Kapitel 36: Chapter 35: The Grand Gesture

Ava had faced a lot of bizarre situations in her life as a matchmaker—clients sabotaging their own relationships, surprise engagements in completely inappropriate venues, and that one time a bride tried to swap grooms mid-ceremony. But nothing could have prepared her for Ryan Kim showing up in her office lobby holding a crumpled paper bag of bagels and the kind of expression usually reserved for court depositions or root canals.

Kelly appeared behind her like a caffeinated shadow, leaning dramatically over Ava's shoulder. "Oh my God, is he holding… carbs?" she whispered, her voice dripping with mock horror.

"Don't start," Ava muttered, clutching her coffee as though it might shield her from the oncoming disaster.

"No, seriously," Kelly whispered, her grin widening. "I think this might be his version of a grand romantic gesture. Like when guys in movies hold up signs or play guitars outside windows. Except, you know, instead of music or flowers… it's bread."