The Millionaire's matchmaking

Chapter one

I entered the restaurant where I currently worked, a place I had been for only three months because I didn't immediately find a job when the first semester of classes started. Our prefinal exams were coming up, so I needed to save money for my exams.

I went to the back of the restaurant, where the entrance for employees was located. We weren't allowed to enter the main area when coming from outside because it might disturb the customers who were entering.

I took off my small bag and placed it in the locker inside the women's room. There were two rooms here aside from the kitchen entrance. After putting away my belongings, I headed to the kitchen to check who was on duty that day.

My gaze shifted to my coworkers who were gathered together, and it seemed like one of them was checking something on their phone. I approached slowly and whispered in their direction, making sure they could hear me.

"What's going on?" As soon as they heard my voice, they scattered like ants rushing to get back to their tasks. They probably thought it was our manager. I couldn't help but laugh because they immediately returned to work.

"You scared us, Isabella," one of them said while clutching their chest as if they were having a heart attack. I felt like I was possessed by a mischievous spirit, laughing at their epic reactions.

"Enough, Isabella. Find that funny?" Ate Lily sarcastically remarked. Ate Lily was the first one I got close to here, and there was a three-year age gap between us. She trained me on my first day, and she was very kind.

But despite her kindness and cheerfulness, I didn't understand why her child's father left her and looked for someone else. Men.

I wiped away the tears in my eyes from laughing before I faced them. "What are you guys up to? Is there some nationwide issue spreading again? You're getting all curious again, aren't you?"

It was Janny who responded. We were both students, but she attended a different school. We were the same age, so we became close.

"Well, Isa, there's this viral app right now, so we got curious and tried downloading it. They say there are a lot of handsome guys there, and some even win instant iPhones!" I wasn't really into that stuff, so I just responded with a bored expression.

"Is that so? I thought that was money to be earned," I replied and went straight to my locker to get my uniform.

"Again? Don't you want to find a boyfriend? Hey, don't be too focused on your studies, okay? Just be happy in life, okay?" I entered the nearby restroom and put on my uniform. Janny followed me but stayed outside.

"Can I borrow your phone?" she asked from outside the door, making me furrow my brow. I applied some lip tint before stepping out.

"Why? What mischief are you up to now?" I asked, a hint of suspicion in my tone.

She extended her hand toward me. "Just let me borrow it; I need to check something. It's my break time anyway. I'll give it back later after your shift."

I decided not to argue and handed her my phone, which she took swiftly. "Are you in a hurry?" I asked, but she didn't even answer me. She just turned and walked away abruptly. I shrugged it off and headed to the main area.

I smiled at the customers entering the restaurant and greeted them warmly.

"Good day, Ma'am and Sir. Welcome to 'Noble Palette Brasserie.' This way, please," I said with a smile, looking at the couple who seemed affluent based on their attire and demeanor. However, the man didn't even glance at me and walked straight to the reserved area.

"Bella, the Manager asked for you. Ate Lily had to leave early because her child was rushed to the hospital," I heard from someone. I gasped at the news but chose not to respond and quickly made my way to the office. When there are absentees among us, I usually step in because I can adapt to different roles quickly.

When I arrived, I could hear the Manager sounding angry on the phone, so I waited for a moment before knocking on the door.

"Manager, you called for me?" I said, my forehead furrowed. The Manager turned to look at me, still frowning, and then put the phone down.

"You'll have to take over Salmonte's tasks for now, and you need to excel because we have a lot of reservations today. Don't act foolish," the Manager instructed, his tone stern. I felt nervous, but I nodded and bowed slightly.

"Alright, Manager... I'll go now," I replied, and he waved me off with his hand before answering the ringing phone.

I was anxious because Ate Lily had a different role. Patience was required, especially since many wealthy patrons here often didn't follow professional etiquette and could be quite demanding.

My patience wasn't exactly limitless. I took a deep breath before making my way to the main area. I lost track of time as the reservations were full, and I still had work to do at the bar later. It was the weekend, so I was working full-time at the restaurant.

