Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 112

112 It’s Cold Out Here 

Grace trailed behind Jane and Ava in silence. Her head was lowered, her gaze fixed on the high heels beneath the hems of their dresses, and a flash of resentment passed quickly through her eyes. 

After that, Jane and Asher continued bringing Ava around to meet other guests, completely disregarding Grace. 

A strong sense of humiliation rose in Grace’s chest. She could not understand why Jane and Asher were so hostile toward her. 

This has been Grandma’s arrangement. They did not dare refuse her directly, yet they vented all their anger on me instead! 

Are they looking down on me just because I’m from a poor background? 

Grace felt a surge of bitterness. She hated her humble origins. Even after she had worked so hard to marry into a distinguished family, she was still nothing in their eyes. 

All she wanted was a better life. She wanted to climb higher. What was wrong with that? Why did they look at her as if she were trash? 

“Ava!” Ryan finally managed to break free from the crowd and immediately looked around for her. 

Ava looked at Ryan. He was dressed more formally today. Aside from the earring in his ear, he wore no other accessories, making him appear more mature than usual. A lily was pinned to the pocket on his chest. Jane smiled, released Ava’s hand, and gave her a playful wink. “I have something to attend to. You guys talk.” 

As she spoke, Jane turned toward Grace, who was standing there in a daze, and frowned. “Why are you still standing there? Move it.” 

“Ah… oh, I’ll go right away,” Grace said, her face flushing. 

She said it aloud, yet her eyes were unwilling to leave Ryan. She had seen that face countless times on the Stellar Network. She had bought plenty of his merchandise and even attended his concerts. She never imagined she would see him in person today, at Ava’s coming–of–age party. 

Jane watched Grace’s restless gaze and sneered inwardly. She’s such an idiot. Just because she managed to hook one man, she thought she could seduce them all? 

“Why are you dragging your feet? Hurry up,” Jane urged again. 

Grace met Jane’s mocking gaze and felt her face burn. She quickly lowered her head and followed silently behind Jane. 

“Jane, that person is Ryan?” Grace asked. 

Jane shot her a glance. “Who doesn’t recognize that face? Why are you asking?” 

“N–nothing. I just didn’t expect someone like him to attend this kind of party,” Grace said, then quickly covered her mouth and added cautiously, “I don’t mean anything else. I just didn’t expect someone from the entertainment industry to show up at the Morrens‘ party.” 

1/2 

10 Cold Out Here 

Finished 

Jane saw through her petty thoughts instantly. She bent slightly and spoke near Grace’s ear. “Grace, don’t think you’re clever. Not every man is as easy to charm as your husband. The men on Capitol Planet aren’t that easy to handle. Be careful, or you may end up humiliating yourself.” 

Grace felt her dignity being dragged to the ground and trampled. Tears welled up in her eyes. “Jane, I truly don’t know what I did to offend you. You’re hostile toward me no matter what I do. If you really dislike me that much, I’ll go back.” 

“Drop those cheap tricks. Crying in front of me won’t work. I’m not a man, and I won’t feel sorry for you. Don’t try to threaten me with this act. You worked hard to coax Grandma into bringing you to Capitol Planet. You wouldn’t leave so easily,” Jane shot back coldly. 

“I’ll say this once. I don’t care if you want to fish for men, but know your limits. Don’t do anything that brings shame to the Morrens. Otherwise, even if Grandma dotes on you, do you think she’ll protect you if something happens? 

“That’s all I have to say. Watch yourself. And stop following me.” 

Ava glanced around nervously, afraid someone might see her alone with Ryan. 

“What are you looking at?” Ryan asked. 

Ava quickly covered his mouth with her hand and whispered, “Lower your voice. Your face is eye–catching enough already. If someone sees us, you’ll be in tomorrow’s headlines.” 

Her fingers were cool, carrying a faint fragrance. Ryan’s throat tightened. He did not dare move. The hand on his lips felt as if it had seized his heart. His face grew warm, and the tips of his ears turned red. 

Ava quickly withdrew her hand and suggested, “It’s crowded here. How about we go for a walk outside?” 

Ryan hummed in agreement. He could not help but lightly touch his lips before obediently following her. 

The moment they stepped out through the back door, Ava regretted it. It was cold outside, and she had not brought a coat. When Ryan saw her shiver, he quickly took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. “It’s cold out here. Do you still want to stay outside?” 

The jacket carried Ryan’s warmth and his scent. Ava wrapped it tighter around herself. “You gave me your jacket. Aren’t you cold? Maybe I should go back and get mine.” 

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