Chapter 4: Tensions Rise
Scene 1: The Results Are In
Setting: A grand conference room with the charity board seated at the table. Ava and Ethan sit opposite each other, stealing glances while pretending to be calm.
Mrs. Whitman, smiling:
"After much deliberation, the board has come to a decision. Both proposals were excellent, but each had strengths that the other lacked. So, we've decided… to award the contract to both of you."
Ava and Ethan simultaneously:
"What?!"
Mrs. Whitman, calmly:
"Yes, you'll co-lead the event. Ava, your focus on warmth and community will balance Ethan's bold and ambitious approach. Together, I believe you'll create something extraordinary."
Ethan, incredulous:
"With all due respect, Mrs. Whitman, are you sure that's wise? Our styles couldn't be more different."
Mrs. Whitman, firmly:
"Exactly. That's why it'll work. This decision is final."
Ava shoots Ethan a glare, her jaw tightening. Ethan leans back in his chair, smirking at her discomfort.
Mrs. Whitman, standing up:
"I suggest you both meet later this week to start planning. Good luck."
Scene 2: The Battle of Ideas
Setting: A high-end café where Ava and Ethan meet to discuss their shared responsibilities. The atmosphere is tense as they sit across from each other, their notebooks open but untouched.
Ava, cutting straight to the point:
"Let's get one thing clear: I'm not compromising on the community aspect. This gala isn't just about impressing rich people."
Ethan, leaning back with a smirk:
"And I'm not watering down the event to make it feel like a neighborhood potluck. We need grandeur to attract donors."
Ava, glaring:
"Grandeur doesn't mean alienating people. It's about authenticity."
Ethan, smirking:
"Authenticity doesn't pay the bills, Harper."
Ava slams her notebook shut.
Ava:
"This is exactly why I didn't want to work with you."
Ethan, raising an eyebrow:
"Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you."
For a moment, they sit in silence, their frustration palpable. Then, Ethan leans forward, his tone softening slightly.
Ethan:
"Look, we're stuck with each other, so we might as well make it work. You're good at what you do, and so am I. If we can combine our strengths, this could actually be… not terrible."
Ava, crossing her arms:
"Not terrible? Wow, what a compliment."
Ethan chuckles:
"Baby steps, Harper. Baby steps."
Reluctantly, Ava nods.
Ava:
"Fine. But don't think for a second that I'm letting you take over."
Ethan, smirking again:
"Wouldn't dream of it."
Scene 3: Sparks Fly
Setting: The event venue, an elegant ballroom filled with potential decorations. Ava and Ethan walk through the space, pointing out different ideas and clashing over every detail.
Ava, pointing to a set of understated floral arrangements:
"These are perfect. Elegant, simple, and cost-effective."
Ethan, shaking his head:
"Simple? They're boring. We need something that wows people when they walk in. Like those."
He gestures to a massive, glittering ice sculpture of a swan. Ava's eyes widen in horror.
Ava:
"An ice sculpture? Are you kidding me? This isn't a Vegas casino."
Ethan, grinning:
"And your flowers aren't exactly memorable."
Ava, stepping closer:
"This gala is about the cause, Ethan. Not about stroking your ego."
Ethan, stepping closer as well:
"And if no one shows up, what's the point of the cause?"
They're now inches apart, their voices low but charged with emotion. For a moment, the tension shifts. Ava notices the faint scent of his cologne, and Ethan realizes how fiery Ava's green eyes are when she's angry.
The moment is broken when the venue manager clears his throat awkwardly.
Venue Manager:
"Uh… is everything okay here?"
Ava, stepping back quickly:
"Fine. Everything's fine."
Ethan, smirking:
"Just a spirited discussion."
Scene 4: A Glimpse of Vulnerability
Setting: Later that evening, Ava is still at the venue, reviewing her notes while sitting alone on the stage. She's clearly stressed, her confident façade slipping. Ethan walks back in, surprising her.
Ethan, softly:
"Didn't think you'd still be here."
Ava, not looking up:
"Some of us have work to do."
Ethan sits next to her, uncharacteristically quiet.
Ethan:
"Look, I know I can be… a lot. But I'm not trying to sabotage this. I want it to succeed, just like you do."
Ava glances at him, surprised by his sincerity.
Ava:
"Why? What's in it for you?"
Ethan hesitates for a moment before replying.
Ethan:
"Let's just say I've got something to prove. To myself. To everyone."
For the first time, Ava sees a crack in his cocky armor. She softens slightly.
Ava:
"Maybe we both do."
They share a rare moment of understanding before Ethan stands, smirking again.
Ethan:
"Don't get used to this side of me, Harper. I'll see you tomorrow."
As he walks away, Ava watches him, feeling more conflicted than ever