Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 26

Chapter 26 The Marriage Problem 

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The Brock couple truly lived up to their reputation as renowned politicians. Praise and flattery just fell from their silvertongues like smooth silk. They were such charmers that they could likely charm her into giving away all her money if she wasn’t careful. 

Ava had never really seen how other married couples behaved with each other. 

Her cousins on Elias‘ side were already married, but they didn’t live in the Morren Residence. 

Lucas‘ two sons were engaged but currently stationed elsewhere on some top–secret mission. The only real married couple she’d ever spent a considerable amount of time with was Jane and her husband. 

Unfortunately, those two were so lovey–dovey that just watching them felt like getting a shot of diabetes. 

A light breeze brushed past, teasing a few strands of her hair and carrying a faint fragrance with it. Ethan lowered his gaze slightly as he watched her, feeling the unexpected flutter in his chest at the sight of her in front of his family home. 

Ryan tried to act cool and aloof. Unfortunately, his eyes betrayed him as they kept sneaking glances at her. Yet, he was so awkward that he would quickly look away whenever she happened to glance his way. 

Dylan saw it all happen and immediately understood what his sons were silently putting down. 

So, he said with a smile, “Mr. Morren, why don’t we give them some space to talk? After all, I’m sure these youngsters are eager to get away from all of our boring discussions. I’ve recently gotten my hands on a rare batch of tea. 

“Apparently, it came from an ancient tree that was newly discovered by an expedition team. They brought it back to the lab overnight, and I was lucky enough to get a couple of ounces. I heard you’re quite the tea connoisseur. Perhaps you’d like to try some?” 

If there was one thing Jonathan truly loved, it was tea. His eyes lit up instantly. In his enthusiasm, he didn’t even spare Ava a glance as he left with Dylan. “When did you get this? Why haven’t I heard news of this discovery?” 

Dylan accompanied him as he answered, “It was during one of Omnireon Institute’s routine expeditions. They stumbled upon it by accident. They’ve already reported it to the higher–ups, but it’s still kept under lock and key to prevent any potential sabotage. 

“They’ll only make an official announcement once the genetic sequencing is done.” 

Elena, Dylan, and Jonathan promptly left for Dylan’s study. Ava could only stare at Jonathan’s 

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silhouette with her jaw slightly agape. Did he just leave me here? All by myself to boot? 

“Ms. Morren, would you like to take a walk?” Ethan asked politely. 

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Ava hummed in agreement. The atmosphere between them felt uncomfortable now that they were left to “socialize.” 

Ethan gestured down the path. “We could sit over there if you’d like?” 

She followed his gaze and saw a white pavilion in the middle of a sea of flowers blooming in shades of red, pink, and white. 

“Sure,” she murmured softly. 

Ethan, ever the gentleman, offered his arm. Ava hastily waved him off. “I’m sorry. I’m not really used to the custom here just yet. I’d prefer to walk by myself.” 

Even though she knew he had only offered his arm as it was the polite thing to do, the idea of taking the arm of a man she’d only met twice made her want to break out in hives. 

Ethan immediately withdrew his hand. “Of course.” 

Ava took the lead as she did not want to be stuck between them. 

Ryan’s eyes bored holes in her back as he thought with frustration, What’s that supposed to mean? Are we infectious or something? 

Ethan wasn’t fazed as he wasn’t upset by her refusal. 

Once she arrived at the pavilion, she swept her gaze across the elegant furnishings and eventually picked a single armchair for herself. 

“Would you like something to drink?” Ethan inquired. 

“Just some warm water, please.” 

He then poured her a glass and even placed a straw for her inside the cup. 

Ava hastily accepted the water, sipping it once before setting the cup down carefully on the table. There were several delicate plates of pastries and a basket of fresh, expensive fruit displayed neatly before her. 

Ethan noticed her straight–backed posture, looking every inch the model student. He couldn’t help but smile in amusement. “Ms. Morren, please relax. You don’t have to be so formal.” 

He chose another single–seater across from her, while Ryan plopped down right in the center of the couch. 

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For a moment, no one said a word. The silence felt like a heavy weight weighing them down. Ava cleared her throat awkwardly, unsure how to start the conversation. 

Ryan, who hated moments like these, was the first to break the ice. He looked straight at her and questioned sharply, “So, you’re here to call things off?” 

Ava was still trying to mash the words together in her mind when his blunt question came sailing right at her, catching her off guard. A flicker of embarrassment flashed across her face as she tried to find the words once more. 

Ryan crossed his arms, clearly annoyed. “Don’t just sit there. Say something. Your family’s already told my parents all about it.” 

Back then, he didn’t care that she wanted to break things off. After all, he had been forcefully matched to her. 

However, Ethan insisted on meeting her, saying they should “talk things through.” Nonetheless, his irritation over the entire farce only became worse now that he had a face to go with the 

name. 

He’d been forcefully matched, for crying out loud. He was already frustrated enough about that, and now he was about to be rejected? Why shouldn’t he be upset? 

Ava rushed to clear the air upon hearing the genuine anger in his tone, saying sincerely, “I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean for any of this to happen. I was desperate when I went to the Match Bureau. I never expected to be paired with either of you.” 

The Bureau had shoved five men to her. She’d just come of age, and already the government was trying to push her to get married? She was frustrated, too. 

Ethan’s gaze lingered on her flustered expression. His hand clenched slightly before relaxing as he asked quietly. “And what about now? What do you want to do now?” 

I don’t want to get married at all, she screamed inwardly. If only she could say that out loud. Alas, it was not to be. 

And it would never be. Right now, the Royal Code of Interstellar Laws didn’t feel like a particularly heavy book just then. Instead, it felt like an anchor trying to drag her down to the abyss. 

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