Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 238

Chapter 238 Burdens, Matches, and Midnight Tears 

“Did you already register your marriage?” Malory pressed on. 

“Not yet. But our families already agreed in advance.” 

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Malory sighed as well. “Same here. My parents chose them for me. Supposedly one of those accomplished ‘elite types, exactly the kind of son–in–law my parents always imagined.” 

Ava continued drying her hair as she asked softly, “And you don’t want to?” 

“It’s not about wanting or not wanting.” Malory’s voice trembled a little. “I know I don’t really have any better options. My parents keep telling me it’s for my own good. After this semester’s break, they want me to go home and register the marriage with them. 

“I know everyone goes through this. My mom did. Now it’s my turn. Everyone else does it too. But I just… feel awful. I feel like they’re selling me. 

“Even though my fiances promised I could keep studying and that we could hold the wedding after I graduate, I still don’t like any of the candidates they pushed on me. 

“I told them I didn’t like them, but they just laughed and said I was being naive. They said if I want a man, I should pick one who’s capable.” 

Ava stopped what she was doing. When she looked at Malory, her expression seemed caught between smiling and crying, her eyes already brimming with tears. She went over and hugged Malory. 

Malory hugged her back, and her hot tears dripped onto Ava’s shoulder. “I know I can’t change anything. Getting into Starry Heavens was my rebellion–I wanted to escape. 

“I don’t know why the moment I became a legal adult, my parents rushed to arrange everything. They picked a man so quickly, without caring how I felt. I even started wondering whether they really loved me, or if they just loved the idea of having a daughter. Maybe they never loved me at all.” 

Ava gently patted her back. “Did you ever seriously tell your parents you don’t like your fiances?” 

“I told them. They all mocked me for being childish. They think the men they picked for me–high–status, well–positioned–are such ‘excellent catches‘ that refusing them means I don’t know what’s good for me. 

“But I just don’t want to be bound to any of them. Does that make me ungrateful? I went on hunger strike, I threw tantrums–none of it mattered. I hate that they treat me like something to be traded, and those future husbands of mine are just the buyers.” 

Ava felt the hot tears on her shoulder and stayed silent. After a long moment, she finally said, “My fiances and I were matched by the Match Bureau.” 

Malory’s eyes went wide. “The Match Bureau? Ava… you’re even worse off than me?” 

Falling all the way to the Match Bureau–the most neglected department! Ordinary people never end up with good matches there. They say every unmarried man’s information goes into the system, but everyone knows the real high–tier elites pay to opt out. What’s left is just the leftovers no one wants. 

“I didn’t have money to pay the fine, so I went to the March Bureau.” 

Hearing how calmly Ava said it, Malory burst into loud sobs. “Ava, you’ve got it way worse than me–how awful that I used to pick on you!” 

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Chapter 238 Burdens, Matches, and Midnight Tears 

Ava wiped her tears for her. “This is just reality–it’s how the world is. Society chews women up.” 

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After talking by the lake, the two of them grew even closer. 

When they returned, Linden waved them over. “Come here, we saved a few skewers for you.” 

Malory rushed over, brightening at the sight of the grilled meat on the plate. “Oh, you’re the best, Captain Oestergaard, saving food for us like this!” 

Ava looked at the skewers. They were a little charred, but once coated in spices, they didn’t look half bad. 

After hanging up their clothes to dry, Ava and Malory sat by the fire. Malory grabbed two skewers and handed one to Ava. 

She took a bite and spoke through a mouthful of meat. Who grilled these? Not bad! Seems like the guys have potential. Under Ava’s guidance, your cooking skills are skyrocketing! From now on, you can proudly declare you know your way around a kitchen–guaranteed to make you more appealing to the ladies.” 

Linden glanced at her. “Dario grilled them. Praise him, not me.” 

Malory turned toward Dario immediately, giving him a big thumbs–up. “D*mn, Dario, didn’t see that coming. You look all big and rough on the outside, but you’re totally refined on the inside! You’ve got talent. Whoever marries you someday will eat well for life.” 

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