Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 905: Parting Ways

Many people who admired Aveline didn't dare approach her, especially considering Orion's formidable family background.

However, there was one exception-Kieran. He had been attached to Aveline since they were children. You could say he liked her, but he never seemed to mind Orion's presence. Then again, you could say he didn't like her, but he stuck to her side everywhere she went-except, of course, the girls' restroom.

Aveline ignored Kieran and, with her backpack slung over her shoulder, headed for the door.

"Orion." She gave him a gentle smile, a rare softness breaking through her otherwise cold demeanor, a warmth reserved only for him.

"Orion! We meet again. Wow, you've grown taller. How do you grow so fast? You're already half a head taller than me," Kieran greeted him enthusiastically the moment he saw him.

Orion, however, found Kieran exasperating. He had warned Kieran more than once to stay away from Aveline, but Kieran never took him seriously.

"Why should I stay away from Aveline? We're friends," Kieran would say without hesitation.

He had never confessed any romantic feelings for Aveline, and back then, when they were younger, Orion hadn't thought much about it. As long as Kieran's attachment was purely platonic, and since Aveline's cold personality meant she didn't have many friends, Orion had reluctantly tolerated Kieran's presence.

"Orion, what are you eating? Can you give me the recipe? I'll have my chef make it for me so I can grow taller faster," Kieran chirped.

"Let's go home," Orion said, his gaze fixed solely on Aveline, ignoring Kieran entirely. "Orion, you're ignoring me again!" Kieran protested dramatically.

Neither Aveline nor Orion seemed bothered by his antics. The three of them formed an odd yet strangely harmonious group, with Kieran often talking to himself while the other two paid him little attention. Somehow, he never ran out of things to say-a skill in its own right.

With Orion's status as Aveline's boyfriend and the daughter of the Barnet family protecting her, the year passed uneventfully.

Orion achieved the highest score in the nation, earning offers from universities across the country.

both Aveline and

I repeat the year and stay?"

me once. Doing it again would be a waste of time. I don't want to be the reason you hold yourself back," Aveline said,

didn't want Orion

want is to walk

an adult. You shouldn't

and no matter where you are then, I'll catch up to

never openly spoken about his dream, but Aveline knew him

universities too. At least if I stay here, I can see you often.

finish, Aveline pressed

who always needed your protection anymore. Birds grow up and need to fly on their own. Like I said before, I don't

that holds you back." A soft smile curved

centimeters. She

really has grown up. But I

your motivation, not your burden. I want you to live for yourself, to chase your dreams without being tied down because of

own ambitions: to become someone as accomplished as

I'll come back to

me one thing,

ten thousand

not allowed to fall for

her side. If he went to university abroad, it would

"I claimed you as my bride before you were even born. Why would I worry about anyone else taking my little Aveline away?" "When you graduate, let's get engaged, okay?" Aveline said, her cheeks flushing red. Orion's resolve to work hard only deepened. Though his family was wealthy, he wanted to build a life for Aveline with his

I'll