The Unplanned Bride

Chapter 2: The Email Mix-Up

Rachael gazed at the email, her thoughts racing. Unbelieving what she was reading, she blinked. Her brain found it difficult to comprehend the ridiculous text that appeared on the screen as the words seemed to blend.

"You were accidentally sent the incorrect email due to a selection process error. Even if you didn't plan to apply, you may still be considered. If you still want to be considered, kindly confirm.

Derek Montgomery Selection Team was the simple signature on the email.

With her fingers still hanging over the keyboard, Rachael leaned back in her chair and stared at the screen for a few seconds. Her initial reaction was to chuckle. She reasoned that this must be a prank. I'm being tricked by someone.

In an attempt to uncover any hint that might clarify what the devil was happening, she scrolled up and read the full email again. However, the more she read it, the more she understood that it was not a joke. It seemed formal, almost businesslike. The kind of communication one might anticipate if they had, well, been selected for anything. However, Rachael had no intention of participating in this strange tournament at all.

She considered ignoring it for a time. Simply remove the message, go on with her life, and act as if it never occurred. However, while she sat there, a peculiar sensation of interest mixed with astonishment started to grow within her. Is it possible that it is real?

After closing her eyes for a while and inhaling deeply, Rachael pressed the respond button.

"I appreciate the explanation. Even though I didn't plan to enter the tournament, I'm still interested. Could you elaborate on the significance of this?

Before she could question herself, she pushed send.

Almost instantly, a response appeared. Victor was the sender this time, and the subject line read: Re: Application Clarification.

Rachael opened it with a sinking stomach.

Dear Rachel,

I appreciate you getting in touch. Derek Montgomery is searching for a mate who shares his beliefs and transcends superficial characteristics. The team was interested in your answers even if you weren't the first pick. However, the selection process has been reduced to a small group of ladies, and Derek has accidentally taken notice of you. We will check your application again in the next few days.

Please be aware that this is not your average dating contest and that, should you decide to proceed, you will need to be mindful of the requirements for the role. Finding Derek the perfect companion is just one step in the process; finding the proper match for Derek's life is another.

Until the final finalists are revealed to the public, your participation in this competition will remain private.

Warm regards,

Derek Montgomery is the Victor Selection Coordinator.

Rachael reclined, her thoughts racing. To understand what was going on, she read the message many times more. Suitable for his life? Even so, what did it mean? Was status the only factor in play here, or was it love? Even though she lacked the answers, it was evident that she had caught the attention of the affluent and elusive CEO, Derek Montgomery. She couldn't decide whether she should be pleased, appalled, or simply perplexed.

A notification rang on her phone. Emma, her closest friend, gave it to her.

"Did you notice the advertisement, Rah? Now, it's everywhere on social media! The contest with Derek Montgomery?

Rachael gazed at the letter for a while, feeling more uneasy. Emma would have seen it, of course. Emma was constantly informed about everything, particularly the most recent rumors. In contrast to Rachael, who favored the calm security of her classroom and the consistency of her daily schedule, she was gregarious, extroverted, and always the focus of attention.

Rachael wrote a fast response.

"I did, but I didn't submit an application for it. I received an odd email stating that I was accidentally in the running. What on earth is this about?

Emma answered in a matter of seconds.

"Wow, that's insane. But hold on, you must continue with it. This is your opportunity to finally come out of your shell. What if you were Derek's wife? For someone like you, this is like a dream come true!

With a groan, Rachael read the message. Emma had a knack for romanticizing things. Rachael wasn't so sure, however. She didn't want to find her ideal existence in a magazine, particularly one that was based on a competition. Still, she couldn't shake her interest. What would come next?

She put her phone down and returned her focus to her inbox of emails. Victor's words reverberated in her head—perfect for his life. The more Rachael considered the possibilities, the more interested she became in the idea that she may be that lady.

Unsure of what to do, she gazed at the screen once again. How much can I lose? She pondered, but then she had another idea. What if this isn't even an error? What if they're playing a game of some kind that I have no idea how to win?

She felt as if the choice was bearing down on her.

Her phone buzzed once more before she could decide. The message came from an unidentified number this time.

Hello, Rachael Derek Montgomery is this person. After reading your application, I'm interested. I want to meet you face-to-face. Can we arrange a quick meeting time?

A beat skipped in Rachael's heart. Unable to believe what she was seeing, she gazed at the message for a few seconds.

Derek Montgomery Would you want to meet me?