Hendrix

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For once, I will stand my ground with my mother's request. I have a plan, and I'm determined to see it through. There's no way I will be engaged again for the fifth time. This time, I will break free from the cycle of arranged marriages.

I will no longer do the dating game or an arranged marriage this time. I want to try the natural way of falling in love. I want to do that. I will take Elle's advice.

I never expected Rosy's house here in Eden to be one of the poorest in my eyes. I anticipated it would be surrounded by beautiful classical architecture, but I was wrong. It seemed like the famous matchmaker in town was living hard.

The willow tree on the side is majestic. It brings a radiance of life to the place. The house was like an old painting that pulled my heart with beautiful memories.

Even though the color fades and some grass grows on the roof's gutter, the house still has a character. It's just that it requires a magic touch to bring out the best of it.

"You are Rosy?" My eyebrows nearly collided. It's hard to believe that she's the one. In my wildest imagination, she's not at all what I expected a matchmaker to look like.

Her appearance was a complete surprise, and I couldn't help but be intrigued. If I were her client, I would choose her over all the candidates she would present to me.

Oh hell, what am I thinking?

We shook hands, and her wonderful, friendly smile sealed me up for an unknown reason. She invited me for a coffee down the patio of the house. The view was not bad. The garden in front of us is adorned with thick bushes and various types of roses along the wooden fence.

"I might look young, but I am really Rosy. Would you like some coffee or tea?" she offered. The electric kettle was nearly boiling. She spun around and was about to add sugar to the cups.

"Black coffee with no tea or sugar for me, please. Thank you," I said just in time before she added a spoonful of sugar to my cup.

"Oh, right. My bad. I should have asked you before making it," she chuckled. And instead of putting the spoonful of sugar in my cup, she added it to hers, making hers two spoonful.

My ears heated as I watched her movement closely. There's something off about her. If she's the real famous matchmaker here in Eden, then she would be precise with everything. Not to mention, she did not ask me first what my coffee was like.

"Here you go. Be careful. It's hot." She smiled and sat down across me.

I cleared my throat before tasting the coffee she made. I smelled it first, and the strong coffee powder smells dominated. I tasted it, and it's not bad, but I always prefer freshly brewed coffee.

"So, what qualities are you looking for a wife?"

My forehead slightly creased. I thought I already had the choices? That's what my mother has told me.

"Haven't you done your research? I thought you already have your candidates for me to choose?" I licked my lower lip.

Her eyes widened a little. "Uhm... I always like to listen to my clients first. It's good to know your preferences rather than me giving you all the options at once. I will only show you the ones that are compatible with you." She twinkled her eyes and avoided my gaze. She picked up her cup and drank it fast.

"But of course, I can also do that! I-It's just that I don't have my records with me. I-I was away." She stammered. Her eyes showcase the brightest smile but are forcibly forced.

"Show me what you got first, then I will choose a few." I cleared my throat, trying to emphasize my demands. It was unintentional because my original plan was to cancel this matchmaking thing. But I changed my mind now. I want to test her. It's hard to believe that she's the matchmaker.

"A few?" There was an insult in the way she let go of her words. I get it. She probably thinks I'm a womanizer. Dammit. 

"Like how many? You only need one wife," she slightly laughed. 

"Yes, that's true. But I can choose from your options, right?"

She looked shocked at me. "True. . ." Confusion and embarrassment were written all over her face.

"You sure you are Rosy?" My brow raised a fraction.

"W-What do you mean? Of course, I'm Rosy!" She burst out laughing. 

"There are only a few people who have seen my face. I don't really show my face to my clients, you know." She lifts her chin, challenging a stare at me.

I scoff in silence and shake my head a little bit. 

It sounded bullshit to me. She's not Rosy. She's not a matchmaker. She's unprofessional and unprepared. There's no way a famous matchmaker in Eden is her.

My lips form thinly. "If you say so..." I slightly smirked. "So, when can you provide them?" I looked at my empty cup and sighed. 

I'm wasting my time here. I came here because I wanted to cancel this matchmaking thing, but when I saw her, I was captivated, and that changed everything. But it's obvious now. She's lying.

"Look, I'm a very busy person, Rosy. It's impossible that you haven't had the list prior to this. Not to mention, my mother met you nearly three months ago." My jaw tightened as I stood up. My eyes bore into her almond eyes. She's very attractive. It was my first time looking into a woman's eyes intently, and I wouldn't lie—I got captivated by her that easily. 

Her eyes twinkled, and her lips parted a little bit.

"Uhm. . ." 

"I'll give you two days, and you can contact me again," I cut her off. She seemed flustered by that. I then fished out my business card from my pocket and placed it on the table.

"Provide me with the best candidates around Dalton and Castleburgh in two days, and I will not ask for the deposit back. Then, let's talk again," I said and walked away.

Surely, looks can be deceiving. If you believe it, it will consume you alive. 

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c.m .louden

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