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.

Orion asked, his voice quieter than usual, careful not

Honestly, I kind of miss that silly girl too." Aveline's face lit up as she spoke, though she called her sister

you can rest," Orion said, gently patting her head

her eyes playful. "Aren't you forgetting

It had become their little ritual-Orion always kissed her before

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

kissed her, it was as if the whole

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

seemed just as immersed in the moment as he

you chicken soup," Aurora's

The two sprang apart instantly, cheeks

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

Aurora replied,

exhaled in relief, then playfully tapped Aveline's nose. "What

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

whispered. "I really should go

Aveline said softly, watching

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

can't sleep without thinking about

one last kiss on

room.

room, Julian and Aurora

here," Julian

Mrs. Barnet, I take full responsibility. I failed

Aurora exchanged a glance, their

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

want you to worry," Orion admitted. "You 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

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

"Will Aveline agree?"

liked Cherrywood anyway. Just promise

protect her with everything