“Five billion dollars going once,”
“Five billion dollars going twice,” “Five billion dollars going thrice,”“Sold!”
***
It was cold... the air feels as if it is sipping deep inside my skin. I wonder why it feels like this. I tried to move but, in my luck, I was chained for the reason that I am not sure of. My hands… it is tied from the back. My knees are bending as it feels the coldness of the ground I am sitting on.
Where am I? Why am I here?I didn't find any answer about my question.Somehow, pair of hands then touches me. It grabs me without even thinking whether I would be hurt or not. It seems like that person didn't care about any of it.
“Hmm!!“Ahh!
I shouted, surprised on how the blinds was suddenly removed from my eyes.The crowd keeps cheering. It became louder and louder as it echoed in my ears. It was like they saw some good thing. I was overwhelmed by the light that is why I narrowed my eyes just to adjust my vision and there… I saw how a thick pole welcomed me together with countless numbers of people cheering from afar. There are many of them.” Woooaahhh “” Wahhhhhhh “” I want her! “” So gorgeous!!“” Damn that was crazy “” Just the first part yet it is like this? “” Wonderful, I will be bidding for her “I can't tell where I should look, countless eyes are staring at me as if they wanted to engulf me whole. The way they look, I hate it. I don't know where I should land my sight but the only thing, I know is that… I am trapped inside a cage that is a hundred times bigger than the cage they use to trap a bird.My eyes wide open in realization. My clothes are different to the one I am wearing when I came with Aunt Estrella. This dress is thinner than the thinnest cloth I ever had in the house! If my grandmother would see me looking like this, surely… she wouldn't like this! My skin is visible as if this cloth is made up of net or sort. Luckily the one around my chest down to my legs are slightly thicker but the way I am dressed up, it makes me sick out of humiliation. I closed my eyes trying to calm myself as I tried to cover this chest of mine but failed. ”My, my, no need to be so energetic. As the first item of our real evening's event, let's start our bid at the price of ten million dollars “Another sound of the crowd cheering was heard.
What a large sum of money. Even father didn't have a chance holding a money that is tenth of that value she had said. I look down.
Am I really being sold?
” Number one hundred fifty, twenty-five million dollars! “
” Stealed by number sixty-five for twenty-six million dollars! “
Why are they even bidding such a large sum of money? Just to… Buy me? How… how did it even come to this?” One hundred million dollars for number eighty-nine! “They bid and bid for who knows how long it has been. As time passed by, the bid became larger and larger until it hit a billion dollars. Why are they even wasting money just like that?I was mad at the thoughts of how that kind of money was tossed like a piece of coin. If… only I have that kind of money... then surely… grandma…Hah…Everyone is cheering. Everyone is leaving that kind of tone. They are all excited. They are all energetic and looking forward to the one who will eventually own me. It is as if the one they are buying is some limited-edition item of a known company. Hah… So, there are really people with this kind of attitude. Selling people without their consent… Isn't it illegal?I didn't mind hearing their words and cheers as what happened to me really hasn't sink in on my mind yet. I would rather believe that it is some kind of a dream where I can still eventually wake up!” Five billion dollars “
Everyone was left silent. The cheering and the loud shout that was making my ear hurt for so long suddenly became as quiet as a night time in the middle of the sea.
I was taken aback when I heard that bid. Is he insane? That kind of money? Is he trying to throw his fortune just like that?!
“F-Five billion dollars going once!”Even the woman that was speaking and leading that bidding got startled after hearing his bid. From ten million dollars to five billion dollars.
This… is… insane.
“Five billion dollars going twice”
No one even dared to steal that bid. Are they really going to let him buy me like some kind of a thing? “Five billion dollars going trice,”“Sold! “
And I never know that with that one word, my life would change.
“Is this her? Well, I can say that she looks much prettier close up”
I was still inside this cage. Not knowing how I would react, I remained silent. Doing something that is against their wants would surely do me no good.
Once I saw Aunt Estrella, I will surely ask about what this thing is. Why am I here… Everything doesn't really make sense. This is not what we talked about! Who would have even thought that it would end up just like this?The sound of the chain was heard as I knew that the person that came is opening this big cage, I am placed in.
“Can you get her out of that thing? I already sent the money, did I? ““Yes sir, we are deeply thankful for your purchase. The document is already scheduled to be sent to you this evening. Regarding the one you bought; you have all the means to do what you wanted to do about it”In the corner of my eyes, I saw how the man with a somewhat muscular built lean to see me clearly. He is not thin for a guy yet he is also not that fat or muscular. He is someone in between. Just like a model in fashion magazines. So, he is the one who bought me huh…“You, what is your name?”He asked politely but aggressively. I had no choice but to answer him.
