Chapter 2

    I borrowed money from my mom and wasn't sure if I could pay her back. As I got to the bus station, I quickly got on the bus so I wouldn't miss my important appointment. Mr. Thomas took a lot of my time by standing in the doorway. As the bus started its journey, I sat in the comfortable backseat and worried about what would happen if my work didn't get attention.

I was going to Blackwood's Enterprises, a big art gallery that has an art festival every year. The festival was only two months away, and I wanted to show my talent there. They invited painters from all over to compete for a great opportunity. On their website, they said the artist with the best painting would not only have their artwork displayed at the festival but also get 5 million dollars and a job offer from the company.

This opportunity was really important to me, and I knew many other people wanted it too. A lot of contestants would be there, all trying to make a big impression. But only three would win: the first, second, and third place. The competition would be tough, and there was a lot at stake.

I was really excited and nervous at the same time. My eyes were twitching because of the nerves, which is something that has bothered me since a bad incident in the past. I looked out the window, hoping the fresh air would calm me down. I held my portfolios tightly against my fast-beating heart, feeling determined.

Suddenly, I was standing in front of Blackwood's Enterprises. The company name was displayed in fancy black writing with gold accents. I gasped at the size of the building. It was like a huge skyscraper that made me feel small and amazed. I wondered how many floors it had.

I checked my watch and was relieved to see that I was an entire hour early. The presentation was supposed to start at 9:30, so being on time gave me some comfort amidst my anxious thoughts.

I took a deep breath and made sure I looked smart before going inside, trying not to feel nervous. When I reached the receptionist, I said hello.

"Good morning," I said.

"Good morning," she said back. "How can I help you?" She asked without looking up from her work.

"I'm here to participate in the art gallery competition," I replied. 

She stopped what she was doing and stared at me, examining how I looked, before going back to her work. I thought to myself, 'What's her problem?' Now I was definitely angry. I waited for about 5 minutes before she finally responded to me.

"Go left and use the elevator to go to the 5th floor. Someone will be there to show you the way." 

I nodded and followed the instructions without saying "thank you." I didn't think she deserved it. How dare she treat me poorly and waste my time. I could have been late, but luckily I wasn't.

"You know, she could have withdrawn from the competition because of the trick you just pulled," I whispered to myself as I entered the elevator and pressed the button for the 5th floor. At first, I felt anxious, but then I remembered that she was just the receptionist and didn't have that kind of authority.

"But she still works here," I thought again. "Even if she doesn't have the power to remove you from this competition, she can still make it difficult for you,". I thought it was correct, but I decided to ignore it. The receptionist could make my experience unpleasant or throw obstacles at me. I was prepared for that. I didn't expect to be in this situation in the first place.

The elevator made a sound to indicate that I had reached my destination, and I stepped out to find myself in a room filled with over a hundred participants. It seemed like I wasn't the only one who really needed this job. I looked up and saw the words displayed on a large, flat screen in front of us. The text was bold and italicized, with a captivating font.

It said:

"Welcome to this year's art competition at the gallery. Good luck to all the participants, and may the three best ones win." I thought it was a message from the CEO, Andres Blackwood. He's one of the youngest CEOs in the world and many women, including myself, find him attractive. I won't deny it. He's incredibly good-looking, especially with his bright blue eyes that can make any woman fall for him. I hope I get to catch a glimpse of him during the competition, even if it's just for a moment. I started walking towards an empty seat in the front. I don't like sitting at the back anyway.

"I'm glad the receptionist didn't give us the wrong directions or we might have been late," my inner thoughts whispered. I agreed with that idea, and then I looked around to see some people talking to each other. Suddenly, I felt lonely, but maybe it was better that way.

After a while, a young and beautiful lady, who seemed to be in her mid-twenties, entered the room. She looked elegant and walked gracefully. I think she was there to speak to us. Her face was expressionless, like a robot, as she loudly instructed everyone to be completely silent. The whole room became as quiet as a graveyard.

I thought to myself, "She seems very strict" as I looked at her carefully. She was wearing a tight dress that showed off her body shape. I felt a little jealous but ignored the feeling. She had long brown hair like mine and eyes that were a mix of brown and green. She had a beautiful body and a charming face. Her hands were crossed over her chest and she walked confidently in high heels towards the front where the projector was. I heard people gasping and whispering compliments about her beauty and confidence. I couldn't blame them, because even I was amazed. I wondered, "Who is she?"

•••

Andres' POV 

   I hit my desk with my fists really hard because I was very angry. My assistant and my brother were both standing in front of me and they got scared. 

