Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 531: Christmas Eve Aurora watched as the snow outside grew heavier, blanketing the city in a festive cheer. Tonight, she and Julian were heading to Montgomery Manor for dinner.

Although Oswaldo claimed Christmas was meaningless and insisted it was just a simple family meal, the sight that greeted them upon arrival said otherwise. Two large Christmas trees stood in the front yard, adorned with colorful lights and ornaments. Typically, Christmas trees were placed indoors, but Oswaldo had chosen to put these grand trees outside, adding a unique flair.

Aurora noticed small cards hanging from the trees. Most of them bore wishes like, "May my granddaughter be safe and happy." As people aged, their hearts seemed to grow lonelier. Aurora knew she was often caught up with work and rarely spent twith her grandfather, a thought that filled her with guilt.

The butler was already waiting at the door. Aurora quickly shed her coat and gloves upon entering and, with a joyful bounce, ran to find her grandfather.

"Grandpa..." Before she could even get close, she heard his voice.

"Checkmate! Let's see how you'll recover from this!" Oswaldo sounded particularly pleased.

"Grandpa, you're playing chess?" Aurora stepped closer and was surprised to see Joaquin sitting across from him. These two had always been at odds, their fiery tempers clashing constantly. Seeing them sitting together for a gof chess was nothing short of astonishing.

Julian followed behind, carrying a few gifts. "Grandpa, these are for you... Dad? What are you doing here?" His voice faltered as he spotted Joaquin, momentarily stunned. Joaquin glanced at the gifts in Julian's hands. From childhood to adulthood, Julian had always been at odds with him. Yet here he was, bringing gifts for Oswaldo. Joaquin couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. After all, Julian was his son. But as he reflected on his past mistakes, he found it easier to understand. Julian had changed a lot since being with Aurora.

"Why can't I be here? You only know how to bring gifts for outsiders. What about me?" Joaquin's tone carried a hint of irritation.

"What do you mean by 'outsiders'? The kids are engaged!" Oswaldo shot him a glare. Shabits never changed-these two were still the sas ever.

Aurora chuckled softly and walked over to Oswaldo. "Grandpa, you're really good at chess. It looks like you're about to win." "Of course! How could he possibly beat me?" Oswaldo's face lit up with pride.

Aurora leaned closer to inspect the board. "But this isn't a deadlock. Try this move." She nudged the black queen into position, temporarily relieving Joaquin from the threat.

"Well then, checkmate again!" Oswaldo moved his rook with confidence.

Aurora calmly countered. "How about this?" "You little rascal! How can you side with him?" Oswaldo huffed in mock anger. His victory was within reach, but Aurora's clever move had stalled him.

"Grandpa, Joaquin, you two keep playing. I'll make stea for you." Knowing her grandfather's love of chess, Aurora wisely stopped before he got truly annoyed.

"Hmph, I want iced tea," Oswaldo grumbled, his temper easing slightly. "Of course. Joaquin, what would you like?" Aurora asked with a smile.

"Me? Anything is fine," Joaquin replied, momentarily stunned by her warmth. He marveled at how close Aurora and Oswaldo were. In families like theirs, younger generations often feared the patriarchs. Years of building an empire left these elders with a harsh demeanor that made them difficult to approach.

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! Unlike most families driven by profit, Aurora and Oswaldo shared genuine affection. Joaquin couldn't help but envy their bond. He thought of his own children. Julian had suffered the most, growing up withdrawn and cold after his mother's death. He'd left without fully spreading his wings. Hayden, though slightly better, still treated him with a distant respect, devoid of any familial joy.

Joaquin's heart swelled with jealousy and regret. Despite earning respect outside, he had never experienced the warmth of family. Perhaps it was karma for the mistakes he'd made.

"He likes coffee. No sugar," Julian suddenly interjected, breaking his silence.

Most older men preferred tea, but Joaquin was unusual. He had always liked coffee-a detail only Julian would know.

Julian's mother had despised tea and loved coffee. Perhaps love compels people to adopt the habits of their e i beloved Joaquin had grown fond of coffee after meeting her. Even when he spent years abroad, her influence lingered. Joaquin glanced at Julian. He hadn't expected his son, who once hated him so deeply, to remember his preferences.

Aurora returned with a cheerful smile. "Alright, I'll prepare it now."

Julian had long been misunderstood as cold and unfeeling. Why else om would he abandon his family nand stay away for years? In truth, he had already forgiven Joaquin. Blood ties couldn't be severed.

When Julian learned Joaquin was battling cancer, he could no longer treat him as before. Aurora, toom didn't want Julian to carry regrets. She could see that he had already forgiven his father, though his pride wouldn't let him admit it. That was fine- she could play the role of mediator in their relationship. mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1