Chapter 2: The Proposal Battle Begins
Scene 1: Ava's Planning Frenzy
Setting: Ava's small but stylish office, filled with vision boards, event sketches, and stacks of magazines.**
Ava sits at her desk, furiously typing on her laptop. The soft glow of her desk lamp illuminates her determined expression. Her assistant, Chloe, walks in carrying two cups of coffee.
Chloe, placing a coffee down:
"You've been at this for hours. Take a break before you burn out."
Ava, shaking her head:
"No time. Ethan Cross isn't going to out-plan me. His events are all flash and no substance. This gala has to be perfect."
Chloe, teasing:
"Sounds like you're thinking about him a lot."
Ava glares at Chloe.
"Don't even start."
Chloe laughs and glances at Ava's screen:
"Okay, so what's your angle? Big, bold, and expensive? Or classy and meaningful?"
Ava, with conviction:
"Classy and meaningful. This event is about charity, not showing off. I'm focusing on creating an elegant winter wonderland—subtle, immersive, and heartfelt. Think ice sculptures, cozy fireplaces, and personal stories from beneficiaries."
Chloe nods:
"Sounds like a winner. Just… don't let him get under your skin."
Ava exhales sharply.
"Easier said than done."
Scene 2: Ethan's Strategy Session
Setting: Ethan's sleek corporate office, a stark contrast to Ava's cozy workspace. Modern furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an intimidatingly large desk.
Ethan leans back in his chair, tossing a stress ball between his hands. His assistant, Marcus, stands by with a tablet, scrolling through potential ideas.
Marcus:
"So, what's the plan? Dazzle them with fireworks and gold-plated hors d'oeuvres?"
Ethan smirks:
"Tempting, but no. I need something different this time. Harper's probably going for heartfelt and warm—she plays to emotions. I'm playing to ambition. Big donors want to feel important."
Marcus raises an eyebrow:
"You're focusing on the VIPs?"
Ethan nods:
"Exactly. Exclusive experiences, luxury decor, and partnerships with high-profile brands. We'll make it the talk of the city."
Marcus:
"Bold move. But won't the board think it's too flashy?"
Ethan, confidently:
"Not if I sell it right. And I will."
He tosses the stress ball onto his desk and grins.
"This is going to be fun."
Scene 3: The Unexpected Encounter
Setting: A high-end event supply store, filled with ornate decorations and fabrics. Ava browses the aisles, comparing table runners. She reaches for a shimmering silver one, only to find another hand grabbing it at the same time.
Ava looks up, startled, to see Ethan standing there, smirking.
Ethan, teasing:
"Well, well. Looks like great minds think alike."
Ava, narrowing her eyes:
"Or opportunists steal ideas. What are you doing here?"
Ethan shrugs, holding the fabric:
"Same as you, apparently. Planning to win."
Ava yanks the fabric from his hand and tosses it in her cart.
"Not with my ideas, you're not."
Ethan laughs, grabbing a different roll of fabric.
"Relax, Harper. I don't need your ideas—I've got plenty of my own. But if you're this defensive, I must be doing something right."
Ava glares, stepping closer.
"Listen, Cross. This isn't some game where you can charm your way to the top. I've worked too hard to let someone like you waltz in and take what I've earned."
Ethan's smirk softens slightly:
"Someone like me?"
Ava doesn't back down.
"You know exactly what I mean."
Ethan, leaning in slightly:
"Maybe. But don't underestimate me, Harper. You might not like how this ends."
Ava, her voice firm:
"We'll see about that."
She storms off, leaving Ethan watching her with an amused expression.
Scene 4: The Cliffhanger
Setting: The charity board office. A week later, Ava and Ethan stand outside the conference room, holding their respective proposals. The tension is palpable.
Ethan, casually:
"Nervous?"
Ava, coolly:
"Not even a little. You?"
Ethan smirks:
"Never. May the best planner win."
The door opens, and they walk in. The board members sit at a long table, smiling politely.
Mrs. Whitman:
"Welcome, Ms. Harper and Mr. Cross. Let's see what you've prepared for us."
The chapter ends as Ava and Ethan exchange one last challenging glance before the board begins the presentation.