I looked at my assistant, Rebecca, and yelled angrily, "Are you saying you can't find a suitable girl for this contract?" I was really mad and Rebecca was trembling. 

"Bro, calm down," my younger brother Derek said. I turned to glare at him, but he didn't back down. "I think it's a good idea. Maybe it's just not meant to happen," he added. I sighed and put my aching forehead on my hand.

"I'm really sorry, Mr. Blackwood, for letting you down," Rebecca said in a nervous voice. I didn't pay much attention to her apology because I was thinking about what to do next. However, my brother had different plans. He's always chasing after women.

"It's alright," he comforted Rebecca, as if she needed comforting. But she ignored him and called my attention instead. That's one thing I appreciate about my assistant. She's quick at her job, keeps things professional, and she's the only girl I've seen who doesn't pay any attention to Derek's flirting.

Even Claire falls for it, but not Rebecca. This only makes Derek more determined to win her over with his charm someday. However, that day hasn't come in the past three years. In fact, she avoids him even more.

"Excuse me?" She called, sounding unsure, and Derek groaned because she didn't seem interested in him. I lifted my head and smirked.

"Yes, Rebecca," I replied. "Is there something wrong?" I asked gently, my anger and the reason for my anger now forgotten. I think Rebecca noticed because she let out a sigh of relief before finally speaking.

"I have an idea to solve your problem," she said aloud, and I immediately focused all my attention on her.

"What is it?" I asked, now completely focused on her. Surprisingly, Derek was also paying attention. He had shifted from his flirtatious mood to a serious one.

"Sir, I think the answer is pretty simple. Do you need a woman for a contract?" she asked, and I nodded with a confused expression, wondering where she was going with this.

"Sir, on the 5th floor, there are thousands of women there for the competition," she explained, and I nodded, understanding her point.

"Why don't you choose one of them for your contract, or even better, interview some that you might find interesting?" She suggested. I nodded, agreeing with her suggestion and a smile appeared on my face. I thought this girl was really smart, but Derek clearly had a different opinion.

"No," he growled, startling Rebecca. "This is not a good plan, brother," he said, turning to face me.

"Why not?" I was curious to hear his answer, but I ended up being disappointed. Oh well.

"Brother," he called with a serious expression, no longer playful. "The women on the second floor are not suitable for you, both in terms of your taste and your standards," he added, causing Rebecca to give him a disgusted look.

"And how do you know they don't match his preferences?" She argued, and he gave her an angry look in response.

"I'm confident that I understand my brother's preferences better than his secretary, who clearly gives bad advice," he said.

"I actually think that was good advice," I said, and Derek looked at me with disappointment. He was mistaken if he thought I would support him.

"Thank you, sir," Rebecca acknowledged, wearing a triumphant smile before turning to Derek with a frowning face. That girl can easily switch emotions, which is one of the qualities I admire about her.

"Moreover," she began, facing Derek, "it's not a lifelong contract, but only for a year or two. I believe Mr. Blackwood can handle himself during that time." She explained.

"And what about the class?" he asked. "Remember, money can't buy class," he said, making fun of it. 

However, Rebecca just smiled smugly instead.

"But training can," she corrected him, grinning. Derek's mocking expression turned instantly into an angry and defeated one. Seeing that Rebecca was winning the argument, he turned to me hoping to change my mind. Unfortunately for him, I had already made up my mind.

"Brother, please listen to me," he begged. "Don't go through with this," he said, but I just sighed and relaxed in my swivel chair. I turned around to face the window, looking outside and enjoying the view.

"You know I've already decided, Derek," I reminded him, and I could picture the disappointed look on his face and Rebecca's triumphant grin. Those two were always at each other's throats, like cats and mice.

"Rebecca," I called out.

"Mr. Blackwood," she quickly responded.

"Tell Miss Peterson that I'll be joining everyone on the 5th floor in the next 10 minutes, no later," I commanded, turning to face both her and my surprised brother. I almost wanted to laugh at his expression, but I held it in. Because of that, I turned away from the beautiful view outside. Rebecca nodded professionally and excused herself to deliver my message.

"Brother," he called as I picked up some documents I had been signing earlier to finish them.

"Yes," I replied, not bothering to look up at him or else I wouldn't be able to contain my laughter at his expression.

"You never go to the 5th floor during the annual art gallery competition," he said, more like reminding me. I suppose he thinks I forgot.

"I know, Derek, but this year's competition is going to be different," I said, and he gasped. "Besides, don't you think it's time for a change?" I mischievously asked, and he just sighed before looking away, smart enough to know that whatever he said wouldn't change my mind. I smiled as I observed his angry expression, finding it amusing, and then wondered who among the contestants would be my new bride.