Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 861: Thinking of You Three Times a Day

Aurora pinched Joyce's little nose playfully. "You little rascal. Promise Mommy you'll listen to Uncle Ashy and won't cause any trouble."

"I promise to be on my best behavior!" Joyce immediately wiped away her tears, planting a kiss on Aurora's cheek. "Mommy, you're the best."

"Joyce, since you're studying in New York, aren't you going to stay with Grandma?" Tina asked, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment.

Though Aurora, as the head of the family, had abolished many of the old R family traditions and rules, Joyce was still expected to live at the family villa.

Joyce quickly ran over to Tina and kissed her cheek too. "That place is way too big. I don't like it. Besides, Grandma needs to spend time with Grandpa. I don't want to be a third wheel."

"You cheeky little girl," Tina chuckled, slightly embarrassed.

"Don't worry, Joyce will be in good hands with me," Asher assured them for the third time. He had already prepared himself for her departure, but now that Joyce was staying with him, he couldn't help but feel excited.

"I'm not worried about you," Aurora teased. "I'm worried this little troublemaker might give you a hard time."

"Mommy, I'll really behave this time," Joyce said earnestly.

"That's more like it. But for now, you'll sleep with me for the next few nights," Aurora said, reluctant to part with her.

"Okay!" Joyce agreed cheerfully.

That night, after Aurora finished telling her a bedtime story and tucking her in, she

asked softly, "Joyce, can you tell Mommy why you're so determined to stay with Uncle Ashy?"

Joyce bit her finger and thought for a moment. "Because I like Uncle Ashy."

"Does that mean you don't like Grandma and Grandpa anymore?"

not! I love all of them. But Uncle

is he different?" Aurora asked seriously, treating her daughter's thoughts with

Daddy, Grandma has Grandpa, Aunt Rebecca has Uncle Mio, Aunt Irene has Uncle Nick, and

want him to be by himself. Being alone is so sad. I want to

speechless. Her daughter's innocent words carried a surprising

think Uncle Ashy

head.

does a little girl like you know

do know!" Joyce said confidently. "Loneliness is like when we're at kindergarten,

but there's one kid who doesn't

mind drifted to thoughts of Aveline. "Are

is a little weirdo. She thinks we're childish and doesn't play with us. But this other kid-he wanted to play with us but was too scared. He always stayed in the corner by

play with him. After

fun together, he just watches quietly. His shadow stretches long too. I think he's

Sometimes, it took a child's pure eyes to see the things adults overlooked. She gently patted Joyce's head, suddenly understanding

lived up to her name, bringing joy not

little angel. Mommy

going to the same elementary school as me. Wouldn't it be great if we were in the same

"Who's Rowan?"

shy and never talked, but now he tells me

ask.

you now! But Mommy has to take care of the baby, so I'll try my best to only miss you three times a day," Joyce said earnestly, her words bringing tears to Aurora's

and heartbreaking. Aurora kissed her on the forehead. "Be good, my love. Come

too," Joyce said, patting

asleep. At the end of the

Asher held Joyce's hand as they went to see Aurora off. Joyce smiled brightly the

flicked Joyce's forehead lightly. "Don't you dare let yourself get skinny. If you come back shorter than me, I'll