Chapter 3
CHAPTER THREE
Elle
“It’s time. Are you good?” Wint asks, guiding me by the elbow backstage. I drain the remains of my champagne, hand him my glass, adjust my dress and beam at him.
“Born ready,” I reply brightly, trying to hide my nerves.
Maybe Candy’s right, and this is insane. Now that I’m about to actually step out on stage and put myself, my virginity, on the auction block…yeah, I’m having doubts.
“Tell me it’s too late to back out,” I murmur to Wint.
He flashes a look of concern right back at me and frowns. “It’s never too late, just say the word and I’ll?—”
“That’s not helpful, Wint,” I snap back. “Tell me it’s too late.”
“Elle, no-one’s going to make you?—”
Doesn’t he know I need a wingman right now? A cheerleader? Not gentle reassurance that this whole thing can be called off with a click of my fingers.
“I’m ready. Let’s do this,” I say firmly, interrupting him.
The MC on stage announces the final auction lot for the night – a date with me – and then there’s thunderous applause and cheers.
“You’ve got this,” Wint tells me reassuringly.
I nod, but it’s a little tricky to make my feet actually move. Wint gives me a nudge.
Thankfully, I’m used to living my life in heels, and I barely stumble as I take a step forward, out of the wings and onto the stage where I’m blinded by a spotlight that bathes me in a golden glow. The deafening roar of the crowd washes over me, drowning out any lingering doubts. I plaster on a smile, trying to exude confidence, despite the nerves churning in my stomach. The MC’s voice booms through the speakers, hyping up the bidding war about to begin.
For a moment, I stand there, feeling exposed under the intense gaze of the audience. But then I remember why I’m here, why I’m doing this. I’m not just some prize to be won: I’m here to change my life.
With that thought in mind, I straighten my shoulders, summoning every ounce of determination within me.
As the bidding starts, I focus on projecting an air of allure, drawing potential bidders in with a coy glance or a playful smirk – not that I can see any of their faces with the spotlight blinding me.
With each competitive bid, the tension in the room builds, and the adrenaline courses through my veins. I can’t hear the amount anymore over the roaring of my blood in my ears, but I know that I’ve far surpassed the extortionate amount the bidding started at. There seems to be a flurry of men vying for this ‘date’ with me. I needn’t have worried, Candy was never going to have to bail me out.
With an air of finality, a loud voice cuts through the chaos of the room, rendering everyone silent and speechless.
“One million pounds.”
It’s only my impeccable etiquette training kicking in that prevents me from gaping along with the rest of the room. I square my shoulders, toss my long golden hair over my shoulder and raise my chin a little.
The money’s going to a good cause, an excellent cause in fact, so I try to project a confidence that I don’t feel, that a date with me is absolutely worth the insane amount of money thrown down like a challenging gauntlet.
“O-one million pounds…” the MC repeats, sounding as flabbergasted as I feel. “Do I…ahem…hear any advance on that bid?”
Of course not. No one is crazy enough to pay?—
“Two million pounds for you to accept my bid and close this auction down right now so we can all go back to enjoying ourselves.”
This time my smile slips.
Is this guy for real – I’m sure it’s the same voice – why would he bid himself up like that? And to double the bid…he must be certifiably insane.
“S-sold…for two million pounds.” The MC can hardly believe it, and nor can I, or the rest of the room judging by the astonished silence that follows.
I dip my chin in acknowledgement of my bidder and hurry off stage to meet Wint.
“What the hell was that?” I hiss as the MC gets ahold of himself and begins to wrap up the auction for the night.
Wint is the only person who doesn’t seem at all phased by the insanity that just took place. He gives me an enigmatic smile.
“It will take a few minutes for the winning bidder to settle his account, shall we get you to the room where you’ll meet so you can wait for him?”
I shoot Wint a bewildered look, still trying to process the whirlwind of events that just unfolded on stage. Two million pounds? It’s a staggering amount, one that I never could have imagined. And the bidder’s insistence on closing the auction immediately leaves me feeling both flattered and unnerved.
But there’s no time to dwell on it now. Wint’s composed demeanour reminds me that we need to stay focused and follow through with the arrangements. The auction was technically the easy part.
With a nod, I gather my composure and follow him, my mind racing with questions.
As we make our way to the designated meeting room, Wint maintains his calm exterior, offering me a reassuring smile every now and then. His presence is a steady anchor amidst the chaos of the evening, and I’m grateful for his unwavering support in this endeavour.
Inside the sumptuously decorated room, I take a seat, trying to quell the nerves that threaten to overwhelm me at the sight of the enormous four poster bed beyond the designated seating area. Anticipation hangs heavy in the air, mingled with the apprehension about meeting the mysterious bidder who just shattered auction records.
Wint takes a seat beside me, his presence comforting as we wait in silence. My thoughts drift back to the reason I agreed to participate in this auction in the first place. The cause is noble – a local homeless charity that worked with my family and Candy to aid in her unofficial adoption – and the funds raised will make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. That knowledge gives me a sense of purpose, even as I grapple with the surreal circumstances surrounding me.
Minutes pass, each one stretching out into eternity as we wait for the winning bidder to arrive. Finally, there’s a knock at the door and Wint rises to his feet.
“That’s my cue to leave, but I’ll remain nearby, so just call me if there’s any issues.”
“Thanks, Wint. I’ll be fine.”
The door swings open, and a figure steps into the room, shrouded in the dim light. He and Wint exchange a few words, murmuring too low for me to hear, and then Wint’s gone and the door is closing.
I hold my breath, unsure of what to expect as the bidder approaches. But as he draws nearer, I catch a glimpse of familiar features, and my heart skips a beat. It’s him – the man who just bid an exorbitant sum for a chance to ‘date’ me.
And he’s no stranger.