Chapter 2

Engagement /in-ˈgāj-mənt/

Noun. Emotional involvement or commitment.

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CELINE WESTWOOD POV.

Things never go well, when we’re near each other. Our relationship isn’t a “hate and love” relationship because there is no love between us. That word doesn’t even exist when it comes to Lucian and me.

I haven’t spoken to that man in years. I get angry just thinking about what happened the last time we saw each other at his father’s retirement party.

That devil had the nerve to call me a spoiled heiress in front of his friends. Claiming that every expensive thing I have is always paid for by my parents. Like the big house, I live in, the fancy car that I drive, amazing clothes, and expensive jewelry that I own.

None of those things were even close to being true!

I’m the one that paid for all of those things. None of the things I buy are from my parents. The house, cars, and other possessions I have today are all things that I buy with my money. I don’t understand how sweet parents like his, can give birth to a devil-like him.

His face has been plastered all over the tabloids on many occasions. Pictures of him having women draped over him on yachts, in hotel rooms, and clubs can be easily found both on the internet and off. I immediately throw away every magazine every time I see his disgusting face on it.

If I was ever hesitant to turn down this potential client, I am certainly going to turn it down now. I do not want anything to do with Lucian, and matching Iris with that man would be a massive mistake.

It would be idiotic to take this job.

I open my mouth to voice my thoughts.

“Now before you say no, let me tell you the reason why I’m telling you this to begin with,” Bethany quickly added. Unaware of the tiny amount of time, my thoughts had strayed away.

“Miss. Alderson you know my policy,” I reminded her.

I do not do matches with anyone that has a history of cheating.

Even though Lucian has never technically cheated on a woman, due to the fact of having never been in a committed relationship in order for “cheating” to happen in the first place. There have been multiple accounts when he was seen having an affair with women who were in a relationship.

“How many times, do I have to tell you to call me Bethany?” Bethany asked in a rhetorical tone with a hint of annoyance.

I shook my head even though she couldn’t see me. I didn’t miss the fact that she emphasized her first name to me. I never call my clients by their first name. It’s good to have a good relationship with them, but I like to keep my relationships professional.

“Other than that, I know your rules.” She replied. “You don’t do matches with anyone that has a history of cheating.”

I nodded. “Have you ever heard of the saying, Once a cheater always a cheater?”

“I know right!?” Bethany rhetorically shouted. A disappointed sigh soon followed, on the other side of the line. “I told Iris that, but she did not budge. She’s close to falling into depression, because of how much pain she feels when she sees him with another woman in the tabloids. I’m worried that she might do something crazy, that she’ll regret.”

I’m sure that Iris isn’t the only woman in the world that feels hurt whenever they see Lucian with another woman. A lot of women love him and most of these fans of his were women. He’s extremely popular with them.

Except me.

Not me.

I hate that man.

Not wanting to dwell on this any longer, I get straight to the point. “Miss. Alderson, I am sorry but I will not match those two.” A firm tone in my voice.

She sighed in disappointment. “Is there anything I can do to change your mind?”

“No,” I replied.

She sighed, “Okay.”

I nod, even though she couldn’t see me. Glad that she is giving up on this topic. Wanting to shut down this topic, I lie, “Good. Now I have to leave-,”

Bethany interrupted me, “Sometimes, I forget that you have another job and this is all a secret.”

“A secret I intend to keep just that. A secret,” I emphasized the last word.

“Yes, I know,” Bethany, replied in a dismissive tone.

“Good.” I nod. “I really do have to go,” I lied. Congratulations again, on your engagement, and I’m extremely happy for you.”

“Okay,” she pouted. “And thank you Celine!” she added in a lighter tone. Happy about her engagement.  

“Goodbye Miss. Alderson,” I reply.

“Call me Bethany!” She playfully shouted. “Bye Celine.”

I end the phone call and put my cell down on the desk in front of me. Luckily, she had called my work cell when I just got home. I always tried to avoid calls that pertained to my matchmaking job, whenever I’m not home. You never know who’s listening to your conversation. This is why I only answer these calls at home, or in my car. 

Closing my eyes, I sigh in exhaustion at the long day I had and lean back in my chair. I rub the temples of my forehead at the oncoming headache.

“Knock knock,” said a light voice coming from the door.

“Leave me alone,” I groaned.

Without having to open my eyes, I already know who is on the other side.

Light laughter was sent back. “Open the door, before I call your mom and tell her about the time you snuck out of your room in high school, to go to Bobby Wills house party.”

I quickly flew out of my chair at the threat and ran to the door, quickly opening it.

A tall

A beautiful tall tan-colored Filipina woman with long black hair and big black doe eyes greeted me with a victorious smirk. Her eyebrow raised and chin stuck up, “That’s what I thought,” she said in a smug tone.

“You play dirty Al,” I said in distaste.

She laughed. Waving her hand in a dismissive action, unfazed with my reaction.

“Well, thou shalt not ignore your best friend.” She said in a teasing tone. She walked towards the seat in front of my desk and sat down. Gesturing to my office chair behind my desk she nodded her head to it.

Everyone meet my best friend.

Althea Domingo.

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Author's Note: Hi everyone! I got these words located before the POV and the definition of the word from www.merriam-webster.com. If it is the wrong definition of the word, don't hesitate to let me know. Thank you for reading my book! Hope you enjoyed it and have a great day!