Ava woke up to the crisp Saturday morning air, the golden sunlight spilling into her bedroom. After yesterday's eventful day, she had already decided—no answering any Leo related questions today. Her three staff members had interrogated her like she was a wanted criminal. She shook her head at the memory.
Yesterday 's Interrogation
"How do you know Leo? I mean, where did you meet him? Wait—how did you meet him?!" Maya bombarded her with questions, eyes wide with excitement.
"I don't know, it just happened," Ava replied casually.
"Leo hasn't been to Milan! He's been staying at Fairmont Monte-Carlo for two weeks now," Milo chimed in, his brows furrowed. "When did you go to Monaco?" That made Maya even more excited.
"Oh my God! You met him there, didn't you?" Maya gasped. "And you' ve met him a few times already? And I just knew about this?" Maya frowned.
"Yes, I met him there. And no, we just crossed paths, nothing more." Ava admitted, hoping to end the conversation.
"Then why didn't you bring me? It's Monaco!" Maya demanded. "And where exactly in Monaco did you meet him?" Maya relentlessly asked.
"Enough with the questions," Ava huffed, crossing her arms. "I'm not dating him, okay? He annoyed me, so I made a bet. If he wins, I'll go out with him—once. That's it. If he wins."
Milo let out an amused chuckle. "You have no idea what you just did, do you? You bet against the wrong driver. He's almost always in the top five. If his team had been just a little faster on pit stops, he would have won twice already."
Ava shrugged. "Whatever. Right now, let's focus on finishing Mr. York's garden. Dismissed."
Maya and Milo exchanged glances before heading to the pantry, still whispering. Only Alessia remained, watching her carefully.
"I also think Leo wasn't such a good match with you," Alessia murmured. "You deserved so much better. Maybe Ethan" And with that, she walked away.
Ava was shocked. Alessia rarely gave personal opinions—it wasn't like her. 'Ethan, huh?'
Ethan is quite the opposite of Leo. He wasn't the kind of man who asked for forgiveness. He had been raised to be a boss, to take control. But so does she, and that wasn't an excuse.
The next morning on the weekend, she sat in her living room, sketching while sipping since 6am. She thought back to yesterday. Today was qualifying day for Leo, and after Milo's comment, she had changed the terms of their bet last night. If he really was a top contender, she had to make it harder. Instead of just qualifying, she told him he had to win the Monaco Grand Prix.
She expected him to be shocked, maybe protest. Instead, he had only said, "Okay." So confident.
A sudden ringing interrupted her thoughts. Her office phone. She let it ring three times before picking up.
Ava: Ava's Impression Firm. How may I help you?
Unknown Caller: Hi, hello. May I speak to Ava Sinclair?
Ava: Speaking. Who is this?
Unknown Caller: I'm Imogen Rossi from Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano. Do you have time to come over? I'd like to discuss a business opportunity.
Ava: Uh—sure. Would 10ish work?
Imogen: Brilliant. See you soon.
The call ended. Without wasting time, she dialed Maya's.
Maya: It's the weekend, Ava. Stop calling me so early in the morning.
Ava: And let you sleep? Never! C'mon. Wake up. I've got a meeting with a hotel manager in Milan.
Maya: Can't you take Milo? He's been extra respectful since your thing with you-know-who.
Ava: Again I say, I don't have a thing with him. And Milo is not my emotional support hire. Meet me in an hour under my apartment.
Maya: So bossy this early. Ugh, fine.
Ava: And don't put your head back on the pillow!
She heard Maya groan before the line went dead.
Ava sighed and got into the shower, her mind drifting as she passed by the bouquet Leo had sent her.
Was he serious about her, or was he just a playful flirt who would get bored once she actually reciprocated? She didn't dare to imagine.
After showering, she made a quick breakfast—grilled cheese and scrambled eggs. She scrolled through her phone as she ate, catching glimpses of today 's F1 headlines. All about Monaco's qualifications. Leo's face flashed on screen, smiling. 'Cute.' She shook her head and quickly scrolled past.
Maya was already waiting when Ava got downstairs. They walked together toward the hotel, a five-star luxury hotel that cost at least €1000 a night.
"This Imogen lady—how does she even know about us?" Maya asked.
"No idea. Maybe because we're nearby?" Ava guessed.
Maya raised an eyebrow. "It's a five-star hotel and spa, Ava. And we're not famous designers yet. Don't you think it's a little… off?"
"Oh no!.. You think she's trying to kidnap us?" Ava smirked.
Maya gasped dramatically. "You laughed now but you never know!"
Ava chuckled. "If a kidnapper took you, they 'd probably regret it in an hour and return you back."
Maya smacked her arm. "Shut up."
When they arrived, they were greeted personally by Imogen Rossi. They were led to a lavish meeting room where Imogen personally served them pastries and tea. That was unexpected. Ava exchanged a quick glance with Maya. 'What the hell?'
"Miss Ava Sinclair," Imogen greeted smoothly. "Pleasure to meet you. And you are?" She turned to Maya. "She's my assistant, Maya Amato." Maya waved politely.
"So, Mrs Rossi," Ava cut straight to business. "Where did you hear about us?"
"You 're well-known here," Imogen smiled. "And, of course, you designed the award-winning garden last year—The Most Therapeutic Garden of All Time 2023." Imogen said.
Ava nodded. "Yeah, so what can we do for you today?"
Imogen 's smile widened. "Our hotel recently changed ownership. The previous owner valued tradition, but the new one wants a fresh start. We need a complete redesign, from the entrance to the lobby."
Ava's brows lifted. "Just those areas?"
"Oh no," Imogen said, stirring her tea. "The entire hotel. We will provide anything necessary as long as it's up to your perfection. We're here at your service, Ms. Sinclair." she added.
Maya nearly choked on her drink.
"The grand reopening is at the end of the year, so that gives you about six months. What do you think about the timeline? Efficient enough for your likeness?"
Maya was still stunned but Ava didn't hesitate to question Imogen, "So, do you have an idea? I mean, do you have a theme?"
Imogen then started to discuss and give the input. The meeting almost lasted two hours. By the end of time, Ava had all the details she needed. She will need to do some brainstorming later. Until then, she had to finish her current projects. But Maya looked exhausted and sleepy.
"Thank you for accompanying me today, come.. I'll treat you to Strada's pizza," Ava offered.
Maya shook her head. "Nahh.. I'm too tired. Can you treat me some other time?"
Weird. She never passed on pizza. "You okay?" Ava frowned.
"Good. Good. Good. All is well. As I told you on the phone, it was too early for me," Maya muttered. "I need my beauty sleep. See ya." And with that, she took a cab home.
Ava then walked home and before arriving home, she grabbed some lunch—pesto pasta with barbecued wings. Later, as she skimmed through F1 news, she stumbled upon a latest video of a GP interview with Leo. She clicked on it.
Twenty minutes in—she thought he mentioned her name. Her fork nearly dropped when the interviewer said Leo called someone out. Has Milo seen this? If he did now.. He'd definitely think they were dating for real. Shaking her head, she went back to work. She texted Leo:
'Don't win.'
Two minutes later—her phone rang. *Leo*
She hesitated.
Should she answer? Her fingers hovered over the screen.
Then—she picked up. By the end of the phone call, she had realized that tomorrow was a big day for Leo.
And for her.