Chapter 1
681 Words
ALI
"The Billionaire Matchmaker Company."
These words greeted me every time I entered the office. Yes, I'm a matchmaker for billionaires. My mission? To ensure they don't end up with gold diggers as their girlfriends or wives.
Another Monday had dawned, and I had a good feeling about the day. Despite the usual morning traffic, I arrived at the office on time. As part of my daily routine, I settled in at my desk and headed to the pantry for a cup of coffee. Our office generously provided us with free coffee, and I couldn't function without it.
In the pantry, I spotted Jeanette, our CEO and part-owner of the company, who happened to be a good friend of mine. She was strict at work and frequently misunderstood by our coworkers, but we had developed a close friendship. I couldn't pinpoint exactly how we became friends; it just happened.
Some unexplainable force seemed to connect us, making it feel like we were the only ones who understood each other. Even though she was my boss and our social statuses were quite different, we remained close friends. Jeanette was down-to-earth, unlike other company owners. She mingled with us and used the same facilities, like the pantry.
"Wow! You're surprisingly early today. What miracle worked on you?" I teasingly greeted her. Since she was a good friend, she was used to my playful banter.
"Well, I'm feeling the pressure right now. I have a high-profile client, and my position depends on their satisfaction."
"What do you mean? Tell me more."
"There's an issue with the management, and they're looking for an excuse to remove me from my position. They're waiting for me to make a mistake, and this is their chance."
"How did that happen? You're a part-owner of the company; how can they remove you?"
"They can do it if they have a valid reason. So, right now, I can't afford any slip-ups. And then there's this client who's exceptionally hard to please. Almost all the account executives I've sent have been rejected."
"Why? What's happening?"
"I don't know. He keeps saying that none of the account executives know how to pick the right women. He blames my team for everything."
"Did he provide any standards for the women?"
"Yes, he did. That's why I'm puzzled. He claims none of the girls I've introduced meet his standards. I gave him candidates with great reputations from respected families, but it's never enough. I'm losing my mind over this."
"That's tough. Maybe his standards are just too high."
"Yeah, I guess so. But now, I'm planning to play my last card in this game," she said, locking eyes with me.
I could sense the intensity of her gaze, so I raised mine to meet hers. By that point, I had an idea of what she was about to suggest.
"And that is?" I asked.
"You! I want you to handle this account for me. My whole career is riding on this. It's in your hands," she almost pleaded.
I knew she was exaggerating to create a sense of urgency, but I replied with a reassuring tone, "Hey, calm down! You don't need to exaggerate. You know I'll do it for you. I don't really have a choice. You're the boss, and I'll follow your orders."
"Thank goodness! I was worried you might decline, considering what you've heard about your colleagues. But now, I can rest easy knowing you'll handle this account, and I'm confident you'll do great."
"That's settled, then. I've accepted it. No need to butter me up too much," I said with a laugh.
"That's great! It's a done deal. I'll provide you with more details later; they're on my desk."
"By the way, who is this big client?" I asked.
"Let's just say Sancho Rodrigo Dela Vega is looking for a wife. And you, Alessandra Ysobel Martinez, will help him find one."
And with that, my world crumbled. It felt as though I had agreed to my own execution, willingly placing my head in the hands of the devil himself.
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- Writer
