Chapter 44: Chapter 43: Happily Ever After-ish (The Bigger, Messier Beginning)

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."