In the days that followed, Ava found herself caught in a strange emotional limbo. Every time she boarded flight UA785, a curious tension filled the air. She never knew how Max might "pursue" her.
Yet to her surprise, Max remained completely professional on duty. Aside from a few meaningful glances, he never crossed any lines. It was Ava who found herself distracted, replaying that conversation they'd had in the cabin.
"Ava, you've been so spaced out lately," Nina asked in the staff lounge. "Is the new route stressing you out?"
"No, I'm just... still adjusting," Ava replied while straightening her uniform. "A new environment takes time."
"Speaking of which, your captain is seriously mysterious," Nina said, her voice laced with gossip. "I heard he never joins crew gatherings or chats off duty."
"Really?" Ava tried to sound uninterested.
"Yeah, Leah says he's like a block of ice," Nina went on. "But supposedly he's got killer flight skills. And he's hot—just super cold."
Ava held back a smile. If only Nina knew that "block of ice" had texted her last night asking what she wanted for dinner.
Yes, Max had started pursuing her—but not in the ways Ava had expected. No flowers, no chocolates, no dramatic dinner invitations. Instead, his care was shown through quiet gestures.
He would text her after flights to ask if she got home safely. On days she looked especially tired, the galley staff would mysteriously hand her a cup of custom-blended hot tea. Once, she even found her favorite snacks tucked into her locker.
All low-key. All unnoticed by others. But Ava felt every bit of it.
Today was another UA785 flight. She arrived early and began her pre-flight routine. As she adjusted her uniform, she noticed a small note tucked into her pocket.
"The clouds are beautiful today. If you have a moment, check the observation bay. — M"
Warmth filled her chest. The observation bay was a tiny area at the rear of the aircraft—rarely visited, perfect for viewing the clouds and sky.
The morning flight proceeded smoothly. Once they reached cruising altitude, Ava slipped away and headed to the observation bay.
The view was stunning. Thick layers of clouds glowed under the sunlight like piles of cotton candy. As she lost herself in the scene, familiar footsteps approached.
"Do you like the view?" Max's voice came from behind her.
Ava turned to see him standing there, a gentle smile on his face.
"It's beautiful," she said. "Do you come here often?"
"Sometimes," he said, stepping beside her. "Every time I fly, I think how nice it would be to share this with someone."
Ava felt a flush rise to her cheeks. "You… you can't just say things like that. It gives people the wrong idea."
"Wrong idea?" Max looked at her. "You mean the idea that I'm pursuing you?"
"We're at work," she reminded him.
"I know," he nodded. "But I also know we're alone."
A complex wave of emotion swelled in Ava's chest. This man had a way of saying the right thing at just the right moment.
"Max, I have to admit I don't know much about you," she said. "You said you've invested in the company, but you've never really explained."
Max's expression shifted slightly. "It's… complicated."
"What does that mean?"
"My background is… unusual," he hesitated. "I'm not your typical pilot."
"Then what are you?"
"I'm…" He paused again. "I'm a pilot with some extra income."
Ava frowned. "Extra income?"
"Yes." He avoided her gaze. "But that's not what matters. What matters is why I want to be with you."
"And why is that?"
"Because you make me happy," he said simply, meeting her eyes. "It's been a long time since someone did."
Ava felt her doubts begin to soften. Maybe he did have things he couldn't yet explain. But his sincerity was undeniable.
"Ava, I know this might all feel sudden," Max continued. "But I hope you'll give me the chance to prove myself."
"How would you prove it?"
"By taking care of you," he said. "Not in a controlling way—just genuinely."
"What do you mean?"
"Knowing what you like. Respecting your choices. Making sure you feel heard," he said softly. "I want to know the real you, Ava."
Her heart skipped a beat. This man wasn't like anyone she'd met. His care was thoughtful, real.
"All right," she said. "You can try."
A radiant smile lit up Max's face. "Thank you."
"But on one condition," Ava added. "I need time to get to know you. Really know you."
"Of course," Max nodded. "Ask me anything."
"Okay." Ava took a deep breath. "First question: what's your full name?"
"Max Harrison," he answered. "Max is my first name, Harrison's my last."
"Do you have family?"
His expression tightened. "That's… complicated."
"Again?" she raised an eyebrow. "Is there something you can't tell me?"
"It's not that I can't," he said. "It's just… my relationship with them is strained."
"Why?"
"Because I chose my own path," Max said. "They wanted me to do something else. But I love flying."
Ava saw the shadows behind his words. She understood. Everyone had family drama.
"Okay," she said. "I won't force it. But I hope one day you'll trust me with the truth."
"I will," Max said earnestly. "I promise."
Just then, the intercom buzzed, signaling the start of descent.
"We should head back," Ava said.
"Yes," Max nodded. "Ava… are you free tonight?"
"What?"
"I'd like to take you to dinner," Max said. "Not work-related. Personal."
