My name’s Odette, and I’ve always attracted attention. But the one man I wanted attention from, Monroe, remained elusive. While Brielle, my competitive neighbor, fawned over him, I couldn’t get Monroe to notice me.

Determined to change things, I devised a bold plan. I posted a challenge offering my granny’s inheritance for the best date that could surprise me. The response was overwhelming.

The next morning, a line of eager suitors stretched down the street. They performed stunts and showed off their talents, from poetry to juggling to magic tricks. I watched the spectacle unfold, somewhat amused and intrigued by the effort.

However, the excitement took a turn when one suitor nearly started a fire with his fire juggling act. As the fire truck arrived, I decided to take a walk to clear my head and see if Monroe was among the onlookers.

Monroe, leaning casually against his fence, called out to me, making light of the chaos. Before I could respond, I noticed that the crowd of suitors was turning hostile. One of the men revealed that he knew there was no inheritance and demanded that I perform a show of my own.

Before I could explain, the crowd grew aggressive. They poured syrup over me and tossed feathers, humiliating me in front of everyone. Among the jeers, I saw Brielle smirking triumphantly.

Overcome with embarrassment, I fled to the nearby woods, sobbing. Just when I felt completely defeated, Monroe found me. He wrapped his jacket around me and led me back to his house.

There, Monroe allowed me to clean up and prepared a simple meal. As we talked, he revealed that he had noticed me all along but wasn’t sure if I was available due to my admirers. With a genuine connection forming between us, I realized that sometimes the best outcomes come from unexpected places.

As I sat with Monroe, I felt a sense of relief and new beginnings. Sometimes, the best surprises come from the most surprising endings.