章節 14: Epilogue: The First Matchmaker’s Anniversary
A year had passed since Ava officially took over Mei's matchmaking business, and the little office above Camellia Garden Café had never been busier. A faint buzz of activity filled the room, from the hum of the espresso machine downstairs to the muffled sound of Ava on the phone, negotiating a first date for a particularly picky client.
The small space was now fully hers, a mix of professional elegance and personal charm. A photo of Ava and Mei from the gala hung proudly on the wall, alongside framed letters from successful couples Ava had brought together. A shelf lined with paper cranes a nod to Mei's favorite hobby served as both decoration and reminder of how far Ava had come.
Ava glanced at her calendar, a smile tugging at her lips. Today marked the one-year anniversary of her first solo gala, and in celebration, she'd planned a private dinner at Mei's house with all the people who mattered most. She checked her watch and grabbed her bag, her heart fluttering slightly as she thought about the evening ahead.
---
Mei's House – Later That Evening
The dining table was a masterpiece of simplicity and warmth, draped in a linen cloth and adorned with vases of fresh flowers from the garden. The aroma of Mei's dumplings filled the air, mingling with the faint scent of jasmine tea. Ava stood by the window, watching as the guests arrived one by one.
Arthur and Evelyn walked in together, holding hands and smiling like teenagers. Sarah and her architect date arrived shortly after, their laughter filling the room as they recounted a mishap involving a yoga retreat and a rogue goat. Even Madam Elise made an appearance, her sharp wit softened by a rare moment of genuine gratitude for Ava's work.
And then, of course, there was Ryan.
He arrived fashionably late, carrying a bottle of Mei's favorite wine and a bouquet of flowers he claimed were "totally his idea." Ava rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile as she took them.
"You're impossible," she said, placing the bouquet in a vase.
"And yet, you keep inviting me," Ryan replied, his grin as infuriatingly charming as ever.
---
As the night wore on, the small gathering turned into a celebration of connections not just romantic ones, but friendships, family, and everything in between. Mei sat at the head of the table, her eyes twinkling with pride as she watched Ava navigate the room with a grace that had grown over the past year.
When the plates were cleared and dessert was served, Mei raised her teacup, her voice cutting through the chatter.
"A toast," she said, her tone commanding yet warm. "To Ava, who has not only carried on our family's legacy but made it her own."
The group erupted into applause, and Ava felt her cheeks flush as she raised her own glass. "Thank you," she said, her voice steady despite the emotion rising in her chest. "To all of you for believing in me, even when I didn't believe in myself."
The room fell into a comfortable silence as everyone sipped their drinks, the soft clink of glasses a quiet reminder of how far they'd all come.
---
Later That Night
As the guests filtered out, Ava found herself standing on the porch with Ryan, the cool night air wrapping around them like a blanket. The stars were bright, their light reflected in the faint glint of Ryan's grin.
"You handled that like a pro," Ryan said, his voice low and warm.
"Thanks," Ava said, leaning against the railing. "It's starting to feel like second nature."
Ryan stepped closer, his hand brushing hers in a way that felt deliberate. "You know," he said, his tone teasing, "I think you're stuck with me now."
Ava laughed softly, turning to meet his gaze. "I think I can live with that."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, with a confidence Ava hadn't realized she'd gained, she closed the gap between them and kissed him.
The kiss was soft, unhurried, and everything she hadn't realized she'd been waiting for. When they pulled apart, Ryan's grin was wider than she'd ever seen it.
"Took you long enough," he said, his voice light but tinged with affection.
Ava rolled her eyes but couldn't stop smiling. "You're still paying for dinner."
"Worth it," Ryan said, taking her hand as they stepped back inside.
---
The Next Morning
The sunlight streamed into Ava's office as she reviewed her latest client profiles, her coffee steaming beside her. A knock on the door broke her concentration, and she looked up to see Mei standing there, holding a plate of freshly made dumplings.
"I thought you could use some fuel," Mei said, setting the plate down.
"Thanks, Grandma," Ava said, smiling.
Mei nodded, her eyes lingering on the photo of Ava and Ryan from the gala, now proudly displayed on her desk. "You've done well, my dear. I'm proud of you."
Ava felt a warmth spread through her chest as she looked at Mei. "That means a lot."
As Mei left, Ava leaned back in her chair, the sound of the city bustling outside her window. Life wasn't perfect, but it was hers messy, unpredictable, and filled with love in all its forms.
And for the first time, Ava was exactly where she wanted to be.
---
The End
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