Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 882: Celestia's Design

Every moment spent with Orion felt comfortable. He knew all of her preferences, and sometimes, without her needing to say a word, he would anticipate her needs with just a glance.

"What do you want to eat tomorrow? I'll book it in advance," he asked, already thinking about the next day.

"Anything is fine, but it should be nutritious. I'm still growing," Aveline replied earnestly.

Though Aveline was always well-behaved, she was quite a picky eater-especially at home. Aurora often had to coax her into eating, treating her like royalty to get her to take a bite.

She was in her developmental years, and poor nutrition could easily hinder her growth. Aveline hadn't cared much about this in the past, but ever since Celestia made a comment about her figure, Aveline had taken it to heart. Now, she was desperate to catch up, drinking milk as if it could make up for lost time.

"But there are some dishes you don't like," Orion reminded her.

"That was when I was immature. From now on, it doesn't matter if I like it or not. What matters is whether it's nutritious," she said firmly.

The night before, Aveline had done some research online. Middle school was the peak of physical development, and most people's figures were set during these years. By high school, growth would slow down. If she didn't pay attention to nutrition now, it would be too late later. Celestia's words about men preferring a certain body type had left a deep impression on her.

"Aveline, something about you seems off," Orion remarked, sensing her change. He didn't know about her newfound concerns and was puzzled by her sudden willingness to eat what she had always avoided.

"Nothing's off. I just don't want to fall behind. If Joyce ends up taller than me, she'll definitely mock me," Aveline said, using an excuse.

Orion didn't press further. After all, teenagers were often unpredictable.

They returned to school at 2 PM. Upon entering the classroom, Liora approached Aveline unexpectedly.

"Aveline, I have something to ask you," Liora said.

a slight sense of guilt toward Liora for leaving her behind in the

things Liora had forced upon her. Aveline hadn't even known the person in question was Orion. Now that Liora had reached out, it seemed right to give her

isn't the place to talk. Let's go to the café after school. I heard they've launched a new dessert. Let's

glanced at her indifferently.

a deal. Don't ditch me," Liora said

"Mm."

between Aveline and Joyce was their approach to emotions. Aveline was always rational, never acting on

happy. Instead, she started

have confronted Aveline directly. Even if they ended their friendship,

kind of behavior spoke volumes about her character. Growing up around Julian and Aurora, Aveline

to offer an explanation.

She and Liora were never close to begin with, and now they would drift even further

calm, determined to see what Liora's intentions

the school day ended, Orion texted her, saying he'd wait for her at their usual spot. Aveline told him about her meeting with Liora and asked him to wait

Orion nearby,

soon as the bell rang, Liora quickly packed her

"Alright."

two left together, ignoring the whispers of their

café they used to frequent. It was considered high-end for middle school students, with an

Aveline to a private room. "Come in,

him on

she saw five or six high school girls waiting, with Celestia at the center. In

used Liora to lure Aveline here, planning to teach her a lesson. But Celestia had underestimated Aveline, who had already sensed something