Chapter 3

Carmen's POV 

     There was a very pretty lady standing in front of us on a raised platform that I didn't notice at first. I couldn't stop looking at her face and attractive body. But let me clarify, I'm not a lesbian. I'm just admiring her beauty like one would appreciate something beautiful that the lord created.

"Good morning everyone," she finally greeted us with a serious tone, and we all responded to her greeting.

"My name is Miss Peterson," she introduced herself, and I'm sure you all know why you're here," she said, almost like she was asking, and we all nodded. Well, I did because some people said "yes."

"That's good because if you don't know, please leave. This isn't a place for games," she added, and people started whispering as some began to comment on how rude she was behaving.

Well, they weren't completely right or completely wrong. She was just doing her job, so it's necessary for her to be strict.

"But not too strict," my annoying subconscious said, and I immediately ignored it. I didn't want sarcastic comments right now.

"Are those murmurs I hear?" she asked, and surprisingly, or maybe unsurprisingly, there was immediate silence. I continued to look at her, but made sure she didn't notice. I glanced around and saw flyers being handed out to all the contestants. When I received one, I looked at it and realized it contained the same information we saw on the websites.

"As you all know," she began, "Blackwood's annual art gallery competition has been happening for a long time. Every year, three winners are chosen." She explained, and we all listened carefully.

"So the question is, who will win this year? She asked, and almost everyone eagerly raised their hands. Miss Peterson looked at us for a moment before continuing.

"I can see that everyone wants to win, but not everyone will. Some will fail. I understand that everyone wants to be chosen, but not everyone will be selected. Some will be left out," she explained, and a silence fell over the room, with only her voice being heard.

"Okay!" I thought. "That was too harsh to say to anyone."

"But it's the truth," my inner voice whispered. I groaned internally, afraid to express it openly in case I was reprimanded for being strict and straightforward. Why were my inner thoughts always in opposition to me?

"Like I said before, may the best person win," she said. Her voice caught my attention again. I realized I had completely stopped paying attention during her speech and missed some important words. I started to worry that those words might have been crucial. I looked around to see if there was anyone I could ask for help, but I decided to wait until after her presentation.

It seemed like she was finished now. I thought to myself, and suddenly a man dressed in black with black goggles hurriedly approached her and whispered something in her ear. Her expression changed quickly, but then returned to normal just as fast.

"Was she a robot?" I wondered. She nodded in response to the man's words, and he quickly left. She turned to face all of us, standing silently for a minute or so before finally speaking and putting an end to our suspense. I was especially eager to know what the man had told her that made her show some expression, even though it disappeared quickly.

"Mr. Blackwood will show up at the art gallery competition today in 15 minutes," she told us, and I felt excited butterflies in my stomach. I would finally see the handsome prince in person. I was so flexible that I managed to get a seat in the front row when I arrived. I would have the perfect view of him.

Then I heard people whispering, which made me wonder if Mr. Blackwood had never appeared in the art gallery competition before. It didn't take long for me to find the answer when I overheard a woman whispering to her friend.

"I can't believe Mr. Blackwood will be here at this year's competition."

"I don't understand either. He never does that, except on the day of the celebration since he became the CEO," her friend replied. I understood why Ms. Peterson, the robot, was almost having a heart attack with her shocked expression. It was truly surprising. But then, I wondered why this year, my year, was an exception.

"Maybe it's God granting your wish," my inner voice whispered, and this time I agreed eagerly. I couldn't wait for the next 15 minutes to catch a glimpse of him, and I think the other contestants were also excited because they were all talking quietly.

After waiting for what felt like a long time, or at least it felt that way because I was getting impatient, another man in a black suit and black sunglasses hurried up to Miss Peterson and whispered something in her ear. I knew he was different from the previous man who had come earlier because he was a bit shorter. Anyway, right after he whispered to her, he quickly left.

Miss Peterson turned to us and asked, "Did I see nervousness?" I wondered what she meant.

"Quiet," she commanded, and everything immediately became silent. I guessed he was on his way, and I couldn't be more excited to see him.

"Now I want all of you to please stand up and welcome our kind-hearted, charming CEO of this amazing company," she praised, and there was a loud applause as my prince charming walked in.

"Oh my God," I whispered as he entered the room and walked towards the podium with a smile. His smile could melt the hearts of thousands of ladies, including mine. The media didn't even capture his true beauty.

