Chapter 11: The Rules of Love.
862 Words
The festival was still in full swing, the town square alive with laughter, music, and the occasional sound of bells chiming from one of the many carnival games. Scarlett sat at the edge of the kissing booth, absently twirling a wrapped candy between her fingers while Noah entertained a line of eager festival-goers.
He was entirely in his element.
“Enjoying the show?” Noah’s voice pulled her from her thoughts.
Scarlett blinked, realizing she had been staring. “I’m just… observing.”
“Observing how ridiculously charming I am?” He grinned.
She scoffed. “More like observing how ridiculous this whole thing is.”
Noah leaned on the booth, studying her. “Alright, Miss Valentine, enlighten me—what exactly is your problem with love?”
Scarlett sighed, leaning back against the counter. “It’s not that I have a problem with love. I just don’t believe in the whole ‘perfect fairytale romance’ thing.”
“Why not?”
She hesitated. “Because it’s not real.”
Noah raised an eyebrow. “Says who?”
Scarlett gestured toward the festival around them. “Look at this place. Everything is staged. Cute couples everywhere, heart-shaped decorations, romantic games—it’s all designed to make people think love is magical. But real love? It’s messy. It hurts. It lets you down.”
Noah was quiet for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. “I think you’re confusing love with disappointment.”
Scarlett frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Love doesn’t let people down,” he said. “People do.”
She didn’t know how to respond to that, so she changed the subject. “Alright, since you seem to have all the answers, let’s hear your perspective. What are your rules of love?”
Noah smirked. “Rules?”
“Yes. If you had to write a guidebook on romance, what would it say?”
He crossed his arms, pretending to consider it. “Alright. Rule number one: Take the risk.”
Scarlett scoffed. “Terrible advice.”
“Why?”
“Because risks get you hurt.”
Noah shrugged. “Maybe. But avoiding love just because you’re afraid? That’s not living.”
She rolled her eyes. “Fine. What’s rule number two?”
“Love should be fun.”
Scarlett let out a short laugh. “Now that’s just naive.”
“No, it’s not,” Noah said. “People act like love has to be this big, dramatic ordeal, but sometimes it’s just about having a good time with the right person.”
Scarlett glanced around at the festival—the couples dancing, the families laughing, the friends taking silly pictures together. Maybe Noah had a point.
“Okay,” she admitted. “That’s not the worst rule I’ve ever heard.”
Noah grinned. “Rule number three: You don’t have to understand love to feel it.”
Scarlett folded her arms. “That’s just an excuse for people to act like idiots.”
“Or,” Noah countered, “it’s proof that love isn’t something you analyze—it’s something you experience.”
Scarlett let out an exaggerated sigh. “You are insufferably optimistic.”
“And you are insufferably cynical,” he teased.
They stared at each other for a long moment before a voice interrupted.
“Well, if it isn’t Everbrook’s cutest new couple!”
Scarlett turned to see Eloise Turner, the town’s self-appointed matchmaker, approaching their booth with a knowing smile.
“Oh, no,” Scarlett muttered under her breath.
Eloise clasped her hands together. “I knew the moment you arrived that you and Noah were meant to be!”
“We are absolutely not—” Scarlett started, but Eloise cut her off.
“You know, Everbrook has a very special tradition for couples during the festival,” she said, her eyes twinkling.
Scarlett narrowed her eyes. “I don’t like where this is going.”
“Oh, it’s just a harmless little challenge,” Eloise said innocently. “It’s called The Love Trials.”
Noah raised an eyebrow. “The what now?”
Eloise clapped her hands. “It’s simple! Every year, we invite couples—or potential couples—to complete a series of small romantic tasks. If you succeed, you win the town’s blessing for a year of happiness!”
Scarlett blinked. “That sounds… ridiculous.”
“It’s tradition, dear,” Eloise corrected. “And you wouldn’t want to insult our traditions, would you?”
Scarlett’s stomach sank. She had a bad feeling about this.
Noah, on the other hand, looked far too amused.
“I’m in,” he said easily.
Scarlett turned to him, horrified. “What? No!”
“Oh, come on,” Noah teased. “Rule number two—love should be fun, remember?”
Scarlett scowled. “I hate you.”
He grinned. “You say that a lot.”
Eloise beamed. “Wonderful! Your first task will be announced tomorrow morning. Be at the town square by ten sharp!”
Scarlett sighed, already regretting every decision that had led her to this moment.
Everbrook was going to be the death of her.
- Writer