Ava thought for a moment, then nodded. "Okay."
"Perfect." Max's eyes lit up. "I'll text you the address."
Back in the cabin, Ava tried to stay focused, but excitement bubbled inside her. Her first real date with Max.
After landing, the crew began cleaning up. Leah came over.
"You're in a great mood today," she observed.
"Am I?" Ava tried to hide her smile.
"You're smiling," Leah said. "Something good happened?"
"Nothing special," Ava replied. "The weather was nice."
"That's all it takes to make you glow?" Leah teased. "You're not falling for someone, are you?"
Ava blushed. "No. Stop imagining things."
"Oh my god, you're blushing!" Leah grinned. "You totally are!"
"Leah, don't tease," Ava said, quickly gathering her things. "I need to go."
"Tell me who it is!"
"No one!" Ava called as she hurried off, leaving Leah to speculate on her own.
Outside the airport, Ava got a message from Max:
"Restaurant: Sky Haven on Fifth Avenue. 7 PM. Can't wait to see you."
She looked at the text, her heart skipping. She'd never heard of Sky Haven, but anything on Fifth Avenue had to be special.
Back home, she spent far too long deciding what to wear. It was their first official date—she wanted to look perfect.
She finally settled on a simple black dress—elegant but not overdone.
At 6:40, Ava arrived at the restaurant—and gasped.
It wasn't just any restaurant. It was a Michelin three-star venue. Luxury cars lined the curb. The guests wore high-end designer clothes.
She looked down at her dress, suddenly self-conscious. It had seemed classy at home. Now it felt plain.
Just as she was debating whether to turn back, Max appeared.
"Ava!" he waved. "You came."
He wore a deep navy suit, perfectly tailored.
"This restaurant…" Ava hesitated. "It looks expensive."
"Don't worry," Max said gently. "It's my treat."
"But—"
"No buts." He offered his arm. "Tonight, just enjoy."
She hesitated, then took it.
Inside, the staff greeted Max warmly, like an old friend.
"Mr. Harrison, your private room is ready," the host said with a bow.
Their table overlooked the glittering cityscape. It was breathtaking.
"This is beautiful," Ava said.
"I thought you'd like it," Max pulled out her chair.
She couldn't help but ask, "Isn't this place really expensive?"
"It's fine," Max said calmly. "A little splurge now and then doesn't hurt."
"But your salary—"
"Ava," he interrupted, "I told you. I have extra income. Enough to afford this."
She eyed him, questions piling up. But for now, she decided to trust him.
"Okay," she said. "I won't argue."
"That's the spirit." Max smiled. "Tonight, let me spoil you."
Each course was a masterpiece. Ava was blown away.
"This is incredible," she said. "I've never had food like this."
"Then we'll come again," Max said. "I love seeing you happy."
Ava looked at him, something stirring in her chest. She'd never felt so seen.
"Max, why are you being so kind to me?" she asked.
"Because you deserve it," he said simply. "Every woman should be treated well."
"But we've just met."
"Time doesn't matter," Max said. "What matters is the feeling."
"What feeling?"
"The feeling that this is right," he said. "From the moment I met you, I knew you were special."
Her heart raced. "Special how?"
"In your honesty," Max said. "You shine in a way most people don't."
"Me? I'm just an ordinary person."
"You're not," Max shook his head. "You radiate something rare."
Ava felt herself melt. This man always knew the right thing to say.
"Max, I have to admit—I like you too," she said. "But I still need time."
"I'll wait," Max nodded. "As long as you need."
"Then let's take it slow," Ava said, taking a breath.
"Slow is good," Max smiled. "I like slow."
After dinner, Max insisted on driving her home. A silver Aston Martin waited at the curb.
"This is your car?" Ava gaped.
"Yes," Max said, opening the door. "Hop in."
Inside was pure luxury. Definitely not a car a regular pilot could afford.
"Max, this car—"
"It's secondhand," Max said quickly. "I got lucky. Great deal."
She looked at him. Clearly, he was hiding something. But forcing it wouldn't help.
"Okay," she said. "I believe you."
On the drive, they chatted about lighthearted topics—flight stories, funny passengers.
When they arrived at her building, Ava hesitated.
"Thank you for dinner," she said. "I had a great time."
"Me too," Max said. "Ava… can I ask you something?"
"What is it?"
"Do you think we have a future?"
Ava looked at him. For once, the confident Max looked nervous.
"I don't know," she answered honestly. "But I'm willing to find out."
A smile broke across his face. "That's enough for me."
As Ava stepped out and waved goodbye, her heart brimmed with excitement.
Maybe… this was the beginning of something real.
Even with the unknowns, even with the questions, what she felt couldn't be denied.
And Max—the mysterious pilot—had already found his way into her heart.
Little did she know, this simple courtship was only the beginning.
Soon, it would lead her into a world of luxury, power… and true love.