It didn't take long to arrive at the auction. Honestly, even though they weren't dressed to the nines, she expected to see some people all dolled up.
Some people indeed looked good. But that was just because they looked pretty or handsome in the first place. Otherwise, it seemed like just any other night out.
Ember had no recollection of Aiden going to an auction in the book. Then again, most of the book focused on where and when the female lead and her male leads took turns fucking.
Go to the bathroom, do it. Go outside, do it. Someone broke in, do it. Zombies are right beside us; we need to be quiet, do it.
How do the zombies not hear them doing it?
Whatever, the lady must have plot armour or something.
[It's not plot armour. It's an artefact.]
Artefact?
[This world has an abundance of lust energy. If you can tap into it, you can basically walk sideways. The most likely scenario is that she found an artefact that could keep her hidden. So she had sex to make it work in her favour.]
So, if I find the artefact, does that mean I can use it too?
[In theory, yes. That's only if you can find it and figure out how to use it.]
How do I know if I found an artefact? Can you sense it? Use your system powers to help a girl out.
[I don't have any powers. But yes, I can sense it.]
Yeah, sure you don't. You don't need to deny it.
Aiden watched Ember as she looked around. She looks like a happy little squirrel. He wanted to pinch her cheeks.
He didn't. He was afraid he might scare her away. The little girl gets skittish when she gets flustered. He learned that from experience. It's one of the reasons he likes to tease her so much.
They went to their private booth. Being one of the richest families in the city has to have its perks. If it had no perks, then what's the sense?
Ember looked around at the people in their seats. As far as she knew, auctions like this didn't usually have private booths. But who cares? She gets to be alone with Aiden.
Sitting side by side on the sofa, Aiden passed the auction catalogue to Ember so she could look for what she wanted.
The reason they were at the auction was because of their parents. When they passed away, Ember's mother was wearing a family heirloom. They were unable to find it. But for some reason, it turned up at this auction.
Whether someone did it on purpose or not, it didn't matter.
What mattered was for them to get it back.
While waiting for the auction to start, Aiden's phone vibrated. A message came through.
Ember wasn't aware of who it was, but the system was sure.
[Your love rival just messaged your brother.]
Ember's ears perked up, and she sat a little straighter in her seat. Love Rival?
[The 'female lead' you keep harping on about.]
What possible reason could she have for messaging her brother now? Ember was curious and at the same time not curious. She wanted to spend time alone with Aiden. Is the female lead about to show up?
"Brother, is everything alright?"
Turning to her, he said, "It's nothing. A friend of mine is at the auction and was wondering if she could join us." He paused before continuing, "Do you mind?"
Ember weighed her options. Should she invite her? She didn't have a reason to say no. She didn't need a reason. But she wanted to see what this woman was like. Away from what she read in the book. She wanted to know.
"I thought it would just be us tonight." She pouted. "It's fine, let her come. I can have you all to myself another day."
She turned her head away quickly, so Aiden couldn't see the blush on her face. She thought about being alone with him and immediately pictured him naked.
To Aiden, she seemed to be sulking. But he knew once she said yes, she meant it. So he messaged the person and told them where to find them. He also let security know someone would be coming up.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door.
Outside stood a woman in a long pink dress. The first word that would come to mind when you see her would be delicate.
Nothing like Ember, who would run around and make noise just for the hell of it.
The girl seemed as though she would break if touched a little roughly. This was what Ember saw when she first looked at the girl. But after a bit more scrutiny, Ember didn't like her.
It was as if her very soul was telling her that this person was disgusting. If she had to imagine it, she would be a ball of corruption. She even smelled weird to Ember.
"Sis, this is Valentina Richards, the friend I told you about."
"Miss Richards, it's lovely to make your acquaintance. How did you and my brother get to know each other?"
She tried to be as polite as possible. She didn't want Aiden to have a bad impression of her. She would try for his sake. If this is the dirt that he likes, she would try and like the dirt too.
"Oh, I literally bumped into him one day. I wasn't looking and made a mess of his shirt."
She looked so innocent as she said it.
"Brother, I didn't know you liked this kind of cliché. Never mind, let's enjoy the auction first. I can always get to know Miss Richards later."
Instead of waiting for him to answer, she decided to focus on the auction. She knew that whatever she wanted her brother, her brother would foot the bill.
So as the auction started, the three people in the room would bid on items they wanted.
Finally, the thing they came for was about to be auctioned. Her mother's bracelet. A family heirloom passed down in the family. When someone gets married, they wear it for one week before to 'soak up the happiness', then it is put away until the next daughter gets married.
Ember straightened in her seat. She didn't immediately start bidding. She wanted to wait until the bidding was about to close before she made a bid.
While she was waiting, she heard a voice in the room bid for the bracelet. She turned to look at Valentina.
"Miss Richards likes this bracelet?"
"I do, very much," her smile was light and airy.
Ember held herself back from scoffing. Playing innocent. Stupid Aiden.
"Then it seems I will have to bid against Miss Richards. That bracelet is very important to me."
Her voice dropped, "And I will have it, no matter what the cost."
She made her tone light again, "So if Miss Richards doesn't need it. I hope you will give me this chance."
With that, she turned her attention back to the auctioneer. The bracelet had already gone up to two million and was winding down. Not the most expensive, but definitely the most sentimental.
Ember bid until the price came to three million. Finally, the gavel banged, and she was able to get her item.
"Brother, is there anything else you want? If not, then let's go pay and go home."
Aiden didn't say anything. Instead, opting to nod and stand up. Valentina also stood up with him, looking as if she was about to leave. Ember didn't stop her; if she wants to leave, that's up to her.
However, she noticed that the lady followed them to the room to inspect their purchase. Since Ember was aware that she also bought things, she didn't take it to heart.
That was, until she collected her things and still didn't leave.
"Miss Richards, is there something else you need?"
"It seems your sister doesn't want to see me, Aiden."
Ember's breathing stilled as she watched the interaction. Valentina tilted her head innocently while Aiden dared to touch her cheek.
"It's okay, my little sister just hasn't gotten to know you yet."
[Did you hear that? You haven't gotten to know her yet. Hahahaha!]
Don't try and make me angry. I can't beat you, but I can beat her. Whether Aiden likes it or not.
[Pretend I was never here.]
"Brother, are you serious right now?" Her anger was evident in her eyes.
"Emmy, don't make a scene. Brother still loves you."
It sounded patronising and special at the same time. When he said he loved her, she took it to her. Her body actually reacted. But at the same time, she felt as if he was defending her.
She turned away from him without answering.
For the larger items they bought, they would have to be delivered. She also asked them to deliver the smaller items. The only thing she wanted now was the bracelet.
She snapped it up and put it on her wrist as soon as she paid for it.
Before she could step out, Valentina called out to her.
"Little sister..."
Who is your little sister, you bitch?
"... is it really not possible for me to get that bracelet? Aiden, is it not possible?"
That sickly sweet voice and innocent demeanour were the last straw for Ember. She already told her she wanted it. Did she think crying to Aiden would make a difference? They specifically came for this.
She saw Aiden turn to Valentina, about to say something, but before he could, she gathered her courage. The mission said, semi-public or unexpected.
This is more than unexpected. She wanted to do something to shock them both.
She grabbed Aiden's arm, turning him toward her. Before she lost her nerve, she pulled him down and kissed him square on the lips.
For good measure, she swiped her tongue along his bottom lip.
Ember didn't wait for his reaction. She only looked at Valentina and said, "If it's not yours, it will never be yours."
Then she walked away.