Chapter 27
1923 Words
Chapter 27
Auction
Third Person Pov:
Sunday Night
There was a charity event that night to raise money for children suffering from heart problems. All the famous businessmen in the state were invited. Everyone took their seats as the host began the evening’s introduction. The event was organized by the Nicholas Heyles family. Every year, one of the four major families—Alex’s, Zack’s, Nick’s, or David’s—took turns organizing this charity event.
The host announced, “Now, the auction will begin. Eighteen models are supporting us tonight for this great cause. The person who places the highest bid on a girl will get the opportunity to go on a date with her tonight.”
Previously, Fin, Jen, and Sanjana (Nick’s lover) had participated, but now Fin was married, Jen was engaged, and Sanjana couldn’t attend due to business commitments.
David, Zack, Nick, and Alex were seated together, watching the show. David, Zack, and Nick weren’t interested in the models since they already had the women they wanted for the rest of their lives. Alex wasn’t interested either. Most of the girls there were simply trying to show off and flirt for attention or personal gain. Some were plain, but if any man found them appealing, he would donate money regardless. Alex was only interested in supporting the cause financially.
Jen and Fin were backstage, helping the models prepare.
The auction began, and the bids were high. Each model sold for around $40,000 to $50,000, depending on their popularity. Kate, one of the models, was auctioned for $55,000—the highest bid of the night so far.
As the auction neared its end, the second to last model sold for $45,000.
The host announced, “And now, our final model!” The spotlight moved, and the host continued, “This is Ms. Khanna.” Handing her the microphone, the host said, “Please introduce yourself.”
Ana took the mic and began speaking. “Good evening, everyone. I’m Ananya Khanna. I run an interior design company…”
Alex suddenly lifted his head when he heard her voice.
At first, when the host announced the last name, he thought it might be someone else—Ananya never attended social events like these. But the moment her voice reached him, he recognized her instantly.
'His girl.'
Ana’s POV:
Now here I am, preparing for the auction.
I’ve never attended one of these events before. Jen and Fin practically dragged me into this. I had only come to help them, but somehow, I ended up being part of it. One of the models couldn’t attend due to family issues, and they asked me to replace her.
I hate the idea of anyone bidding on me. If they want to donate, I’m more than willing to give money and help—but I’ve never liked the idea of auctioning myself. Yes, it’s “just a date,” but we don’t know the bidder’s intentions. Don’t misunderstand me—I love helping people—but I’m not comfortable with events like this. All the bidders here are men. Some might have good intentions, but some don’t. I don’t want to be bid on by someone like that.
If the date is just about talking or getting to know each other, that’s fine. Nothing more. Kate is also participating, and before she left, she told me, “You won’t even get $25,000. Just consider it's what you get —you’re not a model.”
If the person who bids on me expects anything beyond conversation, I’ll return the money immediately. I already made that clear to Jen and Fin. They didn’t seem too concerned.
“You’ll get a good guy, Ana. Don’t worry,” Jen said.
“How can I not worry?” I replied. “This is my first time being auctioned for a date, Jen.”
I’d gone to events before as Alex’s escort, but this was completely different. I didn’t even like this dress—it was too revealing, and it wasn’t my choice. Fin insisted that for events like these, we needed to look sexy to attract higher bids.
When I stepped out, Jen whistled. “Ana, you look hot! No one will be able to keep their hands off you.”
Fin agreed, nodding enthusiastically.
They were just trying to calm me down, but honestly, it only irritated me more.
I walked onto the stage. The host introduced me and handed me the mic. I introduced myself, and the bidding began.
“$10,000.”
“$11,000.”
“$12,000.”
“$25,000.”
“$45,000.”
I clasped my hands silently. "God, please stop here. If someone pays too much, how will I ever repay him?"
But it didn’t stop.
“$50,000.”
“$55,000.”
“$60,000.”
"Please, God. Stop."
The host announced, “First time—$60,000. Second time—$60,000. Third time—”
“$100,000!”
My breath caught. "Who would be foolish enough to bid that much on me?"
The host beamed. “Oh my God! That’s the highest bid of the night! You’re a lucky charm for this event, dear.”
“First time—$100,000.”
“Second time—$100,000.”
“Third time—”
“Sold! To bidder number twenty-seven!”
My mind spun. "Is this even real? No one would spend that much money on me just for a date."
As I walked toward the table, my thoughts tried to steady me.
"Talk to him first. Don’t judge a book by its cover."
The hall was dark, except for the spotlight following me. I couldn’t see the bidder’s face. My heart pounded as I reached the table.
Then I saw his features.
And then—
I saw him
Third-Person POV:
Alex sat in his seat, unable to take his eyes off Ana. She didn’t look like someone who enjoyed dressing up like this or attending such events. So why had she agreed to participate? The question gnawed at him. He asked Nick, who was overseeing the event, and Nick explained the situation.
