Chapter 9

I pulled back before I could see anymore. Maybe that was my way of convincing myself that if I didn’t see it, then it didn’t happen.

“I don’t care what they do. It’s his life. If he wants to make out with his mistress in his house, then that’s on him.”

As I said the words to myself, I eventually fell asleep.

The next day I was already in my office quite early. I had a lot to worry about.

Since I couldn’t convince the investors, I was going to have to find another way to make some money.

At that moment, Noah walked into my office.

“Noah? Can I help you?”

“Actually, I think I might be the one to help you.”

Huh?

“I know you’ve been experiencing financial issues with your foundation. I’m here to suggest an idea to help out.” He said as he sat down.

“What idea?” I asked, puzzled.

“First, you need to have an open mind and not flat-out refuse.”

“What?” I looked at him suspiciously. “What exactly are you talking about?”

“It’s an event, and you’ll get paid really well. I think it’s worth a shot.”

“Okay. What is it?”

“It’s a bidding event. Don’t look at me like that. You just have to go on a date with whoever bids on you, and that’s it. No weird shit.”

I widened my eyes. “Pay to go on a date? Noah! I’m not an escort!”

“It’s not that big of an issue. You don’t have to do anything with them, just spend a few hours probably listening to how much of a loner they are, and you’re done. You could get paid up to 10,000 on the spot. Now isn’t that tempting?”

It was. It really was. Imagine being paid just to go out with some guy. I could really do a lot with that amount of money.

“Well… Is it safe?” I asked.

“100%. The organizers are very serious about the safety of the participants. You’ll be totally fine.”

“Hmm. I guess I can try it. I mean, I don’t currently have anywhere to get money from, so it’s worth the risk. If there is anything weird, I am leaving.”

Noah nodded and told me the details, placing emphasis on being exquisitely dressed. I would have to ask Beth for help.

“You called?” Beth said, walking into the office.

“We are going shopping.”

She looked at me like I grew two heads.

“What did you just say?” She laughed.

“I’m serious. I need an outfit for an event, and I need to be dressed impeccably.”

“And does this event include your husband?”

“No.” I sighed. “Noah made a suggestion. He told me about an event where you go on a date with the highest bidder. It’s not as horrible as it sounds.”

“And I thought I was the wild one. How exactly did he convince you to agree to this?” She almost laughed. ‘The Elara I know is far too uptight for that kind of thing.”

“I am not uptight!” I glared at her.

“Yeah, right. Just like how you took sanitizer with you to a club to prevent getting any germs.”

“Of course! People have sex in every surface of the club; I was being careful.”

“And that, my friend, is exactly why you’re gonna die a virgin.”

I rolled my eyes. “We need the money, Beth. Right now there is no possibility of getting funds elsewhere, and we have to take care of the kids.”

“Okay. We can leave after lunch. I just have a few more things to do, and then I’ll be all yours.”

I nodded as she left.

“So, we’ve got shoes and a purse. Now, all we need is a dress.”

“Beth, I am already exhausted. Can’t we just go with this red?” I groaned out.

“You were the one who asked for my help, and no, it’s going to clash with your hair. You need something striking that will draw attention.”

“My legs are killing me. We’ve been walking around for almost two hours.”

“Yes! There it is! Come on!” She yelled excitedly, dragging me into a shop.

“This is the one!” She clapped excitedly, pointing at a dress. It was a silver floor-length, backless dress. It was bold yet elegant with the halter neck.

“Isn’t this too much? What if it’s cold?”

“You can get a fur coat to just drape around you, but we are getting this dress. It is perfect.” She said, dismissing me.

After paying for the dress, I finally left for home after telling Beth to come over at 5 pm. The event was supposed to start by 7.

When I got home, as usual, Cassian and Celeste were huddled up somewhere in the house.

At this point, I think I was the one intruding on them. Rose asked if I would eat dinner, and I just told her I would have something light in my room. I wasn’t in the mood to eat on a big ass dining table alone.

“This house is huge. Did I just call it a house? It’s a freaking palace.” Beth gaped as she walked into my room.

“Whatever, Beth. It’s not like it’s mine.” I said, sitting down.

‘What I don’t understand is why you take taxis to the foundation when you have an assortment of cars just waiting for you outside.”

“As I said, it’s not mine. Let’s get to work, Beth.”

As Beth did my makeup, she kept rambling on about how if she had a billionaire husband, she would buy the whole world and how I should make proper use of my resources.

“There, we are done. You look like a bomb.” She said, finally turning my chair to my vanity mirror.