Stars Waited Above Empty Streets by Lorin Wren 95

Finished 

“I am really sorry to trouble you and make you come all this way again, Mr. Mett,” Ava said politely, but her gaze lingered on Austin for a brief second. He looked fairly energetic on the surface, yet she had heard he had been holed up for days working on her silk dress. 

Even now, faint red veins were still visible in his eyes. 

The sight stirred a quiet sense of guilt in her chest. 

“I have plenty of time on my hands. Trouble is a strong word,” Austin replied with an easy smile. “You really do not need to be so formal with me. If anything, I should be thanking you. Otherwise, a dress this beautiful would have ended up behind closed doors.” 

As he spoke, his eyes drifted past her and settled on the men standing behind her. 

Austin was the director of the museum, but years of dealing with people had sharpened his instincts. One glance was enough for him to tell these men were far from ordinary. 

Ava hesitated, unsure whether she should introduce them. Before she could decide, Asnio leaned in and whispered something into Austin’s ear. 

Austin’s eyes widened in shock. Still, he had seen enough of the world not to lose his composure. He quickly smoothed his expression, as if nothing had happened at all. 

I’ve even heard of these guys‘ names. No wonder Ms. Morren is precisely the person I pegged at first glance—she really is something else. 

Austin didn’t press for details. 

He just gave a slight nod and then called Ava over to check out the dress he had made for her. 

Two silk dresses hung quietly on the rack, waiting for their owner. 

Ava picked one up, glanced at it, and her eyes widened. Mr. Mett, you’re seriously talented! No wonder you are Asnio’s master. You both are amazing–it’s honestly impressive.” 

It had to be said that he really knew his stuff. She was no stranger to traditional robes and had made a few in the past, but silk dresses were out of her league–she wouldn’t even dare try. 

Silk was tricky. 

If it weren’t handled by someone with years of experience, the result would be worse than anything produced on a production line. 

She gave the other two high–fashion gowns a look, too. Since only minor tweaks had been made, she didn’t have high expectations for them. 

Asnio noticed that Ava’s other matches were all standing so he hurriedly invited them to sit down and wait. 

Some of them sat while the rest stayed standing. All of them were waiting for Ava to come out of the dressing room. 

Ava first tried on the dress Asnio had made–pretty standard, very sweet, aimed at that well–behaved, innocent vibe. When everyone saw her in it, they noticed it wasn’t revealing at all and suited her age perfectly. 

1/3 

Sal, 

Chapter 95 The Perfect Fit 

She looked playful and cute, and honestly, that made them all quietly pleased. 

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Finished 

Asnio, grinning, carefully wrapped the dress for her. Last time she’d tried a half–finished version, so this round didn’t hold the same surprise. Instead, it made everyone even more eager to see the two silk dresses waiting for them. 

When Ava changed into the green silk dress, it seemed as though the room lit up. She styled her hair into an elegant updo pinned with a jeweled clip, then slipped on a pair of sparkling crystal earrings. Looking at herself in the mirror, she felt a strange dizziness. 

Her thoughts briefly fell back to her previous life. 

“Ava, you ready?” Asnio called softly from the doorway, noticing she’d been in there a while. 

Snapping back to the moment, Ava lightly tapped her face, shook off the daze, and said, “Yeah, I’m coming!” 

Slipping on her heels, she grasped the door handle, turned it gently, and stepped out of the dressing room. 

The room was brightly lit with cool–toned lights that cast a crisp glow over her. She moved slowly, and even though she was the same person as always, something about her felt entirely different. Every step radiated a quiet, inherent elegance. Even though her whole body was fully covered, her movements carried a magnetic charm that made her all the more irresistible. 

Austin’s eyes widened as if he were looking at a beauty who had walked straight out of another era. 

He stared at her with intense admiration and whispered to himself, “Yes! Exactly like this! This is what a silk dress should be! This is the real deal!” 

There’s no woman more perfect in a silk dress than her! 

However, he forced himself to calm down. I’m seriously hitting the jackpot this time. I finally found someone perfect who can truly let this silk dress earn the beautiful reputation it deserves. 

Asnio couldn’t help but clap in approval. He knew exactly how much effort Austin had poured into perfecting the silk dress, but all those years of passion had started to fade, worn down by the fact that no one could ever bring out the dress’s full beauty and charm–until now. 

Ava looked at Austin, who was practically vibrating with excitement. 

She gave a small, knowing smile. Her tone was sincere as she said, “Mr. Mett, thank you for making this silk dress by hand. I really love it.” 

Austin brushed at his slightly damp eyes, took two steps forward, and rubbed his hands together nervously. “Ms. Morren, there is truly no one else more suited to wear a silk dress. You were born for it. I feel lucky to know you and even luckier that you chose it.” 

Ava could feel the genuine excitement and heartfelt praise behind his words. “The honor is all mine!” 

He laughed out loud, a big, hearty sound. “Still, it’s missing just a little something! Hmm, I know exactly what. In our museum, we have this emerald–green bracelet. I’ll measure your wrist in a bit, and if it fits, I’ll request permission for you to wear it at your coming–of–age party.” 

Ava quickly waved him off. She had seen that emerald–green bracelet in books before. It was stunning,