Chapter 2

We’d met in college. He was the hottest guy at the college next to mine, while I was just an average girl whose main appeal was being funny. The first time I saw him, I was so blown away that I swore I’d make him mine!

So I pursued him shamelessly.

I brought him water and meals. Every single day, I sent good-morning, good-afternoon, and good-night messages. After six solid months of chasing him, I finally got my man!

But we only dated for a little over a month before I broke up with him. We hadn’t spoken since.

My friends sometimes asked why I’d ended it. I always smiled and said we weren’t right for each other.

Only I knew the truth. He didn’t love me.

I shook my head, pushing those painful memories away.

Still, the thought of having to see him every day gave me goose bumps.

Despite that, I tried to remember his old preferences, typed up a long message, and sent it to Dad.

Seconds later, he replied with a thumbs-up sticker and a voice message that lasted more than ten seconds. The moment I tapped it, his booming laughter blasted out of my phone.

Startled, I immediately switched to the transcript.

“That’s my girl! You got all this on your first day? You were born for this business!”

“…”

Dad really didn’t have a worry in the world!

I almost hated to tell him his five-million-dollar commission was about to go down the drain.

While I was still debating whether to confess, he sent me the client’s contact.

Before I could even reply with a question mark, another string of messages appeared.

“From now on, you’ll be handling this client yourself.”

“She’s our VVVVIP. Whatever you do, don’t offend her!”

“Treat her like royalty. That condo of yours depends on this!”

My heart sank as I read.

Great!

Forget losing the five million.

Our matchmaking agency’s entire reputation was probably going down with it.

But when you took someone’s money, you had to deliver.

And Dad had deployed his greatest weapon: cash.

I could say no to anything except money.

Bracing myself, I sent the client a friend request. She accepted almost instantly.

Her profile picture made me pause.

If I hadn’t known she was my client, I might actually have mistaken her for Ethan.