“Lea, my name is Lea”
“Lea…”He mumbled as he stretched his hand to touch my chin. Even if I am not blind folded and can now speak freely, my hands are still tied. Even if I tried to move, I surely can't do any changes.
“What a beautiful name. Now, don't let me down… be the most beautiful bride you can ever be”
And the only thing I can see was his smiling face with a hint of smirk before fog suddenly appeared out of nowhere. And so, my eyes finally close as my whole consciousness falls in the depth of darkness.They all says that once you love someone and they love you back, the church is the only thing they will go no matter what happens. When I was a child, I always talk with my grandmother about how I would like to be married in a church full of flowers. A simple wishful thinking of a child. Yes, it is. But… who would have thought that, marriage is not the way I think it would be? Getting married is a piece of crap!! “And from this day forward, I now announce you, Lea and Aiden to be husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride” The priest says as he blessed the two of us in front of oh so many people that have the maximum count of my hand. “I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Lazarus! “ And by that, we live happily ever after. The end. I did hope that it would be as easy as that but… no. It didn't end up like those you see in the fairytale movies. ” I have rules to be made. Rules that you must follow or else, your head would be chop off “ It was indeed harsh. To marry someone
The tension between them is suffocating. I thought that I would die in an instant! But… why am I in this kind of situation in the first place… hah… “Lea… that was your name, right? “ ” Yes, sir “ He stopped on his walks. We are about to go in a greenhouse nearby. Just a while ago, they are talking to each other but now, I was drag by his father for who know what reason it may be. I bet he would chop me and fed me to the pigs? Or maybe he would leave me in a lion's den and let me face my death? Not wanting to think of things as that, I didn't notice that we already arrived in the greenhouse. ” Wow… this place was beautiful… “ I stated out of awe. Surprised by the beauty that I see, I forgot that I was with the father of Aiden. Looking at him he let out a small chuckle. ” Yes sir? “ ” Calling me sir is giving us distance. You are now my daughter in law which means that you can call me as father “ ” But... is it alright? I thought you don't like me for Aiden… “ Wait, what
Never once in my life that I felt like this. I thought I was going to die that every minute that I stay inside this room would get intern to be crazy. It is not as if I am a good girl back when I was a little. Studying something that I don't like but even so, I do have a talent on it. “You are a fast learner Madame” Yeah yeah, say whatever you want. But instead of complimenting me, I would much appreciate if it you would help me with this. Look, it doesn't seem like I am halfway there. It's been an hour yet… hah…. “Do you know that when you were not here, I am the one who was handling these matters? It was so nice of you to come in this place. I am really sure that you would be a good madame of this house “ The old man said as he smile as if he was so happy about the thing that is happening. Well indeed, maybe for him it was a happy location to celebrate since who would even want to handle this kind of matters. I then stop on my thoughts as I saw something that is not that good
Ding As soon as the door of the elevator closed, it left me hanging alone on the lobby. I have no idea of what would happen to me since I was just here because I went together with Aiden. Isn't he supposed to go upstairs together with me? Or is it just natural for him to go in his office without even looking back on where I was? It is not as if I was expecting something from him but as his wife on the public's eye, doing this would just make him be suspicious. Isn't it his main objective to make us look like a couple and not let anyone make suspicion about our relationship? Hmm… Now that I am here, I can’t possibly run up the stairs just to catch up with him. So, what now? What should I do? It is not as if I am so well informed about the things that I must do in this company. Well, it is not as if I have any… “Hello, miss. Good day. May I ask why you are here? Do you need something? What can I help you?” It was a nice lady having a fairly good skin. Her hair is also in a neat
“What’s up, man? I brought something along on my way.” As soon as the door opened, he talked to Aiden who was sitting on his chair. Looking at his friend then in me, it was as if it was something that he always sees. Like it was normal that I am here. He didn’t even let himself spare any more time to look at me. So, he really doesn’t know that I was left on the lobby? I just quietly sat on the sofa. He didn’t even let himself spare any saliva to talk to me. The two of them talk to each other as they let myself be focused on my phone. I was busy reading some articles that he wanted me to read. Who knows this would be asked to me one time and when I have no idea of what to tell, he would just give me a bunch of papers that I needed to finish. “It is really a surprise to me to know that you are already married. Like man, you didn’t even tell it to me one time. And to think of it, it was so long ago that you two got married. Isn’t it some kind of cheating? I am your best friend. So w
