Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 113

Chapter 113 Will You Take It? 

It was rare for Ryan to leave the other guys behind and have some time alone with her. 

He really didn’t want her to turn back and bring everyone else over. 

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“I’m not cold! I’ve worn short sleeves in weather like this before.” He wasn’t exaggerating–he’d really worn some pretty light clothes at winter concerts. 

Ava noticed the lily pinned to his pocket. She’d seen so many men with flowers on their suits today that she had to ask, “What’s with the flowers on your pockets? Does it mean something special?” 

Ryan hadn’t expected that question and hesitated for a second, suggesting instead, “Let’s keep walking, and I’ll explain.” 

“Wearing a flower on your pocket means the guy isn’t married. It’s an old tradition that goes back thousands of years,” he eventually mentioned. “At events like this, especially a girl’s coming–of–age party, if a guy likes someone, he’ll give her the flower from his jacket. If the girl accepts it, it means she’s accepted his feelings.” 

Then, he reminded her, “So, if a man gives you a flower at the party, think twice before accepting it.” 

He was glad that Ava’s coming–of–age party only lasted a day. If they had followed the old tradition of celebrating for several days, he would have worried nonstop. 

That was why they arrived at the Morren Residence much earlier to ensure that no one tried to hit on Ava. 

No wonder Jane warned me not to receive flowers from anyone, Ava realized. Then, she quickly nodded. “I promise. I won’t accept anyone’s flower–heck, I won’t even look at them!” 

Ryan couldn’t help but laugh at her answer. “You don’t have to go that far. What about my flower, though? Will you accept it?” 

As he spoke, he looked straight into Ava’s eyes. 

His eyes were longer, with an upward slant at the corners, totally different from his brother’s. 

Being looked at so openly made Ava’s cheeks heat up. “Aren’t you my match already? Does it matter if I take your flower or not?” 

“This is different! I’m not talking about being matched. I’m talking as a man.” Ryan studied her closely, not missing a single reaction. “I know I didn’t make the best first impression, and maybe compared to the others, you think I’m a bit immature. 

“I’m not as steady as my older brother, and I have a quick temper. But Ava, I’m really happy to be matched with you, and I like you a lot. 

“Even though we haven’t known each other for long, I promise I’ll do my best to learn how to be a good husband.” 

Ava hadn’t expected him to be so direct about his feelings. She’d never met someone so open before. His straightforward honesty made her flustered. 

She looked down at the lily and answered, “You and your brother are two different people. There’s no point 

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in comparing.” 

“So, will you take my flower?” Ryan pressed, feeling his heart pounding. 

Ava was reserved and not used to being confronted so directly. She could barely handle it. 

“Fine, I’ll take it. Just stop asking.” 

The second she answered, he reached for the lily. 

She quickly grabbed his hand. “What are you doing? I didn’t say you could give it to me now! Don’t rush. Give it to me later–when no one’s watching.” 

Ryan frowned a little. “Are you afraid people will find out about us?” 

Faking a cough, she lowered her voice. “It’s not the right time to go public. If people find out now, it’ll hurt your career, and I don’t want to be targeted online either.” 

He took her hand in his. “We’re legally married. Why do we have to hide as if we’re doing something wrong?” 

Ava looked at him in confusion. For successful A–listers like Ryan, wasn’t it obvious that a relationship going public would hurt their careers? 

“That’s not what I mean. I just returned to the Morren family, and the whole elemental power thing is already making waves. If people found out about us now, I’d be under even more scrutiny. 

“I need some time to adjust. I don’t want my private life splashed all over the internet.” Ava frowned. “And you have so many fans–you wouldn’t want them to attack me, right?” 

Ryan was quiet for a long time before saying, “If you really can’t tolerate it, I can just leave the industry. I’ve already made enough money. I’m still young–I could do something else. 

“Honestly, I only got into the industry because of a family friend’s introduction. I was 20 years old at the time, and I thought it’d be fun. 

“My dad was against it at first, but my mom said my personality was too unpredictable for politics. They allowed me to do whatever I wanted–as long as I never spilled the beans that I am a Brock.” 

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