Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 458: A Mother's Tenderness It seemed Mino hadn't lied-Lockman truly had no intention of taking on apprentices. He was the type of person who always felt there wasn't enough tfor his research, let alone mentoring someone who could potentially slow him down. He was busy, and there was no helping it. Aurora, who never liked forcing anyone, simply nodded. "Well, there's nothing that can be done. You must be very busy these days." Denis Vukic noticed the look of disappointment on her face. He didn't know why, but seeing her so despondent made him feel uncomfortable. He much preferred her smiling.

"Do you really want to learn?" he asked.

"Yes. Otherwise, I wouldn't have dropped everything to fly here. But if Professor Lockman doesn't have the time, then I suppose it can't be helped." Aurora shrugged helplessly. After all, the world didn't revolve around her.

"If you want to learn, I'll teach you," Denis Vukic said calmly.

"You?" Aurora looked up at him in surprise. He was the CEO of a publicly listed company and had flown planes before-but making perfume? Could he really know how to do that? Even Lockman was astonished when he heard Denis's offer. "Denny, you hate those-" Denis ignored him, his gaze fixed on Aurora. "I'm asking you. If I teach you, will you learn or not?" Aurora hesitated. Since he and Lockman were family, there was a chance he was skilled at perfumery. She nodded. "Alright, I'll learn." Only then did Denis's expression relax. That moment when he saw her so downcast earlier-it had left him unsettled. If no one taught her, would she just leave immediately and return to that man? The thought of never seeing her face again spurred him to make the offer without a second thought.

Aurora couldn't understand why Denis's suggestion to teach her had surprised both Elina and Lockman so much. Their expressions made it clear they hadn't expected him to do such a thing.

"This is wonderful! Miss Montgomery, you probably don't know this, but Denny is a genius perfumer. When he was only five years old-" Elina began, eager to boast about her son.

"Elina," Denis interrupted her with a sharp look.

"Alright, I won't say anymore," she said quickly. Smiling warmly, she turned back to Aurora. "Denny rarely brings friends home. Miss Montgomery, why don't you stay for dinner? I've already asked the housekeeper to prepare extra dishes." "I don't want to impose," Aurora said hesitantly. She had been about to leave. After all, she didn't know them, and coming empty-handed on a first visit made her feel awkward about staying longer. But when she saw the sincerity in Elina's eyes, she hesitated. If she insisted on leaving, Denis might leave too. The thought brought back images of Victoria, and Aurora couldn't help but relent. Weren't all mothers ultimately thinking of their children? So, she stayed.

"You're not imposing at all. It's just the two of us at hmost of the time, and Lockman is always busy with his research. I've been hoping for someone to chat with me," Elina said cheerfully.

"Alright," Aurora agreed. Since it was their family matter, she didn't press further.

The dinner was a warm, lively affair, leaving Aurora feeling a bit out of place. Elina and Lockman were both so welcoming it made her feel even more self-conscious. Denis, on the other hand, seemed entirely accustomed to their enthusiasm. He kept his usual cold demeanor throughout the meal, which might have been due to Elina's habit of constantly piling food onto his plate. This time, it took him ten full minutes to finish eating before finally setting down his chopsticks.

"Miss Montgomery, please don't mind him. Denny used to serve in the military, so he's always eaten quickly," Elina explained.

Aurora had been wondering about that herself. His speed at the table suggested he'd had smilitary background, and now it was confirmed.

"It's alright. I've just about finished too," Aurora said.

"Finished? You've barely eaten anything! You're so thin already-here, have smore meat. How can you stay healthy like this?" Elina said, her tone full of concern, like mothers everywhere. No matter how much their daughters ate, it never seemed like enough.

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! Aurora couldn't help but think of her own mother. The last tthey'd eaten together in a restaurant, her mother had been distant, deliberately keeping her at arm's length. She hadn't even bothered to offer Aurora a single bite of food.

Julian had lost his mother at a young age, and Aurora herself had no mother-in-law. Neither she nor Julian had ever truly experienced maternal love. That absence left a deep wound in both their hearts.

Though she was already full, Aurora couldn't bring herself to refuse Elina's kindness. She kept eating, imagining Elina as if she were her own mother.

As a child, Aurora had been a picky eater. Victoria had always coaxed her patiently. "Aurora, have a little more fish, alright? If you eat it, you'll be as fair as a fish." "No, I'm full," she would reply stubbornly.

"Then how about schicken? You're growing, and you need a balanced diet." "Mom, I'm really full. I don't want any more," she'd say, throwing a tantrum and storming off.

Years later, when her mother was no longer there, every meal beca solitary affair. That loneliness made her ache for Victoria's presence. If NO only her mother could cback, she would have gladly eaten two more bowls of rice, no matter what it took. But when someone leaves, there's no going back, no matter how much you regret it. Elina's warmth stirred those buried memories, touching the softest part of Aurora's heart. A tear slid down her cheek.

"What's wrong, dear? What happened? If you don't like the food, you don't have to eat it. Please don't cry," Elina said, alarmed.

From the sofa, Denis heard the commotion and looked over. When he saw Aurora's tearful face, he immediately stood and walked toward her.

"Con, let's go," he said, reaching out to take Aurora away from the table.

Aurora hastily wiped her tears. "I'm sorry. I just... I just thought of my mom." "What about your mother?" Elina asked gently, her heart aching ne of my for the girl. "You remindedchildhood," Aurora began, her v voice trembling. "My mom was like you. She always encouragedto eat, but I was so stubborn. I hated everything she made and threw tantrums all the time. Then one day, she was gone, and I realized too late how much I'd taken her for granted. If I could go back in time, I'd cherish every moment. I'd eat everything she gave me. It's been so many years since I've felt this way, and just now, I couldn't hold it in." Aurora's explanation moved everyone at the table. Her words revealed a deep vulnerability that made her all the more endearing.

"You silly girl," Elina said, her voice full of affection. "I thought you were upset because I was too enthusiastic. Don't cry anymore, alright? From now on, you're welchere anytime. I'll cook whatever you like." Aurora, who had long been starved of maternal love, felt a connection to Elina, who also missed having her son around most of the time. The two grew close naturally.

Aurora nodded, finally managing a smile. Denis relaxed when he saw her tears turn into laughter Eliña, eager to make up for the the years Aurora had lost, kept piling food onto her plate, as if trying to fill all the gaps in her heart. By the tnight fell, Aurora finally prepared to leave. Elina clung to her hand, chatting endlessly, reluctant to let her go. Before Aurora left, Elina made sure to get her phone number.

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