THE AUCTION

Serena slowly opened her eyes to the sound of birds chirping and the gentle light that filtered through her window. As she yawned and stretched her body, she felt the warmth of the sun on her skin. Sitting up in bed, she took a moment to let her eyes adjust to the brightness of the morning light.

Feeling rejuvenated, Serena got up from her bed and walked over to the window. She drew back the curtain, allowing the fresh morning breeze to fill her room. As she took in the beautiful scenery outside, she felt a sense of peace and tranquility wash over her. The world seemed to come alive around her, and she couldn't help but smile at the beauty of it all.

Serena made her way back to her bed and plopped down wearily, reaching for the TV remote. She aimlessly flipped channels, trying to find something to distract her from the events of the day. Suddenly, a news anchor's voice caught her attention and she stopped changing channels. The anchor's tone was excited as he announced, "Georgina Sparks, the stunning Victoria's Secret model, was just spotted returning to California and was warmly welcomed at the airport by her billionaire partner and prominent businessman, Rick Archer." A video of the couple kissing at the airport played on the screen. Serena's hand clenched tightly on the remote as anger surged through her. "After hiding our marriage from the world for three years, you has no qualms about flaunting his new relationship just a day after our separation," Serena spat out with disgust.

serena heard a gentle knock on the door. She immediately hit the off button on the remote and called out "Come in". The door creaked open, and three maids dressed in pristine uniforms walked in, bowing in unison. "We are here to get you ready for the day," one of the maids said in a soft voice.

Serena smiled and nodded in agreement. "Sure, let's do this," she said, getting up from the bed and following one of the maids into the luxurious bathroom. The maid deftly prepared the bath, filling it with warm water and adding a few drops of fragrant rose flower bath gel, creating a delightful aroma that filled the room..

Serena stepped into the tub and felt the warm water envelop her, easing her tension and helping her relax. She let out a contented sigh as the maid began to bathe her.

After some time, Serena exited the bathroom, where another of her maids awaited her, ready to help her dress. The maid took a moment to carefully assess Serena's figure before selecting a blue floral flare short gown that would perfectly complement her physique. The gown was made of a lightweight fabric that flowed effortlessly as Serena walked, and its design featured an intricate floral pattern that added a touch of elegance to the ensemble.

Next, the maid helped Serena to step into a pair of white flat shoes that were both comfortable and stylish. The shoes matched the gown perfectly, and their understated design drew attention to the overall look rather than distracting from it.

With the gown and shoes in place, the maid took a step back and bowed respectfully before the third maid stepped forward to work on Serena's hair and makeup. The maid began by straightening Serena's black curly hair, using a flat iron to achieve a sleek and polished look. Once the hair was straightened, the maid carefully packed it into a messy buns style that was both chic and modern.

Finally, the maid applied a subtle eye shadow that brought out the natural beauty of Serena's eyes, and a lipstick that perfectly matched the gown. With the finishing touches in place.

The maid finished off her makeup, and stepped back . They all announced in unison, "We are done, ma'am." Serena opened her eyes to take a look at herself in the mirror and couldn't help but smile. She looked just like her old self, confident and radiant.

"Thank you," Serena replied, her gaze still fixed on her reflection. With that, the maid bowed and quietly exited the room, leaving Serena alone to collect her thoughts.

As she trailed her hand over the mirror, Serena made up her mind to live her old life and not let Rick's betrayal tear her apart. Instead, she would use it as a source of strength to help her deal with him. With a newfound sense of determination, Serena was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Serena emerged from her room and padded down the hallway, her footsteps muffled by the plush carpeting beneath her feet. As she entered the dining room, she was greeted by the sight of her father, and her older brother, already seated at the table.

A bright smile spread across her face as she approached the table, and she leaned in to give her dad a gentle peck on the cheek. "Good morning, dad," she greeted him warmly.

Turning to her brother, she repeated the gesture, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Good morning, big brother," she said, settling into her seat.