I carefully balanced the champagne tray to serve a group of wealthy guests. I wasn't supposed to be the one delivering this because I had another customer to attend to, but my male coworker insisted, leaving me no choice but to do his job.

I cautiously made my way towards a gathering of exquisitely attired women, their refined poise and elegant dresses making me feel acutely aware of every move I made.In the midst of the group, there was a woman who seemed to radiate grace and sophistication. Her attire was flawless, and her hair was neatly tied. As I approached, she extended her hand to accept the champagne glass from me while I was still walking.

Nervously, I lifted the glass, my heart pounding in my chest as I tried to match the graceful manner in which the other women sipped their drinks.

But before I could even pass the glass to the woman, my trembling fingers betrayed me. The delicate glass suddenly slipped from my grasp.

It felt like time slowed down as the glass descended, and I felt the sharp pain of my fingers brushing against the woman's hand. The fragile stem of the glass shattered on the floor, creating a loud disturbance from my seemingly simple action.

The sound of breaking glass was an abrupt intrusion, silencing nearby conversations and drawing the attention of the gathered guests.

The loud gasps from the people around me filled the air, and I felt the weight of their stares directed at me. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment as I struggled to find the right words to apologize.

The woman's expression, a delicate mix of surprise and mild annoyance, was seared into my memory. Her fingers delicately touched her wrist where my touch had grazed her, and her gaze shifted from the shattered glass to me.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. It was not intentional. I-I'll get a replacement," I stammered out my apology to the woman as I picked up the glass shards from the floor.

"Oh dear, it seems they've let anyone serve here these days," she remarked loudly enough for nearby costumers to hear.

The comment hit me like a blow. I had worked hard to secure this job, and the last thing I needed was humiliation from a customer. I continued cleaning up, trying to maintain my professionalism despite the shame burning in my chest.

She continued to taunt. "Perhaps you should stick to something more suited to your skill set. Bussing tables at a fast-food joint, perhaps?"

The other customers exchanged glances, some smirking in agreement with the woman words. My heart sank, and I bit my lip to hold back tears. I knew that I couldn't let the woman's words get to me, but the humiliation was too much to bear.

I wanted to just run away and cry, but I didn't want to embarrass my coworkers. My gaze was fixed on my male coworker, but he didn't offer any help and simply walked into the kitchen area. Fortunately, Janny came over and apologized on my behalf to the people present because I had fallen silent, consumed by shame.

Later that evening, I was finishing my shift, the owner of the Restaurant Mr.Devis requested my presence in his office. Nervous but hopeful, I entered to find the woman sitting beside him, wearing a triumphant smirk.

"Isabella" Mr. Devis began, his tone grave, "I've received some complaints about your performance tonight. It seems there were concerns about your ability to handle the clientele's needs."

I was taken aback, but I understood what was happening. The woman's mockery had led to formal complaints that were now endangering my job.

"I'm sorry," I stammered. "I understand if you're disappointed in me."

He sighed, his expression pained. "I appreciate your efforts, Isabella, but in this industry, customer satisfaction is paramount. I'm afraid we'll have to let you go."

Tears welled up in my eyes as the reality of my situation hit me. I had worked so hard to prove myself but the woman cruel mockery had sealed my fate.

I walked aimlessly down the street, not knowing where I was headed. I had only been at that job for two months, but I was content because I was earning enough to support my school needs. I wiped away the tears that were welling up in my eyes. What I couldn't understand was why they always noticed the mistakes first. Among the thousands of things I did right, they only saw one thing wrong. Maybe that's just the way the world works. I knew I was wrong, but this was too much. That woman humiliated me, and if I were more aggressive, I might have even lashed out, but that's not who I am. I was afraid to confront them because I didn't want my reputation to be tarnished by immature people.

I hailed a passing car to go back to my apartment. I still had work at the bar later, and my best friends were visiting because they wanted to celebrate the birthday of my cousin's boyfriend. They wanted me to take the day off, but I couldn't. We had an upcoming exam, and I needed to pay for the first exam of the semester.

