Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 229

The Five Pawethouse Who Match the Einwilling bride 

Chapter 229 Making Peace Over Soup 

She stared at Ava with big pleading eyes, practically begging. 

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Who could’ve imagined that the two were at each other throats when they first arrived at the base, and now, here they were, talking as if nothing had ever happened?! 

Ava ladled her a bowl of soup. “Go on, eat. It’s not going to kill you, and it won’t mess up your health. I promise.” 

From a distance, Holly shot them both a dramatic eye–roll. 

Malory immediately took a sip, her eyes narrowing with pure bliss. “Oh my god, Ava, this is amazing. You’re actually this good a cook!” 

Over the next few minutes, Ava got a real taste of what doing a one–eighty looked like. Malory just wouldn’t stop–she dished out compliments like they were free samples. 

Ava still remembered how, the first time they met, this girl had dressed like a rebellious teen, her tone sharp and confrontational. Now? She could barely recognize her. 

Ava set down her cutlery and gazed at Malory. “If you keep this up, pigs are going to start flying.” 

Malory let out a goofy laugh. As long as her stomach could be saved, she was sticking with Ava from now on. 

“Seriously, I can’t match you with the girl I first met. You’ve changed so much,” Ava said, shaking her head. 

Malory gave an embarrassed grin. “I really am sorry for butting heads with you back then. I’m not the brightest, and I’m pretty emotional. 

“Before I left for school, my brothers told me I had to act tough, or people would walk all over me. If anyone messed with me, I was supposed to fight back right on the spot. So when I got to Capitol Planet, I purposely dressed… you know, kind of aggressive, just so no one would dare bully me. 

“As for you, I actually didn’t mean to target you. I overheard the others talking about you behind your back, and I just ended up blurting things out. Thinking about it now, I was an idiot–let myself get used by others without even realizing it.” 

Still holding her bowl, Malory ladled herself another scoop of fish soup and drank with her eyes half–closed. “I really am sorry.” 

Ava studied her for a moment. That explained the huge difference between then and now. Her brothers had practically set her up for failure–and the girl herself was a total scatterbrain on top of it. 

Once Malory finally spelled out what had caused their conflict, she looked visibly relieved. As if she’d shrugged off a heavy weight, her eyes sparkled as she looked at Ava. “Will you forgive me?” 

“All right, I forgive you.” 

Malory lit up instantly. She set down her bowl and cutlery and threw an arm around Ava’s shoulders. “You really forgave me?! Ava, don’t worry–if anyone ever tries to mess with you, I’ll shut them down for you!” 

As she said it, she even shot a pointed look at Holly nearby. 

Ava patted her shoulder. “You do the dishes later, alright?” 

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10:48 Fri, Jan 23 

Chapter 229 Kaking Peace Over Soup- 

5.Pearls 

Malory nodded immediately. “Deal. You cooked, so I wah. Totally fair. Ava, can I eat with you from now on? I’ll do anything you want. The guys cooking is awful!” 

Seeing Ava’s attitude soften, Malory clung even harder, determined to secure her meal ticket for good. 

“I can’t guarantee I’ll always find food.” Ava said. “I just get lucky today.” 

Make the guys share some of their supplies then!” Malory said it with complete confidence, as if it were obvious. 

Ava paused, glancing toward the group of young men, and Linden turned his head at the same moment. She had no idea how much he’d overheard, but awkwardness crept up on her. 

Linden walked over to her. “Morren, a word?” 

The moment Malory saw him approach, she grabbed her bowl and made her escape–taking the half- finished fish soup with her. 

“What is it, Captain Oestergaard?” Ava asked. 

It seems your cooking skills are exceptional,” he said. “Honestly, the presentation alone could compete with a high–end restaurant.” 

Ava felt a bad feeling coming. 

So I was wondering… would you mind taking charge of the meals? Of course, we’ll gather the supplies, handle washing and cutting the vegetables, cleaning up, and keeping the fire going. How does that sound?” 

Ava didn’t like the idea of cooking for so many people–once or twice was fine, but every meal for seven days? That was absolutely not happening. She shook her head. “Captain, this arrangement doesn’t sit right with me. No one is born knowing how to cook, and cooking well doesn’t mean they’re obligated to do it for everyone.” 

Linden opened his mouth, then closed it again. “You’re right. Sorry–I didn’t think it through.” 

He started to leave, but Ava added, “But we’re still one team. I might be a girl, but I understand what a team is for. So how about this–I can act as head cook and plan the meals. 

“But just like you said, you guys will handle the prep work and cleanup. You can also assign two people each day, and I’ll teach them myself. I won’t promise they’ll turn into master chefs by the end of the week, but they’ll definitely be able to make something edible.” 

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