Alex thought bitterly, "They couldn’t find anyone else to replace her—except my girl."
Every man in the room was staring at Ana. He could see it clearly. She looked undeniably hot and sexy in that dress—something he had never seen her wear before. Zack, Nick, and David soon excused themselves to join their respective partners.
When Ana approached the table and saw Alex, she froze.
“Mr.King …” she murmured.
Alex didn’t respond. Instead, he allowed himself a moment of satisfaction—she was his for the night. He hadn’t planned anything beyond spending time with her, a brief escape from his overwhelming workload. Ever since the children’s trafficking case, he’d been hunting the mastermind behind it, barely allowing himself any rest.
Ana noticed his gaze and suddenly became acutely aware of her short dress, barely reaching her knees. She sat down stiffly, her thoughts spiraling.
"Yesterday, he had one girl. Today, another, she thought bitterly. 'Lucky him.' Just my bad luck."
"No wonder the media says what it does about him."
When she looked at him again, Alex was still watching her—his expression unreadable. Uncomfortable, Ana turned her attention toward the host instead.
As the auction concluded and guests began to disperse, a man approached Alex.
“Hello, Mr. King.”
Alex stiffened at the voice. “Hello, Mr. Johnson,” he replied coolly.
Stephen Johnson’s gaze immediately shifted to Ana, l**t evident in his eyes. Alex didn’t like that—not one bit. His jaw tightened, and his fist clenched.
“What brings you here, Stephen?” Alex asked bluntly.
“I didn’t come to see you, Alex,” Stephen replied with a smirk. “I came to meet this beautiful lady.” Turning to Ana, he extended his hand. “Stephen Johnson. And you are, dear?”
Ana shook his hand politely, but before she could speak, Alex grabbed her hand firmly.
“Stephen,” Alex said coldly, “she’s mine tonight.”
Stephen chuckled. “Then I’ll have her tomorrow. What do you say, beauty?” He winked, clearly asking for her number.
Alex’s patience snapped. “If you want, you can have her tomorrow—but don’t disturb my date tonight.”
With that, he pulled Ana away.
Alex knew Stephen was the man who had bid $60,000 earlier. The thought of what could have happened if he hadn’t stepped in filled him with anger.
He led Ana toward the car, still holding her hand, but she suddenly stopped.
“Alex, I need to talk,” she said seriously.
He inhaled deeply, forcing himself to calm down as he looked into her eyes. He didn’t understand the power she held over him, but the moment he saw her face, an unfamiliar sense of peace settled inside him.
“I don’t want to go on this date, Alex,” Ana said.
Disappointment flickered across his face. He wanted this night—wanted her—but he would never force her.
“Okay,” he said softly. “When you’re ready, we’ll leave.”
She shook her head. “No. I don’t want to go on a date with you. Not now. Not ever.”
Alex stared at her, stunned.
“Why, Ana? It’s just a date,” he asked, genuinely confused—and hurt.
She swallowed. “I can try this with others. Just not with you.”
The words hit him harder than he expected. "Others—but not me?" Anger surged through him. Was it because he was her boss? Or because she only saw him as a friend?
Alex stepped closer. “Explain.”
She stepped back instinctively, but he followed, blocking her path until she was pressed between the wall and him.
“Alex,” she said nervously, “I know you want to enjoy tonight, but I’m not interested. I’ll return your money. Just give me some time.”
“Money?” Alex snapped. “Ana, are you serious? I don’t want—”
“I know what you want,” she interrupted quietly.
His anger intensified.
“I’m not a girl who sleeps with every man,” she continued, her voice shaking. “Especially someone like you—someone who changes women whenever he wants. I’m not a w***e. I’m not a gold digger.”
Her words cut deep.
How could she think so little of herself—or of him? He had 'never' taken advantage of a woman. Never.
Anger burned inside him, but when he looked at her face, something shifted. What she had said wasn’t just insulting—it hurt.
“I’ll punish you for that,” he said softly, his voice dangerous. “I’ll make you understand exactly what you do to me.”
Before she could react, he kissed her.
Ana’s eyes widened in shock as his lips pressed against hers—slow, deep, filled with restrained passion. He poured everything he’d been holding back into that kiss.
She tried to resist, her lips tightly sealed, but her body betrayed her. Alex gently bit her lower lip, seeking entrance, then deepened the kiss, his tongue exploring slowly, deliberately. One hand braced against the wall, trapping her, leaving her no escape.
Ana’s eyes fluttered shut despite herself. Sensations she didn’t understand surged through her.
Alex felt her respond—and just as suddenly—
She shoved him back with all her strength.
He stumbled, breath heavy, eyes dark.
- Writer
