Unravelling Threads
Anne's Point Of View
As the auction progressed, I began to enjoy and appreciate the massive build-up. Mr. Miller laced his fingers with mine as we fought our way through the crowd, and the heat in the room was rising.
When we got to the bar, he ordered us both the same drink, and I just couldn't help but notice how lovely he looked. There was something about him that gave confidence, and there was an inviting quality to him.
"I never thought that it would be this great on a night like this," I said as I sipped on the drink I had.
"Just wait until you see the grand finale," he said, his eyes gleaming with mischief.
"What do you mean?" I enquired, even more interested.
"Oh, the last thing that is going to be put on bids is something that is going to make some noise," he said while moving closer as though sharing a private joke.
I arched my eyebrows. "And what could that be?"
"You will find out. But I assure you, it will be absolutely worth your time."
The most surprising and unbelievable feeling started to build itself in me as we headed back into the crowd. The air was charged with expectancy, and I knew that there was something big that was going to happen.
When we returned to the main area, all the way in the front, there was a place to stand, and from there the voice of the auctioneer was calling something out to the people.
"Next, we have a stunning piece of art painted by a famous artist. I have no doubt that this will be a crowd winner." he said pointing at a painting that was mounted on the wall.
People started raising bids, and I managed to find Mr. Miller's serious face, which was more focused than anything.
"Are you going to at least try and bid for this one?" I leaned closer and asked him.
He inclined his head a fraction. "Not this one. Just hold on."
Gradually, the auction on its own drew me back, her hatred towards that opulence made me incredulous and amazed all at once. It was an audience I will never belong to, but contrasting that with standing next to Mr. Miller, it was not threatening.
Finally, the voice of the auctioneer addressed the hall presenting the final item of the day. "Ladies and gentlemen, a unique offer for you all – enjoying a dinner with the well-known actress, Celeste Parker."
The room filled with gasps, and I felt the crowd's excitement pass along to me. "That's big!" I cried out at Mr. Miller.
"I wouldn't be surprised if my parents waste it bidding for that." he said in a semi serious tone.
I thought the audience's interest began to increase to the level as the amounts for bidding started rising. People were vying and shouting their bids, keen to have the dinner with the star.
"Fifty thousand!" declared one man.
"Sixty thousand!" came the excited reply of another woman.
The auctioneer was egging the crowd on still and I noted that the bidding was becoming more and more aggressive. "Seventy-five thousand!" he stung the whole crowd unto their feet, and they shouted.
Mr. Miller fixed his gaze on the display, and some inner strength came into his eyes. "Wait for it," he murmured.
"Aren't you going to bid?" I enquired, my pulse quickening through intrigue.
"Do not worry, just wait," he answered, a smile of assurance on his lips.
Gradually as the bids grew taller, there was an air of anxiety. At the very moment when the auctioneer offered a whopping one hundred thousand, I gasped.
"Who in their right mind would bid that?" I asked incredulously.
"Someone who is aware of the worth of the situation," Mr. Miller replied, with no intention of shifting his stare.
Towards the end of the auction, as the auctioneer requested for a final bid, Mr. Miller raised his hand. "One hundred fifty thousand!" he pronounced, both his posture and voice unyielding.
The audience went completely quiet and focused solely on him. Wave of disbelief and admiration filled me. "You seriously just did that much?" I whispered in a shocked tone.
He flashed me a very confident smile as he answered in the affirmative. "I always seize an opportunity."
The man paused and looked around as if to judge how people were reacting to his call. "One hundred seventy five thousand? Going once, going twice?" he said.
It was quiet yet again, and I could feel my heartbeat quickening. "Are you seriously going to win this then?" A tinge of excitement crept into my voice.
"Looks like it," he answered, even as he focused on the auctioneers.
The auctioneer had called with a final call and fetched his gavel signalling the end of the bidding activity. "The item goes to Mr. Miller at one hundred fifty thousand dollars!" He exclaimed.
The audience erupted in clapping and appreciating him and I looked at him, surprised rather than shocked. "You actually did it!"
"I told you it would be worth it after all," he said and smiled broadly.
I beamed in satisfaction as individuals came to him with their praises. "Are we throwing away the dinner after that?"
He bent down as if to whisper something to me, which allowed me to feel rather than hear him. "I want you to be with me. It will be a beautiful night."
"Are you serious?" I asked in glee. "I can't wait for it!"
"Just you wait," he said in a mocking way. "It's going to be one of those nights."
As the auction came to a close, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. The bond between us grew stronger, and for the first time ever, I felt thankful for such a turn of events.
As the night advanced, Mr. Miller took me away from the others. "What do you think about all this?" he used to ask looking genuinely concerned.
"I'm doing fantastic! This night has been so awesome," I said with excitement leaking from my voice.
"Good," he said in a low tone. "You deserve to be treated like that."
I smiled up at him and felt the warmth engulf me. "You know how to treat me right."
He moved even closer, and his gaze became piercing. "Ophelia, I want you to understand that you are really important to me. It's something I hadn't prepared for, but here I am."
My heart pounded at his statement. "I feel the same way about you. It's like there's something that connects us that I can't put into words."
He moved forward and caressed my cheek with his thumb. "We shouldn't allow anything to interfere with us. I will keep you safe, come what may."
"Thank you," I whispered, feeling belittled by the intensity of the bond.
Eventually, the night wore on, and we decided to go outside for a minute. The stars were shining brightly that night, while the night breeze was quite soothing.
"Can I kiss you again?" he inquired quietly.
"Yes," I breathed as he moved close enough for my lips to touch his kiss, warm and full of care.
The background melted in; and a feeling of enjoyment enveloped me. At that instant, perfection reigned, and I was certain that come what may, we still had each other.
As we broke apart, I looked into his eyes as he looked into mine, and I felt optimistic about the future with him.
"Let's go home," he spoke in a low tone and held my hand as we made our way to the car.
"Home," I repeated, a grin stretching across my face. This was because I was looking forward to the next mission.