Chapter 1

"Congratulations, Mr. Luther, for winning the bid for Zack Snow's 'Faraway Mountains' for 500,000 dollars!" the auctioneer called out.

The entire hall erupted in thunderous applause as a spotlight shone on the refined man sitting in the front row.

Julian Luther rose to his feet and personally offered the painting to Rachel Bailey, who was seated next to him.

Rachel's eyes crinkled into crescents as she said, "Thank you, Julian. I didn't expect you to actually bid on the painting just because I casually mentioned that I liked it."

Julian ruffled her hair. "As long as you like it," he said adoringly.

Julian was handsome, and Rachel was beautiful. They were a match made in heaven.

The people around them began to whisper among themselves as they shot envious glances at them.

No one noticed me in the corner, wearing a pair of jeans that had faded from too many washes.

When I couldn't get in touch with Julian, I comforted myself by telling myself that he was simply too busy to pick up my calls. I convinced myself that he was so swamped with work that he had forgotten about me—forgotten how Dad's leg was on the line.

An icy chill settled in my bones as I took in the gentleness glimmering in Julian's eyes.

He wasn't busy, and he hadn't forgotten. He just thought that Dad's leg was far less important than fulfilling the casual wishes of the woman he loved.

My heart hammered in my chest. The pain made it nearly impossible for me to breathe.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I stubbornly refused to allow them to fall.

Just then, the auctioneer's voice echoed around the hall again.

"Our next item is 'Dawn Light', a pearl necklace that was crafted by the famous jewelry designer, Ms. Wanda Tillson, before her death. The starting bid is 300,000 dollars."

"Dawn Light" was the last thing that Mom left for me before she passed away. She told me that it represented hope and served as a reminder that the sun would always rise, no matter how dark the night was.

I would never put it up for auction unless I was forced to. Unfortunately, at that moment, I had no other choice.

I looked past the crowd and made eye contact with Julian.

It was obvious that he had recognized the pearl necklace. The gentle expression on his face stiffened and was replaced by shock.

Following his line of sight, Rachel also looked in my direction. She fixed an expression of faux surprise on her face when she saw me, covering her mouth with her hand.

"What are you doing here, Cece? Didn't Mrs. Mendez leave that necklace for you after she passed away? Why are you auctioning it off?"

Everyone directed their attention to me.

An icy expression appeared on Julian's face. He strode toward me until he was standing right before me.

I was completely enveloped by his tall and broad figure.

His voice was colored with disappointment when he asked, "Do you need money that badly, Cecilia Mendez?"