Matchmaker Mayhem

Ava was beginning to understand that "happily ever after" wasn’t the serene, rose-colored concept she had grown up believing in. It was more like controlled chaos—a whirlwind of missteps, glitter bombs (Mei’s preferred party decor), and an endless string of surprises. Case in point: Mei’s supposed retirement party.

The evening had started innocently enough. The community had come together to celebrate Mei’s long, illustrious career as the queen of matchmaking, and Ava had even begun to let her guard down. That was her first mistake.

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Standing under the soft glow of twinkling fairy lights, Mei addressed the crowd with a calm, regal authority that belied her penchant for shenanigans.

"It’s been a joy to guide so many of you toward love," Mei said, her voice carrying across the room. "But all good things must come to an end. Tonight, I officially pass the torch to my granddaughter, Ava Lee."

The crowd burst into applause, and Ava, standing off to the side, clutched the microphone Mei had handed her like it was a live grenade.

"Go on, dear," Mei whispered, pulling her in for a hug. But then, in a tone only Ava could hear, Mei added, "Don’t get too comfortable. The real fun is just beginning."

Ava pulled back, her brows furrowing. "What’s that supposed to mean?"

But Mei had already stepped off the stage, her arm looped through Harold’s, leaving Ava to address the crowd while trying to shake off the ominous feeling that her life was about to become significantly more complicated.

Ryan sidled up to her as the applause died down, his trademark smirk firmly in place. "What did she say to you this time?"

Ava sighed, rubbing her temples. "Something cryptic. I don’t like it."