Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 177

Chapter 177 Roller Coaster Friend 

“Let go!” Ava yelled. 

Yet her cheeks flushed crimson, and what sounded like colding carried no real intimidation at all. 

Affection overflowed from Keith’s chest at the sight. He miled and said, “Okay, I’ll let go.” 

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Though he slowly pulled back, his eyes never left her. She watched, as though in slow motion, as his lips moved toward her fingers. He quickly brushed a kiss against them, then released her and straightened up, deliberately tilting his head as he looked at her. “It’s really sweet.” 

She nearly dropped the mermaid–shaped cotton candy in her hands. Her blush deepened at his words, and she glared at him. 

“Oh dear, looks like I’ve made my princess angry.” Despite his words, a surge of joy burst from his chest. 

He continued to hold her hand, leading her forward. Along the way, he stopped to buy a bottle of water. He handed the bottle to her. “Here, have a sip. It’ll soothe your throat. Consider it my apology for earlier.” 

Taking the bottle, she twisted it open and drank a small sip. “Behave yourself, and keep your hands to yourself. What would people think if they saw?” 

“Does that mean you’ll allow it in private?” He raised an eyebrow teasingly. 

Stunned by how shamelessly he had seized the opening she stared at him speechlessly. The silence stretched out for a moment before she finally spat out his name, each syllable heavy with warning. “Keith.” 

“Don’t be angry, Ava.” Knowing how easily she became embarrassed and flustered, he quickly surrendered. “I promise, I won’t take things any further without your permission.” 

For quite some time afterward, she ignored him completely. She even shook off his hand and walked ahead on her own. 

He stared at her back, thinking that she was gorgeous even when she was upset. She was just too easily flustered and embarrassed, too reserved when it came to affection. 

If something so mild made her blush so hard, how would she react to further advances? He was a little stumped by the situation. His wife was far too easily embarrassed, and that… only made her all the more irresistible to him. 

Ava chose a ride called Sky Coaster. Seeing her jump straight to such a difficult ride, Keith gently tried to dissuade her. “How about switching to something gentler? This ride might be a bit too extreme for you right now.” 

“No! We’ll go with this one!” Her competitive streak flared instantly. “Look at that girl in purple over there- she looks totally fine.” 

He gave her a long look before saying, “Alright. I’ll ride with you.” 

It wasn’t until she was buckled into her seat and the coaster began to move that she realized what kind of extreme thrill she had signed up for. 

True to its name, the roller coaster was insanely fast. Screams from girls echoed all around. 

Ava’s heart lurched and dropped with every twist. Clenching her teeth, she gripped the handrails tightly and forced herself not to make a sound. The leather padding on the armrests showed deep crescent indents 

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Chapter 177 Roller Coaster Friend 

from her fingers. 

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When the ride finally ended ten minutes later, she climbed out, her face as pale as a sheet. Keith glanced at her and asked softly, “Are you okay?” 

She shook her head, then changed her mind and nodded instead. But her expression was stiff. “I’m going to the restroom. 

Watching her retreating figure, he sighed quietly. He had warned her, but she had stubbornly insisted on being brave. 

She threw up once in the restroom, dizzy and nauseous from the ride, then stood at the sink, splashing some water on her face with a dejected sigh. 

One of the stall doors opened. The girl in purple from earlier walked over and joined Ava at the sink, her face equally as pale. Their eyes met in the mirror before they quickly looked away. 

The girl in purple smiled slightly. “I’ve often heard people saying that roller coasters are intense–that it’s something you ride for the adrenaline. I didn’t believe them before, but now I do.” 

Pulling a tissue from her bag, Ava gently dabbed at her mouth. “I’ve never ridden one before this. I thought it looked fun, but… I guess I overestimated myself. 

The girl glanced at Ava and smiled. “I’m Ivyonne Quigley, twenty–four years old. I’ll be starting at university soon.” 

“I’m Ava Morren, twenty–five years old. I’ll also be starting at university soon.” Ava returned the look with a smile. 

“Which university?” Ivyonne asked, eyes shining. “I’ll be studying at Starry Heavens University.” 

Ava paused in surprise. “What a coincidence. Me too.” 

“Wow, lucky me! I didn’t think I’d actually bump into a fellow student when I randomly picked an amusement park to visit during my trip to Capitol Planet!” 

“It’s nice to meet you,” Ava said, extending her hand for handshake. 

They shook hands. 

At that moment, a woman’s voice came from the restroom entrance. “Are you done yet, Ivyonne? Hurry up! We’re leaving!” 

Ivyonne quickly answered that she was coming. Then, she smiled brightly at Ava. “What a pity today didn’t work out. Let’s meet again when school starts. Maybe we’ll even end up in the same unit for military training.” 

Smiling, Ava exchanged goodbyes. She swiftly tidied herself up before stepping out of the restroom. 

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