Chapter7:
1110 Words
The guests were ushered to the available seats as the gala was about to commence. An announcer in a tailored suit stepped onto the raised stage at the center of the room, smiling into the spotlight.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. We are now about to commence the main purpose of tonight’s gathering is to give back. To shine a light in the dark corners of our society.”
A few polite claps followed and the main aspect of the ceremony began.
Kate watched as many business men and women laid bids but she sensed that they were all trying to outdo themselves by showcasing their weight underneath the disguise of charity.
This was mainly an onetime occasion to show off achievements. A smile crept on her face when she heard Nathan’s donation.
“12 million dollars!” His voice rang out.
Others gasped. That was the highest donation in the room. Nathan had a smug look as he sat down, glancing at Kate expecting her to be impressed but she wasn’t even looking at him.
Nathan clenched his jaw, his smile fading away.
“Kate,” he said quietly. “ I know you might not understand what's going on here but this charity gala is meant to help women and children get social amenities that are not available to them.”
Before Kate could speak, a woman sitting beside them said, “That was an astonishing amount you gave out there, Mr Blackwood. It’s amazing you have such empathy in you.”
Others around her nodded and murmured in agreement but Kate had a look of indifference.
The announcer continued, “I appreciate you all for your kindness and support toward giving to society. Tonight, we thank Mr. Nathan Blackwood for his generous donation to the ‘Light in the Dark’ fund and, with that we would like to close this part of the ceremony to move onto—“
“Hold on!” A lady’s voice rang out.
Every head turned towards Kate.
“I haven’t made my own contribution yet,” Kate said calmly with a small smile on her face.
Nathan was surprised. “Kate, you don’t have to give up any support. I made the donation in our names.”
Kate glanced at Nathan and responded with a wryly grin, “ I don’t need your money, Nathan.”
Without waiting for a response from him, she stood up and walked up to the announcer avoiding the numerous gazes and murmurs. Taking the microphone, she faced the crowd.
“We all know what it means to be silenced,” she began, her voice calm but resonant. “ To live in the dark and pretend we’re okay. Tonight’s cause reminds us that stepping into the light takes courage… and, no one should have to do it alone.”
She paused, allowing her words to sink into the ears of her listeners.
“ So in respect to that, I would love to donate 30 million dollars to this cause.”
The room erupted into cheers, and a thunderous applause followed. Kate’s eyes fell on Justin who was staring at her with a mysterious grin on his face.
Nathan sat frozen, his expression tight. He was visibly shaken by Kate’s donation. It was higher than his!
He was jealous. Why would his fiancé offer a higher amount than him? His fists slowly curled up into a ball under the table.
30 million dollars, and he had only given up 12 million. Not only had she dared to give out more than him, she had ignored him throughout the beginning of the event!
His phone pinged with a message. Its contents read; ‘Do not let her win the auction or else our family will be ridiculed!’
…
After a brief round of refreshments, the evening moved on to the auction ceremony. The light dimmed a little, casting a spotlight on an elegant looking blond dressed in a sleek black dress stepped out onto the backstage.
In her gloved hands, she carried a velvet-covered tray bearing the first auction item; a vintage diamond-encrusted bracelet once rumored to belong to a European duchess.
The announcer began to introduce the item to the audience. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, “our first item of the evening is a timeless piece of history. Elegant. Rare. A symbol of legacy and power…”
Guests began to make their bid.
“A hundred thousand,!” Shouted one man and, he was met with jeers.
“A hundred thousand, for something precious like this?!” The announcer said with a grin. “Any more bids?!”
“1 million!” Said another.
“2 million!”
After the last man made his bid, the announcer announced him the winner of the bid and the artifact was given to him.
The spotlight shifted again on a much dark skinned woman, walking in with a silver tray. a delicate necklace resting against royal blue velvet.
It was an astonishing piece. The guests marveled at the sight of it as the woman showed the necklace to them.
“This was the best gift for a woman loved by her man,” One of the ladies said, giggling while looking at her male companion.
It was white gold choker adorned with a rare obsidian-black sapphire at its center, ringed by small, blood-red rubies.
The announcer began to introduce the piece to the guests. Our next item, ladies and gentlemen, is far more than a neck piece. This is the Midnight Flame — a necklace crafted over a century ago by the renowned Deveraux family jewelers. A masterpiece known for its tragic history. It once belonged to Lady Celeste Hartnell, who wore it the night she vanished from society forever. Since then, it’s become a symbol of elegance… and mystery.”
Whispers filled the room.
Nathan leaned back on his chair, his interest piqued by the sight of the necklace. He glanced at Kate and whispered, “You seem moody today and, for that I am going to get that necklace for you.”
Kate faked a smile and nodded in response.
Justin, sitting farther off from them, narrowed his eyes at the same piece, fingers gently drumming against the rim of his glass.
“Let the bidding begin at two million dollars!” The voice of the announcer rang out.
“Five million dollars!”
“Eight million dollars!” Nathan said with a smug smile on his face, already feeling the excitement of winning the necklace.
However, fate had other plans.
“Ten million dollars!” Justin’s cool voice rang out in the almost quiet hall.
- Writer
