Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 897: Love, Please

On the way home, Orion carried Aveline the entire time. The family had made it clear- her feet were not allowed to touch the ground until they were fully healed.

As soon as they returned, relatives took turns visiting to check on her, and Joyce was the first to call through a video chat.

When Aveline opened the call, a worried face filled the screen.

"Are your feet okay? How could they be so awful, putting thumbtacks there?!" Joyce exclaimed, her voice tense. "I've already bought a ticket. I'll be there first thing tomorrow morning! Hmph, anyone who dares to bully my sister must have a death wish."

Joyce rolled up her sleeves, revealing a delicate yet determined hand in the frame. "Joyce, seatbelt," came a calm voice from off-screen.

"Got it, Ashy," Joyce replied obediently.

"I told you to call me Uncle Asher!" Asher's exasperated face appeared briefly, as Joyce stuck out her tongue mischievously.

Aveline sighed, her expression helpless. "Joyce, it's just a small scratch. I'm really fine. Flying all the way from New York is completely unnecessary!"

Joyce's grin revealed her dimples, sweet and carefree. "Well, it's been months since we last saw each other. I miss you! Ashy's bringing me back."

Seeing her sister's smile, Aveline's heart softened. The world seemed a little brighter. It was true-she hadn't seen Joyce in a long time.

"Alright, just be careful on the way. And please, don't give Uncle Asher too much trouble, you little rascal," Aveline teased.

"I'm not causing trouble! Ask Ashy if you don't believe me."

"Call me Uncle Asher," he muttered, ruffling Joyce's hair with a resigned hand.

"Are you heading to the airport?"

"Yes, we're almost there. Aveline, as soon as you open your eyes tomorrow, you'll see me! Excited? Thrilled? Ugh, I should've just surprised you instead of telling you."

"Alright, alright. Be careful on your way here. I'll hang up now before you distract Uncle Abrtern formulring. Der laver your sen!!"

"Bye, Aveline!" Joyce smiled and ended the call.

usual, careful not to let

off to come see me. Honestly, I kind of miss that silly girl too." Aveline's face

late. I should head out so you can rest," Orion said, gently patting

sleeve, her eyes playful. "Aren't you forgetting something?" He paused, confused.

had become their little ritual-Orion always kissed

family's house, it felt different. Orion's breath hitched as he gazed at her inviting lips. Slowly, he cupped her chin and

wrapped her arms around him, savoring the moment. When Orion kissed her, it was as if the whole world turned into a swirl of

thundering in his chest. For a moment, he worried Julian or Aurora might walk

immersed in the moment as he

chicken soup," Aurora's

The two sprang apart

called out, "Thanks, Mom! I'll come out after Orion

Aurora replied, her

then playfully tapped Aveline's nose. "What problem am I

Aveline said, her tone teasing. "It's a tough one. Might take a

we'll spend a lifetime solving it," Orion whispered. "I really should go now. If I stay longer, Mrs. Barnet might start

Aveline said softly, watching

back. "Aveline, don't

about you," she replied.

leaving one last kiss on

room.

living room, Julian and Aurora were waiting

here," Julian

he approached. "Mr. Barnet, Mrs. Barnet, I take full responsibility. I

and Aurora exchanged a glance,

know how much

be." Julian sighed. "We won't dwell on the past.

for Aveline to make genuine friends there. We've also arranged for you to transfer back. This world is where

"Will Aveline agree?"

you've never liked Cherrywood

promise. I'll protect her with