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.

two ornate boxes. Every year on her birthday, Orion sent

as Orion possibly fall

in nearly three years, Aveline

Once it was etched into the soul, nothing in the world could tear

her travel plans. Every night, she placed a small jade

for the airport. As she arrived in

think we're fated to

wrapped in a scarf and wearing a navy coat, stood in the

Aveline's head ache. "Don't tell me

going to check it out. By the way,

Aveline stiffened.

me we'll be attending the same university again? Aveline, we've been classmates from elementary school to

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

dying," Aveline muttered under

celebrate together?

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

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

face. "Even if you turn to stone, Orion would never change

to board the plane,

a message: "Orion, I have a Christmas Eve

came quickly:

special ringtone chimed, even

a surprise," she replied

grinning. You must be texting Orion. After all these years as your desk mate, don't I deserve some acknowledgment? Like spending Christmas Eve

and boarded

in a blur, despite Kieran's incessant chatter. As the plane soared through blue skies and

plane landed, she quickly

to your dad's office. This

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

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