Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 241

Chapter 241 Under the Same Spotlight 

It was soon their training base’s turn. Ava heard her name called, along with a familiar one–Linden. 

She hurried out and walked toward the stage. Linden stepped out as well. They exchanged a glance. He smiled at her and deliberately slowed down, waiting for her so they could go forward together, one after the other. 

Down below, Dario watched their figures, his gaze fixed on Ava. 

Edwin stood beside him and said quietly, “Linden did that on purpose, didn’t he? That pause.” 

On the raised platform stood ten students–five men and five women. Laurent stepped forward, took the medals from the aide’s tray, and placed them on each student one by one. 

When it was Ava’s turn, her face tightened. She looked solemn as she snapped into a salute, her eyes fixed strictly on his chest, never wandering upward. 

Laurent picked up the last medal from the tray, bent slightly, and pinned it to her uniform. His eyes never left her face. 

Their gazes met for a brief second. Ava quickly looked away. 

Laurent straightened and adjusted the cap on her head. Ava met his eyes again, tension flickering across her face. 

But he released her just as quickly and returned her salute. 

After the commendation ceremony ended, leaders from Starry Heavens University came onstage to give speeches. 

Matthew watched Laurent walk over and lowered his voice. “That girl you adjusted the cap for–is she your wife?” 

Laurent didn’t answer. 

Matthew knew him well. Laurent wasn’t a soft–hearted man–far from it. He was cold to the bone. 

Even though their eyes had barely met–more accurately, that girl hadn’t really looked at him at all- Matthew was certain. That girl named Ava had to be his wife. 

Otherwise, given Laurent’s personality, there was no way he would have adjusted her cap. Even if it had been crooked, even if she had put it on backward, he wouldn’t have bothered. And if there was nothing going on, why avoid her so deliberately? 

“Stay behind and help me with one more thing,” Matthew said. “I’ll find a way to keep you here for at least five more months. What do you say? Things along the eastern border aren’t exactly stable right now. Those two big shots up top are locked in a full–blown power struggle. Going back now isn’t good timing. Better to lie low for a while.” 

Though they were talking, a mental barrier sealed their exchange from prying senses. No one else had any idea what was being said. 

1/3 

18:38 Sat, Jan 24 MFG. 

24 M 

Chapter 241 

der the Same Spotlight 

Finished 

“You help me, I buy you time. Enough time for you and your wife to get closer. A pretty good deal, isn’t it?” 

With the farewell approaching, the mood turned heavy. Two girls even worked up the courage to confess to Ivan. They ambushed him with playful kisses, leaving two bright lipstick marks on his face–perfectly captured by the cameras. 

Ivan froze, clutching his cheeks in shock. He looked like he’d just been taken advantage of. 

Everyone burst out laughing, the scene washing away much of the sadness of parting. 

Malory ran over to Ava’s formation and immediately grabbed her hand. “Ava.” 

The moment Zoey saw her, she went on full alert. But before she could react, Malory had already latched onto Ava’s arm, acting so familiar it stunned everyone. 

“Malory, what are you doing?” Zocy demanded, staring in disbelief. 

Malory shot her a look. “I’m here to see Ava. What’s it to you?” 

Noelle and Naomi walked over as well. They both sized Malory up before Noelle turned to Ava. “What’s going on with you two?” 

Weren’t they enemies? After their argument during training, they hadn’t spoken at all. So why was Malory suddenly glued to Ava? 

Feeling their judgmental stares, Malory snorted and puffed out her chest. “I am Ava’s friend now! We shared a tent for seven whole days. That’s seven days of battle–forged friendship!” 

She exaggerated wildly. “We’ve seen each other’s bodies, Ava! You can’t just dump me and pretend nothing happened!” 

Dump her? What kind of nonsense is that? 

Ava’s head started to pound. “Malory, if you don’t know how to speak properly, don’t speak at all. And stop talking nonsense–I did not see your body.” 

“But you hugged me by the river! That part’s true!” Malory protested. “Ava, you can’t deny it! I’ll be heartbroken!” 

Ava stared at her, utterly numb. This girl was really committing to the performance. 

Zoey scoffed and yanked Malory’s hand away. “Give it a rest! Are you hooked on acting now? I’m not buying. this trash plot.” 

Naomi stepped in as well, taking Ava’s left side. “Malory, stop fighting me for attention. Ava is mine!” 

Noelle stood off to the side, happily enjoying the chaos. Watching this thunderous mess, she laughed nonstop. 

Ava rubbed her temples and looked at them all. “Can you all act normal? If you love drama this much, maybe you should consider careers in entertainment.” 

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