Sold To The Wicked Him

"Five billion dollars going once, "

"Five billion dollars going twice, "

"Five billion dollars going thrice, "

"Sold!"

***

It was cold... the air feels as if it is sipping deep inside my skin. I wonder why it feels like this. I tried to move but in my luck, I was chained for the reason that I am not sure of. My hands... it is tied from the back. My knees are bending as it feels the coldness of the ground I am sitting on.

Where am I? Why am I here?

I didn't find any answer about my question.

Somehow, pair of hands then touches me. It grabs me without even thinking whether I would be hurt or not. It seems like that person didn't care about any of it.

"Hmm!!"

Ahh!

I shouted, surprised on how the blinds was suddenly removed from my eyes.

The crowd keeps cheering. It became louder and louder as it echoed in my ears. It was like they saw some good thing. I was overwhelmed by the light that is why I narrowed my eyes just to adjust my vision and there... I saw how a thick pole welcomed me together with countless numbers of people cheering from afar. There are many of them.

"Woooaahhh"

"Wahhhhhhh"

"I want her!"

"So gorgeous!!"

"Damn that was crazy"

"Just the first part yet it is like this?"

"Wonderful, I will be bidding for her"

I can't tell where I should look, countless eyes are staring at me as if they wanted to engulf me whole. The way they look, I hate it. I don't know where I should land my sight but the only thing I know is that... I am trapped inside a cage that is a hundred times bigger than the cage they use to trap a bird.

My eyes wide open in realisation. My clothes are different to the one I am wearing when I came with Aunt Estrella. This dress is thinner than the thinnest cloth I ever had in the house! If my grandmother would see me looking like this, surely... she wouldn't like this! My skin is visible as if this cloth is made up of net or sort. Luckily the one around my chest down to my legs are slightly thicker but the way I am dressed up, it makes me sick out of humiliation.

I closed my eyes trying to calm myself as I tried to cover this chest of mine but failed.

"My, my, no need to be so energetic. As the first item of our real evening's event, let's start our bid at the price of ten million dollars"

Another sound of the crowd cheering was heard.

What a large sum of money. Even father didn't have a chance holding a money that is tenth of that value she had said. I look down.

Am I really being sold?

"Number one hundred fifty, twenty five million dollars!"

"Stealed by number sixty five for twenty six million dollars!"

Why are they even bidding such a large sum of money? Just to... Buy me? How... how did it even came to this?

"One hundred million dollars for number eighty nine!"

They bid and bid for who knows how long it has been. As time passed by, the bid became larger and larger until it hit a billion dollars.

Why are they even wasting money just like that?

I was mad at the thoughts of how that kind of money was tossed like a piece of coin. If... only I have that kind of money.. then surely... grandma...

Hah...

Everyone is cheering. Everyone is leaving that kind of tone. They are all excited. They are all evergetic and looking forward to the one who will eventually own me. It is as if the one they are buying is some limited edition item of a known company. Hah... So there are really people with this kind of attitude. Selling people without their consent... Isn't it illegal?

I didn't mind hearing their words and cheers as what happened to me really hasn't sinked in on my mind yet. I would rather believe that it is some kind of a dream where I can still eventually wake up!

"Five billion dollars"

Everyone was left silent. The cheering and the loud shout that was making my ear hurt for so long suddenly became as quiet as a night time in the middle of the sea.

I was taken aback when I heard that bid. Is he insane? That kind of money? Is he trying to throw his fortune just like that?!

"F-Five billion dollars going once! "

Even the woman that was speaking and leading that bidding got startled after hearing his bid. From ten million dollars to five billion dollars.

This... is... insane.

"Five billion dollars going twice"

No one even dared to steal that bid. Are they really going to let him buy me like some kind of a thing?

"Five billion dollars going trice, "

"Sold!"

And I never know that with that one word, my life would change.

"Is this her? Well, I can say that she look much prettier close up"

I was still inside this cage. Not knowing how I would react, I remained silent. Doing something that is against their wants would surely do me no good.

Once I saw Aunt Estrella, I will surely ask about what this thing is. Why am I here... Everything doesn't really make sense. This is not what we talked about!. Who would have even thought that it would end up just like this?

The sound of the chain was heard as I knew that the person that came is opening this big cage I am placed in.

"Can you get her out of that thing? I already sent the money, did I?"

"Yes sir, we are deeply thankful for your purchase. The document is already scheduled to be sent to you this evening. Regarding the one you bought, you have all the means to do what you wanted to do about it"

In the corner of my eyes I saw how the man with a somewhat muscular built lean to see me clearly. He is not thin for a guy yet he is also not that fat or muscular. He is someone in between. Just like a model in fashion magazines. So he is the one who bought me huh...

"You, what is your name ?"

He asked politely but aggressively. I had no choice but to answer him.

"Lea, my name is Lea"

"Lea..."

He mumbled as he stretched his hand to touch my chin. Even if I am not blind folded and can now speak freely, my hands are still tied. Even if I tried to move I surely can't do any changes.

