"Why aren't you bidding, Advika? Scared?" Eris taunted, her gaze sharp and unwavering as she fixed it on Advika.
A sudden voice cut through the tense atmosphere. "Why so many people?"
Advika, Murphy, and every other person present in the boutique turned their heads in unison towards the unexpected interruption.
"Christopher?" Murphy's surprise was minimal, a mere flicker in her eyes. She had already deduced that Christopher was the only individual capable of coaxing Advika into such a setting. Yet, a nagging thought lingered.
'Why had he remained silent until this precise moment?' she wondered, her brow furrowing slightly.
Christopher moved with an air of quiet confidence through the small gathering, his focus solely on Advika. Reaching her side, he extended a hand, his touch possessive as he circled her waist and drew her firmly against his body.
"...."
Advika was rendered speechless, her thoughts momentarily suspended.
