CHAPTER 3

It was a relief for Gregory when he booked the appointment with Beverly Suarez of Paper Vows. In an instant, he resolved his problem. Kailangan niya na lang siguro agad makapili ng puwedeng maging contract wife.

Walang tigil sa pagsilip sa kaniyang wrist watch si Gregory. Parang gusto na niyang hilahin ang oras to meet the owner of Paper Vows.

Alas tres ang kanilang usapan kaya noong mag-alas dos na ay nagpaalam na siya sa opisina at nagdrive patungo sa Paper Vows. Hindi na siya nagsama ng driver para hindi naman kaduda duda.

Sumulyap siya sa relong pambisig at nakitang napaaga siya ng thirty minutes. Kaya huminto muna siya sa parking at naghintay.

After thirty minutes at bumaba na si Gregory mula sa kaniyang sasakyan. Umakyat siya sa second floor at hinanap ng mata ang pakay. Noong makita niya iyon ay mabilis siyang lumapit roon. Papasok na sana siya sa entrance ng opisina noong may isang babaeng lumabas roon. The woman has this soothing scent. Ilang ulit silang parang nagpatintero sa pintuan noong huminto siya.

She checked the girl, she wore a simple corporate attire. 

Go ahead, Miss.” Gregory simply checked the woman’s  face. She looked pretty.

“Thank you.” She said almost in a whisper. After that the girl walked through the stairs. Hinabol pa iyon ni Gregory ng tingin bago siya tuluyang pumasok sa opisina.

“Good afternoon po, what can I do for you, Sir?” Salubong ng receptionist kay Gregory.

“I have an appointment at three with Miss Beverly Suarez.” Tugon ng binata.

“Wait for a minute, Sir. I’ll inform Miss Suarez of your arrival.” Tumango lamang si Gregory bilang tugon.

“You may come in, Sir!” Iginiya si Gregory ng sekretarya papasok sa opisina.

Malayo ang itsura ng opisina ng babae sa kaniya pero maayos at orgnisado iyon sa paningin niya.

“Good day, Mister Salvatorre. I am Beverly Suarez.” The woman in red in front of Gregory extended her hand to him for a hand shake. He gladly accepted it. “Gregory Salvatorre.”

“Have a seat.” Paanyaya ng babae sa isang glass table.

By observing, Gregory noticed the woman as beautiful and attractive, but simply. She is not his type.

“Before we start, I would like to introduce my company to you.” 

“Paper Vows has been running for five years. Legally operating as recruitment services. About 20 successful contracts were made. We have a lot of big personalities and clients. We made sure that everything under our care remain discrete.”

Nagpatuloy lang sa pakikinig si Gregory. 

“We’ve already emailed you yesterday about the contract. And I guess you have read all our clauses. Lilinawin ko lang ang mga important details.”

Tumango tango si Gregory bilang tugon.

“I know you’re already aware about the amount of the service with a rule of no refund policy in case something happens. You will also offer a payment and salary for  the chosen partner, the price may vary depending on your generosity and agreed by the chosen partner.”

Tumango-tango si Gregory, handa siya pagdating sa pera. Sigurado siyang hindi siya matatanggihan sa willing niyang i-offer.

“Also, I know you’re fully aware of the limitations of our contract, especially the limitation of your chosen partner.”

“Do you have any questions?” Tumayo saglit ang babae at may kinuhang papel sa kabinet sa likod nito.

“I intend to have a legal marriage, but since it is a contract and we cannot have divorce here. I want to have our wedding abroad and process it as soon as possible. I’m also ready with the compensation. So let’s go down to business.” Hindi naman halatang nagmamadali si Gregory kaya hindi maiwasan ni Beverly ang mangiti.

“Vegas. Mabilis lang ang proseso and we have partners there, of course sagot mo na ang lahat ng gastusin roon.”

“It is not a problem with me.” Napataas ang kilay ng babae sa mga sagot ng kliyente niya.

“If that’s the case, here are the profiles of my trained agents. Included din riyan ang mga experiences and projects na natapos nila. Right now, I have five available women.” Tinanggap ni Gregory ang clearbooks na inabot sa kaniya ng babae.

While browsing the files, something caught his eyes on the table where the woman was working. “I want that woman.” Nakaturo si Gregory sa resume na nakaipit sa mga folders sa ibabaw ng mesa. Kinuha iyon ni Beverly at natawa.

“I’m so sorry but this applicant is not yet available.” Sagot ni Beverly kay Gregory.

“Okay she’s new in the industry, she's better option.” Desisdidong sabi ni Gregory.

“But she’s just an applicant.” Giit pa ni Beverly.

“Then hire her. I am willing and can compensate her well for the service. Take note that I insist.” Hindi mapakali si Beverly at dinampot ang resume.

“If that’s the case, then I will call her.”