Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 138

Chapter 138 Warmth That Took Root 

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Ryan genuinely loathed the Morren siblings. After he kicked Asher out of the picture, Jane was now clinging to his wife all the time! What was up with that?! 

“Jane Morren, do you seriously have zero sense of boundaries?” Ryan snapped. “You’re brighter than the chandelier overhead.” 

Jane burst out laughing. Calling me a third wheel now? 

“Seriously, Brock, act like a real man for once, will you? With that attitude, who would ever want you? They must’ve been cursed to get tangled up with you,” she shot back, rolling her eyes. “Here’s a tip–men who cling too tightly are annoying–oh my, upset already?” 

Jane grabbed Ava’s hand, her expression openly critical. “If you think Ava’s life is too quiet, go ahead and blow up. Still think she’s not getting enough attention, that you just have to force your presence? 

“Your relationships are not ready to be exposed yet, Ryan. I hope you engrave that into your brain. What you do in private is none of my business, but publicly, I will not let her get dragged into a scandal right now.” 

At that, Jane swept her gaze over each of them in turn, the warning unmistakable. Then she stopped paying them any attention and pulled Ava away. 

Ryan clenched his teeth. He couldn’t believe that he–Ava’s official match–had just been completely written off by Jane. He was Ava’s legitimate fiance, yet she made him sound like some secret lover who couldn’t see the light of day. 

Mason tapped his temple lightly. “Just got rid of the brother, and now the more annoying cousin enters the picture. Sigh… This road really is long and hard.” 

Ava looked at Jane with pure admiration. Jane was so cool just now! 

“I’m not trying to stir trouble,” Jane explained, glancing at her sideways. “You’ve only just returned to Capitol Planet and haven’t fully found your footing yet. Even if our family accepts you, there will always be people who nitpick. If your relationships get exposed right now, you’ll be shoved straight into the spotlight. I don’t want you caught in the middle of public opinion— do 

you understand? 

“Once enough time has passed, and you’ve had the chance to shine on your own, there won’t be nearly as much criticism. Ava, in this world, a lot of people can’t stand seeing others do well. Too many of them project their own ugliness onto everyone else.” 

Jane ruffled her cousin’s hair. “You’re my only sister. I want you to always be happy. If I can hold up the sky for you, I want to help shoulder the pressure coming from the outside.” 

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Ava was deeply touched, her eyes shimmering with tears. Being loved and protected by family filled her heart with something achingly sincere. All the lingering uncertainty she’d carried these past days finally dissolved. She was absolutely certain now–she had truly been accepted by the Morren family, not just because she was Patrick’s adopted child. 

“You’re making me cry, Jane. I–I get where you’re coming from, and that you have my best interest at heart.” She hugged Jane tightly, feeling grounded for the first time in a long while. Ever since Patrick passed away, she’d felt like drifting duckweed, rootless, without a clear direction. 

“Oh my, you two sisters are so close,” Roxy chimed in with an exaggeratedly dramatic expression, only to be shoved by the two friends beside her. 

“I’m honestly embarrassed to admit I know you, Roxy,” Caela said, rubbing her arm. “I’ve got goosebumps everywhere.” 

Roxy laughed, then turned back to Ava, reaching for her cheek–only for Jane to block her. 

“Really, Jane? I’m not even a man. Why are you guarding her from me?” Roxy complained. She adored the sweet girl. 

“You?” Jane scoffed. “You’re intermittently unhinged. I worry that if my sister spends too much time with you, she’ll catch it.” 

Roxy snorted. “I dare you to say that again, Morren.” 

“Sure. I’ll repeat it like a broken record!” 

“Ah–how dare you tickle me…” 

Ava watched them bicker and laugh, unable to stop smiling herself. It sure feels nice to have friends… 

“Ms. Ava, I’m Tylissa Clark. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” 

A voice sounded beside her. Ava turned and saw Tylissa standing there in a blue tailor-made gown, just a touch shorter than she was. 

“Greetings, Ms. Clark. I’m Ava Morren. Likewise.” Ava extended her hand, and the two shook briefly before letting go. 

Jane quickly stepped forward, looking down at Tylissa. “Ms. Tylissa, my cousin has only just returned to Capitol Planet and isn’t familiar with the etiquette here yet. If there’s been anything lacking in our hospitality, I hope you’ll forgive us.” 

Tylissa smiled as she looked at Jane’s fiercely protective posture. “You’re too polite, Ms. Morren. 

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Even though today is my first time meeting Ms. Ava, it feels as though I’ve known her for a very long time. There’s a natural sense of closeness.” 

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