Closer Than Before The ride back from the charity gala was unusually quiet.
Ethan sat behind the wheel, his eyes fixed on the road.
Beside him, Ava looked out of the window, watching the city lights blur into streaks of gold.
Neither of them dared mention what had happened on the balcony.
The silence wasn’t uncomfortable.
It was simply…
Full.
Every now and then, Ethan would steal a glance at her.
Each time he did, he’d quickly look back at the road.
Unfortunately for him…
Ava noticed every single one.
“…Are you going to keep looking at me?” Ethan cleared his throat.
“I wasn’t.” “You’ve looked six times.” “I have not.” “You have.” “…You’ve been counting?” She smiled triumphantly.
“I have.” Ethan laughed under his breath.
“I’ve created a monster.” — The next morning…
The hotel was busier than usual.
Thanks to the magazine feature and the charity gala, reservations had increased dramatically.
Employees hurried across every department.
The atmosphere was lively.
Daniel Brooks approached Ethan with a clipboard.
“We have another problem.” Ethan sighed.
“Please tell me it’s a small one.” “It depends.” “On?” “A wedding.” “…A wedding?” “The couple reserved our Grand Ballroom six months ago.” “So?” “The wedding planner cancelled this morning.” Ethan pinched the bridge of his nose.
“…You’re joking.” “I wish I were.” “The ceremony starts tomorrow.” Silence.
Daniel finally looked at Ava.
“I was hoping…” “…the two of you could oversee everything.” Ava blinked.
“Us?” Daniel smiled apologetically.
“I know it’s sudden.” “But no one handles pressure better than the two of you.” Ethan looked at Ava.
“What do you think?” She smiled.
“…Let’s save someone’s wedding.” — The rest of the day became absolute chaos.
Flower arrangements.
Table settings.
Cake tasting.
Music rehearsals.
Lighting checks.
Guest seating.
Ava had never walked so much in her life.
By evening…
She dropped into one of the ballroom chairs dramatically.
“My legs have officially resigned.” Ethan sat beside her.
“I’ll approve the resignation.” She laughed.
“Thank you.” For a few peaceful moments…
They simply admired the beautifully decorated ballroom.
White roses.
Crystal chandeliers.
Golden candles.
Everything looked magical.
“It really is beautiful,” Ava whispered.
“It is.” Ethan wasn’t looking at the ballroom.
He was looking at her.
— Just then…
One of the decorators rushed over.
“Mr.
Hawthorne!” “We have a small problem.” “What happened?” “The sample dance.” “…Sample dance?” “The bride wants to see how the first dance will look under the lighting.” “We need two volunteers.” Before Ethan could answer…
The decorator pointed directly at them.
“Perfect.” “You two.” Both Ethan and Ava froze.
“…Us?” “Yes.” “It’ll only take a minute.” Ava looked horrified.
“I don’t know how to dance.” The decorator smiled.
“You don’t need to.” “Just walk slowly.” “It helps us adjust the spotlights.” Ethan quietly held out his hand.
Ava stared at it.
Then…
Very slowly…
She placed hers in his.
The ballroom lights dimmed.
Soft piano music filled the room.
The decorator nodded.
“Perfect.” “Just move naturally.” Ethan’s hand settled gently around Ava’s waist.
Her free hand rested against his shoulder.
Neither of them spoke.
They simply began walking in slow circles.
The ballroom was completely empty.
Except for a few decorators adjusting flowers.
For some reason…
The silence felt different this time.
Warmer.
Closer.
Ava looked up.
Their eyes met.
She smiled first.
“So…” “So?” “You still owe me something.” Ethan frowned slightly.
“I do?” “You almost kissed me yesterday.” His steps stopped.
“…” “…” “…I did.” Ava’s cheeks immediately turned pink.
“I-I didn’t mean-” “No.” He smiled softly.
“You did.” “I was going to.” Her heartbeat instantly doubled.
“You were?” He nodded.
“If Lucas hadn’t interrupted…” His voice became quieter.
“I would’ve kissed you.” Ava lowered her eyes.
“…Oh.” He gently lifted her chin with one finger.
“Ava.” She looked back at him.
“I’m not going to rush you.” “I’ll wait until you’re ready.” “But…” “When that day comes…” “I don’t think I’ll be able to stop myself.” For several long seconds…
Neither of them moved.
Neither of them blinked.
The room seemed to disappear around them.
Ava could hear only one thing.
Her own heartbeat.
Fast.
Wild.
Completely out of control.
Just then…
The ballroom doors burst open.
Lucas walked in carrying two cups of coffee.
He stopped dead in his tracks.
“…Again?” The two immediately stepped apart.
Lucas slowly looked up at the ceiling.
“I swear…” “…you two keep creating romance scenes while I’m trying to work.” Ava covered her face in embarrassment.
“I’m going home.” She hurried out of the ballroom.
Lucas watched her leave before looking at Ethan.
“…Did you at least kiss her this time?” Ethan took one of the coffees from him.
“…No.” Lucas sighed dramatically.
“You are the slowest man on earth.” Ethan smiled as he watched the ballroom doors close behind Ava.
“…Maybe.” “But she’s worth every second.” Lucas stared at his brother for a moment.
Then smiled to himself.
For the first time…
He truly believed…
His brother had fallen completely in love.