Chapter 7

Ever since they celebrated his birthday that night, Bradley seemed to have changed. Though he still spent most of his time with Louise, he came home almost every day now. Even when they barely spoke, he made sure to linger in Madeline's presence. One morning, after Bradley left, Madeline's eyes fell on a stack of documents he'd brought home. It was a catalog from an auction house. Among the listed items was a crystal ball—the very one Anthony had crafted for her. Inside, a gemstone lay embedded, delicately engraved with their initials. Madeline had no idea how it ended up at an auction house. Anthony never told anyone about the gift since it was meant for her alone. No outsider would recognize its true origin. Staring at the photograph in the catalog, tears welled up in her eyes. She had to have it. Madeline changed quickly and rushed to the auction house, only to find Bradley and Louise already there. Bradley looked surprised to see her, but before any words could be exchanged, the event began. Once seated, Louise nestled against Bradley's shoulder, as though she were his wife. The hall was chilly, with aggressive air conditioning. Worried that Louise would fall sick, Bradley slipped off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. "Don't catch a cold," he whispered. Louise let him cover her, her tone playful and sweet. "Bradley, you promised you'll get whatever I want today, right?" Bradley responded gently, his voice deep with affection. "When have I ever broken a promise to you?" Louise's red lips curled into a satisfied smile. Madeline barely registered their intimacy. Her eyes were fixed on the stage, where the next auction item was being unveiled. At last, it was the crystal ball, with its opening bid at one million dollars. Without hesitation, Madeline raised her paddle. Two million dollars. She was determined to have it. One million dollars was fair for a crystal ball, but two million was a stretch. At that price, other bidders backed off. But to Madeline's surprise, Louise had an eye on the crystal ball too. "Bradley, I like that crystal ball, too." As the words left her lips, Bradley raised his paddle without a second thought, driving the price up to three million dollars. A tightness gripped Madeline's chest. She knew she couldn't outbid him in the long run, but still, she pressed on. Back and forth they went, neither one willing to relent. The price soared irrationally, until the bid reached ten million dollars. Madeline's funds were nearly drained. She couldn't hold out much longer. But the crystal ball meant everything to her. Swallowing her pride, she turned to Bradley, her voice soft as she pleaded, "Could you let me have it? I really love it." It was the first time she had ever pleaded with him for anything. For a fleeting moment, something flickered in Bradley's gaze. Then, Louise spoke. "But I love it too. It'll break my heart if I can't have it." And just like that, the softness vanished from Bradley's gaze. His eyebrows drew together as he raised his paddle again, placing an unlimited bid. In the world of auctions, it was a final move. It meant he would pay any price, outbid anyone, until the item was his. Madeline's heart sank. Her last thread of hope had just been cut.