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?"

love all of them. But Uncle

different?" Aurora asked seriously, treating her

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

has always been alone. I really like him and don't want

speechless. Her daughter's innocent words carried

think Uncle Ashy

head.

girl like

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

are playing together, but there's one kid who doesn't

of Aveline. "Are you

play with us. But this other kid-he wanted

to play with him. After a

like him. When you're all having fun together, he just watches quietly. His shadow stretches long too.

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

bringing joy not just to herself but

my little angel. Mommy is so proud

to the same elementary school as me. Wouldn't it be great if

"Who's Rowan?"

friend I told you about! He used to be really shy and never talked, but now

"Alright, I won't ask.

of the baby, so I'll try my best to

both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Aurora kissed her on the forehead. "Be good, my love. Come visit Mommy during your school

You be good too," Joyce said, patting Aurora's arm like a little

lights, and Joyce quickly fell asleep. At the end of the day, she was

Joyce's hand as they went to see Aurora off. Joyce smiled brightly the whole time. "Bye, Mommy, Daddy, and Little Monster!

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