Chapter 10

I gasped at the work she had done.

Not only was my makeup alluring and beautiful, but my hair complemented it in a unique way, ensuring the back of my dress would be in view.

“As I said, use this glitter spray on your skin before putting your dress on, and you’ll be the prettiest girl at the ball.” She smiled as she arranged her things.

“Thanks, Beth. I really appreciate it.” I said, giving her a smile.

“Well, how hot you look tonight will determine my next paycheck, so consider this my contribution.” She said as she waved and finally left.

I turned to take in myself once more.

I felt beautiful. I smiled as I got to work applying the spray and putting on my dress.

 

I noticed how dark the room was before I even stepped in, but it was still bright enough to see. Combined with the music that was playing, it was really a low-profile place.

“I feel so cold.” I mumbled, clinging to Noah’s arm. His warmth was really what I needed right now.

“Well, you do look stunning.” He said as he handed me a number tag. “Thanks.” “Wait, how do you even know about these kinds of places? It just seems off that you happen to know a place like this exists.” I narrowed my eyes at him.

He smiled sheepishly. “I may have passed my time here once or twice, just for fun.” He said, rubbing his head.

I shook my head as I clipped on the number tag. “So, how exactly is this supposed to go?” I asked as I took a drink from a waiter’s tray. If I was doing something so daring, I was going to need all the liquid courage I could get.

“Actually, we just mingle for a while, like a normal party. There’s like a raffle and the number called out has to go on stage, and the bid begins. It can be a bit fun sometimes. Everyone is pretty chill.”

“Fun? Well, let’s see how it goes.” I said, getting another glass.

I watched as various numbers got called out and pretty women climbed the stage.

I was starting to feel super intimidated. How was I supposed to compete with these gorgeous women?

I gaped as one of the women was offered $20000 on the spot for a date, A date! Damn.

It was fun though, considering two women ended up brawling over a man and they eventually had to be sent out. That was entertaining to watch.

I was on my third drink already, and I was starting to feel the buzz.

At that moment, my number got called as Noah cheered and I hiccupped.

“Come on, go up!” He said as he pushed me towards the stage, causing me to nearly trip.

I had totally forgotten why I was here and the fact that I would have to climb on stage. I could hear my heartbeat in my ears.

As I made my way to the front, I was certain everyone could see how much I was sweating as I nervously tried drying my palms. I finally climbed up and faced the numerous eyes staring at me.

I closed my eyes and decided to be more confident. Confidence was attractive, and I was doing a nice job of botching it right about now.

I stood higher, my shoulders straight as the commentator read my profile and I smiled.

The floor was now open for bidding.

“$5000!” I heard someone yell.

Well, I guess this was off to a good start.

It had climbed up to $7000, and I could feel my confidence growing. This wasn’t so bad after all.

Finally, the highest was $13000, and I was happy.

Who knows? Maybe I would come back for a second try.

As the commentator concluded, my eyes caught something in the crowd.

My eyes widened as I recognized the figure.

Was that Cassian?

I gulped as I walked down and the figure approached me.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” He asked. His face was in a death stare.

He was obviously angry.

I lifted my chin up. Who did he think he was?

“I’m hanging out with my friend. Is there a problem?”

He narrowed his eyes, and before I could blink, he had gripped my hand and started dragging me through the crowd.

“Let go of me!” I yelled.

Noah ran up to us, worry on his face.

“El? What’s the matter? Hey! Let go of her!” He shouted at Cassian as he tried separating our hands.

Cassian gave him a look. “Except you want to lose a limb, get your hands off my wife.”

“Don’t speak to him like that!” I said furiously to Cassian.

“Noah, I am so sorry. This is my husband. I… I have to go. I promise to call as soon as I can.” I let out as much as possible before hiccupping again.

Cassian dragged me away as I thrashed around in his arms.

“Let go of me!” I yelled at him. “Cassian!”

“Unless you want me to throw you over my shoulder, behave yourself.” He said calmly, moving through the crowd.

I kept quiet, but I was very sure my facial expression could communicate exactly how I was feeling.

When we got home, I banged the car door as loud as I could and went inside.

“Elara! We are not done talking.” Cassian’s voice bellowed.

“I’m done talking.” I yelled, not turning back.

I saw Celeste walking down the stairs, looking confused. Now the party was complete.

He grabbed me by my arm when I got to the stairs and turned me to him.

“You’re a married woman. How can you go out dressed like that and you’re drinking? Have you gone nuts?”

I forcefully released my hand from his grip as I glared at him.

“Oh, so now I’m a married woman? You’re a bloody hypocrite! It didn’t occur to you that you were married when you brought your mistress into this house?!”