Celeste's POV
Some girls dream of a big fancy white ravishing wedding & here I get to dream of the highest bidder. Life's a fairy tale, isn't it?
I mark my way towards the stage escorted by a spotlight . The entire room stays dark, It's like I'm the only shining thing in it.
I feel the crowd watching .Waiting. Their eyes glow in the dim, full of hunger and patience. The way hyenas encircle a dying creature in the wild.
Laughter slithers through the crowd, low and knowing. Some men sit back in their chairs, fingers drumming against polished wood, while others lean forward, smoking cigars ,smoldering as sharp as knives. They are here to devour, to win.
The air reeks of whiskey, sweat, and the lingering scent of expensive cologne, almost suffocating. A man in the front row licks his lips as he lifts his paddle. Another whispers something to his companion, both chuckling under their breaths.
"Stupid little boys, " I whisper under my breath.
They want me to be scared so I smile .. Mercilessly.
" Good Evening Ladies & Gentlemen.Welcome to the auction, This is your host Jay."
The auctioneer's voice rings across the room as he comes forward. "Today is your lucky day! We have the most exquisite diva among us."
Crowds murmur,the tension is thick in the air while I stand at the centre of the stage. " A rare diamond, Charles Azure's only daughter, Celeste Azure.Lets have a round of applause for her. " Shouts & applause errupts the room.
God,I despise all of them.
"So Gentlemen mark your bid, the highest would get to take this gorgeous lady . We will start at 60 thousand and.."
All of a sudden a filthy bastard coughs & raises his paddle . " Ten thousand. 60k is a lot for some dumb thick- ass chick"
A laugh,a cruel, dry throated sound escapes my mouth, before I could realise.
" Darling, is 60k expensive for you ?" My voice dripped with venom .
" Next time keep your mouth shut & your wallet too, it's embarrassing if both are empty ."
Some men chuckle deeper, while others move their gaze uncomfortably.
" Sorry for the inconvenience," The Auctioneer said." We would continue from the start"
"60 thousand. " One guy raises his voice
"70" another counter
The bidding goes on for some time but no one crosses one million.
Father disapproves obviously.
I turn my gaze towards her.Assistant Linda sitting beside father, her eyes locked into his, smiling as he pats her on the shoulder. She must've done something so bloody impressive that he's fucking proud of her.
"Filthy snake,"
I whisper under my breath .Her showing me the pictures of the bidders flashed before my eyes
" This is Mr. Tim Gosling. He is CEO of a YOZO, you definitely heard about YOZO, that's where the designer bags come from Ms. Azure. He is divorced & thriving.Very good looking."
" Boring."
"...Well If you prefer a bachelor then we can go with…Mr. Will Spencer. One of the most well renowned cardio thoracic surgeons in the country.
" I tore the photo instantly "
"Ohh….Okay if you don't like it," Linda panicked. " Mil Fester- footballer or umm.. this might be a bit controversial, Mr.Orion D'este former model and-"
" I don't give a rats ass." I cut her off."I'm not not some painting in an exhibition for people to bet on.
" Last time I checked Miss Azure you're the one who signed the agreement contract.You said you'd do anything to save your prestigious little art house, which is, of course, one the properties of the Azure state."
I listen in silence.
"You've given your tongue and now there's no going back from this."
I stared at her eyes, my veins burning through rage.
Wait-her pupils are HAZEL!
Damn How have I never noticed?
" Forgive me If I'm being too harsh Ms. Azure," she continues softly "But you're lucky these men want to wed you and not"
" I won't to marry any of these amateurs"
"- and not take you as a mistress. Or a whore."
How dare she! Is that what she thinks of me?
I get off the stage and walk towards the bar.
" Well ,well…you must've been a bit bored from all the bidding and formalities, How about an interval? "
Says the auctioneer trying to hide his nervousness "We will be back in 15 minutes. Enjoy ."
I have always endured subtle digs from my father about my behavior,ungratefulness,and my inability to conform to the mold he demanded for me to fit in. His words burned, and the champagne only fanned the flames.
"Whoever wins tonight, I hope they enjoy their prize. I come with baggage, Quite Expensive one ."
I shout ,glass in my hands, half drunk, half sober. My family's disappointing faces really make me feel alive.
"Linda is such an asset. It's like I don't even have to step into the office anymore. She even manages every tiniest detail of the state."
Charles, speaking just loud enough for me to hear, " She's like the daughter I never had."
EXCUSE ME!
My blood boiled. If my father wants a scandal, I'd give him one. Life's to short not to ragebait your dad.
I swayed my way across the room, the crowd parting as my heels clicked against the marble floor. All eyes turned toward me, curious and wary, as if they could sense trouble brewing.
"Linda," I say, my voice dripping with honeyed venom. The assistant looked up, startled, her sharp professionalism faltering under my intense, drunken gaze.
Before she could respond, I lean in, my lips brushing against Linda's ear. "You've been such a good girl for Daddy, haven't you?"
"Ms. Azure." she whispered, her cheeks flushing, "For heaven's sake,you're drunk. Maybe you should—"
But I didn't let her finish. I mean, why would I?
I grab her by the waist and pull her close, placing a lingering kiss on her lips. Gasps erupted around the room, the air crackling with shock and scandal. Charles's face turns ashen, his hand frozen mid-air with a glass of bourbon.
Linda stands frozen, caught between surprise and the inevitability of the moment. The I pull back, my lips curling into a wicked smile.
"See, Mr. Charles Azure?" I drawl, my voice loud enough to cut through the stunned silence. "Even your perfect assistant can't resist some chaos."
The room buzzes with whispers, shock spreading like wildfire.
Linda, flustered and red-faced,hurries out of the ballroom. I enjoy the attention…the horrifying look on Father.
"Now, if you'll excuse me," I said, my tone dripping with mock politeness, "I need another drink."
I turn on my heel and sauntered away.
A loud chime in the clock signals that the interval is over. At least the curse of audition over.I exhale in relief.
"Thirty million," a voice calls from the shadow.
…Wait. what?
"Anyone above 30 million?" The auctioneer asks.
Pin- drop silence in the room.
"And sold! Congratulations, Mr. Orion D'este "
I'm going to fucking kill myself.