Chapter 4

“Yes. Previously, Rafe's recovery was going well after the infected kidney was removed. However, we discovered his other kidney had also been infected and needs an urgent kidney transplant.”

“We'll be able to stabilize him for the next 72 hours. I hope Miss Rayne will be able to make the payment before the 72 hours are exhausted. Meanwhile, we'll begin our search for a matching donor who's willing to donate.”

His words caused me a big fright. Rafe was my last hope. He was only ten years old when he was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease that had claimed our mother's life.

For five years we've been struggling with treating HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome). I didn't want to think about losing Rafe after suffering for years just to survive.

“How much do I need to pay?!”

“A total deposit of three million Pounds.”

Damn! Three million Pounds!!? Where am I supposed to get such an exaggerated amount of money from?

“Doctor, isn't there a way to cut the cost? Three million… that's a lot,”

I didn't even have up to half a million savings due to the low allowance I've been getting from the Voss family.

“I'm afraid there's no other way out, Miss Rayne, please make the deposit as soon as possible.”

I nodded, my head heavy with worries. I stood up and gently walked out of his office to the patient's ward.

My heart itched painfully. Staring at Rafe's pale and almost lifeless look with tubes attached to his body, I felt like my life was crumbling right in front of me.

Why? Why Rafe? Why now? What have we even done wrong to deserve such a cruel fate from God? Does he even exist?

I stumbled out of the hospital, my mind reeling. Three million pounds. It might as well have been three billion. Where on earth was I supposed to get that kind of money?

For a brief, desperate moment, I considered asking Zane. But the memory of Thalia's cruel words and Zane's cold indifference crushed that hope. They wouldn't help me. Not now, not ever.

I walked aimlessly, barely noticing the bustling streets around me. Rafe's pale face haunted my thoughts. My little brother, the only family I had left. I couldn't lose him. I wouldn't.

But what could I do? I had no money, no job, and soon, no place to live. I was utterly alone.

A gust of wind whipped my hair across my face, and I looked up. Without realizing it, I'd wandered into a seedy part of town I'd never seen before. The streets were narrow and dimly lit, with shadowy figures lurking in doorways and alleyways.

My heart raced as I realized where I was – the infamous black market district.

I'd heard whispers about this place, where anything and everything could be bought and sold for the right price. Illegal goods, banned substances, even... people. A chill ran down my spine as a desperate idea began to form in my mind.

What if... what if I could auction myself off?

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I found myself standing before an imposing building, its facade dark and foreboding. The sign above the door read "Midnight Auctions" in elegant, curling script. My hands trembled as I pushed open the heavy door.

Inside, the air was thick with cigar smoke and the scent of expensive cologne. A tall, impeccably dressed man approached me. His eyes were sharp beneath the goldrim glass he wore.

"Can I help you, miss?" he asked, his voice smooth as silk.

"I… I might just… I want to auction myself," I stammered. My voice sounded barely above a whisper. I almost broke down in tears.

The man's eyebrows shot up, but he quickly composed himself as though he wasn't new to situations like this

"I see. Follow me, please."

He led me to a plush office, gesturing for me to sit. "I'm Mr. Blackwood, the manager here. Now, tell me, what's your asking price?"

"Ten million pounds,"

Mr. Blackwood's eyebrows raised slightly. "That's quite a sum." He gently tapped on his table before uncomfortably gazing at me.

“But for a beauty like you, it can't be compared."

He grinned and then stood up from the chair in which he had been sitting before.

“We'll need to start the bidding higher to ensure our cut. Are you prepared for that?"

I nodded calmly although my throat was hell dry.

"Very well," he said, still standing.

"Tonight's auction features some of our most influential clients. It's the perfect opportunity." He walked to a closet and pulled out a garment bag. "You'll need to wear this."

My heart sank as he unzipped the bag, revealing a sheer, barely-there gown that left little to the imagination.

"I... I can't wear that," I stammered. The piece was a complete see-through!!

Mr. Blackwood's eyes narrowed. "My dear, if you want to fetch that price, you'll need to give the buyers a taste of what they're bidding on. This is a standard procedure. The higher the price, the more you get, and also our commission is 15% so you know..."

I stared at the revealing gown. My resolve was wavering. I just can't see myself wearing that dress.

"I... I need to make a call first," I said quickly.

Stepping into the hallway, I dialed Zane's number with shaking fingers. It rang several times before he answered, his voice curt.

"What do you want, Laurie?"

"Zane, please," I begged, "I need to borrow some money. It's for Rafe, he…"

"Money?" Zane scoffed. "You have some nerve, you gold-digging whore. Did you really think I'd give you a cent after everything?"

His words stung like physical blows.

I choked back a sob. "Zane, please. Rafe needs a kidney transplant. He'll die without it. I need three million pounds…"

"Three million?" Zane's laugh was cruel. "You must be out of your mind. I wouldn't give you three pence. You're nothing but a leech, Laurie. A pathetic, desperate…"

Suddenly, I heard a breathy moan in the background. Thalia's voice, sultry and teasing. "Zane, baby, come back to bed..."

"I have to go," Zane said coldly. "Don't call me again."

The line went dead. I stood there, my phone still pressed to my ear, as my last shred of hope crumbled away.

Slowly, I turned back to Mr. Blackwood's office. He was waiting, the sheer gown draped over his arm.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself. "I'll wear it."

Mr. Blackwood's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Excellent. The dressing room is this way. We'll need to prepare you quickly - the auction begins in an hour."

As I followed him down a dimly lit hallway, my heartbeat became unstable. Was I really going to go through with this? But what choice did I have? Rafe's life hung in the balance, and I had nowhere else to turn.

The dressing room was small but luxurious, with velvet-cushioned chairs and a large, ornate mirror. Mr. Blackwood handed me the gown and a pair of impossibly high heels.

"When you're ready, my assistant will do your hair and makeup," he said, closing the door behind him.

I stared in the mirror, barely recognizing the desperate woman in the reflection.