Chapter 4. Blue-Blooded Matchmaking

The high-end restaurant was trendy in North America; only essential people and jet-setters could get a reservation at the restaurant. The long line at the entrance did not deter the diners of Golden Bloomingdale's restaurant from eating at the restaurant. 

Doctor Philip Brighton received an invitation from his superiors at the hospital where he worked for a meal together at the Golden Bloomingdale Restaurant. 

Doctor Justin Baldere took his eldest son, John, to meet the man. "Hello, Philip. How long have you been waiting?" said Justin as he sat across from Philip. 

"Ohh, hello, Justin, John. No, I just got here," Philip replied as he adjusted his drooping glasses. 

The restaurant waiter served appetizers to their table. The reservation includes all the appetizer to dessert menus in advance, so they don't have to bother choosing the menu when they arrive.

"Well, how's Leah? Why isn't she coming to dinner?" asked Doctor Philip pleasantly. He was curious about the purpose of this dinner invitation from him. 

While enjoying an appetizer which was a Caesar salad, Doctor Justin replied, " Leah is attending a party at the Stuarts. Phil, since it's getting late, I will state my purpose in inviting you to dinner. I want to set up my son, John, with Annastacia, your youngest daughter." 

Doctor Justin's words made Doctor Philip flabbergasted. Even though their social strata are fellow doctors, they are somewhat different. The Baldere family owns an international hospital in North America, the best in its class. It was excellent news for the Brighton family. 

"What do you think, Phil?" asked Doctor Justin, confirming his wish. 

Doctor Philip looked at Doctor John and then back at Doctor Justin. "Sure. Of course, this is something to be proud of, Justin. I never even imagined that I would be with the Baldere family. Did John know Anna personally?" said Doctor Philip probing. 

"We are colleagues at the hospital, Uncle Phil. Anna and I often work together on cases because she is a general surgeon while I am a surgeon specializing in oncology. I think Anna's abilities are extraordinary for her age. She is a trusted surgeon at Wyndham Hospital," said John praising Ana in front of her father and future in-laws. 

"Look, Phil. John seems to adore your daughter. Hahaha ...," said Doctor Justin, laughing. 

Doctor Philip also felt proud of his youngest daughter. The status of the Brighton family would be elevated when Annastacia married and became John's wife. "Then there's nothing more to ask. Maybe they can get engaged first and get to know each other better so their marriage doesn't get awkward. How about it, Justin?" said Doctor Philip. 

"Good suggestion, Phil. When can their engagement ceremony be done? I'm going to make a big engagement party for them," Doctor Justin replied with a happy face. 

John was happy because the woman he had always admired would soon be his. Being engaged is much better than being without status. Anna has never had a date this long; the girl is a 100% workaholic. It was good that he had no rival for Anna.

Doctor Philip replied, "I'll contact you again, Justin. I need to tell my family so they won't be surprised. Don't get me wrong; I love the idea of ​​our children's engagement; it's just that it's so sudden." 

"Calm down, Uncle Phil. We'll be patiently waiting to hear from you. We work together anyway; it's easy to see each other. I love the idea of ​​'Wyndham Hospital's sweetheart' getting married soon. Wow, this must be awesome!" said John excitedly. 

Hearing John's words, Doctor Philip was also happy. His daughter was indeed famous at Wyndham Hospital, and so was John because the handsome young man became an idol at the hospital. 

After dinner was over, they separated and returned to their respective homes. The snow still hadn't let up; the roads were starting to be covered with a thick layer of snow. The drivers do not dare to drive the car too fast because it has the potential to slip the tires and cause a dangerous accident. 

Within an hour, Doctor Philip had made it to his house in Lucia's area. He couldn't wait to tell his family about his youngest daughter's arranged marriage with John Baldere, the crown prince of the Baldere Group, the owner of the hospital where all his family members work. 

"Elaine ... I'm home!" cried Doctor Phillip as he quickly closed the patio door because of the windy snow outside. 

Doctor Elaine Brighton rushed to greet her husband from the bedroom to the living room, putting away his coat to send to the dry cleaners as it was wet with snow. 

"Elaine, where are Jocelyn and Ezra? I want to speak to the three of you. There is some good and shocking news for the Brighton family. Call them both, hurry!" said Doctor Philip impatiently.

He sat on the sofa in the living room, which was warm from the fireplace. The weather is terrible today; Doctor Philip hopes Annastacia doesn't leave her apartment tonight. 

His two children and his wife sat in the family room. They wondered what was going on that Doctor Philip had gathered them at night. 

"Hey, Kids. Papa's going to give some shocking news. You know John Bardere, don't you?" he asked. 

"Of course, I know, Pa. What's wrong with him?" Ezra replied that he didn't expect his father to call him to discuss John, his underclassman in medicine. 

"Dr. Justin and John met Papa at the restaurant to discuss plans for John's engagement with Anna. Isn't that amazing?" said Doctor Philip enthusiastically, laughing happily. 

Ezra and Jocelyn looked at each other in disbelief. Their youngest sister had never been in a relationship. Does Anna know about this? They both thought uncertainly. 

"Ehmm, Pa does Anna know about this matchmaking plan?" Jocelyn asked carefully, afraid to offend her father. 

"I don't think Anna knows yet; it's just that John said he wanted to give Anna time to get to know him better. He's a nice young man." Doctor Philip answered while massaging the bridge of his nose. 

"Honey, Anna has the right to know before this engagement is officially terminated. Don't let her enter into a marriage relationship out of necessity," Doctor Elaine suggested while stroking the back of her husband sitting next to her. 

Doctor Philip turned to his wife and looked at the beautiful face that was aging with him. That loving smile that never fades made him rethink this matchmaking. His wife and son were right; Annastacia should know clearly about this matchmaking. Don't be a one-sided love from John's side. 

After all, matchmaking was an excellent move to elevate the Brighton family's status among the medical elite in North America.