Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 129

Chapter 129 Slapped 

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Finished 

Jane barely got a word out before a loud crack cut through the air like a whip against bare skin. 

Asher’s head jerked sideways from the slap. Jane flinched so hard her whole body stiffened. She caught a glimpse of Jonathan’s face, and her throat clamped shut. 

“Asher, does Ava know how you feel about her?” 

“I never told her, Grandpa.” 

“Good. Let’s keep it that way. She doesn’t need to know. You’re leaving Capitol Planet right now. I’ll have your dad put together an emergency transfer. You can come back after you figure yourself out.” Jonathan’s voice was cold. His face didn’t show an ounce of softness. 

Later, Jane found Ava. 

“Jane, what happened to Grace?” 

Jane plopped down on a barstool and crossed one leg over the other. “She’s gone. Technically, Grandma hauled her back to the Treshfield family herself.” 

“Grandma already left?” Ava blinked. “She barely even got here. Why so fast?” 

Jane gave a shrug. “Probably couldn’t stand the shame. You know how she is. She hates being embarrassed. And Grace really humiliated her today.” 

Ava fell silent for a second. Then she muttered, “Still feels kinda extreme. I mean, Grandma just got here, and now she’s gone. What about Grandpa…” 

Jane held a finger to her lips. “Shhh. Ava, there’s something I never told you. Grandma and Grandpa? They’re not close. 

“Their marriage is a contract. Strictly business. Zero romance. That’s why she lived with her other husbands most of the time. She rarely ever came back here.” 

Ava hadn’t seen that coming. But now it all made sense. The house looked like it had a woman in it, but it never felt like it. Jonathan always seemed like he was on his own. He had a wife, but they didn’t live together. They didn’t even call each other much. 

Jane kept talking. “It’s not some big scandal. These contract marriages happen all the time. Not everyone’s lucky enough to get real love.” 

Ava moved over and sat beside her. “So what about you, Jane? Did you marry for love, or was it for the family?” 

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13:13 Wed, Jan 14 

Chapter 129 Slapped 

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Jane looked at her and saw something warm and genuine in her eyes. That kind of quiet care that could get under your skin and stay there. 

She finally understood why Asher was so into her. Ava wasn’t loud about her feelings. She was gentle. Steady. Like a warm light that just stuck around. 

Too bad she was Ava. Too bad she was a Morren. 

Jane twirled a lock of hair around her finger. “Ava, do I seem like the type who settles? Nobody pressures me. No man’s worth me lowering my bar. 

“In families like ours, falling for someone just because your hormones say so is a fantasy. But I’ve got options most girls don’t. I choose who I want. If he wants me back, great. If not, I move on. I don’t waste time over guys who don’t pick me. I never give anyone that kind of power over my life.” 

She flashed a wide, self–assured smile. It wasn’t forced. It came from knowing exactly who she 

was. 

Something clicked in Ava’s mind. That was Jane. The real Jane. She didn’t need anyone. She wasn’t scared of being alone. She owned her life and didn’t let it own her. 

Jane tapped her cheek and gave her a playful grin. “What about you, Ava? Looks like you’re getting pretty cozy with your future husbands.” 

Ava groaned. “Cozy? Please. They act like preschoolers. They’re exhausting.” 

you 

Jane let out a loud laugh. “Girl, are you for real right now? Most people would trade places with 

in a heartbeat. Those guys are rich, hot, and actually like you. That’s the whole d*mn package! Eat better. Aim higher. The better your taste, the less likely you’ll fall for the wrong guy.” 

By the time Ava and Jane changed clothes and cleaned up, it was already three in the afternoon. 

Jonathan came by to check on Ava. He asked if she was okay. She said she was and thanked him for backing her up. 

Margaret showed up with Yara. They both spoke with Ava for a bit. Yara, who had completely broken down that morning, seemed way more composed now. 

Ava wasn’t sure if she was imagining it. But when Yara talked to her, her voice felt overly gentle. Almost too warm. They made small talk. Now that Ava knew more about her and Jonathan, she even shared a few old childhood stories with her.