I felt like I hadn't had a break in days with everything that was going on. I wasn't physically tired, but with the events of the day, it felt like a heavy weight had been placed on my shoulders.

I unlocked my phone and scrolled through my social media accounts. I had received several messages from my coworkers at the restaurant, especially from Ate Lily, who was probably regretting taking the day off.

to them right now. Yes, I was disappointed, but it was partly my fault. I just wanted to clear my mind and rest before heading to the bar later.

Chapter 2

I hurriedly entered the bar where I worked, my breath slightly faster from the run. I put on my uniform, which was a bit wrinkled from my dash from the apartment.

The alarm clock had betrayed me earlier because I didn't even hear it go off, so I had enjoyed my sleep. It was my fault too, as I had still gone to bed even though I knew I had work later that night.

Amidst the clinking of glasses and the low hum of conversation, my old friend Carlo spotted me from behind the bar. He flashed me a warm smile, his familiar face a comforting sight in the midst of my slightly frazzled state. He beckoned me over with a wave of his hand, a silent invitation that I gratefully accepted.

"Isabella, it's alright. Don't worry about being late. Just catch your breath and start your shift when you're ready."

"Thank you. I got stuck in traffic, and then my alarm didn't go off." I said as I catching my breath.

As I got closer, I could feel my heart rate gradually returning to normal, and the adrenaline from my rush was slowly subsiding. Carlo's smile was infectious, and for a brief moment, it felt like the reason for my tardiness didn't matter anymore.

"These things happen. Take your time," Carlo added before leaving the bar. Perhaps he had something to attend to because every time I entered the bar, he would step out and not return.

I started to compose myself and got to work. Throughout the evening, I was extremely cautious, which my colleagues found odd. Maybe I was traumatized by what happened earlier, and I hadn't even told Carlo about it. I didn't want to share it because it was embarrassing.

Later that day, after my shift, I decided to meet up with my best friend, Shane, who had been waiting for my shift to end. When I arrived, I noticed Shane sitting at a table with a group of people I didn't recognize. As I approached, my best friend spotted me and waved me over.

"Isabella, come join us!" tumayo ito at lumapit sa akin. Out of curiosity, I began to Question her.

"Hey, Shane! Who are all these people?"

"Oh, this is my cousin, Mike and some of his friends. We bumped into each other, and I thought it would be fun to hang out together. Well, it's my cousin's boyfriend's birthday, so why not right?"

I smile and greet everyone, finding myself quickly warming up to Shena's cousin and his friends

"So, Isabella, what course did you take? You're always mentioned by your best friend here. She almost wants to put up a billboard with your name on it," Shena's cousin teased, her cheeks turning as red as my best friend's. She seemed so proud of me.

"Quiet down, you two. I'm just proud of my best friend. I want to adopt her, but she won't let me," Shena retorted with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"So, Isabella, what are you studying? Maybe I should shift to your course too," Michael, Shena's cousin's friend, jokingly chimed in. He had a few earrings in his ear, and his style was quite appealing.

"I'm taking a Bachelor of Law degree, and I'm already in my third year," I replied. I couldn't help but notice their amazed expressions.

"Wow, that's a great course. If I ever end up in jail, you'll be the first person I'll call," he joked, and I just smiled.

"Sure, but if no one calls from your end, I'll personally put you in jail," I replied, and they all exclaimed in amusement.

As the evening wore on, I realized how late it had gotten. We were outside the bar, waiting for Shena's companions to finish up before heading home. We had been so engrossed in our conversation that I hadn't noticed the time.

"Isabella, it's getting really late. Why don't you come over to my place tonight? It's closer, and you won't have to worry about traveling home at this hour."

I hesitated, feeling grateful for the offer but also a bit unsure. Shena's condo was within walking distance, so we could easily walk there. Since I didn't have work in the morning, I wanted to sleep all day before looking for another job.

"Are you sure? I don't want to intrude," I said, but she brushed it off.

