Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 21

Chapter 21 It Could Be Better 

Ava jerked back to reality and quickly realized that she’d zoned out in front of everyone. 

Firushed 

She hastily closed the menu and handed it to Lianne, saying, “Go ahead. I’m new to Capitol Planet, so I have no idea what to order.” 

Lianne accepted the menu and picked out a few dishes with a grin. “Don’t you worry, girl. I’ve got you covered. I swear you’re going to enjoy yourself tonight.” 

Shortly after, a waiter arrived with their beautifully plated food. Soon, there were tender meat dishes, fresh fruits, and crisp vegetables on the table. Ava swept her eyes across the assortment of dishes and found that they looked appetizing enough. 

However, she wasn’t sure whether the taste would be… acceptable. 

Lianne was aware that Ava came from a modest background, so she didn’t want her to feel pressured by the abundance of food on the table. So, she served herself some of her favorite dishes. 

Then, she gestured at the food with a smile. “Ava, you’ve got to try this. It’s to die for. It’s also tangy and sweet.” 

Ava had no idea what meat they’d used for this dish. Still, she knew enough to know that it’d been glazed with honey, roasted to a beautiful golden brown, and topped with a special tangy sauce. The sweet–and–sour combo was delightful. 

Unfortunately, the meat hadn’t been processed properly, as she could taste a faint gamey aftertaste after taking a few bites of it. Frankly, it could be better. 

Still, she had always been a meticulous eater. Her posture was impeccable, and her manners flawless. She made eating an art form regardless of her inner thoughts. 

The people around her shot discreet glances at her, but she never noticed any of it. 

She was able to pull this off seemingly effortlessly because of her great–grandmother. That woman had been the epitome of grace and elegance. She was a classic beauty with the decorum to match. Even the slightest movement she made reflected the poise of a well–bred lady. 

Ava had adored her and strove to be just like her. As a result, she’d absorbed some measure of that elegance through exposure alone. 

The people at the table barely spoke throughout the meal. Lianne was the only one breaking that unspoken rule as she would occasionally lean in to whisper a comment to Ava. 

Ethan finally placed his cutlery aside, took a sip of soup, and wiped his hands with a hand towel 

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Chapter 21 It Could Be Better 

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before asking, “You’re pretty young, Ms. Morren. Forgive me for asking, but are you of legal age?” 

Ava did not see that question coming at all. Her head snapped toward him, meeting his gentle 

gaze. 

“Yes,” she replied calmly. 

Lianne chimed in, “Ava’s just turned 25! She told me she’ll be inviting me to her coming–of–age party soon.” 

Ava had no idea why he even asked such a question, but she knew that she didn’t like it. Due to her experiences, she was rather wary of strangers, especially men. Sure, she could smile and make small talk, but she would immediately retreat to her comfort zone if they tried to get any 

closer. 

For example, she’d only agreed to date Daniel because they’d known each other for quite a while and she’d found him acceptable. Her decision had been fueled by pragmatism; love had not been part of her thought process. 

“I’m sure a woman as outstanding as you must’ve quite a few suitors, Ms. Morren,” Keith remarked. 

Lianne had discovered that Ava had no choice but to go to the Match Bureau after getting dumped by her boyfriend. She’d tried to ask for more details, but it didn’t take a person with perfect vision to tell that Ava really didn’t want to talk about it. 

So, she never pressed Ava for answers ever since that day. Perhaps her match wasn’t all that great. 

Hence, she became rightfully worried that their prodding would unearth Ava’s old hurts. 

So, she shot the men at the table a stern look. “Why don’t you gaggle of geese focus on your own food for a change? Last I checked, we’re at the restaurant, not an interrogation room. You’re lucky that Ava’s nice. Otherwise, you lot would be on the receiving end of a harassment ticket!” 

Ava was touched that Lianne would defend her so staunchly. She didn’t know who these people were, but she doubted she’d ever see them again. 

Although Lianne hadn’t divulged much regarding her family background, Ava had already learned about the Capitol Planet’s prominent families over the past few days. 

The Mercer family had made it onto that list. It was one of the affluent families on this planet, and it was common knowledge that they had a young heiress who had yet to come of age. It was likely that Lianne was that girl. 

Besides, the men sitting here didn’t exactly look like ordinary Joes. Ava was confident that they 

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Chapter 21 It Could Be Better 

weren’t like her. 

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In any case, that wasn’t her problem. She’d had two lifetimes‘ worth of experience telling her that trying to fit in where she didn’t belong would be a traumatizing and painful process that would end in failure. Fairytales were fairytales for a reason, and they had no place in reality. 

“I’m just an ordinary person from a humble background. There’s no need for flatteries here,” she said evenly, her fingers spasming slightly around her cutlery. 

“I apologize for overstepping, Ms. Morren,” he immediately answered. 

None of the men had bothered introducing themselves, so Ava had no idea who they were. Nevertheless, it was no skin off her back. After all, they were strangers who would never cross paths if it weren’t for Lianne. 

Ryan gritted his teeth as he thought in frustration, Did they really think that I can’t tell what they’re trying to do? They’re clearly trying to determine whether this woman is related to the other Ava Morren, who was their match. 

Then again, they wouldn’t be stooping to this if that Ava hadn’t disappeared without a trace. Even worse, all their attempts to contact her had been like shouting at a brick wall. 

Just the thought of her irritated him to no end. As a result, he wasn’t exactly harboring any charitable thoughts toward a woman who had the misfortune of sharing his match’s name. 

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