Chapter three

Chapter three

I'm busy studying in my apartment because our exams are just a few days away. At the same time, I'm also searching for a job through websites and some local hiring agencies.

I rubbed my temples due to exhaustion, not physical but mental. It had been two days since I lost my job, but it felt like I had been unemployed for months.

I glanced at the wall clock near my study area. It was already five in the afternoon, so I decided to go out and buy dinner from the nearby eatery.

My attention was drawn to the mailbox in front of our gate. Perhaps there was another letter for Nanay Nelya. She received unknown letters, and she didn't know where they came from. Since she had no children and was alone in life, she assumed they were from friends or siblings.

When I reached the mailbox, I hesitated but eventually opened it. I wouldn't have touched it, but I clearly saw the name of the recipient. I was puzzled; who would send me something? My mother usually calls me on my cellphone to check in.

I turned it back and finds a beautifully designed envelope with an elegant script that reads "Exclusive Invitation."

Curiosity mixed with confusion, I opens the envelope, revealing an invitation to an upscale event hosted by the matchmaking service. My eyes widen in disbelief as I reads the content of the invitation. I can't believe that me, a struggling college student, has been invited to such an extravagant event.

As I read the details of the event and the potential benefits of attending, my shock gives way to skepticism. I can't understand why they would select me for such an exclusive opportunity. I thinks about the costs, both financially and time-wise, and wonders if this might be some kind of scam.

Only my best friend could come up with something like this. Shena is rich, and in this situation, she should be the one receiving such an invitation, not me.

Intrigued and bewildered, I decided to call my best friend, hoping to find some clarity about this unexpected invitation. When she answered, I couldn't help but feel a bit annoyed and, most of all, puzzled.

"Hey, did you sign me up for some matchmaking thing?" I asked, my tone filled with disbelief and incredulity.

She didn't respond immediately, which only fueled my frustration. "Oh, you got the invitation! Yeah, I thought it might be a fun opportunity for you. You deserve some excitement in your life."

I was taken aback. "You signed me up for this? Seriously? You know I don't have time for these things. I have bills to pay and exams to study for!" I couldn't help raising my voice. I had no time for this, and besides, I had nothing to wear for the event. I might just embarrass myself.

My best friend chuckled, "Come on, Bella! Just give it a chance. It might be a nice break from all the stress. Who knows, you might even meet someone interesting."

My frustration slowly turned into an exasperated sigh. I realized that Shena had good intentions, but I couldn't help feeling overwhelmed by the idea of adding another thing to my already chaotic life. Yet, a small part of me was also curious about what this event could bring.

As I hung up the phone, I glanced at the invitation again, torn between my responsibilities and the possibility of something new and exciting. I couldn't deny my curiosity about this event.

I glanced at the large mirror inside Shena's condo. I was wearing a deep navy blue cocktail dress that fell just above my knees. The dress had a simple and classic silhouette, gently hugging my figure without being overly revealing. Its neckline was a modest V-neck, adding a touch of femininity without plunging too low.

The dress featured small lace accents on the sides and sleeves, creating a subtle contrast against the rich navy fabric, giving it a textured and dimensional look.

I paired the dress with simple yet sophisticated nude heels. My hair cascaded in loose waves over my shoulders, and I wore a natural makeup look that highlighted my features.

"Wow, you look beautiful. No need for heavy makeup, my friend. You're stunning as you are," Shena complimented me. It was my first time wearing such attire, and I was feeling nervous.

Why did I even agree to attend this event? It would have been fine not to go, but Shena convinced me otherwise. I let out a heavy sigh, feeling the anxiety building up.

"Why do you seem more excited than I am, Shena? You could have gone instead," I said, but she didn't even look at me as we made our way down the building.

"No! This is for you, okay? Besides, I don't need to attend. You need this more," she replied. We entered the elevator since her condo was on the third floor.

"It's okay if I don't attend. What am I supposed to do there? It's my first time, and I don't even have anyone to go with."