Tik tak tik tak Letting out a sigh, I wonder if there are things that I must do. Ever since that day he left me on his office, things been complicated. I need to finish those files he dumps to me unless I have no liking of eating for the day. Standing up, I confirmed to the butler that I already finish my job. It was even harder than the last time. It was as if, as time passes by, the number of papers I am attending to are increasing with no stop. “Please enjoy your meal” As a slave… that was bought by Aiden, it wasn't something that I am complain to. He bought me which is why he must have his reason to use me whatsoever he likes. But… still… I didn't know that Aunt Estrella can do such thing… “It seems like you have no appetite” It was him. None other than Aiden. The man with a cruel heart. The man who has no idea about the things that are happening to the people around him. He is self centered and didn't care any bit about others as if he just saw those people as a mere tool
“I give you my greetings, Lea and also Aiden” Smiling so gently, she really is a kind person. Aiya suits Elton well. I hope the two of them get along. It is also a good thing that we manage to fix things. I have no reason to make enemies after all. “It is my pleasure as well, Aiya” With that, things went the way it should be. That is what I thought. The place was so nice. Everything is luxurious. I can say that it is not some simple occasion. Greetings here, greetings there, they don’t seem to be having a hard time talking to so many people. I wonder if Aiden knows each and every one of them. Isn't it so much of a trouble? Luckily, he didn't force me to remember all of their faces. Which is why I am glad to sit here while waiting for him finish his conversation with some gentlemen. “Do you like the food here?” Aiya sat beside me as it seems like she is finished in her route. Maybe it was now time for her to take some rest. “Yes, they are all nice” I said as I smile while bei
With a slightly embarrassed face, I was worried that she might find my action insulting. After all, I did learn that people with high status always see things in a different way. “Laughing at others is not a good attitude at all. It was rude of you Miss” Her eyes show a bit of annoyance. Oh no, she really did think of it that way… it would be bad… “I don't mean it that way… I was just… surprised to see another person here... And… I smiled because I find you adorable… sorry if it leads to a misunderstanding…” With her acting embarrassed, so do I… I can understand why she was worried like that. After all, no one would want anyone to see them do things as that… specially if you are a rich person. Although that case is different if you are close with that person. “You find it cute?” She asked as if I said things that as out of the world. Slightly nodding my head, I hear her laughter forming. Wow… that was cute too. She looks like a living doll if I may say “Aren't you interesting?”
“Lian, look, Mom and dad looks happy by just seeing the sight”Lia mumble smiling as she crosses her hand. Blessed with a family that loves her so much, she grew up to a fine woman. Inherited the company of her father that was originally owed by her grandma. And as for Lian, he took Menandro’s step. It was a shock to the world when the news about his death was announced. But he lived a long life if one can say. More than that, he died with a smile on his eyes. As if he is contented in the life he had. As if… he was glad that the time has come. As if he was waiting for that very day all his life. No one knows where he is now, as no one can really tell where people goes when they die. But there is one thing that all people who knows him too well could never deny, That old man is surely looking for his beloved. Claudia. Cladia Lazarus. Aiden’s mother. Menandro’s one and only beloved.“I think we should just let them have a sweet time. How about lets have icecream?”Lian mumbled in r
“Estrella, do you still remember me?”Waving her hand on the poor old woman, she can’t seem to remember her. Shaking her head, the other lady just shrug her hand. Not knowing what else to do after seeing her old acquaintance.She lived a life full of luxury on her hand. Getting whatever she wants for doing bad deeds. Although she did regret it after all things vanish from her sight, it was late. It was so late for her to do so. Karma is surely strong. All deeds you did will have its way to you. So if you did bad things, await that the day would come and it would hunt you… in the time you never know. In the time you never expect…“You… leave me alone! I- I don’t want… anyone! Anyone… to come near me… you fucking son of a bitch… they are all a fraud… they shall all be punished to death!!- cough ah cough”Coughing, the woman can see that the person talking to her is already gone. Indeed, no person would dare get near her. After all, she would just brush them away.Living her life with n
“ And here we present to you, the son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lazarus, Lian Lazarus and Lia Lazarus!”Its been years since the two announced to the world the birth of Lea, but it was the very first time that they finally introduce Lia and Lian to the world. “You have such beautiful daughter and handsome son Lea”“It is good to see you again, Aiya. Where is Aielle?”“Elton took that kid, they will be right back here soon”Smiling, a small tap suddenly call Lea’s attention. “Mira!”She giggled in excitement as it has been so long since they last met each other“How have you been?”Friends is something you can find easily. But true friendship is the one that is hard to find, hard to build. That is why for some people, they treasures it so much. Since they value the bond they build.“I am doing good. Wait, is that you cecil?”Surprised as she saw the daughter of Sylphia and Luther together with Mira’s child, Remi. It was a surprise for her.“Hola Tia Lea, Tia Aiya” Cecil greeted
