Chapter 5

Perhaps because Charlie had succeeded in convincing Selene to let Bella stay, he seemed ecstatic. When he woke up the next morning, he suggested bringing Selene to an auction. "You sold the emerald pendant I gifted you. I promised to buy you a new one, so let's see whether something will catch your eye at the auction." Selene wasn't fond of the idea. "Take Bella instead. I want to stay home and read." Charlie walked over and surveyed the books strewn on her table. He frowned as he noticed the books were about criminology, forensic psychology, skeletal anatomy, and aimed at beginner morticians. "Selly, why are you reading these books?" With her head buried in her books, Selene mumbled perfunctorily, "I've been intrigued by this field recently." "Let's head to the auction first. You'll have time to read all these when we get home." Not taking no for an answer, Charlie dragged her out of the house. At the entrance to the auction, Selene was ambushed by a swarm of journalists. "Mrs. Grant, this is your first time in public after giving birth, right? You look a little pale. Have you recovered fully?" "The auction today is open to members only. Even the cheapest items have a starting price of a few million dollars. Mr. Grant, are you here to pick out jewelry for the missus?" "Mr. Grant treats his wife so nicely. They've been together for fifteen years, and now they've got a child, who is the product of their love. How enviable…" Charlie wrapped an arm around Selene's waist and held his other arm in front of her, effectively protecting her in his arms so she wouldn't get shoved around. He said with a smile, "My wife just gave birth recently, and she's still feeling weak. Please don't push her around." Everyone cooed. Most of the journalists were women, and they all eyed Selene with envy. When they arrived at their seats, Charlie took his coat off and draped it over Selene's shoulders. The videographers filmed him doing so, projecting it onto a huge screen. The host asked with a giggle, "How many items are you planning to purchase for Mrs. Grant? It feels like you're about to acquire at least half of what's being offered." Charlie smiled and replied, "If Selene likes all of them, I'll get her everything." Selene felt like all the lights in the room were trained on her. When the first item was brought on stage, everyone waited with bated breath for Charlie to raise his paddle. "This antique diamond necklace's bidding price begins at three million. You may start now!" Charlie asked, "Selly, would you like it?" She shook her head and said, "I've told you that I don't want it." "Then let's continue looking." Suddenly, Charlie's phone vibrated with a text from Bella. "Chuck, this necklace is so pretty. I love it. Could you give it to me, please? It's like compensation for birthing your child." Charlie pocketed his phone and raised his paddle. The host announced excitedly, "Mr. Grant has raised his paddle for 4 million!" Someone increased their bid, "4.5 million!" Charlie immediately raised his sign and yelled, "8 million!" By going for a value double of what was currently offered, it was evident that Charlie was set on purchasing the necklace. The host yelled, "8 million going once, going twice, thrice … Sold! Congratulations, Mr. Grant, and congratulations to Mrs. Grant as well!" When they brought the second object onto the stage, Bella shot Charlie a text again. "I like this bracelet too. Please, Chuck, can you buy it for me? Chuck, these earrings are gorgeous. Please, I'm begging you, Chuck." The auction lasted for three hours. Sixteen items were auctioned. Charlie himself bought 14. The only two he didn't buy were cufflinks and a masculine watch. Bella didn't like them. When they left the auction hall, one of the journalists stopped Selene and asked, "Mrs. Grant, Mr. Grant spent billions on you today. Can you tell us how you're feeling right now?" What was she feeling? Selene felt nothing. He wouldn't spend five million to save her life, but willingly wasted billions on jewelry. He just didn't love her enough. That was all it was. When they got home, Bella took each antique in hand. Her eyes roamed over them lovingly. Selene went straight back to her room and continued reading. Charlie grabbed her arm and said, "Selly, since none of the antiques caught your eye today, I bought them for Bella first. In the future, if you'd like anything, just tell me. I'll—" "It's fine," Selene said. "I don't like wearing jewelry." "Why?" "No particular reason. I just don't like it." Charlie clapped a hand over her shoulder and turned Selene around, forcing her to look at him. "You're still angry at me, aren't you?" "I'm not angry," said Selene, "Genuinely." She had come to terms with reality. What was there to be angry about? Selene cared more about how to live a more meaningful life after going back in time thirteen years. "Selly, at the end of the day, Bella gave birth to my child. I just want to compensate her for it. You're a generous person. You'll be understanding of everything, right? "And your kidnapping three years ago … I know you harbor a grudge against me for not paying the ransom money. However, you were saved by the police either way, weren't you? "I know that incident hurt you, Selly. Tell me. What can I do for you to forgive me?" Selene asked, "You'll do whatever?" Charlie nodded, a determined glint in his eye. "You say it, and I'll do it." Pointing at Bella, Selene demanded, "Give me all the jewelry you bought her." Charlie was silent for a moment before chuckling. He said, "These aren't the best of quality. Let Bella have them for now. I'll buy prettier ones for you." Selene looked into his eyes, and Charlie gazed back at her. In the end, he looked away first, not daring to meet her eyes. Selene turned to leave. "No need. There won't be a need for that in the future, too."