Shena turned to me and placed her hand on my shoulder. "Friend, this is an opportunity, okay? Who knows, it might be your first step. And I'm sure you'll make friends there. Nobody can resist talking to you," she said convincingly, and I just smiled in response, sighing at the end.

When the elevator bell rang, we exited and headed outside. We approached a luxurious car, clearly worth a lot, and a man in his mid-40s stood in front of it.

"Hello, is this the car to pick up Isabella Heyes?" Shena took my invitation from my bag and showed it to the man. He nodded and opened the car door for me.

"Take care, my friend. I know you can do this. Alright? Call me when you get back," Shena said one last time before the car door closed.

I sat nervously inside the car, massaging my palms to calm myself. I wasn't sure why I had agreed to this, but I was here now, and there was no turning back.

The ride lasted for several minutes before we came to a stop outside the venue. It was a hotel, towering several floors high, and as far as I knew, it was one of the most expensive ones in the country. I could only catch glimpses of it, not yet having set foot inside.

The driver opened the car door, and I couldn't help but feel anxious. I couldn't shake off the unease I felt until this event was over. Why did I even decide to come here? I've questioned my decision several times.

Walking down the red carpet, my heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The elaborate event was a stark contrast to my usual surroundings, and the elegant crowd made me feel like an outsider. Every careful step in my heels felt like an ordeal, and my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, questioning if I truly belonged here.

The venue's intricate designs were overwhelming, making me feel like I was inside a grand palace. Many eyes were directed my way, which added to my unease. Was there something wrong with my attire? Why were they looking at me?

Suddenly, I tripped on the edge of the carpet, and my heart seemed to somersault in fear as I was about to fall. But before I could hit the ground, a strong hand appeared out of nowhere to catch me. My eyes widened as they met the gaze of the man who had just saved me from falling.

He had a firm grip on my waist. "Are you alright?" he asked, his voice exuding reassurance.

"I-I, thank you. I'm o-okay," I stammered, feeling my cheeks flush. I thought he was an angel who had saved me.

A faint smile appeared on his lips as he steadied me completely. "It's quite the glamorous maze, isn't it? Takes a bit of getting used to."

Gradually, my embarrassment began to fade as I calmed down, and I found comfort in his words. "Definitely a change from my usual routine," I admitted with a sheepish grin.

"Well, you're not alone," he chuckled softly. "Shall we navigate this maze together?"

His offer brought a warm feeling to my chest, and I nodded, thankful for his kindness. As we walked side by side, I began to relax, realizing that he was just a person like me and that I wasn't the only one feeling out of place.

Navigating the elegant ballroom, the chandeliers casting a warm glow over the glittering crowd, I still couldn't help but steal glances at him. I could tell he was wealthy from his attire, and he had a strong and confident presence. My cheeks flushed at my own thoughts. Why was I even worrying about such things? After all, I was just here out of curiosity and had no other intentions.

As I sipped wine from a glass, the spotlight suddenly shifted to a grand stage. The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to the figure stepping forward, capturing everyone's attention. I strained to see through the crowd, my curiosity growing.

The figure, elegant and composed, began to speak with a voice that carried across the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and potential benefactors, welcome to an evening of serendipity and connection. Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate opulence but to celebrate the beauty of relationships that transcend boundaries. Our matchmaking service believes in bringing together souls seeking authenticity and companionship. Our mission is to provide a platform where people can forge connections that enrich their lives in profound ways. With carefully curated pairings, we aspire to bridge the gap between those who have experienced life's luxuries and those with dreams waiting to be realized."

The speaker's words resonated within me, and my heart raced. The realization hit me like a tidal wave, and I exchanged bewildered glances with a fellow guest.

Suddenly, my best friend's secret decision made sense. This event wasn't just a luxury for the wealthy; it was an opportunity for people like me to find connections that could change our lives. I felt a mix of surprise and gratitude for being given this chance, but was this really meant to be my fate?