.RORY

Along the edge of the Seine river I stood, Aurélie Rory Thompson, buh you can call me Rory.

" This is the fresh feeling of freedom" , i muttered to myself while starring at the golden light of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the City of Lights.

I could breathed in deeply, the scent of freshly baked croissants and strong coffee wafting through the air, mingling with the sound of laughter and chatter from the cafes along the riverbank.

This was my happy place – the one spot in Paris where i felt truly alive and street far from the bustle of the city.

As an event planner, I've spent the past few years orchestrating elaborate weddings, corporate galas, and fashion shows. But tonight, I thought to unwind a bit, take a rare moment for myself, sip a café au lait and watch the world go by. The Eiffel Tower loomed in the distance, its iron latticework gleaming like a work of art.

My phone buzzed a few minutes later, breaking the spell. I pulled it out to find a text from my assistant Jane ,"Meet me at the chateau tomorrow at 9 am sharp. The Mason family is expecting us for the wedding planning meeting." I could feel my stomach do a nervous flip.

The Mason family was one of the most influential families in Paris, and their son Alexandre was notoriously charming and had a reputation of being demanding.

"did I just say charming, ughh Rory, not again.

well it's just that, not like I'm gonna swoon or something, loves crap" , I said in my mind .

The next morning, I arrived at the chateau, and a guard approached me . "Good morning miss , welcome to the Mason mansion." I managed a smile, feeling a sense of trepidation.

"Thanks " I replied, my nerves slightly calmed by the tranquil surroundings.

The Mason mansion was even more breathtaking than i had imagined and heard, here I was looking at this architectural masterpiece in person – perfectly manicured gardens, a sparkling fountain, and a grand entrance that seemed to whisper tales of history and elegance.

As i ascended the steps and got inside, a stern-looking butler greeted me . "Good morning, Miss Thompson. Mr. Alex will be with you shortly to meet with the family . Please, have a seat." I took a seat, smoothing out my dress and preparing for the meeting, " they do say first impressions matter ", i thought to myself. I took a quick glance around the room, taking in the opulent decor and the faint scent of old books.

Just as my nervousness was fading, Alexandre Mason walked in, his blue eyes seemingly piercing through me . I felt a jolt of surprise, my heart racing slightly."Good morning Miss Thompson," he said, his voice low and smooth. I stood up, trying to compose myself. "Good morning Mr. Alex ," i replied, keep my voice steady.

"Welcome miss Thompson, your company sent you?" Alexandre replied, looking unimpressed.

I managed a modest smile. " I thought so", said Alex. "Come in, my family will meet with you shortly".

I took a seat in the conference room, surrounded by the Mason family members. I noticed a few family portraits on the walls, showcasing their rich history and legacy. The room was filled with an air of elegance, matching the family's reputation.

while waiting for the meeting to begin, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness. I had worked with high-profile clients before of course, but the Mason family's influence and wealth made it feel like I was examined under a microscope. "This deal has got to go through" I thought.

In a flash, the door opened, and Mr. Marc Mason , Patriarch of the Mason family walked in. His presence commanded attention, and the room fell silent. "Mornin' everyone," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "Welcome, Miss Thompson. On behalf of our family, I'd like to thank you for taking on this project."

I stood up, smiling politely. "Good morning Mr Mason . It's an honor to work with your family. I wish you all the best for your daughter's wedding."

ALEX

There she was at the far end of the table, my gaze lingered on her for a moment before I got seated. "shes pretty" , I thought to myself . I wonder what she's like. Anyways , let her speak, I'll think up something later, I thought.

The meeting began, and the family discussed their vision for the wedding. "We're planning a yacht-style wedding in Marseille," mom explained. "We want it to be a grand affair, with the best food, music, and decor."

Rory's eyes lit up. "That sounds like a fantastic idea. For a yacht wedding, we could incorporate nautical elements into the decor and entertainment. Perhaps a fireworks display or a sailing ceremony?"

I raised an eyebrow. "Fireworks on a yacht? Isn't that a bit... hazardous?"

She smiled calmly, "Not if we plan it carefully, Mr. Alex . We can work with professionals to ensure the fireworks are safely executed and add a

touch of magic to the evening."

Everyone nodded, taking notes and discussing the idea among themselves. I, however, continued to scrutinize Rory's suggestions. I wanted to prob this kitten who has smitten me a bit , "And what about the expenses? We're looking at a budget of around €500,000. Can you work within that?"

she nodded confidently. "Yes, I think we can create a stunning event within that budget. However, I'd like to suggest a few areas where we could allocate more funds to make the event truly unforgettable."

Throughout the meeting , she provided professional advice and suggestions, fielding the family's questions and concerns. She was definitely aware of my gaze on her and evidently she reacted with a bit of uneasy eye glances buh she kept on talking.

RORY

The meeting concluded with a clear plan in place, and I felt a sense of accomplishment. However, as i glanced at Alexandre, i couldn't tell if this was him admiring me or if I had just met my toughest critic.