Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 18

Chapter 18 Trouble at Dinner 

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“No, I’m just not used to this. I grew up on a very remote planet and haven’t seen much of the world,” Ava explained. 

Lianne didn’t doubt her. The two of them changed into new clothes and came out. It was already past midnight. 

Lianne wore a beige fitted dress with a dark red shawl that highlighted her curves. 

Ava wore a modified traditional outfit that she had designed and sewn herself. The black jacket had a faint pattern and a stand–up collar, and she paired it with a plain green wrap skirt. Around her waist was a gold embroidered belt with floral designs, and a thin gold bead chain hung from it. 

Lianne’s curly hair was loose behind her shoulders, with a plaid headband on top. Ava let her hair down too, without any accessories, quietly following behind her. 

When they reached the 28th floor, they went straight to the reception desk, hoping to book a private room. The staff told them all the private rooms were already taken and only seats in the main hall were left. 

Ava didn’t care where they ate, but Lianne looked disappointed when she heard there were no private rooms available. 

Ava tried to comfort her. Lianne said, “Ava, eating in the main hall is so annoying. Those men have no sense at all. They’ll keep coming up to talk to us. It’s exhausting.” 

Before coming to Capitol Planet, Ava was used to being unnoticed in crowds. She never minded eating at food stalls. Men in the Age of the Stars were usually friendly and not sleazy. If they got rejected, they didn’t get angry. But in this society where men outnumbered women, they rarely gave up a chance to approach one. 

Lianne regretted not booking a table earlier. She realized she hadn’t thought things through. 

Seeing the two beautiful women without a private room, the receptionist looked helpless. “If you don’t mind, I can ask around and see if any guests in the private rooms are willing to give up their seats.” 

Ava didn’t think that was a good idea. She turned to Lianne and said, “At this hour, every place is probably the same. Why don’t we just grab something simple?” 

“Ava, it’s my fault for not planning well, I really wanted to treat you properly,” Lianne said. She looked guilty, as if she had failed to arrange even a proper meal. 

The two women standing by the entrance quickly drew attention. Some people overheard their 

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Chapter 18 Trouble at Dinner 

conversation and invited them to join their private room. 

Ava shook her head and politely declined. 

Lianne pouted and looked upset. 

Ava was about to pull her away to avoid being surrounded. 

“Lianne! Come here!” 

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As soon as she heard that voice, Lianne froze. She didn’t even need to look back to know who it was. She grabbed Ava’s hand, her face turning pale as panic flashed in her eyes. 

The small crowd that had gathered quickly dispersed. The receptionist behind the counter looked terrified, her face completely drained of color. 

“Lianne! Get over here! Don’t make me say it again!” 

Lianne looked at Ava with a face that was about to cry. Then she let go of her hand and walked toward the voice with her head down. 

Ava turned and looked down the hallway. A man in a military uniform stood there. He wasn’t wearing his hat, and his short hair made him look sharp and strict. It was him. 

Laurent frowned. “What are you doing here?” 

Lianne held her shawl tightly and avoided his gaze. She was terrified of her brother. Now that he had caught her here at Elysian, she could already imagine getting a long lecture when she got home. 

Elysian didn’t allow minors inside. Lianne had only been here once with her mother. This time, she just wanted to treat Ava to a nice meal, so she had secretly used her mother’s card. 

“Laurent, when did you get back?” Lianne asked, trying to change the topic. 

“Don’t change the subject. You still haven’t answered me.” 

Lianne’s scalp tingled. She met his cold eyes and felt her legs tremble. 

She was really scared of her stepbrother. They hadn’t met many times since he joined the military and rarely came home. Even when he did, he stayed only for a few days. 

Laurent was her half–brother. Their father, Liam, had married his mother, making them step- siblings. 

“I came to have dinner with a friend,” she said. 

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Laurent looked at Ava beside her. “She looks unfamiliar. Since when did you make new friends?” 

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Lianne rolled her eyes and muttered, “Do I have to report to you guys every time I make a friend?” 

She had no freedom at all. Everyone in her family tried to control her. Now, even her brother wanted to interfere with who she spent time with. 

“Lianne,” Laurent’s tone softened. He reached out and patted her head. “I’m not saying you can’t make friends. I just want to know why you’re here.” 

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