Chapter 3

The freezer door was finally opened the next day. Celeste had nearly passed out from the cold. A bodyguard, Gale Smith, stood expressionlessly by the entrance as he said, "Mr. Ashford says if there's a next time, the punishment won't be so lenient." She leaned against the wall and staggered out while trembling all over. Even her teeth were chattering. There wouldn't be a next time. Soon, she would make him disappear from her world completely. That evening, Taylor delivered a gown and jewelry, saying Celeste needed to attend a charity auction dinner. Despite all the events, she still went. Then, she saw Ophelia at the entrance to the banquet hall. Ophelia wore a haute couture gown, and around her neck was the diamond necklace that Damien had bid eight figures for at an auction last month. Celeste stopped in her tracks and looked at Damien. "She's here too, so what do you need me for?" His expression was indifferent as he replied, "I wasn't originally planning to bring her, but she's never been to an occasion like this and wanted to come, so I brought her along." He paused, his tone casual as he added, "Celeste, don't be so petty." Celeste's body trembled slightly. She wasn't being petty. Damien hadn't considered how much gossip and ridicule she would face when she and Ophelia appeared together at the event as wife and mistress. Damien walked straight in with Ophelia, who wore a sweet smile while affectionately linking her arm through his. Meanwhile, people around them began to whisper. "Mr. Ashford and his wife have such a loving relationship. They're such a perfect match." "You've got the wrong person. That woman is Mrs. Ashford, and the other one beside him... is just his mistress." The person looked embarrassedly at Celeste and said awkwardly, "But Mr. Ashford treats the other woman so well, giving her authentic designer pieces while his wife gets the complimentary items. It's no wonder I was confused." Celeste clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms. After the auction began, Celeste casually raised her paddle to bid on several collectibles. But whatever she bid on, Ophelia would raise the price by just one dollar. Low laughter rippled through the crowd. "This is the first time I've seen a legitimate wife being bullied and suppressed by a mistress… Celeste remained expressionless and signaled for an open bid. An open bid meant she would outbid anyone, regardless of price—there were no limits. Ophelia's face went pale as she tugged pitifully at Damien's sleeve. "Damien, I really love this piece..." Damien frowned and looked at Celeste. "Celeste, let her have it." "No. She can't place an open bid, but I can, because I'm your wife and we share marital assets." She looked at Ophelia mockingly. "No matter how much you give her, she'll never compare to me." Ophelia's eyes immediately turned red as she stood up abruptly. "You..." She suddenly covered her face the next second and cried. "Yes, you're his wife... I'm just a mistress who shouldn't see the light of day, I shouldn't have foolishly hoped for more… "Damien, let's just end this!" With that, she turned and ran. Damien's expression darkened as he grabbed Celeste's wrist, gripping so hard it felt like he might crush her bones. "I told you I'd get tired of playing around after a while, but you just had to drive her away!" Celeste looked at him calmly. "Whether she leaves or not—what does that have to do with me?" His gaze was menacing as he released her wrist and strode after Ophelia. Celeste stood there as everyone looked at her with mockery and pity. Nevertheless, she didn't care. After all, she would be leaving soon. … Celeste was jolted awake the next morning by a news alert on her phone. "Breaking News! 999 Private Photos of Ashford Group CEO's Wife to Be Publicly Auctioned at the Auction House!" Her blood instantly turned to ice. Only Damien had those photos.