"What a beautiful name. Now, don't let me down... be the most beautiful bride you can ever be"

And the only thing I can see was his smiling face with a hint of smirk before fog suddenly appeared out of nowhere. And so, my eyes finally close as my whole consciousness falls in the depth of darkness.

They all says that once you love someone and they love you back, the church is the only thing they will go no matter what happens. When I was a child, I always talk with my grandmother about how I would like to be married in a church full of flowers.

A simple wishful thinking of a child. Yes it is. But... who would have thought that, marriage is not the way I think it would be?

Getting married is a piece of crap!!

"And from this day forward, I now announce you, Lea and Aiden to be husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride"

The priest says as he blessed the two of us in front of oh so many people that have the maximum count of my hand.

"I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Lazarus!"

And by that, we live happily ever after.

The end.

I did hope that it would be as easy as that but... no. It didn't end up like those you see in the fairytale movies.

"I have rules to be made. Rules that you must follow or else, your head would be chop off"

It was indeed harsh. To marry someone the day after you bought them in some kind of an auction and now treat her like this... somehow I can say that I am lucky but... am I really am?

Even the bruises in my hand was still in here. The print of that thing that tied me hasn't been fully removed from my skin.

It was truly a witty thing for them to make it like this.

"This is my house and all rules must be done by me. You can never object it. Despite of being my wife, you are first my slave. Do accordingly if you want to live a somewhat good life"

He stated as if he was threatening me. It is as if he was saying that it was him who have the power in this house.

What else can I do... I am but a piece of slave in his eyes...

What happened to Aunt Estrella by the way? Ah!! Why am I even stucked in this kind of situation???

"Are you even listening to what I am saying?"

Now he was a bit mad since I didn't answer him. He have been talking for a while yet, it was just him who was speaking. Maybe he thinks that he looks like an idiot person talking to himself.

"Yes, I understand"

I simply reply. There is nothing good if I would act like a brat. Who knows. If I did disobey him.. he would do just as what he said.

Gulping as I slightly touch my neck, I don't want to imagine being killed that way. It would hurt so much! If ever I would die, I wanted to die peacefully. I don't want to get hurt so bad... it would torture me to be seen my grandmother being in that state...

My thoughts was disturbed as soon as I notice his hand touching my chin. It was just his pointing finger who was touching it but I can't help but do just as what he wanted.

Raising my chin just to see his face, he let out a smirk that soon disappeared after his words.

"So if you cherishes that head of yours... I advice you to be as good wife just like how you do good in being my bride"

The door suddenly opened after a three consecutive knock. He let go of me and faces the man thay entered the room.

"Sir, Master was outside. He was furious on why you didn't invite him in your wedding. Shall I prepare the dining hall?"

Looking at his wrist, he slightly shook his head.

"It was too early for us to have dinner. Prepare some snacks and drink, we will be out in the garden"

"Yes sir"

And with that, the man went on his way. I didn't notice it at first since Aiden was blocking him, but now as he went out, he seems to be wearing a butler uniform. Those clothes I saw in movies whenever there is a rich kid visiting their big mansion.

Closing my eyes, I even wonder if I can find excuse to get out of this place.

Grandma... what should I doooooo

And before I can even have any ideas of how to get out of this place, we are now facing the man that the butler stated.

Wearing some luxurious clothes and watch, no matter what kind of people look at him I know they can easily say that this man in front of them was a rich person. The way he move, the way he speak, every single detail about him shouts nobility.

Taking a peek in this man beside me, even Aiden do have that features. Ah, wait a minute...

Looking at the both of them, it surprised me how similar their features is. The fact that they somehow look alike- even the timing of them drinking are perfectly synchronized!

I gulp in realization.

If Aiden is already a big shot, what's more.. this man in front of us.

"What brings you here? Father?"

He said with confidence. Maybe I should just stay silent. Who knows... if his father thinks of me as a nuisance, he would just order his man to kill me on the spot. That is a big no no!

I still have to get out of here... somehow...

"I told you to that you must first marry before you succeed in getting the land that was given to you by your mother. It was written in her last will. But to think that you would do this carelessly, are you out of your mind? My son?"

The way he speak, I thought he would shout but he still remain having his composure. That was scary...

Again, Aiden took a sip in his cup before answering.

"I didn't do this carelessly"

"But you just met her. You can't marry someone you've just met!"

"Say by who? Isn't it true that you propose a marriage the very first time you talk to mom? Let's just say that I am just taking the steps of my father"

"That was different. I already know your mother, we just don't talk to each other. That's all. It is different if you who just met this girl, would marry her"

Lea, remain calm... Aiden states that you must perform good as his wife. If you don't want your head to fly in the air or if you don't want to be shoot dead in this place, do a good job.

"I already married her. There is nothing else you can do. Father."

"Yes there is. Son"

The tension between them are suffocating. I thought that I would die in an instant! But... why am I in this kind of situation in the first place... hah...

"Lea... that was your name, right?"

