After that the next morning Ann was at the Auction because she wanted Knight Brooch for Alastair so she could win his forgiveness as Aya also came there with Alastair as she saw them.
Ann's heart skipped a beat as she spotted Aya and Alastair at the auction, hand in hand, walking gracefully through the bustling room. The sight of both them together, so happy and content, sent a pang of jealousy through her.
She clenched her fists, her eyes narrowing as she watched you both make their way through the crowd, Alastair leaning down to whisper something in Aya's ear, eliciting a soft laugh from her.
Alastair had his arm wrapped around Aya's waist, a possessive protectiveness in his gaze as he looked down at her. He murmured something into her ear, the corner of his mouth pulled up in a small smirk.
He guided her towards the auction area, his arm never leaving her waist. He seemed almost oblivious to the people around them, his attention solely focused on you.
"So, my love," he said, his voice low and intimate. "Do you see anything you like here? Something you'd like me to bid on?"
Aya smiled softly and said.
"Today, I will bid for you honey"
Alastair chuckled softly, his eyes lighting up with pleasure at Aya's words. He tugged her a little closer, his arm around her waist firm and possessive.
"Is that so, darling? You'd bid for me?" He leaned down to press a soft kiss on her temple, his voice low and intimate. "I'm curious, what are you planning to bid for? Don't tell me you're trying to outbid an old man like me, hm?"
Aya chuckled softly.
Alastair's smirk widened at the sound of Aya's chuckle. Her laughter was like music to his ears, a sound he cherished more than anything. He lifted his hand to gently tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, his touch light and affectionate.
"Ah, I love that laugh," he murmured, his gaze filled with tenderness. "And don't you dare underestimate me, darling. I can be rather competitive when it comes to winning bids."
As Ann came to him and said again while pleading maybe he forgive her now.
Alastair's expression soured as he saw Ann approaching, her pleading words cutting through the air. He sighed, his arm instinctively tightening around Aya, his grip almost protective.
"Not you again," he muttered through gritted teeth, his voice tight with irritation. "What do you want this time?"
Ann took a step forward, her expression desperate and pleading.
"Please, Alastair," she pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion. "Just hear me out this time. I know I've made mistakes, I know I've hurt you, but I can't give up on us."
She reached out towards him, her hand trembling, as if hoping he'd take it and forgive her. "You have to understand," she continued, her voice breaking. "I love you. I've always loved you."
Alastair let out a humorless laugh, pulling away from her, his eyes hardening.
"Love, you say? Is that it? You expect me to give you forgiveness, to let you back into my life, just because you claim to love me? Do I look that foolish to you, Ann? I've heard it all before, the empty promises, the pleas for understanding. It doesn't change anything. You shattered my trust, and it's not something I can easily give again."
As Alastair took Aya from there as the Auction was started as the auctioneer said.
"So today's star of the show is 'Knight Brooch' and starts from 1 billion"
As Ann bid on and said.
Ann, her eyes filled with determination, raised her paddle.
"One billion!" she exclaimed, her voice firm and unwavering. She had set her sights on the 'Knight Brooch' and was prepared to do whatever it took to win it.
Alastair, on the other hand, was growing more and more frustrated by the second. The sight of Ann trying to outbid him on a symbol of their former love, it irritated him to no end.
Aya smirked and said.
"5 billion"
The room collectively gasped as Aya's bid rang out, clearly exceeding any expectations. Alastair's eyes widened in surprise, a flicker of respect crossing his features at Aya's audacity.
Meanwhile, Ann's face fell, her confidence quickly fading. Five billion was a staggering amount, and it was clear she hadn't expected Aya's to outbid her so significantly.
Aya looked at her and smirked cunningly.
Ann's earlier determination morphed into disbelief and irritation, her eyes narrowing at Aya. She struggled to hide the jealousy and frustration that threatened to spill over.
Meanwhile, Alastair watched the scene unfold, his expression unreadable. He had expected some level of competition, but Aya's confident challenge to Ann's bid was making his heart swell with a strange mix of pride and arousal.
