Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 102

Chapter 102 Mason’s Present 

Finished 

“All of this is nothing more than your own speculation. Mason earned that slap–he crossed the line with a girl. Honestly, letting him off with just one slap was already merciful.” Laurent had no intention of digging into Ava’s private affairs. “Instead of bickering over this, you’d be better off putting some thought into what you’re going to give her for her coming–of–age party.” 

Mason met his eyes, a faint, mocking smile tugging at his lips. “Crossed the line? As if you’re any better. Don’t pretend you’re some kind of moral paragon.” 

“Regardless, Ava’s coming–of–age party is something we all need to approach seriously,” Ethan interjected, having taken in everyone’s expressions. “There will be no shortage of eligible, unmarried men in attendance. 

“This is hardly the time for internal conflict. As for whether Ava has any psychological trauma, that remains uncertain. Everyone should be mindful of their behavior around her until there’s clarity about the matter. 

“Don’t do anything that could make her feel uncomfortable or violated.” 

Ava returned to her room, set the garment bag onto a chair, and went straight into the bathroom. 

She turned on the faucet, letting cool water stream over her fingers as she washed her hands mechanically. 

She lifted her head and met her own gaze in the mirror. 

She hadn’t anticipated that something as small as Mason kissing her wrist–sudden as it was- would provoke such an intense reaction. 

Yet, she couldn’t deny the visceral wave of repulsion that had surged through her in that instant. 

It was as if she had been dragged back to that one afternoon years ago. 

She had been walking along that narrow path, just as she always did, when the suffocating and sickening stench hit her without warning. She kicked and struggled, but it was useless. She was pinned to the ground, completely helpless. 

At that moment, she was nearly certain it was the end. She locked her eyes onto the attacker’s grotesque face, forcing herself to memorize it, and knew that she had to remember it! 

Back then, to the outside world, she had still been a “he“-a seven–year–old little boy. 

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Chapter 102 Mason’s Present 

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Hot blood splattered across her face. Ava saw her grandfather standing there in shock, hands trembling, utterly at a loss. She saw the man’s severed head lying off to the side, eyes wide open, frozen in death. 

Eighteen years had passed. 

Ava had long since forgotten what that man looked like, believing that the memory itself had faded with time. Yet, every detail resurfaced with cruel clarity now. The revulsion was so overwhelming that her stomach twisted violently. 

She bent forward, dry–heaving as sharp spasms tore through her abdomen. Everything she had 

eaten came up. 

Even after there was nothing left, her body continued to retch uncontrollably. 

It took her a long while to regain her composure. She straightened her back, brushed her teeth, rinsed her mouth, and splashed water over her face with a towel. 

In the mirror, her eyes were red and rimmed with tears. 

She thought, Grandpa arrived in time. That filthy thing never succeeded. 

She forced herself to steady her breathing. After a moment, she opened her eyes and murmured softly, “The one at fault was the attacker. I did nothing wrong.” 

She drew in several deep breaths, and little by little, her thoughts settled. 

After placing the dresses into the wardrobe, she sat down on the couch, resting her chin on one hand as she idly tapped at her terminal. Several minutes passed before she finally opened Mason’s profile and sent him a message. 

Ava wrote, ‘I’m sorry. I overreacted today. I hope your face isn’t hurt. 

She had nearly added an explanation–some excuse to soften it—but deleted the words before sending. What she had endured as a child was something she did not want anyone else to know. 

Mason replied, ‘It’s alright, Ava. I’ll be more careful about boundaries in the future. I was too impulsive today. I hope I didn’t leave you with a bad impression.‘ 

She stared at the reply for a long moment, then set the terminal aside without responding. 

The coming–of–age party was scheduled for five days later, and all the invitations had already been sent. For a day that was meant to be deeply meaningful for a girl, Ava felt unexpectedly calm–almost detached. 

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Chapter 102 Mason’s Present 

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The Morren Residence was finally decorated once more, touched with a festive air that swept away the lingering gloom of the past weeks. 

“Ava! Hurry up–your gift’s here!” Jane called out the moment she arrived. 

Ava looked up. “Jane, are you giving me a present?” 

Jane shook her head. “It’s not from me. Someone asked me to deliver it. Apparently, he upset you a few days ago and wants me to play mediator.” 

As she spoke, she took out a beautifully wrapped gift box. “Why are you so calm? Aren’t you at least a little curious who it’s from?” 

Ava blinked. “I don’t know that many people. What’s there to be curious about?” 

Then came Jane’s sigh. 

“Fine–no suspense then. Here. Mason sent this as your coming–of–age gift!” 

Ava accepted the box, untied the pink ribbon, and lifted the lid. 

Nestled quietly in the velvet lining was a ring. 

“Holy sh*t!” Jane blurted out. “That thing actually ended up in his hands?” 

Ava was confused for a second. She caught the subtle shift in Jane’s tone, and her fingers trembled slightly. “Is it very expensive?” 

It certainly looked expensive–almost extravagantly so–but she had no sense of just how much it was worth. 

She lacked any point of reference, so she could only turn to Jane for an answer. 

Jane drew in a sharp breath and gave her a long, loaded look. 

She lifted the ring from the box and slipped it onto Ava’s ring finger. “It fits perfectly. D*mn, it’s gorgeous. I honestly thought he bought this as a wedding ring. For a man to give something like this for a coming–of–age party, he must be loaded.”