The Matchmaker's Secret

"IT'S A DEAL"

CHAPTER 2

Asher sat down, his eyes not leaving Lily's face. "Her name is Emily Wilson," he said. "We were high school sweethearts, but we lost touch after she left me without explanation."

Lily's ears perked up. There was more to this story, she was sure of it.

"I see," Lily said, making a note on her pad. "And what makes you think you can win her back after all these years?"

Asher's eyes lingered on Lily's for a couple of minutes before he said, "Whatever she was hiding back then, I'll find that out. I loved Emily dearly, but until I am certain of her reason for leaving me back then, I will by any means get her to fall for me once again. That's where you come in," he said, holding her gaze.

Lily felt a shiver run down her spine. She had a feeling that this was going to be a very interesting case, no doubt.

"So, if I'm clear, she left you back when you guys were still in school, but you were certain she wanted to tell you something important. Finding her would determine the continuation of your love story," she clarified as she took that down in writing.

Asher, a well-known man, wouldn't want this information to get out, so he made sure she understood the terms she was going to work with him on.

"I understand you've been in the business and are still in your first few years, but I'd like to make sure you understand that nothing happening will be broadcasted once I've gotten what I want. Not only will I pay handsomely, but I'll make sure your agency gets the right exposure it needs," he said, his voice with authority. Lily understood clearly what he meant. Although she didn't appreciate his tone, she couldn't argue with his demands.

Asher stood up, adjusting his suit jacket as he prepared to leave. Lily also stood up, saying, "I get where you're coming from, Mr. Asher. As the case may be, there will be no broadcast made about this, and I'll help ignite this flame of yours. I look forward to working with you."

Lily had to take his terms if she wanted this deal to work, and she wouldn't falter. She would prepare the best setup for them both.

Although Emily Wilson would be hard to get through, as she was also a public figure, she would sort it out with her team.

Asher made his way out of her office as she accompanied him. She had thought this was going to be a secret meeting, given there would be no disclosure of their conversation, but the bodyguard he stationed outside was enough to attract unwanted attention—well, to him, that is. As it would be of help to her, she thought, not minding, as it would profit her.

He got into his car, having the window glass rolled down. He said, "I'll have a contract sent to you to confirm our agreement. Only after the signing is confirmed will any action be taken." With that, his car zoomed off.

Lily got back to her office, ignoring the stares of her employees at the presence of Asher Blackwood. They knew their boss was an award-winning matchmaker, but who would have thought she knew the famous Mr. Blackwood?

As she entered her office, she was followed by her assistant Maya.

"So, what is his take on the deal? Are we doing this? Let's get the crew ready!" Maya felt excited. However, upon seeing Lily wasn't as enthusiastic about it as she was, she calmly took a seat and stared at her with a questioning look. "What happened? Didn't he want us to help him with his love life?" she asked.

Lily sighed as she spoke, "There will be a contract, one that states we won't be broadcasting any of his moments with his partner, as they are both public figures. It's supposed to be a secret."

"A secret?" Maya said with surprise.

"Well, I guess it would make sense. He wouldn't want to expose his relationship publicly, given what image could be misinterpreted. So, what is next?" she asked.

"Given he is a top client, we need to plan their meeting first. I'll line up possible interactions with them, all unknown to Emily Wilson. Let's say this would have to be work putting in more effort than we've ever done."

The day drew to an end as Lily drove home. Getting to her house, she quickly showered and changed clothes, packing her hair in a messy bun and putting on her glasses.

She made herself a cup of tea and sat in front of her laptop as she worked out what she would prepare for Asher and Emily's meeting in her dining room. While doing this, she had a call going with Maya as they discussed possible events to make the meeting successful; Maya laid out her options and liked, in the end, what she could picture.

While on it, a message popped in. It was the contract she expected from Asher. She immediately signed it, not minding to read all the pages of what was stated in it. She went through what was important and sent the signed contract back.

She sipped the tea in her hands, as she was not a big fan of caffeine. Lily is known to have lots of allergies, especially to caffeine, so she kept away from it. While working, she heard the door open. It was none other than her younger sister. She sighed, adjusting her glasses as she saw the young lady trying to sneak in.

"Sam..."

He held her hands as the thought of having another man by her side angered him. His grip tightened on her wrist, causing her pain.

"You're hurting me, Liam! Let go! Let go of me!" she pleaded, but her pleas fell on deaf ears as he had his mind made up. She was going to stay right there with him whether she liked it or not. He didn't care anymore, but she wouldn't be with someone that wasn't him, he thought.

He dragged her to the room he had prepared for them, pushing her onto the rose-filled bed. He locked the door, sliding down against it as she screamed, pleading for him to open the door for her...