The Matchmaker

Prologue

People are like puzzles – individually and as a couple. You need to find the right pieces so that when put together, they fit perfectly. And I like puzzles.

Hi, I'm Antoinette Beau. I'm 28 years old and currently working two jobs. My first job is as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesiologist on weekdays. On weekends, my second job is as a professional matchmaker – legally, that is.

Yes, you read that right. Isa akong matchmaker – I'm one of those whom Cupid has given his magic powers to help single people find their lifelong partners.

How on earth did I get this job? And is it really real?

Well, based on the 10 successful marriages I've helped create, this job is real – and it pays real money too. How did I get in? My friends started the business, sweetheart. Alam mo na kung paano ako nakapasok.

Having two demanding jobs sounds crazy, I know. But hey, as long as it's fun and brings in good money, it's worth the exhaustion. Hindi ko nga din alam kung paano ko kinakaya eh. I barely get 6 hours of sleep! That's insane! Salamat nalang talaga sa mga Korean and Japanese supplements na binibigay ng isa sa mga colleagues ko. I still look like someone who sleeps 8 hours a day, works from home, and has a Pilates schedule every other day.

Yes, nakakapagod ang lifestyle na pinili ko. But this is the only way I know how to distract myself.

"Hey, Annie." A familiar voice called, pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked up and saw one of my best friends – and co-founder of this company – Krista Rodriguez.

I smiled at her. "Hey, what's up?"

"I just wanted to congratulate you on your 11th successful match – that's your 3rd successful transaction this year!" Krista said excitedly. I stood up and hugged her, muttering a thank you.

"Aaaww omg, Krissy thank you so much!" I said as I let go of the hug.

"Tumawag kasi kanina si Mr. Ludwig, and he wanted to extend his gratitude to our team – mostly to you dahil he really really loved the woman you matched him with this time," Krista said.

"Of course he'll love her! The woman Annie paired him with is exactly what he described! Parang magkabiyak na buko lang!" our workmate Louisa added as she sets her coffee on the desk next to mine. She winked at me before heading to her own workspace.

"Exactly! And that's all thanks to you, Ms. Antoinette Beau – our very own Puzzle Weaver!" Krista said. "At salamat din dahil sa 'yo, our company's ratings just went up 10% over the past year!" she added with a squeal.

I smiled and giggled at Krista's bubbly excitement. She's always been this cheerful, even back when we were nursing students in college.

"Kris, I just did my job – that's all," I told her.

"And? Does that mean your achievements don't deserve to be celebrated? Yes, they dooo!" she insisted. "At dahil diyan, let's go party tonight! At Jazz House – my treat!"

I should have known. Krista is the kind of friend who celebrates every win, big or small, with a party. We've done this countless times since we first met in college.

"Kris, I'm on call tonight. I can't risk drinking," I laughed as I sat back at my desk and started opening client emails and inquiries.

Krista perched on the edge of my table. "You said it yourself – you're 'on call.' That means there's a chance there won't be any emergency operations tonight –"

"And if there are? What if I don't show up? I could get sued for negligence."

"But what if there aren't any emergencies?" she argued.

"Omg Krista, you're not going to let this go, are you?" I laughed and sighed knowingly. This woman never gives up until she gets her way.

"You bet I won't! Plus, all the girls are free tonight – I already called them, and they're totally in. So –"

"Wait. So you already planned this night out without asking me first?" I cut her off, shifting my gaze from my screen to her.

"Of course! And if you don't come, it'll be such a waste. This might be the last time we're all together for a while. So come on, sige na please? Just call the hospital and let them know."

"Krista, it's not that simple – there's a whole schedule to work around –"

"I'll call Joshua to cover for you," Krista interrupted. Joshua Rodriguez is her twin brother, also a CRNA at my hospital – and one of the best at what he does.

I looked into her hazel eyes and sighed in defeat.

"I can't really say no, can I?" I said. She just grinned.

"Fine, I'll go," I conceded. Krista jumped off my table, whispering "yes!" and clapping with joy.

"I just need to call Joshua and my sisters to let them know," I said.

"Do what you need to do, babe. I'll tell the girls!" she called back as she walked toward her office.

"Tell Joshua for me too!" I shouted just before she went inside. She nodded and gave me a thumbs up.

I slumped back in my swivel chair and stared at the third email I'd opened that day. The subject line read: "To the matchmaker who ruined my engagement." Wait, what?!

I furrowed my brows and read the title again and again. Is this a prank?! Seryoso ba 'to?!

"Ang aga-aga stressed ka na agad ah." Louisa said as she leaned back in her chair, sipping her coffee while still looking at her screen.

Louisa Santillan is one of my closest colleagues. She's been with the company since day one – four years now. She's two years older than me and carries herself with wonderful poise. She's married, though – not that there's anything wrong with that. It just amuses me how a woman married to one of the country's wealthiest men chooses to work – and not just at any job, but at a dating company.

Louisa is kind, unlike some of the other women here. She's smart and sophisticated – you can immediately tell she moves in high society.

I turned to her and smiled. "Funny you say that. Someone just emailed me something..." I said. She looked at me with confusion.

I bit my lower lip and turned my screen toward her. She sat up straight as she read the subject line, then looked at me with shock and concern.

"Annie, is this real?" Her voice was worried.

I shrugged. "Maybe it's a prank from one of my unsuccessful matches? I don't know..." I said as I turned my monitor back to face me.

"Annie, this is NOT a prank. He says he wants you dead."

"What?!" I spun around to look at her. Dead? Who?!

"I didn't just read the subject line – I looked at the content. You know what, 'wag mo nalang basahin muna – just leave it be. We need to report this to the police," she said. But I didn't listen.

I quickly read through the entire email, and my body went cold. I really did ruin someone's engagement.

I'd paired a woman who was already engaged – without knowing it – with another man, and now they're engaged too!

Oh fuck...

"Annie!" I looked up to see Krista calling me.

"Joshy said yes! Just call him and your sisters to confirm the shift change, okay?" She smiled before heading back to her office.

I managed a small smile, then went back to reading the email on my screen.

This can't be happening. Mr. Ludwig just took someone else's fiancée – and it's all my fault!

"Shit."

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