SOME THINGS ARE MEANT TO BE

CHAPTER 37

Anton rolled his eyes, “Lady, this is indoors, not the Sahara Desert. There is no sand here.”

Didn’t women like to gain sympathy from others by using their tears? Why did she want to keep on hiding it from the cousin? If it were him, his tears would have flowed like a waterfall.

Diego put his hands down as his eyes turned more serious. He did not like her lying to him, and yet he did not have the heart to question her further.

“This next item is a piece of jewelry—a necklace strung with Akoya Pearls. Its refraction gives the pearls a rosy-white luster, resulting in a beautiful surface. Akoya Pearls have the highest grading among pearls. They can be crafted into accessories with pure gold or blue diamond, and you will be delighted by the perfect match, no matter which combination you choose. Also, you will be pleased to know that this series of pearls is flawless with the right density and a beautiful gloss.

“There are these quotes ‘you pay for what you get’ and ’round as pearls and smooth as jade’. The rounder a pearl, the more beautiful it is. Big, round, and perfect pearls represent the aesthetic appearance of a full moon. Combined with the luster, it creates a dreamy and poetic beauty. This strand is made up of ninety-nine round natural pearls of that size. Each pearl is Grade A in quality with a bright reflection, a well-distributed sharpness, and a clear image.

“It was said that this is a strand of necklace which brings happiness and luck.”

The auctioneer held the strand of a gorgeous white pearl necklace in his hand as he continued to speak from the stage. Julianna gawked at the stage and wondered if it would really bring happiness and love to its owner.

Would it?

“The bidding starts now from 300,000, with an increment of 30,000 for each bid.”

Diego narrowed his eyes.

He had not participated in the previous bids. This was his first.

“500,000.”

All the attention was on him, and the silence in the room was eerie. No one was willing to vie against him because he was a hard man to mess with. Besides, buying a strand of necklace for 500,000 dollars was too extravagant.

There was bound to be someone who refused to give in.

“510,000...” A man called out meekly. Everyone focused their attention on the man, who looked to be in his early twenties, as beads of sweat started to appear on his forehead. A coquettish-looking woman sat beside him with her hand on his elbow. Her eyes became greedy as soon as she saw the pearl necklace. This was a man who was trying to impress his woman.

The auctioneer’s eyes twitched as he stood on the stage. “Pardon me, sir. Please pay attention to the rules. There is a 30,000 increment for each bid. Thus, the bidding price for each call is 530,000 or 560,000. You may also increase the bidding price if you wish.”

He smiled apologetically while the man sitting in the bidding section gave a cough in embarrassment.

“530,000...” It was the same meekly voice. His audience couldn’t help but shudder as goosebumps appeared on their skin.

“Cousin, is there something wrong with this person’s brain?” Anton scratched his head. A man like this was competing against his cousin. It actually made him feel slow.

“1 million.” Diego smiled sarcastically, then he pursed his lips tightly, indicating his ruthlessness.

After a while, the same meek voice came from the bidding zone again. The man sounded as though he was on the verge of crying, “1.03 million.”

“1.5 million.” Diego’s eyes became more somber.

“1.53 million...” That voice sounded like he was crying.

Julianna tilted her head in puzzlement as she listened to the exchange between the two men. She could not understand why Diego was persistent.

“3 million.” Diego looked up.

Three million was the highest bidding price in this auction. No one had come close to this price. Even now.

All eyes were focusing intensely on the other bidder. The female companion by his side muttered something to him which made him anxious. The woman then stood up angrily and walked away. Her hips swayed from one side to the other with each step. As her lips moved, one could vaguely make out her words.

“You are f***ing useful.”

“Three million going once! Three million going twice! Sold for three million dollars. Good!” The deal was concluded with a bang on the gavel. “This strand of pearl necklace representing happiness and love has been sold to ‘Number 85’, Mr. Hanson.” The auctioneer had clearly memorized the names and the numbers that were assigned to everyone in the room, especially for a character like Diego. He could cause the business world to quake with a stamp of his foot.

Diego stood up with a hand in his pocket and strode out with his long legs. His steps were elegant. With his aloof and ruthless features as well as his tall and sturdy body, his presence was too frightening to be neglected.

“Mr. Hanson, may I know which lady you intend to give this necklace to?” the auctioneer asked as he respectfully handed the necklace to Diego while he handed the credit card and accepted the necklace.

Cash on delivery... which was fair. It was also the regulation of the deal.

Diego looked down at the necklace which he was holding and tightened his grip. For... for whom? Then he parted his lips and said in three words, “For my wife.”

His reply had shocked everyone who had thought that he did not like his wife. He had even caused her embarrassment during their wedding ceremony. After they had wedded, he was frequently seen in the company of several female companions. Why would he spend so much money buying a gift for his wife?

Perhaps the rumors had been false, and the pair of husband and wife had been living in harmony and respect.

Diego walked down the stage. Julianna put her fingers against her quivering red lips. Her long eyelashes were wet with tears.

Diego sat down, turned, and looked at her. “Crying again? Is it because you’re happy now?” He touched her eyes with his fingers. Sure enough, his fingers were slightly moist.

He opened the box on his lap, took out that pearl necklace, and put it on her neck. This has elevated her gown and gave it a brand-new feel.

The pearls on her gown and the pearls on her neck had the same luster. Under the lighting, they accentuated her porcelain skin, which looked as if she was basking in the moonlight.

With the exception of her red eyes.

“Why?” Julianna caressed the pearl necklace on her neck gently. Three million seemed really expensive. She might not be worth that amount if she were to sell herself.

Moreover, he had declared before so many people that he had bought it for his wife. Her name happened to be Julianna .

“I thought you wanted it?” Diego lifted his brow. “You had been staring at the stage with your longing eyes. Don’t tell me you have not thought about how you would feel if you really owned it. A woman must be honest. Overly modest is just stupid.”

Julianna put her hand down as she gently bit her red lips. “Thank you.” Too much gratitude could not be conveyed with just a simple ‘thank you’. The significance of this gift was not its monetary value. Rather, it was for his recognition of her. He had called her his wife. Was he acknowledging her as his wife?

“You know that I don’t want you to thank me.” Diego smiled confidently as his lips curved beautifully. It wasn’t a big smile, but one could tell that he was in a good mood now.