Chapter 23: Binder Battles, Cake Chaos, and Mei’s Wisdom

Ava had foolishly believed that the fake engagement fiasco would fizzle out after her highly publicized "breakup" with Ryan. She had imagined the café latte-throwing spectacle would quash the gossip, setting the record straight and allowing her life to return to its carefully curated chaos.

She was wrong.

Instead of fading into obscurity, the rumor seemed to mutate into a full-blown phenomenon. Suddenly, clients who had hired her for matchmaking were more interested in her "relationship" with Ryan than their own romantic prospects.

The first sign of trouble came bright and early Monday morning. Ava walked into the office feeling cautiously optimistic—that is, until she saw Ryan sitting at her desk, looking far too comfortable.

"What are you doing?" Ava demanded, dropping her bag onto the nearest chair.

Ryan didn't even flinch. He looked up with the lazy confidence of someone who knew exactly how to get under her skin. "Eating breakfast."