The Chinatown community centre hums with the frantic energy of a midday lunch rush. Traditional red lanterns sway gently under the ceiling fans, cutting through the heavy tropical humidity. In the kitchen, three giant pots of chicken rice bubble away, while outside on the main floor, dozens of elderly residents chat loudly in a mix of Hokkien, Mandarin, and English.
Chloe stands in the centre of the hall, her sleeves rolled up and her hair tied back. There is no clipboard in her hand, but her sharp eyes map out the room with military precision. The volunteers are currently running in circles, unsure of where to place the massive trays of food.
"We need the braised duck on the left side of the buffet line and the vegetarian options clearly marked on the right," Chloe instructs a confused volunteer, her voice clear and calm. "And let us get some ice water to table four immediately. The aunties look a bit warm."
Nick bursts through the back doors, holding a box of traditional games and a ukulele. He spots Chloe commanding the floor and pauses, a look of pure admiration crossing his face.
"Wow," Nick says, walking over to her. "You really do look like a general out here. The volunteers are actually listening to you."
"That is because I gave them clear directions instead of festive philosophy, Santa," Chloe retorts, though a bright smile breaks across her face. "Where have you been? The uncles at table two are getting restless. They want entertainment."
"Duty calls," Nick says, strumming a quick chord on the ukulele. "I had to source some vintage bingo cards. Apparently, that is the secret weapon for a Chinatown crowd."
Before Chloe can reply, the main doors of the community centre swing open with a dramatic thud. A tall, impeccably dressed woman steps inside, shielding herself from the midday sun with a designer umbrella. It is Victoria, Chloe’s high-powered regional director from the event agency. Victoria looks around the chaotic, noisy community centre with deep distaste.
"Chloe?" Victoria calls out, her voice cutting through the chatter like a knife. "What on earth are you doing here? I have been trying to reach your assistant all morning."
Chloe’s heart drops into her stomach. The old corporate anxiety flares up instantly. She steps forward, trying to smooth down her wrinkled shirt. "Victoria. Hello. I thought I was officially off duty until the New Year."
"A true professional is never off duty," Victoria says coldly, ignoring Nick entirely. "The Marina Bay countdown gala has just lost its lead planner due to an emergency. The board needs a replacement immediately, and I told them you are the only one who can save the contract. We need to leave for the boardroom right now."
Chloe freezes. The Marina Bay gala is the biggest event of the year. Landing a project like that means an automatic promotion, a massive bonus, and the highest level of corporate prestige. It is everything she wanted forty-eight hours ago.
She looks at Victoria, then glances back at the community centre hall. The volunteers are waiting for her next command. The elderly residents are laughing as Nick begins to sing a cheerful, upbeat song on his ukulele, drawing everyone’s attention away from the corporate tension. Nick catches Chloe's eye from across the room, his expression supportive but tinged with a quiet sadness. He knows what this opportunity means for her career.
Victoria snaps her fingers impatiently. "Well? Gather your things, Chloe. Let's not keep the board waiting."
Chloe looks down at her hands, realizing they are empty. For the first time, she does not miss the weight of her corporate tablet. She looks back up at Victoria, her posture straightening with a newfound confidence.
"No, Victoria," Chloe says firmly.
Victoria blinks in genuine shock. "Excuse me?"
"I am not taking the contract," Chloe repeats, her voice steady. "I am on leave, and right now, I have an prior commitment to this community. The Marina Bay gala will find another planner. This afternoon, my place is right here."
Victoria looks at Chloe as if she has lost her mind. "You are throwing away a promotion for... a neighborhood bingo game?"
"I am choosing to keep my promise," Chloe says simply.
With a huff of disbelief, Victoria turns on her heel and marches out of the community centre, the doors slamming behind her. Chloe lets out a long breath, a sudden, immense weight lifting off her shoulders.
Nick walks over, setting his ukulele down on a table. His blue eyes are shining with immense pride. "That was incredibly brave, corporate."
"It wasn't brave," Chloe smiles, looking into his eyes. "It was just a change of priorities."
