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.

voice quieter than usual, careful not to let Joyce overhear and

miss that silly girl too." Aveline's

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

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

lips. It had become their little

time, in her family's house, it felt different. Orion's breath hitched as he gazed at her inviting

kissed her, it was as if

moment, he worried Julian or Aurora might walk in, but he couldn't

as immersed in

made you chicken soup," Aurora's voice called from outside the

the spell. The two

laugh and called out, "Thanks, Mom! I'll come out after Orion finishes explaining this

Aurora replied,

playfully tapped Aveline's nose. "What problem am

about love," Aveline said, her tone teasing. "It's a tough one.

"I really should go now. If I stay longer, Mrs. Barnet might start

watching him with

the door, turning back. "Aveline, don't forget

can't sleep without thinking about you," she replied. "Goodnight, my

one last kiss on

room.

Julian and Aurora

come here," Julian

expected this. Bracing himself, he approached. "Mr. Barnet, Mrs. Barnet, I take full responsibility. I failed to protect Aveline. If you want to

Aurora exchanged a glance, their

"We know how much you care about her. Not telling us was probably her idea, wasn't

know how stubborn she can be." Julian sighed. "We won't dwell on the past. What's done is

to make genuine friends there. We've also arranged for you

"Will Aveline agree?"

liked Cherrywood anyway. Just promise us this-no

protect her with