THE BILLIONAIRE’S PET.

Sitting amidst the crowd, dressed in a suit tailored to fit his aura, Rivera Woods graced the auction with his presence. No one dared to meet his eyes, for they feared angering the billionaire. He carried himself like a god, and in the city, he could give and take life as easily as snapping his fingers. The hall where the auction was held was spacious and big, decorated with flowers and blue veils everywhere. The auctioneer stood on the podium and called everyone’s attention, but the crowd was still buzzing. Men talked amongst themselves, and women stole glances at Rivera, giggling. After all, he was known as the most eligible bachelor in town. So many women had tried to get his attention, but he had successfully turned them down. Some had even gone as far as invading his mansion and trying to seduce him. In the end, they labeled him as gay. Funny, because all he could think of was a girl with golden locks of hair—hair that would reflect like the sun itself. The auctioneer said again, “Good day, ladies and gentlemen,” but no one paid heed to him. Rivera, who had business to tend to, simply cleared his throat, and the place was as silent as a graveyard. The auctioneer proceeded, “The first item on the list today: an emerald ring. It was said to have been worn by the Queen of Skwovia as a promise ring. The bidding will start at 3,000€. Can I get 3,000€? Anyone?” The crowd started buzzing and different prices were heard among them. At some point, the ring was sold for 10,000€. Rivera sat there, bored to death. The auction had almost come to an end and nothing had caught his attention. He stood up from his seat to leave—when suddenly, from the corner of his eye, he saw a flash of golden hair on stage. He froze. Could it be? That was the exact girl he had dreamt of for years. Every night she would visit his dreams with smiles as bright as the moon itself. But here she was—so malnourished, so battered. What was she doing there? More importantly, why were they auctioning a young lady? He was going to get to the bottom of it later. But first things first: he had to obtain her. She was his—and his alone. The auctioneer had been mumbling a few words, but Rivera was in a trance as he stared at the girl with long golden hair and green eyes, her small frame trembling. A girl he knew like the back of his hand. She looked like a fairy that had been captured, her wings cruelly cut off. Anger smeared across his figure. All he heard was, “3,000€ from the man in black there.” The next moment, he shouted, “6,000,000€—bring her to me.” The auctioneer and the crowd gasped in shock. This man, who had never spared any woman a second glance, was buying this girl? What in heaven’s name is she made of? Rivera didn’t wait. He walked straight toward the stage, picked her up in his arms, and carried her away. As he walked, he said to his assistant, Jeremiah, “Call the house. Let them know we have a new member of the family. I want a bath prepared, and a room as big as mine.” “Sir?” Jeremiah asked hesitantly. “You know what she’ll pick when we get home.” Then he turned to the little girl in his arms, sighed, shook his head, and walked her to the car. After sitting her gently inside, Rivera said one word to the driver: “Home.” The driver nodded. ⸻ MARIGOLD’S POV The ride was long. I didn’t know what to expect. This man seemed… decent? I mean, I heard him talk about a bath and a room. A room—as big as his? Wow. Maybe I was imagining things. Life had been hard for me ever since my fall from grace to grass. My parents—slaughtered while I hid in my closet like a scared little cat. Shame still smeared across my soul. They later found me, and after I bit one of the men who tried to have his way with me, they beat me black and blue. I don’t even remember how long it’s been. But then—light. And a man, standing there, looking at me as if he had seen the sun. He looked so familiar. I couldn’t quite place him. I really hoped I’d get a decent meal today. It’s been ages since I’ve eaten anything. All this time, I’d only been studying my environment, thinking of my escape, and plotting revenge. Maybe… maybe I could use this man? I turned to him, only to find him staring at me. “What are you thinking?” he asked. My mind froze. I backed away, then finally found the courage to whisper, “What do you want from me?” He laughed. I’ve heard men laugh before, but this? This sounded different. I could get used to it. It made me feel safe—and yet it was dangerous. All of me churned. I didn’t like this feeling, but I couldn’t deny it: I liked this man. “In due time, you’ll know what I want. What’s your name?” he asked, his gaze piercing straight into my soul. “I… I… Marigold.” I don’t know why I stuttered. Then my stomach growled. I looked down in embarrassment, then up at him again. And he laughed once more. That laugh. It pulled me closer. Then he nudged me to look forward. I did. “Wow…” I breathed out. I couldn’t help it. I had seen houses, mansions, and castles before—but this? This was a castle among castles. Straight out of a fairy tale. Two huge men ran to open the gates and bowed as the cars drove by. Just who is this man?