And each time... failure.
It wasn't just that Craig Clifford was cold.
It was that he never wanted to melt.
He never complained about the people.
He never blamed me.
He simply returned-sometimes after weeks, sometimes after months-sat in the chair, and said the same thing:
"Next."
I have matched CEOs, athletes, introverts, extroverts, artists, engineers-everyone.
But Craig?
Craig remained unmatched.
Unmatchable.
A mystery wrapped in silence.
---
BACK TO THE PRESENT
Now, eight years later, the man who ruined more profiles than I can count is sitting in my office... on the day I retire.
Of all days.
He watches me with that same unreadable expression-eyes that give nothing, posture that reveals nothing, presence that somehow fills the entire room.
I clear my throat.
"Um... Craig. You-uh-you didn't book an appointment."
"I know." His voice is the same deep monotone. "You weren't answering calls."
"I was celebrating my retirement," I say, trying not to sound tired. "Today was my last client meeting. I was actually signing the final documents."
His jaw tightens slightly.
Not emotion-just acknowledgment.
Then he says something I never expected to hear from him.
"Help me. Just... once more."
I blink.
Did Craig Clifford-the man allergic to human conversation-just ask for help?
"You want a match?" I confirm, stunned.
He nods once. "One last attempt."
I lean back, staring at him. "Craig... we've been at this for eight years. Eight. Years. I tried everything. You don't talk, you don't open up, you don't-you don't even try to meet people halfway. And now you want another match? On my last day?"
He doesn't move. Doesn't blink.
He just says, "Yes."
I could scream. I could cry. I could throw my retirement forms in the air.
But instead, I pinch the bridge of my nose. "Craig, why? What changed?"
A long silence fills the room.
And for the first time in eight years... I see something small shift behind his eyes.
Not emotion.
But... intention.
He leans forward slightly.
Not enough to invade space-just enough to make it clear he means what he's about to say.
YOU ARE READING
When Fate Steps In
Romance"She's a matchmaker. He's her impossible client. But when she becomes the only person he'll talk to... things get complicated." ---------------- Evona Charmante has spent ten years mending hearts that were never her own...
CHAPTER 1 - PART 1 & 2
Start from the beginning
