The Wedding Planner

"Everything is perfect," Ava Bennett smiled to herself in satisfaction as she looked around the wedding hall for the very last time that morning The scent of freshly bloomed roses mingled with the soft strains of a string quartet, creating an atmosphere of elegance and opulence at the grand wedding venue. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm, golden hue over the manicured gardens and pristine white chairs lined up in perfect rows. The opulent hall had been transformed into a dazzling masterpiece, a testament to Ava's meticulous planning and unwavering dedication as the wedding planner for the billionaire's grand event. As the guests trickled in in ones and twos, Ava, the mastermind behind the whole beauty of the wedding hall, stood at the epicenter of this breathtaking scene with an embodiment of composure and confidence, smiling to herself in satisfaction of her accomplishment. As guests filed in, their designer gowns and tailored tuxedos shimmered in the soft sunlight. The buzz of excitement was palpable, and the air was filled with the whispered promises of love and dreams fulfilled. It seemed like nothing could possibly mar this perfect day. She observed in silence as the guests arrived, their steps echoing across the polished marble floors. The air was infused with excitement, and Ava couldn't help but smile as she witnessed the awe in their eyes upon entering the lavishly decorated space. Amidst the guests, a lady of Ava's age bracket walked by with a friend in tow. The lady couldn't help but comment to her friend, "the interior design is simply exquisite, don't you think?" Ava, who was somewhere nearby, overhead this compliment from such a high class lady—judging from how she was dessed—couldn't contain her excitement. Her heart raced and her eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and excitement. She had worked tirelessly to create this breathtaking ambiance, and Isabella's words were like music to her ears. Unable to restrain herself, she rushed over to introduce herself, a spark of pride in her eyes. "It's a pleasure having you here," Ava said with enthusiasm, "I'm Ava Bennett, and I'm the one behind all the planning." Isabella turned her attention to Ava, her eyes filled with a warm appreciation. She extended her hand in a genuine gesture of camaraderie. "Isabella Riggs," she introduced herself with a radiant smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ava. You've done an outstanding job here." Ava was beaming with delight, grateful for Isabella's appreciative words. Her chest swelled with pride at the recognition of her hard work from someone who seemed so wealthy. "Thank you so much, miss Isabella. You're so gorgeous by the way, and your dress is the next thing to perfect." Isabella gave Ava another radiant smile, but this time, her white set of perfectly arranged teeth came to view. "Thank you so much, Ava. Your dress is simple, yet so beautiful too." Immediately she said that, Isabella's friend, gave Ava a strange look, her judgmental eyes scanning Ava's attire, a silent disapproval lingering in her gaze. Ava noticed the look she gave her, and it made her slightly uncomfortable. Deep down, she knew her dress wasn't lit, and Isabella was only trying to be nice to her. However, her friend wasn't having on that. The friend scoffed and rolled her eyes before turning to face Isabella. "I'll be at our table. When you're done with this whole…" she paused to use her hand to motion to Ava, in a disapproving manner, then continued, "join me there." Isabella knew her friend so well, so she wasn't surprised at her attitude towards Ava. She simply gave her a polite nod. Then, her friend distanced herself from the conversation, a clear message that she had no interest in associating with someone of Ava's apparent lower class. Undeterred by her friend's aloofness, Isabella continued to converse with Ava. "Let's move somewhere more quiet," Isabella offered and Ava simply nodded as they walked side by side away from the middle of the hall. While they walked, she offered her sincere praise for the exceptional planning and design of the event, acknowledging Ava's talent and expertise. Soon, they finally found themselves in a quiet corner of the wedding venue, away from the hustle and bustle of the guests. A male waiter in apron walked up to them with a tray that contained glass cups of champagne on it. Isabella picked one, while Ava refused, thanking him, then he walked away. Isabella sipped her champagne, her eyes dancing with curiosity. "So, Ava, how did you get into wedding planning? It seems like such a unique profession." Ava's face lit up with a genuine smile as she recalled her journey. "It all started when I helped plan my sister's wedding. I was so taken by the process that I decided to turn it into a career. It's incredible to witness the joy and love that comes to life on a couple's special day." Isabella nodded in understanding. "It must be incredibly rewarding." Ava continued, "Absolutely. But it's also filled with challenges, like managing all the intricate details and the pressure to create the perfect day. Still, I wouldn't have it any other way." Isabella shared a thoughtful smile. "I can relate. My career in finance is demanding too. The pressure is real, but the rewards are equally satisfying." As they spoke, they discovered shared values and goals. Isabella leaned in, her eyes filled with intrigue. "Ava, have you ever thought about expanding your business? Perhaps, planning events for high-profile clients?" Ava considered the question, her mind whirring with possibilities. "I've dreamt about it, and I'm open to the idea. But I've never had the chance to work with high-profile clients, because uhm, you know I'm kind of a lower class lady," she said the last part of her sentence with slight inconvenience. Isabella's smile was infectious. "I may have a few connections in that world. We could explore opportunities together." Ava's heart leaped with excitement, and she couldn't believe her luck. "That would be incredible! I would love to collaborate and take my career to the next level." With a genuine smile, Isabella reached into her designer handbag and produced a business card. "Let's stay in touch, Ava," Isabella suggested, handing over her business card to her. "I'd love to discuss potential collaborations in the future." "Oh my God! I'm—" Ava was about to express her gratitude as she collected the card, when her phone rang, interrupting their conversation. She instinctively reached for her phone in her pocket, her fingers fumbling in her haste to silence the ringing. When she saw the caller ID, her heart leaped with anticipation. Victoria, the bride, was the one calling her. It was a call she couldn't ignore, as it might be concerning her payment. She looked up at Isabella with a sincere look of apology written all over her face. "I'm so sorry. I'm really sorry, but I need to pick up this call. It's from the bride," she hastily apologized to Isabella, explaining the interruption and the need to take the call. With a nod and a warm smile, Isabella understood and wished Ava good luck, then walked away to return to her friend. As Ava stepped away to a more quiet section to answer the call, she couldn't help but wonder about the nature of Victoria's urgent request, hoping it was the news she had been eagerly awaiting; her pay for the wedding planning job she had done. "Hello ma'am, Ava Bennett on the call," Ava said as soon as she picked up the call. "The wedding planner, yes?" "Right, ma'am." "Meet me on the fourth floor right away. Your attention is urgently needed here." "Oh, alright," Ava paused before asking curiously. "Can I get a brief of what I need to do for you, ma'am? Just in case I'd need to—" "Get here as soon as possible is what I said," Victoria answered sternly from the other side of the call. "We need to talk and it's now." With that, she hung up the call without waiting for Ava to respond.