Chapter 4

Everyone around held their phones, pointing at me.

Ridiculing eyes smothered me, I kept my head down, forcing myself to walk out.

Just outside the temple, my father's call came through.

Hearing Dad's voice, I couldn't hold back my tears.

"Dad, I didn't... it was Theo and Jasper, what... what should I do!"

Dad sighed deeply.

"Have you finished copying the scriptures? Dad’s waiting at the foot of the mountain, don't worry."

I ran down the mountain crying, opened the car door, and escaped inside.

Only then did I see a dignified woman sitting in the back seat.

"Fiona, I'm Asher's mom, you can call me Auntie Asher."

Meeting Asher's family for the first time, and my scandal was everywhere, tears froze on my face.

She noticed my concern and comforted me.

"I've already sent people to handle it, you're the victim here. We've checked everything, don't worry."

"Good child, let me take you to meet my son."

After staying with Asher's family for a few days, the online trending topics were completely removed.

I sat on the bed, phone buzzing incessantly.

Theo's voice was as piercing as the ringtone.

"You're quite capable, getting the Declan's family's trending topics removed. Few in the capital circle can do that. Did you stoop so low to seduce an old man?"

"No wonder you're into those Buddhist bead bracelets, only old men like that stuff. Fiona, calling you a bitch is actually treating you with respect now?"

I didn't respond, which made him think I knew something, and he stammered through explanations. Realizing I was still silent, Theo resignedly softened his tone.

"Alright, I did release the photos, but you humiliated Cora before. I had to vent her anger."

"Jasper, don't you agree?"

A grunt came through on the line.

"Yeah, Theo and I forgive you."

Theo took over the phone.

"We both made mistakes in this. Can we each take a step back? The wedding on Sunday is all set. I'll pick you up in the afternoon for the auction and get you some jewelry as a wedding gift."

"I'll try to live well with you from now on, as long as you're more accommodating to Cora, I'll be good to you."

...

In the evening, as they wished, I wore a gown to the auction.

Everyone wore masks, making it hard to recognize each other. Only a woman in a butterfly mask was looking around.

Clearly, it was Adeline. I snickered and turned away.

The auction proceeded in an orderly fashion, the atmosphere growing more heated.

Until the auctioneer called for the last time, bringing the scene to a boil.

"Public humiliation!"

"Add ten million, snatch the public humiliation!"

"I'll add too!"

The wealthy raised their paddles as if they cost nothing.

I watched their bidding with cold eyes.

Finally, a pot-bellied middle-aged man won my wedding night for a billion.

Theo and Jasper personally handed over a black and gold invitation.

Theo's hand gripped the invitation tightly, scanning the auction seats for a few seconds before reluctantly letting go.

"After tomorrow's wedding, with this invitation, someone will guide you to the room."

"Fiona's wedding night is yours."

Suddenly, a solitary applause echoed.

A gentle yet slightly cold voice resonated in the venue.

"As expected of the famous Declan and Gideon families of the capital circle, jointly hosting a private auction. The auction items are indeed weighty."

The voice came from right beside me.

The man slowly stood up, removed his mask, revealing an overly pale and sharply defined face.

"I'm Asher, and Fiona's wedding night being contracted out is news to me."

5

The room fell silent immediately. I removed my mask and stood next to Asher. Theo's face darkened as he ignored me and sneered.

"Fiona, you're lying without any preparation. Of all the people to impersonate, you chose a coma patient who's been bedridden for three years?"