The Auction (1)

Rachel returned to the Floyd Mansion shortly after her meeting with Lucinda. It was a few minutes before 8 PM, and she felt the fatigue of the day weighing on her.

Lucinda had deliberately delayed her, perhaps to ensure Rachel wouldn't have time to intervene with her parents, who Derek was threatening.

Despite this, Rachel wasn't worried. She had already instructed her parents on what to do and what not to do.

As she entered the apartment and made her way to the bedroom, she noticed the lights were off.

Before she could react, the scent of tobacco filled the air.

She hesitated, her hand hovering over the light switch, when she heard a deep, hoarse voice. "No, I prefer it that way."

She recognized the voice immediately. It was Richard.

She braced herself, sensing his anger from the air and his tone. He had been waiting for her. The tension was palpable as he remained shrouded in darkness.

"Where did you go?" Richard's voice was laced with accusation.

Rachel's heart skipped a beat. She tried to keep her composure, but the intensity of his presence was overwhelming.

"I was at the café with Lucinda," she replied, her voice steady.

Richard stepped closer, his figure barely visible in the dim light. He flicked on a small lamp, casting a soft glow over the room.

He bent down and picked up three photos from the floor, throwing them in front of her. They were pictures of her and Derek from the previous day.

"What is this?" Richard demanded, his eyes burning with fury.

Rachel's mind raced. The photos showed her pleading with Derek at their old dating couples spot.

She had been in her acting mode, trying to implant the idea that she didn't love Richard and that their marriage was just a contract.

She had hoped to create some doubt in Derek's mind. But now, it seemed someone had secretly taken these pictures, if it wasn't even Derek himself!

She swallowed hard, trying to formulate a response. "Richard, it's not what it looks like. I was trying to protect my parents. Derek was threatening them. I needed him to believe I was still on his side."

Richard's expression hardened. "You expect me to believe that? You're playing both sides, Rachel. I won't tolerate it."

Rachel took a deep breath. "Give me time, Richard. I'm doing this for us. For our future."

Richard's jaw tightened. "Fine. But you won't spend the night here. I need to clear my head."

Rachel felt a pang of sadness but knew better than to argue. "Alright. I'll wait downstairs."

As she turned to leave, she paused. "Did you see the dress J Emory posted? It will be auctioned the day after tomorrow. Would you like to accompany me to the auction?"

Richard's anger softened slightly, but his guard remained up. "We'll see. For now, just leave."

Rachel nodded and quietly left the room, feeling the weight of Richard's mistrust bearing down on her.

She knew she had to tread carefully. The game she was playing was dangerous, and one wrong move could cost her everything. She can't loose Richard in this as well!

###

The day of the auction had finally arrived. Rachel felt a mix of excitement and apprehension as she got ready. She knew this event was crucial for maintaining her facade and keeping her plans in motion.

Walking out of the room, she couldn't help but express her happiness to Richard.

"I'm so happy we're going to the auction," she said, beaming.

Richard smiled at her, his earlier anger dissipating. He found it hard to stay mad at her for long, but he still doubted her feelings for him.

"I got us the two front seats," he said, hoping to please her.

Rachel's eyes widened with delight. "Oh my god, that's even better!"

They left the room and headed down the hallway when Derek intercepted them. Richard's mood soured instantly.

"Can we have a talk, family to family?" Derek asked, his tone deceptively casual.

Richard sighed, turning to Rachel. "Could you excuse us for a moment?"

Rachel nodded and walked ahead, leaving the two men alone.

Richard, tired of Derek's constant interference, faced him with a stern expression.

"I'm really tired of seeing you," Richard said bluntly.

Derek feigned surprise. "Uncle, why would you say such a thing?"

Richard's patience was wearing thin. "Exactly. I'm your uncle. Get your eyes off your aunt."

Derek's eyes gleamed with mischief. "You really believe Rachel loves you? Did you even know that she invited me to be her plus one to the auction? I bet that's where you're going now."

Richard felt a pang of doubt, but he masked it with anger. "She's still your aunt."

Derek smirked. "Fine, I'll prove to you that she's playing you sooner or later. Those pictures weren't enough, right?"

Richard's jaw clenched. "Do not ever send me those pictures or anything about Rachel again. She is your aunt. This is the very last time I'll tell you."

Derek shrugged, his smirk fading. "Fine, suit yourself."

He walked away, leaving Richard seething with a mix of anger and uncertainty.

Richard took a deep breath to calm himself before rejoining Rachel. She was waiting patiently, her face a mask of calm.

"Can we go now?" she asked, her voice steady.

"Yes," Richard replied, forcing a smile.

They got into the limo and began the drive to the auction.

As they rode, Richard noticed Rachel glancing at her phone frequently and typing quickly. She kept the screen angled away from him, sparking his suspicion.

His mind wandered back to Derek's words. Was she texting Derek? Was she playing some kind of game?

Rachel seemed engrossed in her messages, unaware of Richard's scrutiny. He resolved to play along for now but decided he would teach her a lesson later.

If she thought she could deceive him, she was in for a rude awakening!