Chapter 56 The Auction
When Rachel snapped back to reality, she hurriedly got into the car.
“Did you bring lipstick?” Brian asked the moment she settled in.
She glanced at her handbag and gave an honest nod. “Yeah, I did. Why?”
“Great.”
Before she could make sense of his response, he suddenly pulled her onto his lap.
Rachel barely had time to react before she found herself seated on his legs, their bodies pressed together in the confined space.
With the soft lighting and their height difference, she could clearly see his Adam’s
apple move as he swallowed, making him seem even more irresistible.
For a split second, a wild thought crossed her mind–he looked so hot, she actually
wanted to bite him.
But before she could entertain the impulse, Brian tilted her chin up and caught her lips
in a kiss.
It was urgent, possessive, as if he couldn’t wait a second longer.
Rachel was utterly defenseless against the intensity. One hand clung to his shirt for support, while the other grew damp with nervous sweat.
In the tight space of the car, her own heartbeat echoed in her ears–loud, steady, and impossible to ignore.
And that was when it hit her. She still loved him. Hopelessly and recklessly.
Brian was her greatest addiction, and there was no turning back. Without his love, she knew the pain in her heart would eventually consume her.
As their breaths mingled, Brian gently held her face, his voice deep and intoxicating. “Do you still love me?”
Rachel didn’t answer. Even if she did, she wasn’t about to admit it so easily.
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Chapter 56 The Auction
Brian’s brows furrowed with worry as his fingers softly brushed against her face.
“Did you hate me for what happened last time?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of
sadness.
She didn’t know how to respond.
Saying she wasn’t upset would be a lie–there was still a knot in her chest that hadn’t
loosened.
But did she hate him? No.
She was just hurt and disappointed.
“You’re not saying anything. Seems you do hate me now.” There was a hint of sadness in his eyes, something raw and unguarded.
Rachel rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady, rhythmic thud of his heartbeat.
The car fell into silence.
As they neared their destination, she finally wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him close.
“I know you still have feelings for Tracy,” she admitted, her voice barely above a
whisper. “I won’t pretend I’m not jealous or that it doesn’t hurt. But I want to try again
-to give us another chance. I’ll wait for you, wait for you to move on. Just don’t make me wait too long, okay?”
Brian gently ran his fingers through her soft hair, his expression tender. “I won’t. I
promise you.”
By the time they arrived, her lipstick had been completely kissed away.
Only now did she realize why he had asked about her lipstick.
Stepping out of the car, Rachel naturally slipped her arm through his. Together, they
strolled down the red carpet, looking every bit the picture–perfect couple.
At the banquet, Brian exchanged greetings with several acquaintances.
Noticing the breathtaking woman beside him, someone couldn’t resist asking, “Brian, who’s this lovely lady?”
“Rachel Marsh, a manager of my company and my date for the evening,” Brian
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Chapter 56 The Auction
responded in a composed, businesslike tone.
Since their relationship wasn’t public yet, he kept his introduction formal and reserved.
The event unfolded smoothly, filled with polite chatter and flowing champagne.
Half an hour in, the auction officially commenced.
Rachel and Brian took their seats as the auctioneer got ready to introduce the first item.
It was a stunning jade bracelet, a timeless piece representing elegance and wealth.
The energy in the room was electric, with bidders eagerly raising their paddles without
hesitation.
Having never attended an auction like this before, Rachel was genuinely fascinated by the fast–paced bidding.
Suddenly, Brian slipped a bidding paddle into her hand. Leaning close, his deep voice murmured against her ear, “Hold onto this. If you see something you like, just bid. Don’t worry about the price.”
Rachel stiffened, startled yet oddly flattered. “What if I bid too high and make you lose
a fortune?”
“You won’t,” Brian assured her smoothly. “And even if you did, your husband has more than enough to cover it.”
But Rachel’s mind went blank when she heard the word “husband“.
Noticing her dazed expression, Brian leaned in, his breath warm against her cheek. “What’s on your mind?”
“Um, nothing,” she stammered, struggling to compose herself. She instinctively leaned back, trying to create some space.
“Watch out.”
In her haste, she moved too fast, causing her balance to waver.
Brian’s reflexes were quick–his arm immediately wrapped around her waist, steadying
her.
Their noses brushed, their breaths mingling. Rachel was so close she could count every one of his eyelashes.
She couldn’t ignore how absurdly handsome he was. Especially now, with that deep,
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affectionate gaze locked onto her–it was almost enough to make her forget to breathe.
Her heart pounded wildly, completely out of control.
“It’s a little warm… Let go,” Rachel muttered, her cheeks burning.
“You’re certain you want that?” His voice carried a teasing, irresistible charm.
Rachel’s face burned even hotter. Desperate for a distraction, she shifted her gaze to the stage. “That bracelet–it would be perfect for Carol. Let’s bid on it for her.”
Brian chuckled, playfully ruffling her hair. “It’s up to you. You make the call.”
“Alright.”
At first, she felt a bit anxious about bidding, but after a few rounds, she found her rhythm.
The last item of the night was a stunning diamond necklace, its elegant craftsmanship
and royal history making it utterly mesmerizing.
Rachel’s eyes sparkled the instant she saw it.
“Wow,” she breathed in awe.
“Do you like it?” Brian asked, catching her reaction.
“Yes! It’s gorgeous!”
The auctioneer started the bidding at five million.
Without hesitation, Brian lifted his paddle. “Fifty million.”
Silence swept through the room. No one dared to challenge the bid.
Rachel clutched his arm, eyes wide in shock. “Are you insane?”
Brian’s lips curved into a smirk. “For my wife? It’s worth every cent.”
The rest of the evening passed in a dreamy haze. Her mind kept circling back to those two words–husband and wife.
After the auction, Brian personally went to collect their purchases.
The jade bracelet, neatly packaged, was a gift for Carol.
As for the diamond necklace, he placed it around Rachel’s neck with his own hands.
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Chapter 56 The Auction
“Perfect,” he murmured, his voice filled with admiration.
In that moment, his eyes held nothing but pure, unwavering affection.
Rachel lowered her gaze, a soft smile tugging at her lips.
As they stepped outside, a fine drizzle had begun to fall, soft and dreamlike.
“Wait here for a second,” Brian said.
He strode to the car and returned with a sleek black umbrella.
The raindrops pattered softly on the umbrella, making a gentle, relaxing sound. His good–looking face was partly hidden under it, making him seem even more mysterious.
As he lifted the umbrella a little, his sharp features gradually became clear.
Rachel stepped toward him, but before she could go any further, his arm curled around
her waist.
Brian pulled her in, tucking her safely under the umbrella, keeping her close to him.
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