“ This is so boring, why must they have a vacation on their own? They didn’t even brought us with them”Fumming about her thoughts, Lian was reading a book while Lia is there laying her back in Lian’s bed. “They need to have time together too, sis. And with the mess you did… it doesn’t seems like you are bored at any rate”Closing the book he was holding, he pick up the pile of paper scattered on the ground. It was a number of clothes that Lia drawn a while ago. To think that she was able to drawn that many with just a small period of time, Lian can’t help but be awe in his sister’s doings. But still, the fact remains that his room is not in mess after piles of papers are scattered. Both crumbled and finely flat papers.“ I will clean it later, I told you that already ““ Yeah, but, do you really not want to show mom and dad this things? I mean, they are good”“As if it is any better than what you might have done”Looking down, he didn’t say a word. There was one time that Lia saw
“ What do you think about this? Lian? Do you think mom and dad would love this? “With her hand touching her chin, Lia is grown up like a small version Lea. But not like her, she did not get some of her talents as it was Lian who excel in those things. “ I am sure that she would think it was a disaster “Just by looking at the cake that she decorated, it was a mess. The same mess- no, it would be easier to say that it was even messier than what their father created once Lea let him join her in baking. Baking is a hobby that Lea started to taken a liking in to as there was no much thing to do in the house than read and take care of the two. And one can say that she is now good on it as she practiced every single day. Although practice makes perfect, for some people, even with an enormous times of practice, even if they practice with their whole life, there are just things that we are not good into. “What?? that is so mean of you lian. As if you could do any better than me!”Poutin
“Mr. Menandro, this is the item that you asked us to buy”Nodding his head he let those people know that it is fine if they all went back to what they are doing. Seeing the pile of boxes that was in front of him, Menandro can’t help but have a small smile on his lips. Never once did he thought that the day would come where he would see little children walking and running around the house. The very child that have his blood. The children he can call his grandchild. “I wonder of Lian and Lia would love this presents i prepared for them”Mumbling, he may be older than Mr. Augustus but the fact still remains that Menandro is really fond in children. He just doesn’t know how to interact with them.But even the head butler who have been with him and was his companion in the past years was aware of the fact that the guy he was serving do have a soft spot for Aiden, Lea, Lian, and Lia.“They will surely love anything you give them, master”Slightly bowing his head, Mr. Augustus can’t help
** The day before Lian and Lia was born **“Are you alright? Lea?”Looking at his pitiful wife, Aiden never know that it would be that hard to give birth to a child. And the fact that it was a different case since Lea is pregnant with twins, Aiden can’t help but think of how much it must have been for Lea’s body.“Yes… I think so…”She mumbled as she can’t help but catch her breathe. Her stomach is now as big as a watermelon, no, it looks as if it is much bigger than that. even her appetite was doubled. It is not an exaggeration since she is eating not for just one person but three. Holding her stomach, Aiden can’t help but held it with his hands. Thinking of how nice it must have been to finally see them at last.“Tell me if there is anything else that I can do for you, okay? Don’t push your self too hard, lea”His eyes was full of worries as he let their hands be intertwined with each other. Never once in their life did they thought that it would come to this. But life is just so m
All my life I can get what I want. I am the precious daughter of my family. I live a life like a princess. But life isn’t like a fairy tale. My life had ups and downs too. And I am lucky to have a person who was with me through all those times. “Love? Good morning…”Whispering to my ears, my husband hugged me on my back. It was but a simple thing he always do when we are alone. But lately, even in front of other people, he didn’t feel shy to hug me like this. I can’t say that I don’t want this but… it surely makes me embarrassed somehow. Still… how can I say that to him? huh? Tell me, how??“Good morning love”I greeted him as I smile. Cooking breakfast for someone you love, I never thought that a time like this would come. I am surely lucky in my life-“Ouch-“Jolting, it made Elton be surprised too. I am so clumsy… how could I burn my finger like this? It is so embarrassing. Now is the time that I would look like a good wife. Now is the time that I can show him my good sides… but…
Love isn’t something that I wished to have. In my life, it is but a nuisance. Something that would just hinder plans. Something that I know I will never felt. As I am the daughter of the man who is the most powerful in our country. Among all women living in here, I can say that I am the most powerful one. “First lady…”I mumbled. It wasn’t something that I would love to be called. It isn’t something I I even asked to have. But somehow, the day just came and I become the one like that.My mother died when I was young. I am not even sure what might be the reason behind those. But as the only women to support my father, I was named as the first lady.“There is so much works needed…”Holding my nape, I can’t help but have so much things to do in my platter. It is not that I do not wish to have it but… it is indeed tiring.“Hah…”I look at my laptop and saw a photo of Aiden and Lea. A smile then escapes my lips. I didn’t even notice. Knock knock knockIs what I heard before the door open