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.

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

miss that silly girl too." Aveline's face lit up as

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

eyes playful. "Aren't you forgetting

had become their

different. Orion's breath hitched as he gazed at her inviting lips. Slowly, he cupped her chin and kissed her,

savoring the moment. When Orion kissed her, it was as if

in his chest. For a moment, he worried Julian or

Aveline seemed just as immersed

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

The two sprang apart instantly, cheeks

Mom! I'll come out after Orion finishes explaining this

Aurora replied,

then playfully tapped Aveline's nose. "What problem

tone teasing. "It's a tough one. Might take a

should go now. If I stay

watching him

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

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

one last kiss on her forehead before slipping out

room.

and Aurora

come here,"

responsibility. I failed to

Aurora exchanged a glance, their expressions

since she was little," Aurora said gently. "We know how much you care about her. Not telling us

"We won't dwell on the past. What's done is done. But starting tomorrow,

students at Cherrywood, and it's hard for Aveline to make genuine friends there. We've also arranged for

"Will Aveline agree?"

know you've never liked Cherrywood

her with