My heart felt like a piece had been gouged out; the pain was so intense I could barely breathe.
There was a time when my dad forced me to perform on stage and I dreaded being the center of attention.
James had once cast aside his self-respect, going to great lengths to act goofy and ugly to draw everyone's attention away from me.
Now, the moment his voice fell, the atmosphere in the room exploded.
Every malicious gaze locked onto me.
"The starting price is one dollar? It's so worthless. I'm afraid she has been slept with by others after the Jarquíns went bankrupt. No wonder James doesn't want her. I think she's filthy."
"They're not asking for five million anymore. Five hundred bucks would make her kneel down and lick shoes now.
"Forget it, what's the use of this kind of beauty? I don't want it even if you pay me. Who knows what disease she has?"
The audience's atmosphere was heated and the malice continued, but no one raised a sign to bid.
Until this time, James raised the sign slowly.
"One dollar and five cents."
James' bid sparked another round of uproarious laughter.
"James, you're too generous! How is trash like that even worth fifty cents?"
Meanwhile, James leisurely observed my expression with amusement.
"I'm quite pleased with the look of despair on your face. If you behave yourself, I might just take you home as my pet."
Jordyn leaned against James, smiling as she asked.
"What if Jennie actually gets bought by someone else?"
James' expression was disdainful. "Who would want such a piece of junk?"
My whole body began to tremble uncontrollably. I curled up on the ground, trying to escape those malicious stares.
"Turn off the lights ... don't look at me."
The symptoms of somatization, like stomach cramps and difficulty breathing, began to surface. I gagged a few times but couldn't throw up anything.
Someone's voice hesitated.
"Jennie doesn't seem to be doing well. Should we call an ambulance first?"
James' smile faltered, his gaze falling on my face. He instinctively stood up but still complained.
"What a bummer."
Jordyn hugged his arm.
"I remember Jennie studied acting before. We were just letting everyone see her, not feeding her anything, so how could she be vomiting? Look, she's been gagging forever and hasn't thrown up a thing. Do you think she's faking it?"
Hearing that, James' expression slowly shifted from concern to disgust.
"Jennie, why didn't I see it before? You're such a good actress. Desperate to stay by my side like a dog, huh?"
He waved his hand. "Continue the auction."
Just then, someone in the back row raised a paddle.
"Ten dollars."
The smile on James' face froze.
Garrett Wade laughed loudly. "This woman, though cheap, is certainly beautiful. I'd like to taste what she's like. If you all aren't interested, please don't compete with me."
James' hand, which had been about to raise the paddle, ultimately stayed down.
He abruptly stood up, looking at me with a cold sneer.
"I really underestimated you. Even in this state, you can still seduce men. Seems you'll stop at nothing for money."
He turned and left without looking back.
With three strikes of the gavel, the auction finally ended.
Garrett's gaze lingered on me, making me sick. He spoke to the staff.
"Please tell your Mr. Jorgensen to keep his promise and send the person to the Wade Family as soon as possible."
I was carried backstage like a piece of merchandise.
James stared at me with a cold gaze.
"I didn't realize you had such nerve. You think you can use Garrett to get rid of me and live a life of luxury in the Wade Family? Don't even dream about it."
