Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 146

Chapter 146 Under Everyone’s Gaze 

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Ethan watched Ava leave, following her with his gaze as she went to Jane. The two exchanged a few words, and Jane then lifted the pearl hair comb and slid it back into Ava’s hair, tapping her lightly on the head as she said something. Ava smiled, a little embarrassed. 

They’re really close, he thought, before slowly blending back into the crowd. 

After Jane finished speaking with Ava, a pleasant melody suddenly filled the hall. Jane patted Ava’s hand lightly. “Here it comes–the classic must–have.” 

Ava looked at her blankly. “What classic?” 

Seeing Ava’s slightly lost expression, Jane laughed. “Dancing, of course. What else did you think it was?” 

Jane leaned in and whispered in Ava’s ear, lowering her voice. 

“Who do you want to dance with later? You’d better decide now, or… Hehe…” 

She gave Ava a knowing look, a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips. “There’ll definitely be plenty of men lining up to invite you. Luckily, Tylissa’s here tonight–she’ll take a lot of the pressure off you. 

“Or I have a feeling your fiances would go on a killing spree.” 

“Do I really have to dance?” Ava asked hesitantly. “Can I skip it?” 

“Ava, what nonsense are you talking about?” Jane shot her a disapproving look. “You won’t be the only one dancing. Everyone who can find a partner will be on the floor. Besides, you’re the star of the event–you have to open the dance.” 

The pressure hit Ava all at once. She knew her own condition far too well. If she really had to engage in close physical contact with a man, her body would instinctively resist. 

“Nervous?” Jane asked gently. “Don’t be. There’s nothing to be afraid of. If you really can’t decide, dance with Geffery. He’s married anyway, so opening the dance with his sister won’t mean anything.” 

Geffery? Ava pictured his perpetually stern face, and just imagining that scene felt oddly ridiculous. 

“Or Keifon?” Jane mused, then immediately shook her head. “No, better not. His wife’s pretty possessive– she can’t stand any woman getting close to him. Even if you’re his sister, she’d probably still get jealous.” 

“Who should it be…” She frowned slightly, clearly troubled 

“Say, Jane,” Ava asked suddenly, “is it me or has Asher been away for quite some time?” 

Jane’s heart skipped a beat when she heard the name, but when she saw that Ava’s eyes held nothing but pure curiosity, she relaxed. 

It seemed those thoughts had only existed in Asher’s head. 

“I haven’t seen him either,” she answered. ‘No idea where he went. Don’t worry about him–he’s never liked 

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Chapter 146 Under Everyone’s Gaze 

these kinds of events anyway. He’s probably gone somewhere to get some peace and quiet.” 

Ava nodded in realization. “That explains it. No wonder I haven’t seen him all night.” 

Jane didn’t want to continue the topic and smoothly changed the subject. 

“By the way, Ava, look over there. See that woman wearing the white tailcoat with the intricate gold embroidery at the collar? Pants, boots–do you see her?” 

Ava glanced toward the crowd. “What about her?” 

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“That’s Ysabel Severn from the Omnireon Institute. She’s an incredible woman–only 58, an Awakened, and her rank is extremely high. So young, yet already a count.” 

Ava looked more closely. 

Ysabel wore her short hair neatly cropped, her outfit standing in stark contrast to the other women present, yet her presence was unmistakable. She was tall, commanding, and even with several men standing around her, her aura completely overshadowed theirs. 

She truly was a woman apart. 

While they were talking, the music’s prelude ended, and the hall fell silent. Only then did Ava realize that everyone’s gaze had turned toward her. Her heart jumped into her throat, her palms instantly slick with 

sweat. 

She shot a helpless look at Jane, who merely reached out and smoothed Ava’s hair. “Don’t be afraid, Ava. I believe in you. You’ll get used to this kind of occasion soon enough. Don’t worry about whether people are watching you, and don’t worry about whether you dance well or not.” 

Ava wanted to say something, but stopped herself. She had never told anyone about her psychological condition–not even Jane. 

How could Jane possibly understand what was truly going through her mind? 

Footsteps sounded around her. Ava felt as though her heart was being clenched tight. She saw the men approaching her, and the tension only grew. Everyone around them was watching, their expressions curious, even tinged with a hint of envy. 

Ethan. Ryan. Keith. Mason. Laurent–they all walked toward her from different directions. 

Ava clenched her fists. 

She didn’t know what to do. 

As her gaze swept the room, her eyes met Ysabel’s. 

Ava blinked, and she caught the subtle change in the other woman’s expression. 

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Even though she desperately wanted to retreat, when several hands were extended toward her at once, she hesitated. 

The moment stretched awkwardly–until a set of light, brisk footsteps suddenly approached. A voice like cool, clear spring water reached her ears. 

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16:49 Thu, Jan 15G MU 

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