Louise Rose

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I managed to cook the family recipe Rosy had for years. With fresh ingredients from our garden, I baked and grilled a chicken. I also made a few side dishes and salads. When I finished, the doorbell rang, and my heart beat fast. I know it was him.

"Hello, just in time!" I conveyed as I welcomed Hendrix inside.

His manly, fresh scent lingered in my nostrils as he stepped inside. I shut the door quickly, and my eyes followed him. He's wearing a black leather jacket, ripped jeans, and cowboy boots. He looks incredibly attractive, making it hard for me to breathe.

Calm down, Louise. It's not a date! It's just a formality between a client and her temporary boss. That's it and nothing else.

"Flowers?" He beamed as he handed me the flowers.

"T-Thank you..." I don't know if I will be disappointed or impressed, as I quickly noticed these flowers were not from a typical shop. They were hand-picked with different varieties, and the freesias in the middle smelled so good. They look stunning compared to the flowers I sell in the shop.

"My mother picked them for you," he said, removing his leather jacket. He put it on the back of the chair.

I blinked fast. 

His mother picked this for me? Why?

"Oh, thank you," I stammered and quickly turned away from him. It felt like my heartbeat climbed up to my neck.

Heck.

Hendrix followed me to the kitchen, and his eyes surveyed the place. I managed to hide a few picture frames of Rosy and me. There was nothing much in this house anyway, as Rosy doesn't do decorations. There are a few awards and graduation photos of me, and they're on top of the old piano.

I found an empty vase and quickly arranged the flowers. I smiled as I looked at it, appreciating the beauty.

"Are you living here alone?" He asked behind me.

"Uhm, yes, for now." I opened the oven and pulled out the baked trout in rosemary and butter. It smelled delicious, and I hoped it would taste just as good. I placed it in the center of the table.

"Smells good," he complimented.

"Yeah. I hope it tastes good." I hide the twist of my lips.

"Sit down and make yourself comfortable." I smiled, and he nodded.

I only grabbed a few things, like our glasses and drinks, and that's it.

Everything was already set up on the table, and Hendrix waited for me with a calm and friendly gaze. I hate establishing a friendly relationship with him, but since he is my client, I will try to be civil.

"Thank you for the food, Rosy," he said and paused a little bit before we started. He smells its aroma first before putting the food into his mouth.

I swallowed hard as I watched him, feeling nervous. I wait for his compliment, regardless of whether it is positive or negative.

"Hmm, nice flavors, and the texture of the fish is not bad. I love it."

"Really? That's good to know." I felt relaxed after hearing that. "It's a family recipe I learned from my Aunty Rosy," I said out of the blue without even thinking and started eating. Hendrix was right. It's cooked to perfection.

"Aunty Rosy?"

My eyes widened a little fraction, and I quickly raised my chin to see him.

Oh great! Why did I say that? I'm not supposed to say anything about my aunt.

"Y-Yes. . . M-My Aunty Rosy. She's got the same name as me." I faked a smile and started to feel worried.

Now, I have to make a story to make up for everything. I don't think it's going to be a big deal. Hendrix doesn't seem to care anyway. He is not interested in me. I'm the last person on his list in the world. That's right!

"That's a—good coincidence?" he chuckled as he continued eating. He didn't seem interested anyway.

I shrug my shoulders. "Not it's not. We really have the same name." I acted cool. This is the least I could do without suspension.

He shook his head and continued eating. "Okay. I believe you."

I sighed in silence. For real, I want him to go home now, but I don't want to be rude. He is Aunty Rosy's client, after all. How long will I play along with him? Yeah, right. I lost the best, and I still owe him that. That was stupid.

After a quiet dinner, I served dessert on the house's balcony, which faces the wide farm on the other end. Despite the late hour, the daylight savings allowed us to still see outside.

"Any plans you want to do for your third date? Do you need me to be there? I choose not to be around so you can concentrate on your date and not on me."

He chuckled and rested his back on the balcony's rail. "And what made you think that I'm thinking of you, Rosy?" he shook his head, and his eyes still bore in me.

I twisted my lips. "I know you're not fond of me, Hendrix, and I'm not to you either. This is your decision when choosing a wife. I don't think my presence is important. I can't be with you through all your dates."

"You're breaking the rules, Rosy. That was our agreement."

I felt a lump in my chest, and I could no longer smile at him. I wasn't smiling in the first place!

"I can't join you on your third date. My auntie needs me," I sighed. "Although it's not a major operation, I want to be around Rosy when they operate her eyes."

"Okay, that's fine. I will see you in the fourth one. Is there anything you need for your aunt that I can help with?" He looks at me with concern.

"No. Nothing. Everything is all under control." I smiled. 

He nodded. "I deposited the payment this morning." 

"Oh, you did? I don't need it yet, but thank you."

"That's alright. After all, you are my matchmaker, Rosy." He discloses, giving me an alarming smile. 

***

Saxe Hendrix

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My observation was quick. Rosy has been living with her aunt, but her aunt is now living in care.

The dinner she made was delightful and light, and we shared a calming conversation on the balcony of the old house while savoring our dessert. Rosy's pudding takes me back to my grandmother's recipe. It has a nostalgic flavor that evokes cherished memories. I find a certain comfort in the meal Rosy prepared today. 

"What's up, Xav?" I smiled as I answered his phone call.

Today is another day, and early as everything, I have canceled all my dates for now. I don't want to waste my time going out. Although I haven't told Rosy yet, I will keep her under control. I want to have some fun with her.

My mother is already aware that I am interested in someone else. I visited and informed her yesterday. I had already set my sights on someone else, and I believe dating would not be effective.

She was delighted and eagerly anticipated meeting her. She even selected fresh flowers from her garden for me to bring.

"I heard you've made a decision. Your mother called me yesterday, inquiring about the new girl her son is interested in?" 

I coughed a little bit. My coffee almost spilled out of my mouth. I shook my head and wiped my mouth. 

"And you met her in Dalton? What the heck are you plotting, Hendrix?" he chuckled.

"I know your mother is desperate. My parents were once desperate, too, but I handled my affairs neatly until I found my wife. Now,  before everything turns into a roller coaster, you better tell me what's going on?" 

I can't help but laugh. "Don't worry, Xav. Rosy doesn't belong in the mafia world. She doesn't have that background." I shook my head and composed myself. 

This is getting interesting. I never thought that my mother was this eager. 

"Oh, so it was Rosy? The one you want me to investigate, right?"

"Yes. . ." My lips formed a thin line as I spun to check my surroundings. 

"Is that right?" he laughed. "Guess what? Your matchmaker is not Rosy, after all, Hendrix. . . She's Rosy's niece, and her name is Louise Rose."

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On my goodnovel page this story was on Chapter 60 already and still ongoing :) The story is under 'The Billionaire's Substitute Bride.' That book cover has two stories :) so, just scroll down the chapters until you find this one. Thanks.