Aveline and Orion chose a quieter path, avoiding the crowds.
“Our last visit was too short. I didn’t get the chance to show you around properly,” Orion said, holding Aveline’s hand. This area was known as the Osmanthus Garden, a sprawling expanse filled with the sweet scent of osmanthus blossoms.
“Why didn’t we stick with Mom and the others?” Aveline asked.
“Do you really think your dad would enjoy us playing the third wheel?” Orion chuckled softly.
“That’s true. My dad may look mature, but he can be ridiculously childish sometimes. He and Mom are so lovey-dovey. If I’d known, I would’ve brought Nash along.”
“Foolish girl,” Orion teased, gently brushing her nose. “You want Nash to be our third wheel?”
Aveline’s cheeks flushed. “Why not? What are you planning to do?”
“Something not suitable for children,” Orion said with a mischievous grin as he lifted her chin and kissed her.
Aveline’s thoughts raced. Her family wasn’t far away. If Joyce, the family’s loudmouth, saw them, the whole household would know within minutes.
“Orion, stop… If Mom and Dad see us, it’ll be bad,” Aveline managed to push him away, though she secretly loved the way his kisses made her feel.
“Relax, your mom and dad are on another path.”
“And what about Joyce? She’s like a wild monkey, running everywhere.”
“I deliberately chose this quiet trail. They won’t find us. Trust me.”
The autumn breeze carried a hint of melancholy as Aveline leaned into Orion’s warm embrace. His scent and the heat of his body surrounded her.
In that moment, she finally understood why her dad loved kissing her mom so much. It was as if the whole world turned sweeter with just one kiss.
—
The group spent two days in Blossom Valley before leaving. Asher was tasked with taking Joyce back to school.
At the airport, Aurora and her family drew everyone’s attention as they arrived. Julian ruffled Joyce’s hair and said gently, “Be good and don’t trouble Uncle Asher.”
Today, Joyce seemed different. Though she still smiled, Aveline noticed a subtle change in her demeanor and her interactions with Asher.
Asher stood a few steps away, his expression cold and distant, exuding an air of frost.
Joyce, who was usually clingy and playful, was surprisingly quiet. Aveline couldn’t help but wonder what had happened between them in Blossom Valley.
“Dad, Mom, I’ll be good,” Joyce promised.
“Good. When you’re a little older, you’ll start boarding school. Ashy should also think about settling down. With you as his little shadow, how will he find a girlfriend?”
Joyce’s face turned pale, but Asher replied lazily, “This has nothing to do with Joyce. I just like things the way they are.”
“You always get grumpy when we talk about you finding a girlfriend. Fine, I won’t nag anymore.”
“It’s time to go, Uncle Ashy. Dad, Mom, goodbye,” Joyce said quickly, urging Asher.
“Let’s go,” Asher said, turning to leave.
As they walked away, Aveline finally spoke up. “Something feels off with Joyce today.”
“Now that you mention it, she does seem strange,” Orion agreed.
“She’s usually the one most reluctant to leave. But today, even with time to spare, she seemed eager to go. Do you think something happened between her and Uncle Ashy in Blossom Valley? Their expressions were so odd.”
“Maybe it’s just a little teenage rebellion. Arguments are normal.”
“Maybe. But I’ve never seen Uncle Ashy look so cold. Joyce must’ve pushed his buttons.”
“Uncle Ashy has always been good to Joyce. He wouldn’t stay mad at her for long. Don’t worry. Let’s head home and get some rest. You’ve got your new school tomorrow,” Orion said, patting her head.
“I have a feeling I’ll run into a lot of familiar faces,” Aveline sighed. Most of her elementary school classmates had transitioned to the same elite middle school.
“That’s a good thing, isn’t it? You’ll have more friends that way,” Orion said, though he secretly worried about her aloof personality.
This was why he had deliberately delayed his own grade to stay close to her. Even if it was just one extra year, he wanted to be there for her.
“Orion, I’m naturally reserved. I don’t need friends. But this elite school will probably have even more drama than a regular school. Elementary school was simpler, but middle school is bound to be more complicated. If ordinary classmates were already troublesome, the kids from wealthy families will be worse.”
“Don’t worry. I’m here. With Mr. Barnet and my dad on the school board, anyone who dares to mess with you won’t get away with it.”
“I’m not afraid of being bullied. I just don’t want anyone disturbing my peace.”
“They won’t,” Orion reassured her, ruffling her hair.
Most of the students at the elite middle school were familiar with Aveline’s background. It wouldn’t be like her previous school.
—
The next morning, Aveline began her first day at the new school.
The campus was already familiar to her. She had visited a few times before. Compared to Cherrywood, the difference was like night and day.
This school catered to children from influential families. If there was any dissatisfaction with the facilities, parents would simply fund improvements.
The school encompassed both middle and high school divisions, with grand, luxurious buildings resembling a fairytale world. The architectural style leaned heavily toward European opulence.
Every morning, a parade of luxury cars dropped off students. While most students came from wealthy families, about ten percent were exceptional scholars from less privileged backgrounds.
To ensure Aveline’s experience was smooth, Julian and Aurora had already coordinated with the school administration and her teacher. No one dared to neglect her.
“Miss Barnet, follow me,” said Miss Emberly, a woman in her thirties who exuded professionalism and charm.
“Miss Emberly, just call me Aveline,” she replied calmly.
“Of course, Aveline.”
Teachers at this school weren’t ordinary educators. Academic success was secondary to their ability to manage these affluent students.
Miss Emberly led Aveline into the classroom. “Everyone, this is Aveline, our new classmate. Please make her feel welcome and help her settle in.”
About twenty percent of the students were her former elementary classmates, making the atmosphere less intimidating.
“Hi, I’m Aveline,” she said in a cool, concise tone.
“Aveline, where would you like to sit?” Miss Emberly asked gently.
“Anywhere is fine.”
“Choose a spot you like.”
Several familiar faces invited her over.
“Come sit with me, Aveline!”
“My dear Aveline, sit next to me,” a boy’s voice suddenly called out.