Just One Afternoon The peaceful atmosphere of the hotel lasted exactly twelve hours.
At eight o’clock the next morning, Daniel Brooks hurried into Ethan’s office carrying a folder.
“Mr.
Hawthorne.” Ethan looked up.
“What is it?” “We’ve received an unexpected request.” Daniel placed the folder on his desk.
“A well-known travel magazine wants to feature Hawthorne Grand Hotel in next month’s issue.” Ethan opened the folder.
“They’re sending a photographer and a journalist this afternoon.” Daniel nodded.
“They want a complete tour of the hotel.” “The restaurant.” “The presidential suites.” “The spa.” “The rooftop garden.” “And they specifically asked to follow the president throughout the day.” Lucas leaned against the doorway with a grin.
“Sounds exhausting.” “It is.” Daniel continued.
“They’re also interested in how management interacts with the staff.” Lucas looked between Ethan and Ava.
“Oh…” “I already know who’s coming.” Ethan didn’t even look at him.
“Ava.” “Yes?” “You’re with me all day.” She nodded immediately.
“Of course.” Lucas folded his arms.
“Imagine getting paid to spend the whole day together.” Ethan picked up a file.
“Don’t you have work to do?” “I do.” Lucas smiled mischievously.
“I just enjoy bothering you first.” — The magazine team arrived shortly after lunch.
The photographer introduced himself before immediately lifting his camera.
“We’re looking for natural moments.” “No posing.” “We want readers to feel the warmth of this hotel.” Ethan nodded.
“Then we’ll simply work as usual.” The tour began.
Every department welcomed them warmly.
Employees smiled naturally.
Guests praised the service.
The journalist wrote continuously.
Ava remained one step behind Ethan, quietly handing him documents whenever he needed them.
Without speaking…
She always seemed to know what he wanted.
At one point, Ethan reached behind him without even looking.
A second later…
A pen appeared in his hand.
The photographer blinked.
“Did you two rehearse that?” Both Ethan and Ava looked confused.
“No.” “It just…
happened.” The photographer quickly snapped another picture.
“Perfect.” — Their next stop was the hotel’s rooftop garden.
The photographer asked them to stand together while he adjusted the lighting.
“We’re not taking a portrait,” he explained.
“I just need you to stay where you naturally would.” Ava nodded.
Then accidentally stepped backward.
Her heel caught against the edge of a flower bed.
She lost her balance.
“Eek-!” Before she could fall…
A strong hand caught her wrist.
She stumbled forward instead.
Straight into Ethan’s chest.
For one frozen second…
Neither of them moved.
The world seemed unusually quiet.
“…Sorry,” Ava whispered.
“You don’t have to apologize.” “You saved me.” “I know.” The photographer suddenly gasped.
“Oh, don’t move!” Click.
Click.
Click.
The camera shutter echoed several times.
Ava’s eyes widened.
“You took pictures?” “They’re beautiful.” The photographer lowered the camera with a huge smile.
“You two look incredibly natural together.” Lucas, who had somehow appeared on the rooftop carrying a cup of coffee, nearly choked.
“I swear you two are filming a romance drama.” Ava immediately stepped away from Ethan.
“We are not.” Lucas looked at Ethan.
“Brother.” “Hm?” “You are smiling again.” “I am not.” “You absolutely are.” — Later that afternoon…
The journalist requested one final interview.
“What do you think is the secret behind Hawthorne Grand Hotel’s hospitality?” Ethan answered without hesitation.
“We don’t sell rooms.” The journalist looked surprised.
“We create memories.” “A guest might forget the furniture.” “They might forget the menu.” “But they’ll never forget how we made them feel.” The journalist smiled.
“That’s a wonderful philosophy.” He turned toward Ava.
“And what about you?” Ava looked slightly startled.
“…Me?” “What do you think hospitality means?” She thought quietly before answering.
“I think…” “It’s making someone feel like they matter.” “Even if you’ll never meet them again.” The room became silent.
The journalist slowly smiled.
“I think…” “…our readers are going to love that answer.” — That evening…
The magazine team finally left.
The hotel returned to its peaceful routine.
Ava let out a long sigh.
“My cheeks hurt.” Ethan looked up from his laptop.
“Why?” “I smiled too much today.” He laughed.
“I noticed.” She looked at him.
“…Did I embarrass you?” He shook his head.
“Quite the opposite.” “You made me proud.” Ava stared at him.
For some reason…
Those four words settled deep inside her heart.
No one had ever said them to her quite like that.
She smiled.
A real smile.
Not because she was trying to be polite.
Not because she felt obligated.
But because…
For the first time in a long time…
Someone saw her efforts.
And appreciated them.
Across the hallway, Lucas watched the two of them through the glass office wall.
Mia walked up beside him.
“What are you looking at?” Lucas smiled to himself.
“Two very stubborn people.” Mia laughed.
“Think they’ll figure it out?” Lucas folded his arms confidently.
“Oh…” “They’re already falling.” “They just haven’t realized it yet.” Outside, the evening sky glowed with streaks of orange and violet.
Another sunset.
Another day.
And another quiet step toward a love neither of them could stop anymore.