Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 192

Chapter 192 Getting Married 

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Mason had already scouted out the perfect viewing spot and, without hesitation, used a bit of subtle pressure—an invisible aura of dominance–to lead Ava through the crowd. 

Fireworks boomed above them, one after another, lighting up the night sky in dazzling bursts. Ava’s eyes were fixed on the display, completely unaware of the space clearing out around them. 

The moment Mason brought her to the spot, a bubble of emptiness formed around them. No one dared step too close–his presence alone was enough to make people instinctively steer clear. 

A few diehard photography buffs, unfazed, had tripods set up and were frantically clicking their shutters at the sky. Amid the noise and cheers of the crowd, Ava cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, her voice carried by excitement, “Hello, Pluto!” 

Mason stood just behind her, slightly to the right, one hand resting on the railing. His posture was relaxed but protective–he’d surrounded her, as if shielding her from the world. 

He barely looked at the fireworks. The explosions above were a distant echo; the real fire was in front of him. Everything that mattered, everything that could stir him, was right there–in her. 

Quietly, almost imperceptibly, he leaned in and, before she could notice, placed the lightest kiss on the top of her head. 

The next afternoon, they left Pluto and returned to Capitol Planet. 

Mason personally dropped Ava off at the Morren Residence. She got out of the car and waved goodbye with a smile. 

He stayed in the car, rolled down the window, and exchanged a few more words with her, watching as she disappeared past the front gate. The seat beside him, still faintly warm from her presence, now felt strangely empty. 

Jason, his assistant, stole a glance at his boss. He couldn’t help but feel that this trip had changed Mason. 

This was a man once known for being a total workaholic–someone who lived and breathed business, with a personal life so bland even Jason pitied him. Mason might’ve been wealthy beyond measure, but for the longest time, it seemed like he had no idea how to enjoy life. 

And now? He was smiling with his eyes, and he actually skipped work to go on a trip. Jason would’ve sooner believed in flying pigs. 

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Chapter 192 Getting Married 

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Though Jason didn’t come from a powerful background, years of working for Mason had taught him to recognize real status when he saw it. This neighborhood was the uppermost district of Capitol Planet–the beating heart of political power, home to the elite. The woman they’d just dropped off? She had to be someone very influential. 

Jason had only dared to sneak a look at her earlier, but that one glance was enough. She was stunning. No wonder his boss–known across the board for being stoic and emotionally untouchable–was acting like a whole different person. 

Guess the old saying’s true–even the mightiest fall for beauty. 

Mason, of course, noticed the subtle glances and the buzzing curiosity. He turned his head and locked eyes with Jason, catching him red–handed. Jason’s face froze mid–expression. 

Despite his aloof reputation, Mason wasn’t hard to work with–just someone with strong boundaries. That said, Jason had been working for him long enough to know how far he could push. 

He plastered on a sheepish smile. Since the boss seemed to be in a good mood, he tried a little flattery. “Ms. Morren’s truly a beautiful woman. Standing next to you, it’s a perfect match.” 

Then, he added boldly, “So… are we getting a lady boss soon?” 

Years of being a top–tier assistant weren’t for nothing. He knew exactly what kind of compliments would land. 

“You’ve got guts, poking your nose into my personal life,” Mason said, but his tone was more amused than annoyed. “But you’re wrong about one thing–it’s not ‘going to happen. It already has.” 

Jason blinked. Already? Wait–seriously? 

“If she ever visits the company,” Mason continued, “make sure she’s never left waiting outside.” 

“Yes, absolutely! I’ll personally escort her in.” 

Jason could barely process the news. No heads–up, no rumors–he’d assumed they were still in the ‘getting to know each other‘ phase. But judging by Mason’s tone, things were already locked 

1. in. 

“Has the wedding date been set? Should I start preparations now? I’ll give it my all–blood, sweat, and spreadsheets!” 

Mason shot him a side–eye. “You’re not the one getting married. What are you so worked up 

about?” 

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“I’m just happy for you, boss! You’re a legend–you don’t make a move often, but when you do, it’s a masterpiece. Truly worthy of a man at the top!” 

“If you’ve got this much free time, you can work overtime tonight.” 

This stunned Jason. 

Rubbed the boss the wrong way. Brilliant. 

Back in her room, Ava checked on the two fish in her tank first. They were swimming around energetically, so she dropped in a bit of fish food and watched them eat before settling onto the couch. 

She pulled up her neural screen and browsed through the photos she’d taken, picking out the prettiest shots to make a nine–photo collage. Of course, she didn’t include any pictures of herself with Mason. 

The moment she posted it, comments started rolling in. One stood out–Mason had replied beneath the photos, ‘Looking forward to our next trip together.‘ 

Ava pressed her fingers to her forehead. Seriously? Would it kill him to be a little subtle? 

With the way some people in their circle were always watching, a comment like that was practically asking for drama. 

She ignored him. 

Then another comment popped up, this time from Keith. ‘Ava, come with me next time. Let’s go to Seraphim Star.’ 

Ava’s brows furrowed instantly. 

And as if things weren’t already messy enough, right underneath Keith’s comment was Laurent, who had disappeared to nowhere. 

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