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.

Joyce?" Orion asked, his voice quieter than usual, careful not to let Joyce overhear and

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

rest," Orion said, gently patting her head before standing to

playful. "Aren't you forgetting something?" He paused,

her lips. It had become

gazed at her inviting lips. Slowly, he

When Orion kissed her, it was as if

in his chest. For a moment, he worried

just as immersed in the moment as

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

two sprang apart instantly, cheeks

called out, "Thanks, Mom! I'll come out after Orion finishes explaining this problem to me. Let it cool for

Aurora replied,

playfully tapped Aveline's nose.

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

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

softly, watching him with a

back. "Aveline, don't forget to think

thinking about you,"

on her forehead before slipping out of

room.

and Aurora

here,"

Barnet, Mrs. Barnet, I take full responsibility. I failed

a glance, their

"We know how much you care about her. Not telling us was probably her

know how stubborn she can be." Julian sighed. "We won't dwell on the past. What's done is done. But starting tomorrow, Aveline will transfer back to

for Aveline to make genuine friends

"Will Aveline agree?"

After what happened, she'll understand. And we know you've never liked Cherrywood anyway. Just promise us this-no more

her with