Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 80

Chapter 80 Dress Fitting 

29 Finished 

Ava glanced at the time glowing on her Holoband. “Thas everything I wanted to say. Drive safe on the way back. Be careful.” 

Ethan leaned in slightly, smiling down at her. “When you go try on the dress, want me to go together?” 

Ava met his gaze and answered softly, “Okay.” 

With a slight flick of his wrist, a camellia appeared in his palm. The petals were white, with a faint blush of pink, and were entirely in bloom. He tucked it behind her ear. “Looks good. You really do outshine the flower.” 

Ava froze for a second. She honestly had not expected something like that from Ethan. Her first impression of him had been someone steady and composed. Calm, always polite, always smiling, but nothing like Keith 

at all. 

Mason’s eyes slid to the camellia by her ear. “If you like watching races, I’ll take you sometime. Just don’t go with Asher. Back when I was racing, he was still a snot–nosed kid.” 

Ava shook her head. She did not actually like the sport. I’ll pass. I’m not into racing. I just tagged along with Asher this time.” 

“Then we’ll head out,” Keith said, reminding her gently. It’s cold. Go back inside.” 

Ava stayed where she was. “I’ll wait until you’re all in the car. I’m not cold.” 

Only after they left did Ava turn around. She took the camellia from her hair and held it in her hand, lifting it closer to her nose. The scent was clean and fresh, with the faintest hint of fruit. She had no idea when Ethan had gone to pick it. 

In the Morrens‘ garden, several camellia trees were in full bloom. This variety, called Snowbell Camellia, was Jonathan’s favorite. Camellias in this era bloomed larger, with richer layers and a wider range of colors. 

Ava placed the flower back into the garden. She had not picked it herself, and she had no intention of getting scolded for it. 

Her conversation with them today had been deliberate. Before they even truly knew each other, they had been forced into a match and became spouses overnigh. Since she could not escape it, she wanted to gain something from the relationship. 

She had not said it outright, but they clearly understood She was trading promises and the idea of future children in return for space and protection. Until she was fully grown into herself, she did not want to be entangled or calculated against. With their family backgrounds and personal abilities, these men would inevitably become valuable allies. 

Standing in the garden, Ava looked out over the sea of flowers. She reached up and touched a blossom clinging to a branch, one that was already beginning to wilt. She tore the petals free in one motion and flicked her hand, sending them scattering into the air. There was a sharp resolve in her eyes. She would stay clear–headed. She would stay focused. She would move forward toward her future without hesitation. 

Ava slept through the night without a single dream. 

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Chapter 80 Dress Fitting 

Finished 

When she opened her eyes, she tapped open her Holoband and saw a voice message from Jane. “Asnio told me to bring you in to try on the half–finished dress. He also said he wants to introduce you to a big name who specializes in silk gowns.” 

Ava threw back the blanket and slipped on her shoes, replying as she walked. “That fast? When are we going?” 

Jane replied instantly. “You’re awake already? We’re going today. It’s just a fitting to see what needs adjusting. One dress in the morning, one in the afternoon, one at night. Let’s prepare three to be safe.” 

“For one coming–of–age party, three dresses?” 

“This is nothing. You are only at three outfits. Did you not see the buzz about Tylissa’s coming–of–age party before the New Year? Three looks in one day would have been the bare minimum there. Still, I know you hate the hassle, so fine. Three will have to do.” 

“A coming–of–age party lasts all day?” Ava’s lingering sleepiness vanished completely. 

I thought a coming–of–age party was just an evening thing. How does it turn into an all–day event? 

“Just one day, and we were already holding back as much as we could. Great–Uncle Patrick had only just passed, so the family couldn’t make a big show of it. According to Capitol Planet standards, these things typically lasted three to five days. You’ll have to bear with it.” 

Three to five days? That sounded terrifying. Ava shivered. 

“Do you want me to pick you up?” 

Ava hesitated for a moment. “Ethan asked me yesterday. He said when I go try on the dresses, he wants to come along.” 

“He wants to go with you for the fitting?” Jane paused briefly. “Then just let him know when the official fitting is scheduled. Today is mostly about confirming details and making changes if needed. Of course, if you want him with you today, that’s fine too.” 

Ava replied quickly, “Then I’d rather you pick me up. I’ll set a time with him in advance for the official fitting.” 

After Ava finished breakfast, Jane came over alone. Ava glanced behind her, but none of Jane’s husbands were there. 

“They’re all working today, so they couldn’t come,” Jane said. “Gerard will be there later. I’ll introduce you then. He hasn’t been on Capitol Planet these past few days.” 

Gerard was Jane’s fourth fiance, still studying at the military academy. 

Send Gifts 

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