? Wherever Daria was living now, she most certainly wouldn't still be called Daria Vukic.

He knew nothing about her current life. Even if he wanted to investigate, there was no way to start, especially since Daria had meticulously erased all traces of herself.

The first thing Denis did after landing yesterday was return home. After his grandfather passed away ten years ago, they had never been back.

It was snowing heavily when he stepped off the plane, and he suddenly remembered how Daria used to hate the cold. As children, whenever they went outside, he would wrap a thick scarf around her neck and tuck her hands into his pockets.

So many years had passed. Could Daria still be in this snowy city? "Hey, why are you walking so fast?" Asher grumbled as he caught up. The two had traveled together-after all, given Asher's close relationship with Aurora, there was no way he'd miss her event.

Both had planned to surprise Aurora, so neither had told her they were coming.

"I need to go somewhere. You head back to the hotel," Denis said flatly, then flagged down a taxi and gave the driver an address. He left Asher shivering in the snowstorm. Before long, Denis arrived at the house. The Vukic family had always been well-off, and their hin Clothville was a small villa. He instructed the taxi to wait outside.

Looking at the familiar house, Denis wished it would be lit up with a warm glow. But of course, Daria wouldn't be foolish enough to live there.

Snowflakes swirled in the air as Denis walked to the gate. He unlocked the heavy iron gate and stepped into the yard, only to stop abruptly.

In the snow-covered yard stood two snowmen-one large, one small. The two snowmen were holding hands. Memories flooded Denis's mind. It was Daria's first year at their house. Back then, his grandfather had business in Clothville and had brought them back before Christmas, earlier than their usual New Year's visit. Daria, who had never left New York before, was thrilled. Everything was new and exciting to her.

She loved trying different foods. Even though Denis wasn't familiar with the area either, he had willingly accompanied her to the local street markets to sample snacks.

On Christmas Eve, it snowed heavily. Daria excitedly dragged young Denis into the yard. "Denny, let's make snowmen!" "No," Denis had replied coldly. He had always hated the cold and didn't enjoy childish activities. Yet, despite his protests, he always gave in to Daria's whims.

In the end, he crouched down and helped Daria build two snowmen-one large, one small. Daria beamed and declared that the small one was her, and the large one was Denis. She said they would be together forever, never apart.

Childish words from a simpler time. Who could have predicted what the future would hold? Seeing the two snowmen now sent Denis into a frenzy. Although these were more refined than the ones they'd built as kids, he recognized them instantly. Daria had made these.

"Daria! Daria!" Denis rushed into the house, his voice echoing in the empty space. He flicked on the lights. The house was spotless, free of dust, but it was empty.

He went to their childhood room. Back then, they had been so young that they often ate and slept together. Daria had always been attached to him, and they had shared a room.

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! The walls were still covered with Daria's childhood drawings. They were crude and immature, but upon closer inspection, Denis noticed something he had never paid attention to before-he was present in every one of her drawings.

Why had he never realized this? Daria had poured all her feelings into those drawings. One drawing even had the words "Dumb Denny" scrawled on it in her childish handwriting. Denis traced the crooked letters with his fingers. Yes, he was the biggest fool in the world. He had loved her for so many years but never dared to confess. If only he had been braver back then, if only he had told her how he felt, she wouldn't have ended up in such a difficult situation.

The house was meticulously maintained, a sign that Daria returned periodically to clean. A surge of hope filled Denis's heart.

Even if she had changed her nand identity, as long as she cback here, they would meet again one day. The small snowman in the yard was proof-Daria hadn't changed. She still loved him. Knowing this, Denis felt an overwhelming joy. He rolled on the bed like a child. The faint scent on the sheets was her favorite scent from years ago.

The fragrance on the bedding meant she had occasionally stayed here. Breathing in that familiar scent, Denis felt as though Daria was right there with him.

But from the lack of other signs, it was clear she didn't live here full-time. The cold and quiet house made Denis's heart ache for the little girl who had always been afraid of the cold, the dark, and creepy crawlers. She must have been terrified sleeping here alone.

"Daria, I will find you," Denis whispered.

He carefully straightened the bed, making it look untouched. He didn't know what kind of life Daria had been living all these years, and he didn't want to act recklessly, afraid of driving her away again. So he left the house, ensuring everything looked as though no one had been there. Knowing Daria would return was enough. He just had to wait.

Denis immediately arranged for hidden cameras to be installed around the villa and on nearby streets.

Daria, you can't escapethis time. I'll wait for you.

Confident that she wouldn't return anytsoon, Denis didn't linger at the house. He didn't want to disturb the traces of her presence. What he wanted was a lifettogether, not a fleeting reunion.

That night, back at the hotel, Denis had a beautiful dream. In it, a m sweet-smiling little girl ran toward him, throwing herself into his arms.

"Denny." "Daria." The two embraced tightly under the setting sun, their shadows stretching long and far...

The dream left Denis in high spirits all day. At 7:30, he headed to the restaurant for breakfast, his thoughts consumed by Daria's every move.

Asher, who had overeaten the night before in his excitement to surprise Aurora, was still asleep, nursing a stomachache.

Denis selected a seat by the window and began eating toast, lost in his memories. Suddenly, a woman appeared beside him.

Without even glancing at her, Denis replied coldly, "Taken." mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1