CHAPTER 22

Mia gave her a thumbs-up. "Now you're ready. Just remember to be yourself and have a great time. And for the love of all that is fashion, don't forget to wear heels."

Ava laughed, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Thanks, Mia. I couldn't have done this without you."

Mia hugged her tightly. "Just make sure you don't come back with any fashion faux pas or relationship drama. I'm counting on you to have a perfect night."

As Ava headed out the door, she felt a mix of anticipation and nervousness. The outfit Mia had chosen made her feel both glamorous and confident. She was ready for whatever the night had in store, hoping it would be the start of something wonderful with Xavier.

Mia watched Ava leave with a proud smile, shaking her head in disbelief at how quickly her friend had transformed from fashion disaster to date night diva. She knew Ava was in good hands, and she couldn't wait to hear all about the evening's adventures.

Ava descended the steps from her apartment, her heels clicking on the marble floor with a rhythmic confidence. The cool evening air was a refreshing contrast to the warmth of her excitement. As she rounded the corner, she spotted Xavier leaning against his sleek black car, his sharp suit accentuating his tall, commanding presence. The sight of him made her heart race.

He straightened up as she approached, his eyes widening with admiration. "Wow, Ava," he said, his voice low and smooth. "You look absolutely stunning."

Ava felt her cheeks flush with pleasure. "Thanks, Xavier. Mia was quite the fashion critic, so I had to step up my game."

Xavier's grin widened. "Well, it's clear she did a great job. You look incredible."

He opened the door of the car for her, his hand brushing against hers as she slid into the leather seat. The interior was plush and inviting, and as Xavier settled into the driver's seat, he shot her a quick, appreciative glance before pulling away from the curb.

The drive to the restaurant was filled with easy conversation and flirtatious banter. Xavier's attention never wavered from Ava, and each glance he threw her way made her feel like the most important person in the world. The city lights outside the window created a beautiful backdrop, and Ava found herself completely absorbed in the moment.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Xavier helped her out of the car, his hand lingering on her back as he guided her inside. The restaurant was a sophisticated haven, bathed in the soft glow of candlelight and the warm, inviting aroma of gourmet cuisine. The atmosphere was romantic, with each table adorned with delicate floral arrangements and flickering candles.

As they were shown to their table, Xavier pulled out Ava's chair with a courteous gesture. She settled into the seat, feeling the luxury of the setting and Xavier's attentive presence. The conversation between them flowed effortlessly, their words punctuated by laughter and shared glances that spoke volumes.

They ordered their meals, and as they dined, the connection between them deepened. Xavier listened intently as Ava spoke about her passions and dreams, his gaze never leaving her. He shared his own stories, and each revelation seemed to draw them closer together. The way he looked at her, with such intensity and warmth, made her feel cherished

As Ava took the package from Xavier, her curiosity piqued. He gave her a reassuring smile and nodded towards the restroom. "Change into this," he said, his voice carrying a hint of excitement.

Ava headed to the restroom, her heart fluttering with anticipation. The package was neatly wrapped, and as she untied the ribbon and peeled away the paper, she discovered a beautiful ensemble inside. It was a matching couple's outfit—something both elegant and intimate.

She took a deep breath, admiring the outfits. The one for her was a stunning, form-fitting dress that complemented her earlier attire. It was a deep, midnight blue that shimmered subtly in the light, with delicate lace detailing along the neckline and hem. The dress had a modern yet classic vibe, fitting perfectly for an evening that felt both special and unique.

She quickly undressed from her dinner outfit and slipped into the new dress. As she adjusted it, she noticed a small note pinned to the inner seam. Curiously, she read the note:

"I thought this would make the night even more memorable. I can't wait to see us together in these. – X"

A smile spread across her face as she tied her long hair into a sleek ponytail, the new dress accentuating her figure beautifully. She glanced at herself in the mirror, feeling a blend of excitement and nervousness. The outfit not only made her feel elegant but also gave her a sense of unity with Xavier, a subtle yet profound connection.

She exited the restroom, and Xavier's eyes widened with appreciation when he saw her. He was now dressed in a matching outfit—a tailored midnight blue suit that perfectly complemented her dress. The suit had a sleek, modern cut with similar lace detailing on the collar, creating a sophisticated and harmonious look for both of them.

"You look absolutely breathtaking," Xavier said, his eyes filled with admiration as he took in her transformed appearance.

As Ava and Xavier reached the top of the mountain, the chill in the air seemed to heighten the excitement of the night. The dark sky was adorned with a blanket of stars, and the distant lights of the city twinkled below, adding to the magical ambiance. Ava, now dressed in the cozy beanie and scarf that Xavier had thoughtfully provided, was both exhilarated and curious about the surprise he had promised.

When Xavier took out the remote and activated the lights on the ropeway, Ava's eyes widened in amazement. The ropeway lit up, casting a soft glow across the snowy landscape, and the sight of it against the backdrop of the mountains was breathtaking. They entered the cabin, and as it started its ascent, Ava looked out at the panoramic view, marveling at the beauty of the scene unfolding before her.

Once they arrived at the top, Ava was greeted by a group of couples gathered around, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of lanterns set up for the occasion. The sight was enchanting, and Ava couldn't contain her excitement.

"Is there any shooting star appearing tonight?" Ava asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

"You'll find out soon enough," Xavier replied with a mysterious smile. Ava pouted slightly, her excitement tempered with impatience.

As they settled onto a bench, Xavier gently placed a beanie on Ava's head and wrapped a scarf around her neck. His gesture was tender and thoughtful, and Ava couldn't help but tease him playfully.

"When did a jerk turn into a gentleman?" she asked with a smirk.

"Since he started liking a tomboy," Xavier retorted with a grin, his eyes twinkling with affection.

Ava then noticed that Xavier was frequently checking his watch, which sparked her curiosity. "Do you have to go somewhere?" she asked.

"Ah, no, it's nothing," he said with a reassuring smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of concern. He continued to look at his watch, clearly waiting for something.

"Tell me something about yourself," Ava said, settling comfortably on the bench and patting the space beside her. "Something casual or a secret. You know everything about me, after all."

Xavier took a moment to reflect before speaking. "Do you know about my family?" he asked, his tone growing somber.

Ava shook her head. "No, I don't."

"My parents passed away a long time ago when I was thirteen," Xavier said, his voice devoid of emotion. Ava's heart ached for him, and she scooted closer, placing a comforting hand on his arm.

"I'm so sorry," she said softly. "I didn't know."

"It's not your fault," Xavier replied, though he seemed to sense that his revelation had dampened the mood. "I didn't mean to bring it up."

Ava shook her head. "It's okay. I just want you to know that, from what I've seen, you honor their memory in the best way possible."

Xavier looked at her with a mixture of gratitude and sadness. "I didn't even cry when they died. I felt like it meant I didn't care enough."

Ava tilted her head, her eyes full of empathy. "Crying isn't the only way to show love. It's about how you carry their memory forward, how you honor them in your actions. Noah told me about how you run the company with such dedication, respecting every employee. It's clear that you cherish their memory in everything you do."

Xavier smiled, his expression softening as he looked up at the starry sky. "My dad always said the company was everything to him after us. I guess I just wanted to make sure it lived up to his legacy."

After a heartfelt conversation, Xavier glanced at his watch once more, looking disappointed. "I guess we should head back," he said reluctantly.