Stay The charity luncheon ended later than expected.
By the time Ethan and Ava returned to the hotel, the sun had already begun its slow descent behind the city skyline.
The lobby buzzed with its usual elegance.
Guests checked in.
Employees greeted visitors with practiced smiles.
Everything looked peaceful.
Until…
“Mr.
Hawthorne!” Daniel Brooks hurried across the lobby.
“There you are.” Ethan stopped.
“What happened?” “A guest from the presidential suite has been making complaints all afternoon.” “About what?” “He insists that the room doesn’t meet the standards he was promised online.” Ethan nodded.
“I’ll handle it.” Daniel hesitated.
“He specifically requested to speak with the president.” “Then let’s not keep him waiting.” Ava quietly followed behind.
— The guest, Mr.
Richard Collins, stood near the suite window with his arms folded.
He barely looked at Ethan before speaking.
“I expected perfection.” Ethan remained calm.
“And if we failed to meet that expectation, I sincerely apologize.” Mr.
Collins sighed.
“The room isn’t terrible.” “But the experience…” “…doesn’t feel special.” Ethan glanced around the suite.
Nothing appeared out of place.
Then his eyes landed on the untouched welcome basket.
Fresh flowers.
Chocolate.
Wine.
Everything was exactly as it should have been.
Then Ava noticed something.
Quietly, she walked toward the balcony doors.
She opened them.
The cool evening breeze drifted into the room.
Beyond the balcony…
The city glowed beneath a breathtaking sunset.
Golden light spilled across the skyline.
Ava smiled.
“Mr.
Collins…” “Were you aware your suite has one of the most beautiful sunset views in the city?” The older man blinked.
“No.” She stepped aside.
“Would you like to see it?” Curious, he walked onto the balcony.
For several long moments…
He simply stood there.
Watching.
The wind gently stirred his gray hair.
Finally…
He smiled.
“I’ve traveled to over forty countries.” “…And I almost missed this.” He turned toward Ethan.
“I suppose…” “…the room wasn’t the problem.” “I was too busy looking for flaws.” Ethan smiled politely.
“I’m glad you gave us another chance.” The man chuckled.
“So am I.” — After the guest left…
Daniel let out a long breath.
“Crisis avoided.” He turned to Ava.
“Excellent observation.” She smiled shyly.
“I just noticed the balcony.” “No.” Daniel corrected gently.
“You noticed the guest.” Ethan looked at Ava quietly.
Once again…
She had reminded someone to appreciate the little things.
— The workday finally came to an end.
Employees slowly clocked out.
Lights throughout the hotel dimmed.
As Ava stepped outside…
Rain began falling without warning.
“…Oh.” She looked up helplessly.
“I left my umbrella.” Before she could think of a solution…
An umbrella appeared above her head.
She looked sideways.
Ethan.
“I’ll drive you home.” “Oh…” “You don’t have to.” “I know.” “But I want to.” She hesitated.
Then nodded.
“…Okay.” — The rain grew heavier as the car moved through the city.
Soft piano music played quietly from the speakers.
Neither of them spoke.
Somehow…
The silence felt comforting.
Finally…
Ava laughed.
“What?” “I just realized…” “You’ve been driving for ten minutes.” “Mhm.” “And you still haven’t turned on the radio properly.” Ethan glanced at her.
“I don’t mind the silence.” “…Neither do I.” For some reason…
That answer made him smile.
— As they stopped at a red light…
Ava looked out the rain-covered window.
“My aunt used to say something.” “What was it?” “‘People leave.'” She traced a small circle on the fogged glass.
“So don’t get too attached.” Ethan remained quiet.
She continued.
“I think…” “…that’s why I’m afraid.” “Every happy moment feels temporary.” “I keep waiting…” “…for it to end.” The traffic light turned green.
Ethan didn’t drive immediately.
Instead…
He looked at her.
“Ava.” She turned.
“You don’t have to answer me today.” “Or tomorrow.” “Or next month.” “But…” “I’m not going anywhere.” She stared at him.
“I don’t mind waiting.” “If it takes months…” “I’ll wait.” “If it takes years…” “I’ll still wait.” “Because…” “…you’re worth waiting for.” The words settled gently between them.
No pressure.
No demands.
Just sincerity.
Ava felt her heart tighten.
No one…
Had ever spoken to her with such patience.
She lowered her eyes.
“…You’re making this difficult.” He smiled softly.
“I know.” — The car stopped outside her apartment.
Neither of them moved.
The rain continued tapping softly against the windshield.
Ava slowly reached for the door handle.
Then paused.
“…Thank you.” “For today.” “For the ride.” “…For waiting.” Ethan nodded.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” She smiled.
“Aren’t you going to tell me to sleep well?” He looked surprised.
“I thought you were leaving.” She laughed.
“So rude.” He chuckled.
“Sleep well, Ava.” She opened the door.
“You too…” “…Ethan.” It was the first time she had ever called him by his first name.
She didn’t even realize she’d done it until she was already standing outside the car.
Both of them froze.
Their eyes met.
Ava’s face turned bright red.
“…Good night!” She hurried inside the apartment building before he could say another word.
Ethan leaned back against his seat.
A slow smile spread across his face.
He whispered to himself, “…She finally said my name.” Outside…
The rain continued to fall.
But somehow…
Everything felt warmer than before.