The Matchmaker and the Billionaire (MBBC#11)

4

Louise Rose

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I kept pacing back and forth, thinking of the best solution to this.

The amount of money is more than enough to repair the house and sustain Aunt Rosy's medication for two years. That's not bad. Where could we get a deal like that just for matchmaking? It's not bad at all.

"I'll do it! Let me do it, Rosy."

"Oh no. Not you, Louise. You don't know how to do this. It's not as easy as what you think it is."

I lowered myself to level into her face. "Look, Rosy, the money we will get is more than enough to renovate the house."

"In the next two years, I don't have to worry about your medicine. That will cover it. I know you can no longer do it because of your situation. But hey, I am here. It's not like I have not seen the process."

"I've seen you interact with many clients in your matchmaking business, and I can do it!" I've probably got the widest smile now. I have a strong fighting spirit, and I'm confident I can handle the job.

She sighed and looked at me with concern. "Madame Violet's son has already had four unsuccessful engagements. It looks like her son is a tenacious one. It's not going to be easy, Louise."

I stood firmly and crossed my arms together. "And do you think I couldn't handle that?" I beamed, exuding a positive vibe.

She smiled.

"Sometimes I wonder if you are the younger version of me, Louise. Aren't you tired of everything? You're full of energy all the time. Day and night, my dear." She shook her head in amusement. I know she's enjoying this other side of me.

"You say so, Rosy. Anything for you, for us, and for our dreams. I will do it!" I winked and whirled in a circle. I performed a magical dance in front of her, mimicking her actions when I felt lonely. I have inherited her bubbly personality. She's my sunshine in every pain, my rainbow after the rain.

She slightly laughed when she witnessed me nearly fall. I lost my balance. That wasn't even a dance—it was only a twirl, and I couldn't even do it properly.

"You're not a good dancer, Louise," she laughed hard.

"Yeah. I know. I shouldn't do that. I can sing, at least. Do you want to hear me singing?"

"Oh no, no, no, stop!" She raised her hand, palm facing me, to signal to stop.

I laughed as I stepped closer to her and hugged her tighter. "I know, Rosy. I know I'm not a good singer at all. I'm not as talented as you." I kissed her cheek. Her cold hands wrapped around mine, and her cheek embraced me.

"Even if I am not as talented as you, Rosy, I believe I can excel in this job... I have you to guide me." I hugged her even tighter, and she nodded in agreement.

It's good that this client hasn't seen Rosy at all. The Madame contacted her three months ago for the job. Even though they didn't show up, they managed to deposit ten percent, and it's in Rosy's bank account. She never spends the money just in case they change their mind and want the deposit back. 

"People know me as an old woman, so you might as well cover your face and wear thick black sunglasses so that they won't notice," in her best advice.

It's Friday today, and it's a busy day for me. At last, I finished two dozen flower arrangement orders. Most of them will be picked up later. I will leave the orders at Conor's convenience store, as I will do something later at home. I will go home early today to clean up and cook a prep meal for Aunt Rosy.

Tomorrow, after lunch, I am meeting Shella, my childhood friend, who is visiting Eden for a quick vacation. She works in one of the famous resorts down Seaside View, a four-hour drive from here.

"Thank you, Conor. I will check on them by Monday," I said as I handed him the spare key to the stall. He placed the key in the side drawer.

"By the way, Louise. Yesterday, a decent man asked about your Aunt Rosy. I didn't say anything, but I told him about you."

"Really? Did he leave his name?" I picked up the remaining roses to take home to fill the empty vase.

"No. He did not. He was in a hurry, though. But I gave him your address. I hope it's alright. Rosy used to let me know if someone was looking for her, especially when it came to matchmaking services, it was better to give out her contact number."

I smiled. It must have been one of Rosy's clients before.

"Not a problem, Conor. Thank you. I have to go." I waved and trailed off.

 As I step out of my car, the afternoon breeze smells good. I feel so happy today because everything is working according to plan.

A shadow behind me caught my attention as I approached the house's entrance. I spun around, and there he was, standing firm, looking ridiculously hot in a white shirt, gray pants, and dark shades. He is tall, and his body is built like an athlete. His simple look fits and suits him very well.

I twinkled my eyes, trying to get a more precise version of his face.

"Excuse me, miss, is Rosy Stewart at home?" He removed his dark sunglasses and placed them in the side pocket of his pants.

The moment our eyes locked, flickering sparks sprouted deep inside me in confusion.

Have I seen him before? He seems familiar. No, I don't think so. Yes, but where? I can't remember.

He cleared his throat, trying to bring back my attention to him. He probably noticed that I was spacing out.

I blinked and slightly shook my head, gathering my lingering thoughts back to my brain.

"Um, sorry. May I know you?" I asked nervously.

He chuckles slightly and looks at me thoroughly. "I'm here for the matchmaking business that my mother has arranged."

"Oh, I see. . ." My mouth parted. Who could have thought a handsome gentleman came here for that? Most of them hide when their mother puts their name into the matchmaking.

"Is she around? Rosy?" His eyes beamed in my reflection.

I space out again. What the heck is happening to me? Come on, Louise, wake up!

"Uhm, yeah, she... um," my voice faltered. "Uhm, how should I put this..." I dipped my head down. And then I remembered the conversation I had with Rosy yesterday.

Oh, my goodness. Don't tell me it was him. The client that Rosy has told me.

My eyes widened a fraction as I looked back at him. I gulp and force out a smile. "Are you Madame's Violet son?"

His lips quirks up in amusement. "It's Saxe Hendrix Mondragon," he said, sticking his hand out for a handshake.

Yeah, this is no longer a dream. It was definitely him—the man who has had four unsuccessful engagements.

"I'm Louise Rose Stewart," I respond and shake his hand. "Rosy for short... I am your matchmaking agent, and I am at your service."

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c.m. louden