Mr. Raymond and Marcus exchanged a surprised glance at Serena's uncharacteristic happiness, but chose not to question it. Instead, they simply basked in the warmth of her smile, marveling at how it transformed her face and lit up the entire room.

The aroma of freshly made pancakes, maple syrup, bacon, and eggs filled the air. The maid served them, placing the pancakes on their plates, along with abacon and eggs, and a glass of refreshing orange juice. With a gentle smile, the maid stepped back, joining her colleague who stood at a distance.

As they began eating, the only sound was the clinking of utensils against plates. The silence was finally broken by Marcus, who turned to face his father and asked, "Will you be attending the auction?"

Mr. Stanford took a sip of his orange juice and sighed before replying, "I won't be able to attend. I need to leave for China tomorrow and rest before my trip."

Marcus then shifted his gaze to Serena and asked, "And how about you, Serena? Will you be my plus one?"

Serena beamed at Marcus, flashing him a brilliant smile. "It's been so long since I've attended such an event," she said, excitement coloring her voice.

Marcus nodded, his own smile mirroring hers. "I want you to look your best," he said, his eyes twinkling. "I'll send a fashion designer and makeup artist to get you ready."

With that, he stood up from the table, grabbing his briefcase. "I have to leave for the office," he said, his voice apologetic. "I need to sort out a few files. I'll be back in a few hours."

"See you soon, bro," Serena said as Marcus planted a kiss on her cheek

. "Have a nice day at work," Mr. Stanford added.

"Thanks dad," with that, Marcus exited the dining room.

The Top Villa Hotel is a stunning architectural marvel, situated in the heart of the bustling city. As the night sky sets in, the hotel lobby is transformed into a hive of activity, with reporters from different media outlets stationed at strategic points, ready to capture every moment of the highly-anticipated Auction event. The lobby is dimly lit, with soft golden lights illuminating the luxurious interiors, adorned with exquisite chandeliers, plush carpets, and opulent furnishings. The air is thick with the fragrance of rich perfumes and colognes, as the guests arrive in their sleek and shiny luxury cars, each one more impressive than the last. The sound of heels clicking on the marble floors echoes through the lobby as the guests make their way to the grand ballroom, where the auction is set to take place. The reporters are quick to snap pictures of the guests as they enter the venue, hoping to catch a glimpse of the various high-end items that are up for bidding. The excitement is palpable, and everyone is eager to see who will walk away with the coveted items at the end of the night..

A Ferrari car pulls up, and the reporters rush to capture the moment. Rick steps out of the car and walks over to the other side to open the door for Gina. Cameras begin clicking away as she elegantly poses with Rick, adding to the excitement of the night.

Soon after, three luxury cars pull up, a Rolls Royce at the center flanked by a highlander at the front and back. Bodyguards from both cars step out and move to the Rolls Royce, positioning themselves strategically. One of the bodyguards opens the door for Marcus, and another reaches for the door on the other side for Serena. But Marcus stops him, stepping around the car to open the door for his lady himself.

Serena emerges from the car, and the first thing that catches everyone's attention is her dazzling diamond shoe, which shines brightly in the soft light of the lobby. The reporters quickly switch their focus from Rick and Gina to the stunning beauty in front of them, clicking away furiously, eager to capture every detail of her attire and accessories.

Gina is forced to look back to know what has stolen the attention from her and Rick. The reporter keeps taking pictures of Serena's shoes, eager to know the lady behind them. Marcus stretches forth his hand, and Serena takes it, coming out of the car in all her glory.

Serena wore an armless long fitted sequence blue gown, designed with little diamonds all around that accentuate her lovely curves. Her hair is straightened, and her makeup is flawless, making her look like a goddess.

Gina cannot help but feel a twinge of jealousy, and Rick is left in shock, unable to believe his eyes. The auction has not yet begun, but the night is already filled with drama, excitement, and surprises.

Tbc.