Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 92

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“We already had breakfast before coming over, and by chance we ran into your Great–uncle Jonathan on the way. When he heard we were going to try on the dress today, he told us to go ahead and make ourselves at home, then he headed out,” Ethan explained. 

After finishing her own breakfast, Ava went upstairs to change into a different outfit. “Lately there’ve been quite a few people lurking around Morren Residence. It might be smarter if we split up,” she suggested. 

“You really seem to hate hanging out with us. You always act like you’re drawing a line between us and you. Are we that embarrassing for you?” Ryan asked bluntly. 

Ryan was straightforward by nature. Compared to Ethan’s calm demeanor, Ryan was fiery and expressive, yet deep down, he was very sensitive. From the few times he’d interacted with Ava, he could tell she hadn’t opened up to them. She looked sweet and harmless on the outside, but underneath, she was icy. Her cold, distant way of treating them like strangers had made Ryan really uncomfortable. So when he heard her suggestion, he just snapped. 

“In your mind, is this relationship just for show? Or were you only playing us last time? Are you just trying to keep things surface–level that you can’t even bother to pretend? You push us away every time we try to get close. Ava, don’t you think that’s a little much?” Ryan asked. 

“Ryan, don’t go too far with your words!” Ethan shot Ryan a sharp look. He felt Ryan’s blunt and humiliating words were just way over the line. Then he turned to Av. “Ava, Ryan’s straightforward and kind of reckless with what he says. Don’t take it to heart.” 

“I honestly don’t think Ryan was off the mark. Ava, the way you act around us is like we’re complete strangers. How you treat Asher and Jane is completely different from how you treat us.” Mason’s slate–gray eyes didn’t even blink as they locked onto hers. “Or were you just stringing us along that day? Making me all excited for nothing, thinking you were actually going to accept this relationship?” 

The intensity of his stare was suffocating. Ava could only hold his gaze for two seconds before she felt her resolve crumble and quickly looked down at her shoes. Her cheeks burned bright red. 

“Mason, Ryan, that’s enough! She’s still young, and you’re scaring her,” Keith said as he stepped forward, placing himself behind Ava. “It’s okay, Ava. Don’t worry. Even if you don’t like us, that’s fine. I just like you.” 

Ryan was so furious that he felt like he might grind his teeth to pieces. 

Tch, that sounds way better than it really is, all just for show. 

Laurent frowned. “It’s getting late. Are you sure you want to waste time here going after all these tiny, trivial things?” 

Ava took a deep breath. 

I can’t keep avoiding this. Avoiding it doesn’t solve anything. 

“I’m really sorry for the trouble my words and actions caused,” she said, lifting her head to meet their eyes. “I never meant to shirk responsibility, and I’m not trying to make you the butt of some joke. It’s just… because of me, I’m not fully ready for this kind of relationship yet. I take feelings seriously, so I’m not ready to jump into anything that fast. Can you give me a little more time? Let’s take it slow, okay?” 

Ava softened her tone, like a delicate blossom trembling in the breeze. A faint flush still lingered on her fair cheeks. Her eyes were misted over, as if any moment the haze could melt into a clear pool, ready to spill out, yet she held it back with effort. When she looked at someone seriously, her gaze was firm, but there was 

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Chapter 92 Avoiding It Won’t Help 

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this unintentional, almost magnetic charm in it. Even the angriest person couldn’t stay mad at a face that beautiful and luminous. 

Ryan’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he averted his eyes, feeling a little awkward. He was annoyed at himself, wondering if he had just crossed a line with his words. “Sorry, I just blurted that out. Don’t be mad at me.” He kicked himself inwardly for speaking before he’d even thought it through. 

Did my being so blunt just now leave a bad impression on her 

Ryan, who usually didn’t fear anything or anyone, suddenly felt a twinge of panic. 

Seems like ever since we first met, I’ve been giving her all the wrong impressions. D’mn, how am I supposed to turn around the terrible image she has of me? 

“Alright, we’ll take it slow. I’m actually looking forward to this.” Mason smiled, the tension from before completely gone. “Come on, let’s go try on the dress.” 

Keith’s lips curved into a sly grin as he grabbed Ava’s hand and tugged her along: “Avie, ignore these two. Let’s go.” 

Laurent instantly swooped in, taking her other hand. “No, it’s them you should ignore.” 

Ryan stood behind them; watching the two of them flanking Ava, each gripping a hand. He was so frustrated that he couldn’t even speak a word. 

So Mason and I take the hit, and then those two, one all high and mighty and the other just a wannabe, slide in to steal the spotlight? 

“Keith, spill it. Why are you calling her Avie?” Ryan’s irritation was obvious, but he still caught on to how Keith addressed Ava. That little nickname, that familiar one–it wasn’t how he talked to anyone else. 

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