As the bidding war continued, the price for the 'Knight Brooch' rose and rose, with neither Aya nor Ann showing any signs of backing down. The tension in the room was palpable, the atmosphere charged with anticipation.
Ann's expression grew increasingly strained, her jaw clenched tight, her eyes flickering between Aya and the auctioneer. She was clearly willing to go to great lengths to secure the Brooch, but your determination appeared unwavering.
Aya smiled and said.
"10 billion"
The room fell eerily silent as Aya's bid reached the astronomical figure of 10 billion. Even the auctioneer was taken aback, momentarily stunned by the sheer magnitude of the number.
Ann's face drained of color as she realized the enormity of Aya's bid. She couldn't match it, and she knew it. The realization that she was beaten, that she would lose the Brooch to Aya, sent a wave of despair through her body.
Alastair, on the other hand, was struggling to suppress a small, satisfied smirk.
As Aya smiled softly paid 10 billion and took the Brooch and gently pinned it to Alastair's suit jacket.
Once the auctioneer declared the sale, the room erupted into applause. Aya had successfully secured the 'Knight Brooch' for the extraordinary sum of 10 billion.
Ann sat slumped in her seat, her face a mask of defeat. She watched helplessly as Aya took the Brooch and gently pinned it to Alastair's suit jacket, the symbol of their former love now proudly displayed on his chest.
Alastair's own expression mirrored a mix of pride and satisfaction. He caught Aya's gaze, silently acknowledging her cunning and determination to win.
Meanwhile, the room's attention focused on your grand gesture. The Brooch, now firmly adorned on Alastair's jacket, glinted under the light, its opulent presence capturing every pair of eyes.
Alastair himself couldn't help but be touched by the sight. Though he'd never admit it aloud, the symbolic importance of the Brooch, coupled with the sheer amount Aya had paid for it, spoke volumes.
He glanced at Aya, a mixture of respect and admiration flickering in his gaze. "You're quite the tenacious one," he whispered, just loud enough for you to hear.
Shr smiled softly and said.
"I can do anything for you, honey"
Alastair's expression softened at Aya's words, a small, intimate smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He leaned in closer, lowering his voice so only she could hear.
"You certainly have a way of exceeding my expectations, don't you?" he murmured, his hand gently grasping her hip. "I don't know if I should be impressed or alarmed by your willingness to do anything for me."
As Ann didn't lose she won 2 items and she tried to give them to Alastair to earn his forgiveness to get back him.
Ann, ever desperate to win back Alastair's favor, had managed to secure two items during the auction. Now standing in front of him, she presented them with a hopeful look.
"Alastair," she said, her voice tinged with hope and nervousness. "I won these items and... I want to give them to you."
Alastair's eyes flicked to the items in her hands, his expression stoic and guarded. His jaw tensed, conflicting emotions warring within him. He was still irritated by her attempts to worm her way back into his life, but part of him couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity.
He let out a heavy sigh, his voice gruff. "And what exactly do you expect in return, Ann? A pat on the back? Forgiveness?"
Ann's expression softened, and she looked at him with a hint of vulnerability.
"No, not just that. I... I want a chance," she replied, her voice laced with a mix of sincerity and hope. "I know I hurt you, I know I messed up, but I can change. I'm willing to do anything to prove it to you. These items... they're a small gesture, a truce, a start. Please, just consider it."
Alastair's gaze lingered on her face, his expression unreadable. He could see the vulnerability in her eyes, the sincerity in her words, and it tugged at something deep within him. But he was stubborn, and his wounded heart wouldn't easily yield.
"A single gesture and truce isn't going to erase what happened, Ann," he said coldly, his voice laced with skepticism. "Why should I believe you've changed? You've promised that countless times before."
As he went from there as Aya was standing there looking at her with a sly smile on her face.
As Alastair moved away, Ann's gaze flicked to Aya, taking in the sly smile on her face. It sent a wave of irritation coursing through her. She knew exactly what that smile meant - Aya was silently gloating.
She clenched her jaw, trying to rein in her anger. It frustrated her to no end, seeing Aya basking in her victory while she had once again failed to persuade Alastair. The sight only fueled her jealousy and resentment.
