Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Chapter 870: Follow Your Heart After resolving their misunderstanding, Aveline and Orion seemed to return to the carefree days of their childhood. Aveline often shared stories from school with him.

"Are girls naturally this obsessed? Before I realized the new transfer student was you, everyone kept talking about you all day," Aveline said.

"What were they saying?" Orion asked, his tone casual. He had never been concerned with such things. Growing up as a mixed-race child, he was used to drawing attention wherever he went.

From middle school to high school, it didn't matter how many people confessed to him-he ignored them all. "Oh, just that you're handsand tall," Aveline replied, her ears ringing from the constant chatter around her. "And what about you?" Orion asked, his gaze steady.

"What about me?" Aveline looked at him, puzzled.

"Do you think I'm handsome?" Orion asked seriously. He never cared about others' opinions, only hers.

"I've seen your face since we were kids. I'm immune to it by now," Aveline said, though her words didn't entirely match her feelings. Her mind flashed back to the image of Orion playing basketball earlier.

When it was just the two of them practicing, there was no comparison. But in a crowd, he seemed to shine like a beam of light.

After watching him play, all she could see in her mind was the way he dunked the ball. He was undeniably handsome.

"Is that so? Well, I think you're getting prettier in my eyes," Orion said gently. "The red dress you wore yesterday looked great on you." "You... You noticed what I wore yesterday?" Aveline asked, surprised.

"Of course. Not just yesterday-I remember everything you've worn this week. Even how much your hair has grown, I've noticed." Aveline suddenly felt inadequate compared to Orion. She hadn't paid nearly as much attention to him as he did to her.

Their car stopped as the conversation went on. "We're here. Aveline, I'll pick you up tomorrow," Orion said. "Okay. See you tomorrow, Orion." "Bye." Orion watched as Aveline entered her house before allowing a small smile to form. Today, he had made progress. At least they had spoken candidly, and he now understood her feelings better. She didn't dislike him.

After the ice broke between them, Aveline felt much lighter. As soon as she stepped through the door, a small figure ran toward her.

"Aveline, you're back! Play with me! I'm so bored!" Nash, Aurora and Julian's third child, exclaimed. He had just turned five this year.

"Where are Mom and Dad?" Aveline asked, glancing around. There was no sign of them in the house. "Mommy was really tired from work, so Daddy carried her to their room to give her a massage. He toldnot to disturb them," Nash said, his big, sparkling eyes resembling Aurora's, making him look irresistibly cute.

Aveline immediately understood what was happening. Every few days, her dad would find sexcuse to whisk her mom away. As a child, she hadn't thought much of it, but now that she was older, she had a vague idea of what was going on. It was just human nature, after all.

"Con, I'll help you take a bath and get to bed," Aveline said, setting down her bag. "Yay!" Nash cheered. After bathing Nash and tucking him into bed with his favorite teddy bear, Aveline waited until he fell asleep before leaving. Passing by the master bedroom, she heard faint noises from inside, her mom's voice soft and kitten-like.

She glanced at the clock. They'd been at it for over an hour. Her dad was still fussing over her mom. Adults were a mystery to her.

Back in her room, she prepared for a bath. Her fingers brushed against the small jade pendant around her neck. She rarely took it off since the day she began wearing it.

If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! As she fondled the smooth surface of the pendant, she murmured, "Orion..." Her phone buzzed with a video call. She glanced at the screen-it was Joyce. Despite living far apart, the two sisters video-called every few days.

"You're bathing again?" Joyce's enlarged face appeared on the screen, smiling.

"Yeah," Aveline replied, her face barely visible amidst the bubbles.

"How's middle school? More fun than elementary?" Joyce asked, lying on her bed and fiddling with her fingers. "Not really." "Spill it-what's going on between you and Orion?" Joyce asked, her tone playful and nosy.

"Nothing." "You're blushing! There's definitely something. Did you guys kiss?" Joyce pressed, noticing Aveline's unnatural reaction.

"N-no, we didn't!" Aveline stammered. She was never good at lying.

Joyce grinned as if she'd discovered a secret. "Don't lie to me. You totally kissed. Your face is getting even redder. I bet kissing Orion felt amazing, considering you two grew up together." Aveline's mind wandered to the tOrion had kissed her-her first kiss! And in front of so many people, no less. "Joyce, do you think I should be with Orion? What if one day I fall for someone else?" Aveline asked, her voice uncertain.

"Then you'd be heartless. Orion has been waiting for you to grow up. Everyone in the family knows how good he is to you," Joyce replied. "But love is unpredictable. If it turns out you're not right for each other, then so be it. Just follow your heart. If you like him, then like him." "Follow my heart?" Aveline murmured. She had never considered such things before. She always thought she was too young for it.

"Yes! To us outsiders, you and Orion are a perfect match-talented and beautiful. Orion is so good to you. Do you know why he picked you overback then?" "Why?" Aveline asked. She had never thought to ask before, but Joyce had been curious long ago.

"It's because of our personalities," Joyce said. "I was outgoing, and you were quiet. Orion said you wouldn't were have many friends and might end up lonely. So, he decided to stay by your side to keep you company."

Aveline was stunned. Even as a child, Orion had been thinking about her well-being. "I'm just saying Orion is amazing Handsome, devoted-guys like him are rare. Don't let him slip away," Joyce warned. Despite her carefree demeanor, she was far more perceptive than Aveline. Aveline's naturally cold personality meant she might regret it for the rest of her life if she pushed Orion away.

"You sound like an old grandma," Aveline said, exasperated.

"I'm only looking out for you. You're my only sister." "Joyce..." "Asher is calling me," Joyce said suddenly, her face flustered. "I'll talk to you later." "Okay," Aveline replied, ending the call. Watching Joyce's panicked expression, she couldn't help but wonder. Joyce, you're so perceptive about others' relationships, but what about your own? From a young age, Joyce had always clung to Asher. Twelve years had passed, and Asher, now thirty-four, still showed no signs of settling down. Could it really have nothing to do with Joyce? mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1