Chapter 13: Happily Ever After-ish
The Camellia Garden Café bustled with life, the late afternoon sun casting a golden glow over its outdoor seating area. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of blooming flowers, creating an atmosphere that was equal parts cozy and vibrant. Ava sat at a corner table, nervously adjusting the napkin in her lap as she waited.
Today was a day of endings and beginnings.
Her grandmother’s retirement was official, the matchmaking business now fully in Ava’s hands. The gala’s success had cemented her reputation, and even Madam Elise had sent a handwritten note of approval. But the real reason Ava’s stomach churned was the man sitting across from her, his eyes fixed on her with an expression she couldn’t quite decipher.
Ryan Kim. The person who had somehow become the most unexpected and undeniable part of her journey.
"You’re quiet," Ryan said, his voice teasing but laced with curiosity. "That’s new."
Ava shot him a look but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at her lips. "I’m just... thinking."
"About?" Ryan asked, leaning forward slightly, his elbows resting on the table.
Ava hesitated, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup. She wasn’t sure where to start. The past few months had been a whirlwind, filled with chaos, laughter, and moments that had chipped away at the walls she’d built around herself.
"About how far I’ve come," she said finally, her voice softer than she intended. "And how much you’ve annoyed me along the way."
Ryan grinned. "Annoyance is my specialty."
Ava laughed, shaking her head. "I’m serious. You’ve been... surprising."