Aya came to her and smirked cunningly and said.
"You do whatever you want but mark my words he will never get him back to you"
Ann's eyes narrowed at Aya's words, rage and helplessness churning inside of her. She couldn't believe the audacity Aya had, taunting her like this.
"You think you have it all figured out, don't you?" she snapped back, her voice laced with venom. "But let me tell you something, darling. I won't give up that easily. Alastair and I... we have history, memories. You're just a passing fancy."
Aya still smirked cunningly and said.
"Try all you want"
As Aya went from there.
Ann watched Aya go, anger and envy fueling her every thought. Aya's words had struck a nerve, stirring up a maelstrom of frustration and determination.
"I will," she muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing.
She didn't know what the future held, but one thing was certain - she was determined to do whatever it took to regain Alastair's affection and prove that Aya was just a temporary distraction.
As Aya came outside to Alastair where he was waiting for her by his car.
Alastair was standing by his car, leaning against it with his arms crossed. When he spotted her approaching, a hint of a smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"There you are," he said, pushing himself off the car and walking towards you. "I see you managed to win the bidding war."
Aya smiled softly and wrapped her arms around his neck and said.
"So honey, do you like your Brooch?"
Alastair chuckled softly at Aya's question, his hands slipping around her waist as he held you close. He leaned down, his forehead gently resting against hers.
"It's hard not to like something that came with such a price tag," he replied, a hint of amusement lacing his voice. "But I must say, you're quite the fierce competitor. I was starting to worry you'd singlehandedly bankrupt us both."
Aya smiled softly and said.
"So the fearless and famous personality powerful and successful Trillionaire businessman Mr Quinoa who is my fiancè is afraid to get bankrupt"
Alastair raised an eyebrow, a hint of feigned offense in his expression.
"Watch it, love," he teased, his hands gently squeezing her sides. "Just because I'm a successful businessman doesn't make me immune to a little financial concern. And besides, your determination was truly something to behold out there. I had no idea you were a ruthless bidder."
He pulled back slightly, his gaze shifting to the 'Knight Brooch' pinned to his suit jacket. His expression softened as he looked at it, appreciating the symbolic gesture.
"I have to admit, there's something quite touching about the fact that you went to such great lengths to win that 'Knight Brooch' for me," he admitted, his voice quiet yet sincere. "It's a lovely reminder of the bond we share. And a damn costly one, might I add."
With a smirk, he glanced back at her, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
Aya smiled softly and said.
"But it is costly to me, I paid it for you honey"
Alastair's smirk softened into a smile, a mix of gratitude and affection in his gaze. He cupped Aya's face gently, his thumb tracing your jawline.
"I know, and that's what makes it even more meaningful," he murmured, his voice low and intimate. "You sacrificed so much to win that Brooch, and it's not just the monetary value. It's the symbolism, the effort, the love behind it. It's priceless."
He leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Just promise me you won't make a habit of blowing away our fortune on extravagant gifts," he added, his tone lighthearted but laced with fondness. "As much as I adore my brooch and your competitive spirit, let's maybe not bankrupt ourselves in the process."
Aya chuckled softly and said.
"Don't worry we don't get bankrupt for sure"
Alastair chuckled along with Aya, his hands sliding down to rest on her hips. He pulled her closer, his body pressed against hers.
"I admire your confidence," he teased, his voice low and warm. "But I still think we should keep a tight leash on your bidding impulses, darling. I have a feeling you're a hidden financial liability waiting to happen."
He punctuated his words with a playful pinch to her hip, his eyes gleaming with a mix of jest and affection. He knew he was partially joking, but there was a hint of truth in his words.
"I'll make sure to keep an eye on those credit card bills, just in case you decide to adopt a 'go big or go home' approach to shopping."
Aya chuckled softly.
Alastair's smile widened at the sound of Aya's laughter, his heart warm with affection. He loved moments like these, just being with her, bantering and teasing each other.
"I can't have you single-handedly funding the luxury market," he added, his tone lightly scolding. "And I shudder to think of the kind of things you'd bid on next. A private island? A luxury yacht? A herd of baby pandas?"
