Chapter 3: Enter Ryan
Ava squinted at the bakery’s display case, trying to focus on the task at hand rather than the uncomfortable heat of the late morning sun pouring through the storefront window. The aroma of fresh bread and sweet pastries filled the small shop, mingling with the faint scent of cinnamon wafting from a tray of buns cooling behind the counter.
Across from her stood Mr. Arthur Kim, the widower baker who had become Mei’s most promising matchmaking client. His round glasses perched precariously on his nose as he adjusted his apron, a slight nervousness radiating off him despite his warm smile.
"So, you’re Mei’s granddaughter," he said, his voice gentle but tinged with curiosity. "She told me you’d be handling my case from now on."
Ava forced a smile, clutching her clipboard like a lifeline. "That’s right, Mr. Kim. She thought it was time for me to, uh, learn the ropes."
Arthur nodded, but his brow furrowed slightly. "You’ve done this before, haven’t you?"
"Well..." Ava hesitated, her mind racing for a diplomatic answer. She glanced at the tray of macarons on the counter and blurted, "Not exactly, but I’m great with people."
Arthur’s expression softened. "Good. Because I’m trusting you with something important. Mei said you have her instincts."
Ava’s stomach twisted at the words. Instincts? The only instinct she had right now was to run. But instead, she squared her shoulders and nodded. "Of course. You’re in good hands."
Arthur’s face broke into a smile, and for a moment, Ava felt a flicker of relief. Maybe she could pull this off after all.
The tinkling of the bakery doorbell shattered her fleeting confidence. She turned just in time to see Ryan Kim no relation to Arthur, unfortunately stroll in, looking entirely too smug for her liking.
"Ah, Ava," Ryan said, his voice dripping with mock sincerity. "Fancy seeing you here."