Chapter 27: The Love Guru’s Past
Ava stood at the edge of the grand ballroom, biting the inside of her cheek so hard she was pretty sure she’d have a permanent indent by the end of the night. Across the room, Ethan Chase was doing what he did best: basking in the glow of his own ego.
The ballroom was a vision of luxury—twinkling chandeliers, polished marble floors, and floral arrangements so perfect they looked like they’d been plucked straight from a fairytale. The audience, however, was less polished. It was an eclectic mix of nervous singles, nosy spectators, and Ava’s personal favorite group: the people who had no intention of finding love but had shown up strictly for the free wine and potential gossip.
Ethan had positioned himself squarely in the spotlight, pacing the stage in a tailored suit that screamed I’m richer than you. Behind him, a massive screen flashed glowing testimonials from so-called happy couples matched by Cupid’s Algorithm.
The testimonials were the stuff of saccharine Hallmark movies: "I didn’t believe in love... until Cupid’s Algorithm changed my life!" and "The quiz was so accurate—it felt like it read my soul!" Even the photos—complete with beaming couples holding hands in golden sunlight—felt like they’d been ripped straight from a stock image database.
"You’ve got to admit," Ryan murmured, suddenly appearing beside Ava with a champagne flute in one hand and a mini quiche in the other, "the guy knows how to put on a show."
Ava shot him a glare that could’ve melted titanium. "He’s not putting on a show. He’s selling a scam."
Ryan smirked. "Isn’t that your job?"
Ava’s eyebrows shot up so high they nearly disappeared into her hairline. "Excuse me?"
"Selling love," Ryan said casually, popping the mini quiche into his mouth. "Isn’t that what matchmaking is?"
"Not like this," Ava hissed. "I don’t manipulate people into thinking love can be reduced to an equation."
Ryan raised his glass in mock surrender. "Fair point. Carry on, Cupid."