"Nonsense! You're practically family. Come on, it'll be like a sleepover!" she said excitedly, and I couldn't help but smile.

I said goodbye to my coworkers inside the bar and headed to Shena's condo, which was just a short walk away. Once inside, we settled in, changed into comfortable clothes, and reminisced about old times. Shena bounced over to the spot where I was sitting on her bed.

"Remember our high school sleepovers? It's like we're reliving those days," she said, not looking at me, as she hugged her huge pillows.

"Definitely! Thanks for being so understanding, Shena. Today was quite a day," I genuinely said as I prepared to lie down on her bed.

"It's what friends do, Bella. Speaking of friends, our former friend recently met someone on a dating app. It seems she's enjoying the money from her sugar daddy," she said, catching my interest. I had recently learned that many people were becoming sugar babies, which I initially thought was just a trend or a form of entertainment. Still, it seemed like there were many sugar babies out there involved with wealthy individuals. However, I had no intention of pursuing such an arrangement, as it felt like selling my dignity in exchange for financial support.

"Don't even think about trying something like that, Shena. You might end up feeling insecure again," I warned her because she tended to make impulsive decisions when she got into these kinds of situations.

She just smiled sweetly at me. "Of course not! What do you take me for, someone who's after money? Excuse me? I'm rich," she said, rolling her eyes, knowing that I was worried she might do something foolish again.

I sighed deeply and decided to sleep now; we could continue chatting tomorrow. It was already past midnight.

"Okay, I'll sleep now. We can catch up more tomorrow. It's almost 3 AM," I said.

"Sure, babe. Goodnight," she replied as I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.

I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock, which I had placed on top of the cabinet. I turned it off and stretched before getting out of bed. I was used to waking up early in the morning, so even though I had gone to bed late, I still woke up quite early. My mother had trained me to wake up at the slightest sound, so it had become a habit of mine.

I glanced at my sleeping friend, who was still sound asleep. She probably didn't fall asleep immediately, but I didn't want to wake her up since she was still deep in slumber.

I reached for my phone, which was outside my bag, and noticed a notification from an app I didn't remember downloading: "Matchmaker: Dating with a Twist." I hadn't used any dating apps before, so this was unusual.

Out of curiosity, I opened the app and saw that there was no profile picture or information. Instead, there was a message area.

'phantompurse sent you a message'

-'Greetings. Your profile emanates an enigmatic allure that's hard to resist. The way you mention navigating trails and capturing elusive moments through the lens, it hints at a life filled with fascinating stories. Care to share the tale behind your latest adventure?'

The message seemed overly elaborate and well-written. Perhaps this was a foreigner, which would explain the formal English. But why did they mention a profile when I didn't have one?

A new message arrived, and I saw that the sender was online.

-Good morning! I hope you're having a great start to your day. I sent you a message earlier, but it seems it got lost in the depths of the digital sea. 🌊 Or perhaps it's a case of intriguing conversations requiring a little time to simmer? Either way, I'd love to hear about your latest hiking adventure or anything else you'd like to share.

Why was this person so persistent? Well, there was no harm in responding, and I was curious now.

'Good morning! Haha, I appreciate your creative message. Sorry for the delay; sometimes the digital currents do get a bit unpredictable. 😄 But sadly, I've never been on an adventure. I'm currently busy with something that makes my day hectic and full. How about you? Any memorable adventures on your end?'

I quickly hit send, biting my nail nervously.

'Well, I once stumbled upon an abandoned cabin during a hike, hidden deep in the woods. It had an air of forgotten stories, and I couldn't help but wonder about the history behind it. You should be busy by now, I'm sorry for disturbing you.'

I responded promptly, 'No worries! ☺️ I want to hear more adventures from you. You can tell me some if you're not busy yourself?'

- I'd love to. Care to continue this conversation over a virtual cup of coffee sometime? ☕

I shook your head, trying to clear my thoughts. Why was this stranger getting under my skin? It was just a chat, nothing more. I decided not to respond and exited the app. It was tempting to delete the conversation, but I left it there, intrigued by the mysterious stranger's words.

