Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 24

24 Ava’s Trauma 

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Ava couldn’t help but think, Great–uncle Jonathan, you really shouldn’t be going around saying stuff like that about me! Especially when they aren’t true! 

“Why did they refuse?” she asked. She genuinely had no idea why they would do such a thing. After all, they were strangers. Given their wealth and influence, she was sure they’d already dug up all there was to know about her. 

She knew who she was–an ordinary girl. She was nothing special. 

Jonathan shrugged nonchalantly. “Well, I haven’t a clue what youngsters these days think. However, they did tell me they wanted to meet you in person.” 

“But…” Ava trailed off. Eventually, she said, “Will they agree to break things off after I meet them?” 

Jonathan had to swallow a sigh when he gazed at the earnest eyes staring back at him. Ava was truly a delightful child. Alas, her self–esteem was practically nonexistent. She was a good child, and anyone with a functioning pair of wits would like her after getting to know her. 

The fact that she wasn’t an Awakened would barely knock off any brownie points. Those who did care about that didn’t deserve her. 

“Ava, you haven’t even met them yet. How are you so sure that you wouldn’t like them?” he asked. He truly had no clue what was bothering her. 

“Well… That is…” She had no idea how to tell him. After all, she knew why she was behaving this way. This was her childhood trauma manifesting in the most annoying ways. 

Just thinking about it brought back the memory of those hands caressing her skin, and it nearly made her scream. 

Although she’d tried her best to tear that memory into metaphorical shreds, it had instead burrowed its way into the darkest pit in her mind. 

It had gotten so bad that interacting with men felt like her own personal hell. In fact, the very thought of getting intimate with men made her want to hurl. 

Jonathan said softly. “Ava, please try just this once. If things don’t work out, I’m sure men of their breeding wouldn’t stoop so low as to not take no for an answer.” 

It was a beautiful day with its blue skies and fluffy clouds. 

Ava had dolled herself up to become the picture of a perfect lady. After all, she was going to visit the Brock family with Jonathan. She had to dress the part. Still, a sense of unease lingered 

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Chapter 24 Ava’s Trauma 

despite her bracing herself for the worst. 

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One of the Morren family’s androids expertly maneuvered the hovercar, allowing Ava the chance to see the Astralis Line from a bird’s eye view. 

As she watched the packed station filled with people, she couldn’t help but think in amusement, If only past me could look at me now with my private hovercar… I wonder what she would think. 

The Brock family lived nearby, so it took them less than 10 minutes to get to their destination. 

Soon, a magnificent private estate came into view. She could see towering trees lined up on both sides of the road in perfect symmetry. There were also clusters of flowers blooming in the middle of winter. 

She saw a man–made river winding gracefully through the grounds before making itself at home inside an artificial lake. As they came closer, she could finally see the features of the handsome statue in the middle of that very lake. 

The statue of the water deity had a solemn yet compassionate look on his face as he held a pitcher with water flowing out of it and into the lake. 

Suddenly, she caught sight of a flicker of red and saw several colorful fish swimming leisurely in the lake. 

Soon, she saw several grand villas standing across the landscape, seemingly in defiance of it. 

As they drew closer and closer, her frayed nerves seemed to be seconds away from snapping. Although Jonathan had told her everything she needed to know about the Brock family last night, allowing her some time to mentally prepare herself for a show of wealth. 

This was still a lot to take in. 

Regardless, she had seen her fair share of grandeur in the past. It didn’t matter how wealthy they were; she was sure that even they couldn’t compare to the past majesty of the imperial palaces of old and the seven great wonders of the world. 

So, she inhaled deeply, taking the chance to compose herself. A minute later, her eyes snapped open, revealing twin pools of calm. 

Jonathan couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride when he saw that. 

The Brock family had been neck deep in politics for over two thousand years. Yet, their family had never been foisted out of Capitol Planet, which was a testament to their fortitude and large 

network. 

Thus, it was only natural for them to visit the Brock family first. 

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The Morren family’s hovercar landed smoothly on the open ground before the main gates. Several attendants were already standing at attention, bowing slightly as they awaited instructions. 

Dylan Brock and his wife, Elena Warner, were also waiting at the entrance with their two sons, Ethan and Ryan. 

Jonathan left the hovercar first, and Dylan immediately glided forward with a warm smile on his face. “I’m sorry for our poor hospitality a few days ago. Things were rather hectic, then. 

“Mr. Morren, I hope you’ll give me a chance to redeem myself today. Otherwise, my father will be displeased if he sees you leave without a proper meal filling your belly.” 

Jonathan chuckled. “Come now. Your old man wouldn’t be able to go off on his world tour if you’re lacking.” 

Then, he turned to the hovercar and said, “Ava, you can come out now.” 

Dylan’s smile deepened as his eyes instinctively strayed toward the open door. 

It would be a lie to say he wasn’t curious about the girl who had triggered the forced match with both of his sons. 

It definitely didn’t help that he and Elena had only learned about it when Jonathan dropped by to inform them about this predicament. After all, their sons had seen fit to hide something like this from them. 

Jonathan had been sincere when he told them about it, even going as far as to shoulder all the responsibility. It definitely helped that he’d shown genuine intent to resolve things properly. It was hard to stay mad at the Morren family when he was being so earnest. 

As for the match itself… Well, Dylan wasn’t particularly concerned about marriage alliances. The Brock family had stood strong for more than a millennium. Thus, he knew what it took to maintain the family’s prestige, and relying on a woman was not one of them. 

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