Miss Valentine

Chapter 9:An Unexpected Arrangment.

Scarlett had faced a lot of unexpected challenges in her life, but being roped into a town-wide Valentine’s Festival was something she never saw coming. And worse, being paired with Noah Carter—the town’s most charming yet infuriating resident—made it all the more unbearable.

The next morning, she found herself standing outside the town hall, clutching a warm cup of coffee as she waited for Mayor Harper. The crisp winter air nipped at her cheeks, and she pulled her coat tighter around herself. The town square was already bustling with preparations: volunteers hung banners, workers set up wooden stalls, and small groups of townspeople gathered, chatting animatedly about the upcoming festival.

“I knew you’d be back,” came Noah’s all-too-familiar voice from behind her.

Scarlett closed her eyes briefly, willing herself to stay composed before turning to face him. “Technically, I never left.”

He grinned, hands shoved into the pockets of his flannel jacket. “So, are you ready to embrace Everbrook’s finest tradition?”

Scarlett let out a slow breath. “Not exactly the word I’d use.”

Before Noah could reply, the grand oak doors of the town hall creaked open, and Mayor Harper stepped out, beaming at the sight of them. “Scarlett! Noah! Just the duo I was hoping to see.”

Noah shot her a knowing look, and she resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

“About that,” Scarlett began, “I’m not sure I’m the best person to—”

“Nonsense,” Mayor Harper interrupted. “Scarlett, you’ll be wonderful. The festival is our town’s pride and joy, and I promise, it won’t be as dreadful as you think.”

Scarlett opened her mouth to protest again, but the mayor was already pulling a clipboard from under his arm. “Now, let’s get down to business. This year, as you know, the festival’s events will be led by pairs, and since you two are already getting along so well—”

Scarlett choked on her coffee. “Getting along?”

Noah chuckled, enjoying her discomfort. “Mayor, I think you might be stretching the truth just a bit.”

Mayor Harper ignored them both. “You’ll be responsible for coordinating some of the main events. First up—the Sweetheart Bake-Off.”

Scarlett blinked. “The what now?”

Noah smirked. “Oh, this just keeps getting better.”

The mayor nodded enthusiastically. “One of Everbrook’s most beloved traditions! Couples, or in this case, partners, work together to create a signature baked good. It’s judged by a panel, and the winners get a special prize.”

Scarlett rubbed her temples. “I can’t bake.”

“Well,” Noah said, rocking back on his heels. “Guess it’s a good thing I can.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “Of course you can.”

The mayor clapped his hands together. “Excellent! I’ll sign you both up. And next, there’s the Dance Under the Stars event.”

Scarlett felt a headache forming. “You want me to dance?”

“It’s the most romantic part of the festival,” Mayor Harper said dreamily. “And, of course, we can’t forget about the Love Letter Treasure Hunt!”

Scarlett turned to Noah. “I’m starting to think Everbrook has an actual addiction to romance.”

Noah shrugged. “You catch on quick.”

Scarlett sighed, realizing she was fighting a losing battle. Between Noah’s amusement and the mayor’s relentless enthusiasm, she was officially trapped in the Valentine’s Capital. The only thing left to do was survive it.

Little did she know, surviving meant more than just completing the events—it meant facing the feelings she never expected to have.