With a shrug, I headed to the bathroom to wash my face. I needed to get back to my apartment and take care of some things before starting my job search again.

Chapter three

I'm busy studying in my apartment because our exams are just a few days away. At the same time, I'm also searching for a job through websites and some local hiring agencies.

I rubbed my temples due to exhaustion, not physical but mental. It had been two days since I lost my job, but it felt like I had been unemployed for months.

I glanced at the wall clock near my study area. It was already five in the afternoon, so I decided to go out and buy dinner from the nearby eatery.

My attention was drawn to the mailbox in front of our gate. Perhaps there was another letter for Nanay Nelya. She received unknown letters, and she didn't know where they came from. Since she had no children and was alone in life, she assumed they were from friends or siblings.

When I reached the mailbox, I hesitated but eventually opened it. I wouldn't have touched it, but I clearly saw the name of the recipient. I was puzzled; who would send me something? My mother usually calls me on my cellphone to check in.

I turned it back and finds a beautifully designed envelope with an elegant script that reads "Exclusive Invitation."

Curiosity mixed with confusion, I opens the envelope, revealing an invitation to an upscale event hosted by the matchmaking service. My eyes widen in disbelief as I reads the content of the invitation. I can't believe that me, a struggling college student, has been invited to such an extravagant event.

As I read the details of the event and the potential benefits of attending, my shock gives way to skepticism. I can't understand why they would select me for such an exclusive opportunity. I thinks about the costs, both financially and time-wise, and wonders if this might be some kind of scam.

Only my best friend could come up with something like this. Shena is rich, and in this situation, she should be the one receiving such an invitation, not me.

Intrigued and bewildered, I decided to call my best friend, hoping to find some clarity about this unexpected invitation. When she answered, I couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed and, most of all, puzzled.

"Hey, did you sign me up for some matchmaking thing?" I asked, my tone filled with disbelief and incredulity.

She didn't respond immediately, which only fueled my frustration. "Oh, you got the invitation! Yeah, I thought it might be a fun opportunity for you. You deserve some excitement in your life."

I was taken aback. "You signed me up for this? Seriously? You know I don't have time for these things. I have bills to pay and exams to study for!" I couldn't help raising my voice. I had no time for this, and besides, I had nothing to wear for the event. I might just embarrass myself.

My best friend chuckled, "Come on, Bella! Just give it a chance. It might be a nice break from all the stress. Who knows, you might even meet someone interesting."

My frustration slowly turned into an exasperated sigh. I realized that Shena had good intentions, but I couldn't help feeling overwhelmed by the idea of adding another thing to my already chaotic life. Yet, a small part of me was also curious about what this event could bring.

As I hung up the phone, I glanced at the invitation again, torn between my responsibilities and the possibility of something new and exciting. I couldn't deny my curiosity about this event.

I glanced at the large mirror inside Shena's condo. I was wearing a deep navy blue cocktail dress that fell just above my knees. The dress had a simple and classic silhouette, gently hugging my figure without being overly revealing. Its neckline was a modest V-neck, adding a touch of femininity without plunging too low.

The dress featured small lace accents on the sides and sleeves, creating a subtle contrast against the rich navy fabric, giving it a textured and dimensional look.

I paired the dress with simple yet sophisticated nude heels. My hair cascaded in loose waves over my shoulders, and I wore a natural makeup look that highlighted my features.

"Wow, you look beautiful. No need for heavy makeup, my friend. You're stunning as you are," Shena complimented me. It was my first time wearing such attire, and I was feeling nervous.

Why did I even agree to attend this event? It would have been fine not to go, but Shena convinced me otherwise. I let out a heavy sigh, feeling the anxiety building up.

"Why do you seem more excited than I am, Shena? You could have gone instead," I said, but she didn't even look at me as we made our way down the building.

"No! This is for you, okay? Besides, I don't need to attend. You need this more," she replied. We entered the elevator since her condo was on the third floor.