He looked even more handsome in person.

•••

ANDRES' POV 

  I could feel the waves of nervousness coming from the women in front of me. And that shifted to admiration and not to brag, instant crush. I know I usually have that kind of effect on women so this should be easy. 

"I guess your advice wasn't so bad," I said, which made Rebecca roll her eyes.

“I don't want to spend so much time here. I have other important things to do so I’m just going to take my pick and get this over with”. I told her. It’s annoying enough that I have to come here myself. I don’t want to waste any more time than I have, already. 

“You can't just leave like that though. I suggest that you say a few words to them and during that time, you can scan the crowd. Maybe your eyes will find something you'd specially like. Or, I can do that for you while you address them. I already have some in mind”. She knows my type of women I like but that doesn't mean I'm going to leave this to her hands. I trust her but I have something in mind too. 

I went up on the stage while Rebecca and Derek stayed down.

"Mr. Blackwood," Miss Peterson came to greet me, and I nodded at her with a smile. She left the central stage for me so I can address the ladies in front of me and if I’m being honest, I do have a lot of options. 

I quickly went through the little speech I prepared on my way in so as to encourage them and whatnot.

I saw that everyone was talking amongst themselves during my speech whenever I mention something funny or captivating except for a small girl in front who kept staring at me. When our eyes met, she looked shocked and quickly looked down at the ground. I couldn't help but smile at how cute she was. I also noticed that she was nervous, fidgeting with her fingers. She slowly lifted her head to steal a glance at me, thinking I wasn't watching, but then quickly looked away again, trembling. I realized that I was genuinely smiling, not just putting on a fake smile like I had been doing all morning.

She was really adorable. I reminded myself mentally to ask Rebecca to bring me her file when I got back to the office. Miss Peterson guided me to a chair, and although she leaned over slightly to show me her cleavage, I wasn't interested because I had spotted something more captivating.

She had long brown hair like Miss Peterson, but hers was even prettier and fuller. Her green eyes were really striking. Her lips were plump and had a shiny pink color. Her cheeks were full and chubby. She was so cute. She'd be perfect for what I need a woman for. Even though she looks like she's barely of age, I'm sure she's grown enough since our requirements include that they must be of legal age.

I gestured to Rebecca who leaned down a little to hear what I had to say. “ Her. Have her in my office immediately after this meal”. She seemed surprised at my choice since she didn't pick me out to be someone who goes for extremely petite women.

“Are you sure?”. The look I gave her was enough for her to know I wasn’t joking about it. She nodded and made a note in her pad.

The meal passed quickly and I thanked all of them for coming before heading back to my office. Less than twenty minutes later, I heard a knock on the door. It had to be Rebecca. 

“Come in”. And she came in with the girl and Derek. Of course, he’d come.

“Have you seat” I said, facing just the girl. Derek already made himself at home and Rebecca doesn’t look like she wants to seat down anytime soon. She sat down, on the edge, like she was going to bolt at the slightest provocation. 

“I didn’t do anything, I swear”. She said. I cocked my eyebrow at that and looked at Rebecca. It seemed like no one had told her why she was here or even provided the least bit of information to calm her down. 

“Oh, I promise. You’re not here because you’re in trouble. Quite on the contrary. I need you and I have a proposition for you”. I've decided to cut through the chase and go straight to the point. I figured she’d want that better than for me to waste a lot of time trying to figure out how to tell her. 

She still looked tensed but she relaxed. Only a little. She looked around the room then decided there was no harm to be done if she agrees to hear me out so she nodded. 

“I need a wife and you seem like you'd be well suited for the job. It’s a contract marriage and once what I need you for is done, you’re free to go. I’ll pay you a good sum of money as well as securing your spot at the gallery so you don’t even have to compete with the rest of them. I have a written contract ready”. I slid it to her, all you have to do is go through it and decide if you want to go through with it or not. I’ll respect your decision either way and you can leave the moment you say no”. 

I watched her as she flipped through the contract. Her eyes slightly widened when she saw the amount she is to be paid and I can see the wheels turning in her mind. A lot went through her mind in the space of the time she was quiet.

As she sat down still thinking of what she would answer, I prayed it would be a yes, because I was desperate.

After a while, she opened her mouth to reply and I knew her response was going to be crucial if this is going to play out. 

What would be the answer?