Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 27

Chapter 27 Her Reasons 

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“What do I want to do now?” Ava looked at Ethan before asking him seriously, “What about you? What do the two of you think about this?” 

Ryan gave a cold snort. “Do we even have a choice? Do you understand what forced matching means? The right to choose has always been in your hands. We could only twiddle our thumbs and wait until you come to a decision.” 

Honestly, Ava didn’t know what a forced match entailed. So, she tilted her head and looked at him. “Regardless of its dubious consent issues, this is under the Match Bureau’s jurisdiction… So, isn’t it just the government assigning us legal partners?” 

Ryan’s chest heaved in his anger, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he snapped, “You… That’s sophistry and you know it.” 

Ava could only stare at him in disbelief. How was that anywhere close to sophistry? 

“Ava, you’re 25 this year,” Ethan said bluntly. “The Morren family might be able to afford to pay the fine, but you can only delay this process until your 26th birthday. So, why do you want to end this arrangement?” 

Ava fell momentarily silent before finally saying, “We’re from different worlds. You two could easily find a much better wife.” 

Ethan hadn’t expected that answer from her at all. He regarded her with surprise and questioned, “That’s it?” 

Ava pursed her lips. They weren’t from the same world and were completely out of her league. Wasn’t that reason enough? Even though she had been brought to the Morren family’s fold, how could she possibly live as though she truly was one of them? 

“I know both of you have Rank Double–S mental power and are high–tiered Awakened. You two have the wealth, the looks, and the power. Meanwhile, I’m just a nobody. The Morren family might have taken me in, but there’s no changing the fact that I was an orphan. 

“My grandfather picked me up off the streets and raised me, so I’m not biologically a Morren.” 

Ryan scoffed as he jerked to his feet. “So that’s your reason?” 

The way he was using his height to loom over her made her feel uneasy. However, she clutched to her composure with an iron grip and said, “If you find this unfair or if this upsets you, I’m fine with you ending the arrangement instead.” 

Ryan said nothing as he fumed in silence, his expression twisting into a scowl. 

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Chapter 27 Her Reasons 

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Finished 

Since everything was already out in the open, she no longer felt the need to tread carefully. “If you are in agreement, we can state in the contract that I’m the one at fault. 

“Also, if you’re worried that your future wife might feel uncomfortable about this, I am happy to provide a written explanation. Actually, I’ll cooperate with you within reason if you have other requests.” 

“Ms. Morren, please have a sip of water and take your time,” Ethan said gently. “I understand what you’re trying to say. However, there are still a few things I’d like to clarify if you don’t mind.” 

Ava nodded slightly. “Please go 

ahead.” 

Only then did Ethan continue, “Your background aside, do you have any preferences when it comes to your partner? Or… do you already have a special someone in mind?” 

Ava shook her head. “I’m single. There’s no one like that in my life at the moment. However, I did have a boyfriend prior to this. We had been dating for six months, but we ended things peacefully the day before my 25th birthday.” 

That detail slightly differed from the records. It was clear that both sides had hidden the relationship well, as there hadn’t been any public trace of it. 

Ethan didn’t seem concerned about her ex. Instead, he simply asked, “I’ve seen your picture. You look quite different now. May I ask why?” 

Ava saw no point in trying to lie. 

“Since you’ve looked into me, you must know that I grew up in the slums. There was a high- profile kidnapping case back when I was 15. My grandfather was terrified that something might happen to me, so he got me a mimic skin.” 

“You’ve been wearing a mask for ten whole years?” Ryan could hardly believe his ears. He would’ve assumed that this was a tall tale if the person who lived like that was sitting right before him. 

News about this would go viral the second the media got hold of it. After all, no woman in this day and age had ever been forced to live such a stifling life. 

Ryan felt awful as her tale seemed to settle over the pavilion like a dirty secret. He had a younger half–sister who’d been showered with love ever since she was born. She was the apple of the eye of all her brothers. 

Ethan also hadn’t expected to discover something so tragic. His throat tightened, and it took him a moment before he could finally say, “You don’t have to live like that anymore.” 

When she saw the sympathetic look on their faces, she hastily said, “It really wasn’t that bad.” 

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The Five Powerhouses Who Match the Unwilling Bride 

Chapter