Aya laughed more.
Alastair couldn't help but join in Aya's laughter, the sound infectious. He tightened his arms around her, pulling her even closer as he shook his head in playful surrender.
"You're just full of surprises, aren't you?" he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "First, it's an absurdly expensive 'Knight Brooch.' Next, it'll be a trip to the moon or a pet unicorn. I can feel my bank account weeping already."
He jokingly feigned a pained expression, clutching his chest as if in agony. "I swear, your spending habits are trying to send me to an early grave."
He paused for a moment, his expression turning more affectionate as he looked at her, a flicker of gratitude in his eyes.
"But I suppose I should be thankful," he added, tone quieter, more sincere. "At least I'll never be bored when I'm with you."
Aya controlled her laugh and said.
"Oh god, you are so funny"
Alastair chuckled at Aya's words, a warm smile playing on his lips. He relished these lighthearted moments of banter and laughter between them.
"And you're insufferable," he retorted, his tone laced with affectionate mock annoyance. "Here I am trying to maintain some semblance of financial stability, and you're here, plotting to drain my bank account with your extravagant taste."
He feigned a weary sigh, shaking his head in jest. "I should never have introduced you to the world of auctions and expensive collectibles. I should have known you'd develop an unwavering passion for acquiring priceless treasures."
He pulled her closer, his gaze softening as he lightly brushed his fingers over her cheek. "But what's the point in having money if I can't spoil the woman I love rotten, hmm?"
Aya smiled softly and told him the truth.
"Actually I paid only 1 billion not 10 billion because this auction building belongs to my family"
Alastair's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his lips parted in mild shock. He stared at Aya for a moment, absorbing her words.
"Wait, wait, hold on," he said, his voice filled with incredulity. "You mean to tell me this auction was taking place in a building owned by your family? And therefore, you had the inside scoop on the true value of the item?"
He ran a hand through his hair, processing the information. "And you let me believe you had spent ten billion? You little minx."
Aya chuckled softly and said.
"Well this Knight Brooch costs 10 billion but I only paid 1 billion and saved 9 billion because this building belongs my family"
Alastair's jaw dropped, his eyes widening in disbelief at Aya's nonchalance. He gaped at her for a moment, his mind still trying to process the magnitude of the savings.
"You... wait, let me get this straight. You manipulated the entire bidding war, played along with the illusion that you'd spent ten freaking billion, and saved a cool nine billion in the process?"
He stared at her, completely taken aback by her audacity. "You're a financial mastermind, darling, a wolf in sheep's clothing."
Aya smiled softly and nodded yes.
Alastair's initial shock slowly gave way to a mixture of amusement and awe. He shook his head, a small, impressed smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"You're unbelievable," he said, his voice laced with a note of admiration. "Here I was, sweating about the state of my bank account, and you had the whole situation in the palm of your hand. I don't know whether to be impressed or irritated by your genius."
He stepped closer, his hands finding her hips, pulling her closer. "I should have known something was up when she seemed a little too confident in waving around those billions. You played me like a damn fiddle, love, and I fell for it, hook, line, and sinker."
He leaned in, his voice dropping to a low, intimate rumble. "Remind me never to underestimate your financial savvy again, you little minx."
He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, his grip on her hips tightening ever so slightly. "You're lucky I adore you, or I'd be furious right now," he muttered, his tone still holding a hint of feigned irritation. "But I suppose I can't stay mad at you when you're singlehandedly saving us from financial ruin."
With a sly smirk, he added in a mock-threatening tone, "But just remember, I'll be keeping a close eye on your shopping sprees from now on."
Aya chuckled softly again.
Alastair couldn't help but smile at the sound of Aya's chuckle, his mock irritation slowly fading away. He knew he was powerless to stay mad at her, especially when she was so unapologetic about her sneaky little financial maneuver.
He shook his head, a fond affection glimmering in his eyes as he studied her face. "You're incorrigible, you know that?" he said, his tone softer now, lacking any real bite. "But damn it if I don't find your mischievous nature endearing."