Chapter 7

On the day that Alexander was discharged from the hospital, he got a text from Louise.

"8:00 pm tonight. There's a dinner auction. Don't be late."

He stared at his screen for some time. Eventually, he replied, "Okay."

The auction was a very glamorous affair. Alexander wore a simple white dress shirt with long black pants. He stood quietly in a corner.

His leg injuries had not fully healed. If he stood too long, it would start to throb in pain. Regardless, he remained upright and steady, like a tree rooted to the ground.

Until…

"Louise, I've thought of the 100th request. I want you to auction him off," stated Charles firmly as he held Louise's hand.

Alexander's head shot up, his eyes fixed on Charles' smug expression.

Louise frowned as her slender fingers gently tapped the armrest of her chair. "Charles, that's too much."

"You said you would do anything for me. Besides, aren't you the one who keeps complaining that he's bothering you? This is the best solution." Charles pouted. "If you agree to this, I'll get together with you!"

Louise went silent for a long time before looking toward Alexander.

"Alexander, get on stage," she said flatly.

Alexander could feel his fingertips tremble as the color drained from his face. In the end, he could only nod in agreement and say, "As you wish, Ms. Lawrence."

Louise stared at him intently. A sudden pain shot through her heart. She thought he would have resisted or left the venue in defiance. Yet, he submissively obliged with a vacant, lifeless look in his eyes.

Just how deeply did he love her to take her every word so seriously? Even after everything, he was willing to do whatever she asked.

On the auction stage, the host said with a playful smile, "This next item is a little special. Mr. Alexander Reynolds is 25 years old, stands six feet and one inch tall, and speaks six different languages. He's good at…"

Below the stage, a chorus of competing bids filled the room as guests called out increasingly higher offers.

"50 thousand dollars!"

"80 thousand dollars!"

"120 thousand dollars!"

As the shouts continued, Louise locked her eyes onto the man on stage. A heavy feeling spread through her chest.

Just as the highest bid reached 200 thousand dollars, she suddenly stood up.

Charles grabbed her by the sleeve. "Louise?"

She hesitated for a split second. Before she could react, the host brought down the gavel. "Sold!"

In the end, a fat, middle-aged man managed to buy Alexander for the price of 200 thousand dollars.

Louise sat back down in her VIP seat as she felt her frustration rise.

…

Meanwhile, in the hotel suite…

"Hey, cutie, don't be scared. I'll take good care of you…" the sleazy man cooed as he shoved Alexander onto the bed.

Alexander did not fight back. He just looked up calmly at the ceiling.

As the man ripped open his shirt, Alexander suddenly grabbed the crystal ashtray by the bedside and smashed it into his head.

"Ah!" the man screamed in pain. Blood started to flow down from his forehead.

Alexander used this as an opportunity to push the man off and lurched for the door. His leg hurt like hell, but he could not afford to stop now.

Behind him, he could hear the man's angry cries and heavy footsteps chasing after him.

He frantically pushed the elevator buttons. Just as the man was about to catch up to him, he slipped into the elevator, squeezing through the closing doors at the last possible second.

The moment the elevator doors shut, he collapsed onto the floor. His body was trembling all over.

Alexander returned to his apartment and slumped to the ground.

The cold tiles pressed against his skin, their icy chill seeping into his bones.

His clothes were soaked. As he gazed up at the ceiling, he suddenly recalled that rainy night from all those years ago.

Isabelle had been waiting for him by the school entrance with an umbrella. When she saw his drenched hair, she immediately brought out her handkerchief to dry him off.

"Why didn't you bring an umbrella? What if you catch a cold?" she nagged, her voice laced with concern.

He could barely even take care of himself without her around.

Out of nowhere, someone kicked the door open with a bang.