Chapter 1: Throbbing Demise of Her Life
Madison’s POV
“Congratulations, Mr. Grey! You’ve won and secured a newfangled condominium unit for $250,000! We will let you know the details in a while, but for now, let us proceed with our last gem. Everyone, we are now in motion with the principal segment of this auction.” The host of this eminent event announced blissfully.
Who is the last gem he is referring to? I am wearing a crystal dress that fits the tone of my body. Apparently, the gem is me. I am the granddaughter of Charles Joseph Stanford, who is the owner of Luxe Valley Properties, a real estate company that will perpetually fall if I am not sold this evening at an amount he yearns for.
“Don’t you dare let down that sweet smile in front of the crowd, billionaires will be gazing at you. Think back that if you are not sold for at least $800 million, the search and investigation for your missing father will vanish, and you will get zero of my support by then. This isn’t a threat, consider this more as a request from your loving grandfather. Now be a good girl and show them a lovely smile.” Clearly, I am deprived of a choice—to walk to the exit door and leave this stupid event.
“Make sure that the bruise on your left leg is concealed. If you weren’t that stubborn prior to this event, you would not have gotten that from me.” By all means, he also has a habit of setting contusions on me. I never felt like I was a part of him. How did mom manage to grow up under his command?
Charles dragged me to the stage, which made the crowd start to get untamed. Most of them are men who are formally dressed and visibly rich, as if they could spend millions of dollars a day.
“Good evening, everyone. She is predominantly for a gentleman out there who needs someone in their life. The Luxe Valley Properties present to you, Madison Calista Gonzales, my only granddaughter. I am aware that most of you saved your pennies for this part, but before we start, let me be clear about where your generous funds are leading. Dejectedly speaking, Luxe Valley Properties is hanging on the edge of the table. We need more funds to sustain the company, and as most of you have experienced, this company has also helped you a lot. Now, we are asking for your assistance. Enjoy the auction and enjoy your price, whoever takes her this evening.”
What the hell did he just utter? Was that to gain empathy? His old looks and acting can be deceiving, but his reclining attitude will never change for me. What kind of family sells its own flesh and blood? I would not plunge into this kind of business if I could just support my own needs and find my missing father unaccompanied. I just graduated with a bachelor's degree and have not proved anything yet.
“Thank you so much for the gratifying remarks, Mr. Stanford. At this moment in time, let’s begin the bidding for our final item this evening.” Funny how these rich people view me as an object displayed at the mall.
“$200 million!" A man close to my father’s age raised his bid. Please, not him.
How am I supposed to react to this? A forced smile from ear to ear. No amount of money can equal my worth. It is just that my fate at the present time is not in my hands. My life was full of contentment and happiness before my dad disappeared into thin air.
“$300 million, $450 million, $500 million...” Individual raises were heard from the crowd until no one followed.
“Going once, going twice...” I oppose saying this, but can someone offer a higher value? If for them this is solely a game, for me, it is the judgment of my life after this event.
“$800 million.” A tall man stood in the crowd with the highest bid, wearing a dark blue suit that accentuated his manly body structure. His face is vague from my perception, as the rays of light were more discernible to my eyes. Who is he?
“...and we have a successful bidder! Mister, please approach the stage to be acknowledged and to have a clear sight of what you will be taking home.” Catching sight of the person who has an interest in buying me feels unhandy. What could his plans be for me?
Either he will save me from my disconsolate life or he will make my survival more cruel.
As he walked, he approached my grandfather and said, “Good evening, Mr. Stanford. It is pleasant to personally see you again. How long has it been?"
I do remember those dreamy and attractive eyes, tall nose, pouty and kissable red lips, and wavy, thick hair. His fair-skinned face is entirely familiar to me, even with his strong fragrance.
“You too, Mr. Ferguson. You’ve grown a lot. Anyways, thank you for your bid, and it will mean a lot to the company.” In soft tones, I heard from them.
“Good evening, everyone. I am Mr. Ferguson from the company, Prestige Vista Estates. The reason why I bought her this evening is that something special is happening between us that I prefer not to disclose as it is personal. What’s the major point here is that she is mine. Nevertheless, I hope $800 million will pave the way for Luxe Valley Properties to achieve success again. Have a good night, everyone.”
Something special? What kind of show is this?
“For the rest of the winners, kindly take steps towards the backstage to claim what you bought. Thank you so much for joining this triumphant event, Luxe Valley Properties' Auction.” Almost everyone figures their way out, while the three of us are still scrutinizing each other’s existence at this stage.
“Well, you already own her, Zachary. You can do anything you want to her.”
Zachary? How can I forget?! We were once in the same bed together, exploring each other’s souls and waking up to each other after a night under the full influence of alcohol!
“You are mine, and you are coming home with me tonight, whether you like it or not.” He whispered closely in my ear, in a husky tone.
I guess my free will has ended. It is the demise of my life.