ENEMIES WITH BENEFITS: THE CEO'S MATCHMAKER STRIKES-

Chapter 1

"FINAL NOTICE."

Emma Sinclair stared at the document in her hand, her jaw agape. It felt like a sharp knife piercing her chest.

Final notice.

It meant that if she couldn't pay within thirty days, she would lose her house-the only thing left of her family.

She gasped, her vision blurring. She reread the document, desperately searching for a loophole. Maybe she misunderstood something. Maybe there was still a way to escape this.

But the words were clear:

-"We regret to inform you that due to your failure to settle the remaining balance, the property located at Lot 23, Greenfield Subdivision, Quezon City, will be foreclosed within thirty (30) days."

This was followed by details of the exact amount she owed-an amount impossible for her to pay within a month.

Her knees weakened, causing her to fall onto the old sofa. Trembling, she clutched the paper, as if its magic could change what was written on it.

"No... I can't lose this house."

She looked around. Even though it was an old house, it was full of memories. Her mother's old piano was still there, the table where her father used to read the newspaper, and their family portrait hanging on the wall-one of the few things she hadn't sold despite her dire need.

Her chest tightened. Tears welled up in her eyes.

FLASHBACK – A TIME OF HAPPINESS

"Emma, come here!" her mother called cheerfully as she laid out freshly baked bibingka on the dining table.

She immediately rushed to the kitchen, where her father smiled as he stirred hot chocolate in a mug.

"Sweetheart, do you want to play outside after you eat?" her father asked, stroking her head.

She nodded with a smile. "Yes, Daddy!"

Her mother giggled. "Just don't go too far, okay? Or Grandma will scold you again!"

Laughter. Joy. Love.

That was her family then. Complete. Happy.

And above all, they had a business to be proud of-a successful chain of restaurants built from nothing by her parents.

The name of the restaurant? Monte Sinclair Café.

The Monte Sinclair Café was a well-known name in the industry. They had five branches in different parts of Manila, known for their signature chocolate lava cake and homemade bibingka. Emma grew up in the restaurant-learning to count using receipts, learning to cook with their chef, and learning to smile at customers, making her business acumen seem innate.

She knew that one day, her parents would pass it on to her.

Until the day of the downfall arrived.

One blow after another came.

It started when a major food scandal implicated their business. A customer filed a complaint after allegedly suffering food poisoning at one of their branches. Even though they were innocent, it became a major issue on social media. Fake reviews further worsened the situation.

Their once-thriving restaurant gradually went bankrupt.

But even when things got tough, she didn't lose hope-because her family was still there.

Until the most painful thing happened.

One rainy night, her parents announced they were leaving for a business trip.

"Don't forget to study, okay?" her father said, kissing her forehead.

"And pray before you sleep," added her mother.

"Yes, Mommy! Yes, Daddy!" she replied before they left the house.

But that was the last time she would see them alive.

The next morning, she woke up to news that turned her world upside down-her parents' car had been in an accident, and they didn't survive.

In an instant, she lost her family.

And now, would she also lose their house?

BACK TO THE PRESENT

Emma returned to the present, unable to hold back her tears.

"I won't let them take this house," she whispered to herself.

But how?

EMMA'S STRUGGLE: A FRUSTRATING JOB HUNT

Three months without a decent job.

After her family's business went bankrupt, she tried to fight for it-but to no avail.

Now, she had no business, no decent job.

For three weeks, she applied online, submitted resumes, lined up at job fairs-but no one hired her.

"I'm sorry, Miss Sinclair, but we need someone with more experience."

"We'll call you if there's an opening."

"I'm afraid you're overqualified for this role."

Where would she go?

Once, she was forced to buy the cheapest food at a convenience store-a cup of noodles and bottled water. While eating on a park bench, she sighed.

Was this how low her life had become?

A LAST HOPE

Her phone rang.

UNKNOWN NUMBER CALLING.

She quickly answered, hoping this was the answer to her problems.

"Hello, this is Emma Sinclair speaking."

"Good evening, Miss Sinclair," a deep, formal voice answered on the other line. "I received your application for the matchmaking position. Are you available for an interview tomorrow at Donovan Enterprises?"

Her eyes widened.

Donovan Enterprises?!

This was one of the largest companies in the country!

She gripped her phone. She didn't yet know what kind of job she would be taking, but one thing was certain-this was her last hope to save her house.

And she had no intention of failing.