Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 907: The Shattered Dream

The first semester of senior year hadn't even ended, and Aveline had already received invitations from numerous prestigious universities due to her outstanding academic achievements.

"Mommy, don't tell Orion about me skipping a grade. I want to surprise him," Aveline said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Alright, alright, I won't say a word. Have you decided which university you'll attend?" Aurora asked, smiling at her daughter.

Aveline was a prodigy, the kind of student universities would fight over. Similarly, Orion had received offers from several schools long before. He had stayed back an extra year solely for Aveline; otherwise, he would have skipped grades as well.

"Good, I won't say anything. By the way, I heard Orion isn't coming home for the holidays this year either."

"Mommy, can I go spend the holidays with him instead?"

"Of course, darling. You're not eighteen yet, but I've always said that once you're in college, you're free to make your own decisions."

"Thank you, Mommy," Aveline said, her face lighting up. She had already purchased a plane ticket and was preparing to fly to England ahead of schedule.

"Christmas is just a few days away. Go spend it with him," Aurora said, gently ruffling Aveline's hair. In the blink of an eye, her little girl had grown into a young woman.

"Thanks, Mommy." Aveline beamed as she headed back to her room.

Julian appeared behind Aurora and wrapped his arms around her. "Orion hasn't come back to see Aveline in years. Do you think it's really because he's busy, or..."

Aurora understood his concern. As a man, he couldn't help but worry-what if Orion had already moved on and was using his busy schedule as an excuse?

"In New York, when Orion was just a boy, he said he wanted to marry Aveline. That kind of bond is fate. As for how far their fate will take them, no one can say. But I believe in Orion. He's a good kid. He wouldn't break Aveline's heart."

Aurora gazed out into the night sky. She knew better than anyone how difficult it was for two people to stay together through life's twists and turns. Even if Aveline and Orion's relationship seemed perfect now, the future was unpredictable. Not even she and Julian could control what lay ahead.

"Alright, it's getting cold. Let's head inside," Julian said.

"Okay." Aurora leaned into his embrace as they walked back into the house.

In her room, Aveline glanced at the many peculiar gifts scattered around. During the two years they had been apart, Orion's gifts had arrived like clockwork-Valentine's Day, Lunar New Year, every occasion was marked by his thoughtful gestures.

opened a drawer, revealing two ornate boxes. Every year on her birthday, Orion sent her a

someone as thoughtful as Orion possibly

each other in nearly three years,

absolute. Once it was etched into the soul, nothing in

plans. Every night, she placed a small jade pendant over her heart, believing it brought her closer to

As she arrived in the terminal, a loud, exaggerated voice greeted

Aveline, don't you think

wearing a navy coat, stood in the waiting

of him made Aveline's head ache.

office there, so I'm going to check

Aveline stiffened.

attending the same university again? Aveline, we've been classmates from

know how, but every time she made a decision, Kieran seemed to follow. She hadn't even told him her plans, yet

like dying," Aveline muttered

lands, it'll be Christmas Eve. How about we celebrate together? As

had already planned to surprise Orion. Of course, she wanted to spend Christmas

say no. Let me guess-you're planning to spend it with Orion, aren't you? Aveline, he hasn't come back to see you in years. Have you ever considered that maybe he's

the face. "Even if you turn

the plane, and you're already saying such

Orion a message: "Orion, I have a Christmas Eve surprise

quickly: "Hmm?

Orion always responded immediately when her special ringtone chimed, even

you, it won't be a

be texting Orion. After all these years as your desk mate, don't I deserve some acknowledgment? Like

and boarded the plane,

blur, despite Kieran's incessant chatter. As the plane soared through blue

she quickly parted ways

to your dad's office.

our university first. You're going to Cambridge too, right? We're headed in the same

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