RACHEL:
The moment I stepped off the plane in Paris, I felt the weight of my decision. The city, although with its timeless beauty and intoxicating charm, was another battlefield, one which I had brought myself into out of my own will.
Austin's driver was waiting for me at the airport. I wanted to decline the ride at first but it would seem like I was holding grudges so I accepted it, sliding into the back seat of the car with a bit of composure.
That composure faltered when I arrived at the hotel I was to stay in. Right there, I saw Austin and Chloe together in front of the same hotel. Chloe leaned toward him, her fingers brushing over his arm as they spoke.
As soon as the both saw me, their expressions switched to something different. I was indifferent and would be in order to not give them the satisfaction of a reaction.
"You're staying here?" he asked. There was disdain in his tone, making it seem like the idea of me existing in the same space as him was an inconvenience.
I remained unbothered as I responded: "It's a free country."
Chloe let out a mocking laugh which actually infuriated me. "Of course, darling. It's definitely a free country, isn't it?" she said.
I was going to say something that would have most likely damaged by indifference until someone stepped in.
"Sorry, I'm late," the person said and I turned to the side to see that it was Daniel.
The surprise that filled up my expression was actually swift. But I didn't let it linger for long as relief flushed my system. He had such an impeccable timing in his perfectly tailored suit and I was grateful for it.
"Shall we?" he asked, offering me his arm which I took immediately.
My gaze landed on Austin whose expression darkened. Clearly, he wasn't enjoying the scene.
As soon as we were a distance away from them, I couldn't help but ask Daniel: "How come you're here? You never mentioned you were coming to Paris."
He smiled. "I couldn't let you do this alone. As much as you think this is for you alone, I'll have to remind you that it's for both of us."
I guess he was right.
______________
The auction was indeed a grand affair. The hall was adorned with magnificent golden chandeliers and velvet drapes and was as exactly as I had imagined it to be.
The elegance, the sophistication, the power... It was perfect.
Daniel followed me to grace the occasion and I had to do my best to focus on the event. I wasn't going to get consumed by thoughts of Austin and Chloe's presence. Especially not this night.
I didn't miss the signs of them planning to torment me. From Chloe making pointed comments whenever I was within hearing, to Austin standing too close to her as if she was everything to him.
Austin took things a bit too far when he body on an exquisite diamond necklace. It was a necklace I recognized immediately because it was a piece I had once admired.
Was this his way of getting back at me? I guess it is. When the hammer fell and the anchor called out that it was 'sold', I almost lost it all. Austin just had to capitalize on my hurt by turning to Chloe and fastening the necklace around her neck.
"Do you want to leave?" Daniel whispered into my ear while I watched with a glass of champagne on my lips.
"I'm fine," I said even as the knot in my stomach tightened.
I wasn't going to run from this. I was going to face it head on. I knew why I came here and that was going to be my main focus.
During a break, Chloe just had to walk to me and corner me close to the balcony.
"I really don't know why you're here, Rachel. But if you don't get it, Austin is mine now. So stop making a fool of yourself and just leave," she said, swirling the champagne in her glass as she smiled in a way that disturbed me.
I looked at the necklace fastened around her neck and then back to her face. "Who's making the fool of herself if not you who's so bothered about someone that just came to enjoy the night? Desperation really suits you, Chloe."
My words got to her. And I saw it from the flash in her eyes. What I didn't expect was for her to raise her hand and slap me.
The sound echoed and gasps instantly filled the air. I could feel my cheek burning but I didn't give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
I held back the will to hit her back. And that was when Austin suddenly stepped forward, placing himself between us.
"That's enough, Rachel!" he barked coldly, making it seem like I had provoked the attack.
I was no longer able to hide my expression. My breath caught as I realized how much I had lost this man.
How pathetic.
