The hotel rooftop was quickly becoming Ava's favorite place in New York. It wasn't just the breathtaking view of the skyline, though that certainly helped. Up here, high above the chaos of the city and the matchmaking convention, it felt like a momentary escape—a rare pocket of peace in an otherwise insane whirlwind.
Tonight, the air was crisp and cool, the kind that left a refreshing bite on your cheeks. String lights crisscrossed the space, casting a warm, golden glow over the small seating area. The Empire State Building gleamed in the distance, a beacon of quiet majesty, while the murmur of the city below faded into a dull, calming hum.
Ava leaned against the railing, gazing out at the glittering expanse before her. The noise of the day—the debates, the matchmaking misfires, Julian's smug face—still echoed faintly in her head, but up here, it didn't feel as overwhelming.
