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.

boxes. Every year on her birthday, Orion sent her a diamond

as thoughtful as Orion possibly fall

seen each other in nearly

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

Orion a goodnight message and finalized her travel plans. Every night, she placed a small jade pendant over her

she arrived in the terminal, a loud, exaggerated voice

don't you think we're fated to

wrapped in a scarf and wearing a navy coat, stood

made Aveline's head ache. "Don't tell me you're headed to

there, so I'm going to check it out. By the way, I've chosen Cambridge.

Aveline stiffened.

attending the same university again? Aveline, we've been classmates from elementary school to college.

she made a decision, Kieran seemed to follow. She hadn't

like dying," Aveline muttered

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

surprise Orion. Of course, she wanted to

to spend it with Orion, aren't you? Aveline, he hasn't come back to see you in years. Have you ever considered that

in the face. "Even if you turn to stone, Orion

about dramatic. We're about to board the plane, and you're

sent Orion a message: "Orion, I have

came quickly: "Hmm? What

Orion always responded immediately when her special ringtone chimed,

it won't be a surprise," she

years as your

boarded the

Kieran's incessant chatter. As the plane soared

she quickly parted ways

dad's office. This is where we

out our university first. You're going to Cambridge too,

this story? Make sure you're on