Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Asher realized he couldn't convince Aurora, so he had no choice but to accompany her. The car sped toward R Company.

"What do you plan to say when you see her?" Asher asked, unsure of what Aurora intended to do.

"What else can I say? I want her to tellthe truth." She had been kept in the dark for so many years. She couldn't let this continue forever.

If not for Ivy's unexpected visit and casual mention of the matter, she would still be living in ignorance, deceived by everyone around her.

"The truth? What if the truth is something you can't accept? Haven't you ever heard of a well-intentioned lie? Sometimes, ignorance can be a kind of happiness. Knowing the truth can hurt." Asher understood all too well. If so many people didn't want Aurora to know, it was clear that whatever it was would only cause harm. People were selfish by nature. Between Tina and Aurora, Asher naturally prioritized Aurora's well-being and happiness over anything else.

"Ashy, I understand what you mean. But if my happiness comes at the cost of someone else's suffering, I'd rather not have that kind of happiness," Aurora said, gazing out at the scenery rushing past the window.

From childhood, her mother had always protected her. Even after faking her death, there was a tAurora couldn't comprehend why her own mother would pretend not to recognize her.

But as tpassed, she slowly understood. Her mother hadn't changed. She was still protecting her, just in a different way.

Aurora realized she had done nothing for her mother all along. If her mother was now suffering, she wanted to be there with her. If they couldn't share joy, at least they could share pain. That, she felt, was her duty as a daughter.

"You little troublemaker," Asher sighed. "You're great in every way, but sometimes, you're just too stubborn." "Ashy, if this situation were reversed, you'd do the same. Your mother..." "No, I don't have a mother," Asher interrupted sharply, his tone cold. It was clear he disliked discussing his personal matters, especially anything about his parents. Aurora quickly fell silent, sensing his resistance.

The two remained quiet for the rest of the ride until they arrived at the R Tower. Every tAurora chere, she felt a certain weight in her heart. Perhaps it was because she knew Tina was there.

The last tshe'd been here, her face had left a strong impression on everyone.

"Good day, Miss Montgomery," the receptionist greeted her politely.

"Hello. I'd like to see your Chairwoman. Is she here?" Aurora asked directly.

"I'm sorry, Miss Montgomery. She hasn't been coming to work for several weeks. The company is currently being managed by the Vice Chair. If you have any business matters, you can contact him," the receptionist replied with respect.

Aurora hadn't expected this outcome. She thought her mother might have been avoiding her due to Mio's threats. But hearing that Tina wasn't in good health filled her with unease.

"She hasn't been to work for so long. Is something wrong with her?" Aurora asked, her worry growing.

"Well... It seems the Chairwoman's health hasn't been good. I heard she fainted during an important meeting a while back. Since then, she hasn't returned to the office. If you have business-related matters, I can transfer you to the Vice Chair's office to see if he's available," the receptionist offered kindly.

Aurora looked so much like Tina that the staff couldn't help but wonder if she was one of the Walsh family's relatives. They wouldn't dare be careless with her.

"No, thank you," Aurora replied. She hadn't anticipated this. She thought her mother might have been threatened, but now it seemed Tina's health was the issue.

Could it be the curse? Aurora had been so busy after returning to the country that she'd almost forgotten about it. To most people, talk of a curse would sound like a joke. Aurora herself had always been skeptical. The whole idea seemed too fantastical to be real.

"Do you know where the Chairwoman is now? What illness does she have?" Aurora pressed, her concern evident. "I'm sorry, I really don't know. You could ask the Vice Chair," the receptionist said, clearly out of her depth.

Aurora knew had animosity toward her and couldn't imagine going to him for answers. As she pondered her next move, a familiar voice called out from behind.

"Miss Montgomery?" The voice was unmistakable. Aurora turned and saw Mira, the woman she'd met once before, who had helped her find Tina. If anyone knew, it would be Mira.

"Mira, I'm looking for Tina. I just found out she's unwell. Do you know how she's doing or where she is now?" Aurora asked anxiously.

Mira glanced around, noting the number of people nearby. It wasn't the best place for such a conversation.

"Miss Montgomery, you want to know where Tina is? I'm actually on my way to see her. I can take you with me," Mira offered.

"Thank you so much," Aurora said, relief washing over her.

If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience Tall for free The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! Asher tugged on Aurora's arm. "Don't we have a meeting later? Let's visit her another day when we have more time," he suggested cautiously. He didn't trust the Walsh family, particularly Mira or Mio. Considering what had happened last time, he felt it was too risky for Aurora, especially since she was pregnant.

Mira, noticing Asher's hesitation, shrugged. "I need to head out now. Tina's not in a good state, so I can't delay. Miss Montgomery, if you want to visit another day, feel free to call me."

Aurora immediately grew anxious.

"No, I'm free right now. Please, taketo her." "Alright, then. You cam followin your car, car" Mira responded nonchalantly. Aurora hurried behind her, but Asher stopped her abruptly. "Aurora, calm down. Don't forget what they did to you last time. You need to think this through." "Ashy, something's happened to my mother. I'm scared. What if the curse is real? What if..." Aurora couldn't finish the thought. Overwhelmed, she slapped herself hard across the face.

The sound startled Asher. Seeing her do this to herself made his heart ache. "You idiot! What are you doing?" "Ashy, I failed my mother. I never should have left her. I shouldn't have abandoned her," Aurora said, her voice trembling with guilt.

"Stop it. This isn't your fault. Your mother will be okay. Stop overthinking it. And don't forget-you're not alone anymore," Asher reminded her, his tone firm but caring.

Aurora's hand instinctively moved to her stomach. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down. If her Was mother was alright, she couldn't risk harming her child with her emotions. She had to stay composed. mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1