A Game Of Chess With A Vampire
Chapter 228: What Is Your Real Name?

Chapter 228: What Is Your Real Name?

Avelina replied, "I love to see my grandpapa again, Draven. He was the only true family to me. I miss him a lot."

"I see." Draven gently began to caress her hair. "I have a question if you do not mind."

"Go ahead," Avelina said.

Draven took a few moments to think before probing, "What is your real name?"

Avelina’s eyes widened and she quickly pulled back from the hug to stare at him. This left Draven bemused and concerned. Why had she reacted in such a way?

Avelina balled her hands into tight fists and averted her gaze. "It’s a very horrible name. I’d rather not talk about it."

"Oh..." Draven slowly nodded his head, "I see. It’s alright. I will not inquire about it again."

He stood up from the chair, grabbed her hand, and pulled her up with him. "You do not have to worry about your scars. I sort of like it, so you don’t have to hide it from me. I do not mind."

"But, since you do not feel comfortable enough to go out with it bare, you can always wear my coat." He turned around, walked into his closet, and grabbed one of his finest coats. He returned back and wore it over her. Then he took three steps back and examined her.

"Now, you look very good."

"Do I?" Avelina asked with arched brows, quite skeptical.

Draven nodded, affirming, "Indeed, you do."

Avelina, who knew him to be a very honest man, was sure that he wouldn’t lie to her, so she cackled adjusting the coat.

"Give me your shoes." Draven extended his hand out for it.

Avelina glanced over at the closet. "It’s in there," she said, walking past him to the closet. She took the red-coloured shoes and returned to him.

Draven squatted down, gripping her feet in his hand. He proceeded to wear her the shoes and Avelina who almost fell off balance, quickly grabbed his shoulders with a sheepish smile on her face.

Draven stood up and playfully flicked her forehead. "You’re quite clumsy, but I find it adorable. Just please do not get hurt, alright?"

Avelina’s face flushed red in embarrassment and she slowly nodded her head. "I won’t." She strolled over to the table and sat down to fix her hair.

But Draven grabbed the brush from her, beaming a bit. "Let...me do it for you. I learned how to braid just for this, so allow me."

Avelina batted her lashes. She did not expect it, but of course, she’s not complaining. She secretly smiled at herself, lowering her head to hide her flushed cheeks.

Draven carefully made two equal braidings on her hair, being quite careful enough to make sure that he did not tangle her hair. Done, he stepped back and examined it, not sure if he did it right this time around. But if he was to say, it does look okay.

"Avelina, what do you think?" he inquired.

Avelina glimpsed the two braids through the mirror and her lips gradually curled up into a wide smile that stretched from ear to ear.

"It looks very good." To think this man was not lying when he said he really did learn how to braid just for her.

She did not know whether to laugh or cry, but that sort of pulled a string in her heart. "I love it..." she cackled, seeming happy.

A soft breath of relief fled Draven’s nose and he ran his fingers through his hair, suddenly feeling proud within himself. "I’m glad you do. I was afraid I was going to mess up your hair, but good thing it turned out well." He laughed in a soft manner.

Draven walked over to the drawer and grabbed his car key. He slipped his feet into his shoes and stuffed his right hand into his pocket.

"Avelina..." he approached her, his gaze lowered to fix on her.

Avelina lifted her to glance at him. She stood up from the chair and walked out to stand in front of him.

"Is...something wrong?" she queried.

Draven shook his head. He took a moment before requesting, "Can we not do the distance thing today?" He raised his brows, a bit worried about what her response might be. "I am taking you somewhere, so I think it would be safer if I am close to you. But it is alright if you are still not comfortable enough. It is just a suggestion, nothing more than that."

Avelina stood peering at him. Her lips were parted but it seemed as though she had not the slightest idea of what to say.

Draven was confused by her silence, so he lifted his finger, poking the tip of her freckled nose.

"Are you okay?"

Avelina rapidly blinked her eyes, nodding her head. "Y-yes, I am." She smiled awkwardly and took a deep breath. "It is okay. We don’t have to do the distance thing tonight. I do not mind at all."

Draven beamed softly and gently patted her head. He would have loved to ruffle it, but he did not want to ruin her hair. He grabbed her hand and walked towards the door to leave.

"Where are we going?" Avelina asked.

Draven shut the door and began to exit the quarter, leaving Santino to stare at their disappearing silhouette with a smile of relief evident on his face.

"To get the perfect dress for you," Draven responded.

Avelina furrowed her brows. "Perfect dress?" She tilted her head in confusion. "For what?"

Draven tightened his hold on her hand. "My father’s birthday. It’s in four days and I want you to look really lovely—better than every lady that would be there." He smirked.

"Better..." Avelina repeated in a low voice.

"The royal family would normally make a fine dress for all the daughter-in-laws during such a ceremony, but...I do not want you to wear such. I want you to have on that day what I get for you. That can only make me satisfied," Draven spoke with a straight face, seeming quite serious with his words.