"Yes, sir"

He stopped on his walks. We are about to go in a greenhouse nearby. Just a while ago, they are talking to each other but now, I was drag by his father for who know what reason it may be.

I bet he would chop me and fed me to the pigs? Or maybe he would leave me in a lion's den and let me face my death?

Not wanting to think of things as that, I didn't notice that we already arrived in the greenhouse.

"Wow... this place was beautiful..."

I stated out of awe. Surprised by the beauty that I see, I forgot that I was with the father of Aiden. Looking at him he let out a small chuckle.

"Yes sir?"

"Calling me sir is giving us distance. You are now my daughter in law which means that you can call me as father"

"But.. is it alright? I thought you don't like me for Aiden..."

Wait, what am I even talking about? Do I have permission to say this words?

"What would you choose, money or family?"

What is with that sudden question? Is he trying to find out what kind of person I was? What should I say? What if I stated things he doesn't like. Will he shoot me dead in my head if that ever happens?

"Forgive my rudeness of asking so sudden. You don't need to answer it if you don't want to"

"Money is important but family is much more"

He was surprised when I say those words.

"What would you choose, family or your love one?"

Ah, he is is not finish yet? Thought that was just one question.. eh?

"If you love someone then that means that perskn is already your family. Family may be build even if you are not related by blood"

"Even if you say those... here"

He stated as he pick something on his inner pocket. Signing on it, he lend it to me.

Was it a check? Ah... so in the end he still doesn't like me. But itbis not as if I get just get that and leave Aiden. Surely it would be my head who would be out of my body before me getting out of this damn place.

Now, what should I do? In order to not gain any suspicious eyes, in order to carry out this plan we had, in order to keep this life of mine... I must do just as what Aiden told.

Bowing my head, this is the only thing I can see that would give a good result. It is surely no good if I act like a brat in front of him. It is sirely no good if I act so highly and tesr that check and boldly state that I won't leave his son.

The only option I have is to calmly and sincerely bow my head and ask for forgiveness since I can't accept his offer.

"Forgive-"

I didn't had the chance to finish my words. His laughter echoed on the whole place. It was as if he was having a good time.

"Indeed, your are different from others"

"Yes sir?"

"I told you, you can just call me father"

"Yes... fa..."

"..."

Maybe he was waiting for it. Hah, this was weird. Is he really not mad at me?

"Yes, father"

Again, another laughter was heard.

"Oh Claudia, if you are here you would surely enjoy this thing. It is a good thing that our son was a good picker. Hah, I bet that worries I had was but a mere nonsense at this point"

He was talking to himself as he let out those words. Who is claudia? Is she perhaps his wife? The mother of Aiden?

Looking at me he tap my shoulder.

"Being different to others doesn't mean you are wrong, it just means that you are unique. Aiden's mother always say that. Keep that in mind"

"Yes... I... will"

Why did he even say that? I don't know but...

The only thing I know at this moment waz the fact that someone suddenly grab my arm and cover me into his.

"No matter what your motives are, please stop it right at this moment father"

"What? I am just talking with my daughter in law. Aren't I?"

I can feel his glare to his father. But there is nothing I can do about that... is there?

"No need to be that cautious son, it is not as if you are hiding something... are you?"

Now that I confirmed it, it was indeed hìm who Aiden was trying to fool. With his status, surely he already know what Aiden din, but judging Aiden's attitude, I dount whether that was really the case.

"Alright farewell to the both of you. Let's have a dinner next time"

And by that, he left. Leaving me and Aiden in this state.

His arms are still hugging me. It was as if he was thinking about something so deep. I wonder what he was thinking.

"What did he told you?"

He asked. But before I can even utter any words, he take back his question.

"Well, never mind. Let's go back in the mansion. You still have papers to sign"

He sounds different. Maybe he was worried? I wonder...

Realizing how he locked me in his arms, I didn't know what to react when he suddenly pushed me.

Trying to calm down, I didn't let it show on my face that I was mad for a bid. It is not as if ky anger would do me any good. I am just new here. Surely... there are lots of things I must learn. It wouldn't be good if I would be chained like that again. It would also make it hard for mw to escape if people are giving me much attention...

"What are you standing still for?"

He asked with a serious manner. Hah... what a waste of this place for an argument. I wonder if I can still have the chance to see it again.

Going back in the mansion, I thought that it was just simple files. About out contract but...

With the sight of piles of paper works.. i guess that it wasn't the case.

"You can ask the head butler to assist you. As the mistress of this house, it is your obligation to do this. It is part of your work as my wife"

Looking at his watch, "I still have a meeting to attend. You can have your dinner after you finish that"

"Wait-"

"Yes?"

"Nothing..."

I then gull. It is not like I can finish this today. This was so many! I wonder what are these for...

"Madame, this is the files regarding the expenses as well as the other documents of this house for the past five years"

Ah... five years worth of documents and I have to finish it or else I won't have dinner... hah....

Is this a punishment? I close my eyes trying to calm down but even if I do so,

How can I calm down?!?!