1 || Money

PAST.

SAMANTHA

"Sold for $1.9 Billion!" The auctioneer bangs it's gavel as a sign of the final decision.

Surrounded by many people, I seem to have to notice that everyone present in the room is looking for something. As if all of them are searching for something to satisfy their greedy, voluptuous needs.

If you look around the room you may notice different kinds of people. Some seem to be relaxed. Some are laughing and raising their glass of champagne as they do so. Some seem too comfortable and carefree, but what makes them similar to each other is you would not even smell their uneasiness or worries that they might be arrested in a snap; they are just enjoying the time of their lives. They are predators waiting for the time a prey will come out, trapped in front of the fancy lights.

I haven't been able to move from where I am as I observe everyone. Am I scared to get caught by the law? Well, ordinary people are afraid of being caught but not me, I have more important things to be scared about. The law isn't one of them. I started to look down at my dress and my shoes, I started to check my jewelry, soon after I started to compose myself. I want to look neat as possible because as for tonight I'm being sold, and I'm being owned.

"For our next lady in the line! Raise your pockets because she is BACK! Come on out Ms. Samantha Monteñegro!" I started to walk in the middle of the stage. Reminding myself, to chin-up and to carry myself with poise and to make sure that everyone's heads are on me, while giving them my best smile. I started to roam my eyes at the crowd but it's just the same. Same old people with the same old needs.

"Samantha Monteñegro! What a name! Samantha is the well-known daughter of Franco Monteñegro, she's flexible and a little bit wild at most times as her past clients described her." The auctioneer paused and laughed afterward.

The audience as a natural response laughed along with him, with most of them eyeing me with seduction like a hungry animal. "You will not regret the night you will spend with her and the money you'll be paying because of course, that night will be the night of a lifetime!! I can guarantee you that much, so ladies and gents! Let's start it off with the price of $5.9 Million" The auctioneer once again bangs his gavel to officially start the bidding.

"$10 Million."

"$15 Million!"

For me this is the hard part, you get to listen to how much is your worth. For this night, do I cost just a million, a billion? Asking if my dignity and soul is just worth a penny? For years I've mastered smiling along with them as if this is what I want and this is my choice while feeling an immense and throbbing pain in my chest. I just smile and continue to die inside.

"$50 Million"

Breathe. Breathe, Samantha. Breathe.

"$3 Billion"

Everyone went silent. $3 Billion is that it? Is it done?

"From $50 million to $3 Billion, everyone! Does anyone want to object?" The auctioneer paused as the crowd remained silent. "For $3 Billion Samantha Monteñegro is sold to number 11! Going once..."

"$4 Billion!" A lady said. I was more than surprised when a lady put a price on me. I usually expect men as my owners for the night.

"Sold for $4 Billion! Samantha Monteñegro is sold to the nice lady right at the corner! Number 9!" The auctioneer pointed at the lady's direction and like the other days, my head followed the direction making sure if I heard it right. A lady? I've never had a lady as my owner for the night.

It was just the usual night like before. A guard beside me which makes sure that I will come along with her and only to her, although I don't see the sense of having three guards beside me as if escaping is what's on my mind right now. Like I have the freedom and confidence, and If I have the opportunity to do so, it's too late.

The guard beside me made sure I was going to her and only to her. It was just the usual routine around here, though I don't see the sense of having 3 guards beside me as if escaping is what's on my mind right now.

I just stared at the lady in front of me unsure of what to do. My inner self starts to panic. Sure, playing with men was easy but for a woman? I'm not even sure where to start. With her hips, arms, or her lips? I don't know, But she sure is pretty, I'll give you that.

"Everyone thank you for attending this week's auction! I'll see your lovely faces tomorrow! Have a good night!"

Those were the last words I have heard from the auction. As it was finished I heard clapping of hands and bidding of goodbyes. The voices and sound were fading as we went farther from the stage. I don't know what to feel since I was the last piece of the auction. As my thoughts came back, I stared at her. I realized I have not spoken a word to her since the first time I have seen her. I just do not know where to start honestly.

"I paid Billions to have a good night, not to be gawked at for a whole minute." She laughed. "Make sure it's worth my time because rumors have it you're quite the player, darling." She laughed once again and once again I was unable to say at least a few words.

"Now come on, the car is waiting for us." She offered her hand, and I was not sure if I would take it. "Come on. I don't bite, darling." She said to me reassuringly so I grasped her hand and we walked together out of the venue.

"Is this your first time being with a woman?" She asks and I simply just nodded at her. "Well that explains things, don't worry I'll make sure you enjoy your time being with me."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :��ﾟ. ───

The night seemingly went by fast. I finally opened my eyes and I was greeted by the view of buildings and the sunlight that is slowly entering her condo. I pulled myself out of the bed and grabbed the extra quilt for me to get my clothes and head out. As I looked at the bed I still saw the lady sleeping, it was my chance to leave without having the chance to talk to her anymore. Last time, I was invited to eat breakfast with my past clients and it was just awkward. Trust me, it was a complete nightmare.

I was finally dressed, I finally grabbed all my belongings and headed out. When I was finally outside I hailed a cab while inhaling the morning air which at least made me feel at ease.

As soon as I entered the cab I felt empty. When I was new to all of this after everything I would always feel angry when I go back home, I would feel angry at myself, to the world, and to the people who made my life like this. It was because I always felt like I'm being sold exactly like a painting in the auction, it was like I was created by Vincent Van Gogh. But now I would always feel empty as if I'm just falling into a void.

People waste so much money for just a night but who am I to complain. I'm just the daughter of the billionaire that needs to pay their debts.