Chapter 3 – A Small Disaster
914 Words
The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of the Grand Aurora Hall, illuminating the freshly polished floor. Charlotte Reed had arrived early, coffee in hand, ready to tackle the day. She reviewed the new checklist Alexander had “approved” yesterday, trying to suppress a groan.
Three hours into setup, she realized a shipment of centerpiece flowers had been delayed. She rushed to the storage room only to find that half the boxes had been opened and tossed around. Some petals were crushed.
“Oh no,” she muttered, kneeling to examine the damage. “This is a disaster.”
A familiar voice came from behind her. “Disaster?”
Charlotte spun around. Alexander Hayes leaned casually against the doorway, his hands in his pockets, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
“Why are you here?” she snapped. “Go supervise something else!”
“I came to see the chaos for myself,” he said calmly, stepping closer. “And it seems you weren’t exaggerating.”
Charlotte narrowed her eyes. “I don’t need your commentary.”
“I wasn’t commenting. I was observing,” he said with mock seriousness.
Charlotte sighed and returned to picking up the damaged flowers. Alexander crouched beside her, surprisingly helping, his fingers gently rearranging crushed petals.
“Careful,” Charlotte said, slightly softer than intended.
“I know what I’m doing,” he replied with a shrug.
The awkward silence stretched between them. Charlotte tried to focus on the task, but Alexander’s presence made it impossible. She hated to admit it, but he was efficient. And frustratingly, kind when he chose to be.
Once the flowers were salvaged, Charlotte wiped her hands and stood. “Thanks… I guess,” she muttered.
Alexander raised an eyebrow. “You sound reluctant.”
“I don’t like admitting I need help,” she said firmly.
“That’s a shame,” he teased. “Because you needed it badly just now.”
Charlotte rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the tiny smile tugging at her lips.
Just as she was about to organize the tables, her phone buzzed again. More changes. The bride wanted the cake display moved forward. The music list had been altered. And, to make things worse, the catering team had called to say they would be an hour late.
Charlotte groaned audibly. “Seriously?”
Alexander peeked at the screen. “New orders?”
“Yes. Everything is changing again.” She closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose.
Alexander studied her carefully. “You’re handling it well,” he said finally.
Charlotte looked up sharply. “Handling it well? I’m barely surviving!”
“Barely surviving looks like competence to me,” he said with a smirk.
Charlotte bit back a laugh and muttered, “You’re impossible.”
“Thank you,” he replied with a bow.
For the next two hours, the two of them moved through the hall like a chaotic team. Charlotte delegated tasks while Alexander assisted subtly, sometimes arguing, sometimes teasing. Their interactions drew looks from workers, who whispered and tried not to laugh.
During the table arrangement, Alexander’s hand brushed against hers accidentally. Charlotte jerked back slightly, her face heating. Alexander didn’t comment. He only smirked faintly.
“Stop smirking,” she muttered.
“I’m not,” he said innocently, though his eyes betrayed him.
Charlotte sighed. Every day, it seemed, he found a way to annoy her while simultaneously making her heart race. She scolded herself silently. It’s not like that… it’s just… tension.
The cake arrived early, and Charlotte inspected it carefully. Alexander hovered nearby, arms crossed.
“The layers aren’t perfectly aligned,” he said softly.
Charlotte glared. “They’re fine. Stop looking for flaws.”
He tilted his head. “I’m just noticing details.”
Charlotte shook her head. “You notice everything, don’t you?”
“Only what matters,” he said simply.
By late afternoon, the hall was finally in order. Charlotte took a step back, breathing deeply, and admired the perfect setup. Despite the chaos, everything looked stunning.
Alexander joined her silently. “Not bad,” he said casually, scanning the room.
“Not bad?” Charlotte repeated, raising an eyebrow.
“For surviving a disaster,” he said. “I’d call that impressive.”
Charlotte felt a small, reluctant smile. “You really know how to make me feel appreciated, don’t you?”
“Every chance I get,” he replied, smirking.
Charlotte rolled her eyes and returned to her clipboard. A notification on her phone reminded her of one last task: the rehearsal dinner menu needed approval. She groaned again.
Alexander leaned closer. “Want me to handle that part?”
Charlotte hesitated. He had proven today that he could help. But trusting him completely? That was harder.
“I… I can handle it,” she said finally, though not as firmly as she wanted.
He smiled faintly, leaving the room quietly. Charlotte let out a long sigh, realizing she was… a little disappointed he had gone.
As the day ended, Charlotte looked around the hall, exhausted but satisfied. Today had been a disaster turned success, mostly because of him—Alexander Hayes.
And though she hated to admit it, the thought of seeing him tomorrow made her heart beat just a little faster.
This wedding, she realized, was going to be more complicated than she ever imagined.
And Alexander Hayes was already making it unforgettable.
- Writer