"It's okay if I don't attend. What am I supposed to do there? It's my first time, and I don't even have anyone to go with."

Shena turned to me and placed her hand on my shoulder. "Friend, this is an opportunity, okay? Who knows, it might be your first step. And I'm sure you'll make friends there. Nobody can resist talking to you," she said convincingly, and I just smiled in response, sighing at the end.

When the elevator bell rang, we exited and headed outside. We approached a luxurious car, clearly worth a lot, and a man in his mid-40s stood in front of it.

"Hello, is this the car to pick up Isabella Heyes?" Shena took my invitation from my bag and showed it to the man. He nodded and opened the car door for me.

"Take care, my friend. I know you can do this. Alright? Call me when you get back," Shena said one last time before the car door closed.

I sat nervously inside the car, massaging my palms to calm myself. I wasn't sure why I had agreed to this, but I was here now, and there was no turning back.

The ride lasted for several minutes before we came to a stop outside the venue. It was a hotel, towering several floors high, and as far as I knew, it was one of the most expensive ones in the country. I could only catch glimpses of it, not yet having set foot inside.

The driver opened the car door, and I couldn't help but feel anxious. I couldn't shake off the unease I felt until this event was over. Why did I even decide to come here? I've questioned my decision several times.

Walking down the red carpet, my heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The elaborate event was a stark contrast to my usual surroundings, and the elegant crowd made me feel like an outsider. Every careful step in my heels felt like an ordeal, and my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, questioning if I truly belonged here.

The venue's intricate designs were overwhelming, making me feel like I was inside a grand palace. Many eyes were directed my way, which added to my unease. Was there something wrong with my attire? Why were they looking at me?

Suddenly, I tripped on the edge of the carpet, and my heart seemed to somersault in fear as I was about to fall. But before I could hit the ground, a strong hand appeared out of nowhere to catch me. My eyes widened as they met the gaze of the man who had just saved me from falling.

He had a firm grip on my waist. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice exuding reassurance.

"I-I, thank you. I'm o-okay," I stammered, feeling my cheeks flush. I thought he was an angel who had saved me.

A faint smile appeared on his lips as he steadied me completely. "It's quite the glamorous maze, isn't it? Takes a bit of getting used to."

Gradually, my embarrassment began to fade as I calmed down, and I found comfort in his words. "Definitely a change from my usual routine," I admitted with a sheepish grin.

"Well, you're not alone," he chuckled softly. "Shall we navigate this maze together?"

His offer brought a warm feeling to my chest, and I nodded, thankful for his kindness. As we walked side by side, I began to relax, realizing that he was just a person like me and that I wasn't the only one feeling out of place.

Navigating the elegant ballroom, the chandeliers casting a warm glow over the glittering crowd, I still couldn't help but steal glances at him. I could tell he was wealthy from his attire, and he had a strong and confident presence. My cheeks flushed at my own thoughts. Why was I even worrying about such things? After all, I was just here out of curiosity and had no other intentions.

As I sipped wine from a glass, the spotlight suddenly shifted to a grand stage. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to the figure stepping forward, capturing everyone's attention. I strained to see through the crowd, my curiosity growing.

The figure, elegant and composed, began to speak with a voice that carried across the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and potential benefactors, welcome to an evening of serendipity and connection. Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate opulence but to celebrate the beauty of relationships that transcend boundaries. Our matchmaking service believes in bringing together souls seeking authenticity and companionship. Our mission is to provide a platform where people can forge connections that enrich their lives in profound ways. With carefully curated pairings, we aspire to bridge the gap between those who have experienced life's luxuries and those with dreams waiting to be realized."

The speaker's words resonated within me, and my heart raced. The realization hit me like a tidal wave, and I exchanged bewildered glances with a fellow guest.

Suddenly, my best friend's secret decision made sense. This event wasn't just a luxury for the wealthy; it was an opportunity for people like me to find connections that could change our lives. I felt a mix of surprise and gratitude for being given this chance, but was this really meant to be my fate?