The final sunset of the year paints the Singapore sky in vibrant shades of magenta and gold. High above the bustling streets, the rooftop terrace of a modest shophouse in Chinatown offers a perfect view of the distant Marina Bay skyline. There are no corporate ice sculptures here, nor any VIP guest lists. Instead, the small space is decorated with simple fairy lights, paper lanterns, and a long table laden with homemade local dishes.
Chloe stands by the edge of the terrace, a glass of chilled white wine in her hand. She wears a simple, elegant sundress, her shoulders completely relaxed. The frantic energy that used to define her has vanished, replaced by a quiet, confident calm.
"You are staring into space again," Nick’s voice breaks through her thoughts. He steps up beside her, wearing a casual button-down shirt, and hands her a small plate of satay skewers. "Are you secretly calculating the logistics of the fireworks display over the bay?"
Chloe laughs, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Not at all. In fact, I was just thinking about how nice it is to be a spectator for once. No earpieces, no angry clients, and absolutely no clipboards."
"It suits you," Nick says softly, his gaze lingering on her face. "You look beautiful when you aren't trying to control the universe."
"I have a good teacher," she replies, nudging him playfully. "Though I did hear a rumour that you have been busy today. What exactly have you been planning behind my back, Mr. Kringle?"
Nick flashes a secretive grin. "A good event planner never reveals her secrets, and a good actor never ruins the surprise before the curtain rises. Just wait until midnight."
As the clock ticks closer to the new year, the terrace fills with familiar faces. The volunteers from the Chinatown community centre arrive, bringing laughter and trays of food. Even the doorman from the Raffles Hotel stops by after his shift, out of uniform and carrying a crate of local craft beers. Chloe looks around the room, feeling a deep sense of belonging that she had never found in the high-stakes corporate world.
At ten minutes to midnight, Nick walks to the front of the terrace and taps his glass with a spoon. The chatter dies down as everyone turns to face him.
"Before the countdown begins, I want to say a few words," Nick says, his eyes finding Chloe’s in the crowd. "This year has been full of unexpected detours. A week ago, I was just a freelance actor sweating in a velvet suit, trying to convince myself that I could change the world one Santa gig at a time. Then, I got stuck in a cab with a woman who completely rewrote my script."
The crowd lets out a collective "Aww," and Chloe feels her cheeks burn with a warm blush.
"Chloe showed me what true dedication looks like," Nick continues, his voice rich with emotion. "She taught me that passion without organization is just chaos. But more importantly, she had the courage to step off the corporate treadmill to help people who really needed her. So, as a small token of appreciation, I have a little announcement."
Nick steps aside, pulling a decorative cloth off a large easel behind him. On the canvas is a beautifully designed logo featuring a sleek, modern sleigh flying past a tropical palm tree. Above the graphic, the words read: Sleigh-Ride Events: Community & Celebration.
Chloe gasps, her hand flying to her mouth.
"I know you turned down Victoria’s promotion," Nick says, walking over to take both of her hands in his. "But Singapore still needs your talents. So, I used my savings to register a new business for us. You run the logistics, I handle the entertainment and public relations. We plan charity events, community festivals, and weddings for people who care more about connection than perfection. What do you say, corporate? Partners?"
Tears prick the corners of Chloe’s eyes as she looks from the beautiful logo to the man standing before her. The old Chloe would have demanded a business plan, a market analysis, and a five-year budget projection. The new Chloe simply listens to her heart.
"Partners," she whispers, throwing her arms around his neck.
Right on cue, the distant roar of the Marina Bay fireworks erupts across the night sky, illuminating the terrace in bursts of brilliant green, red, and silver. Amidst the cheers and toasts of their new friends, Nick pulls back slightly and kisses her—a sweet, unscripted moment that perfectly sets the tone for their brand-new start.
