"Hey Boss, you came!" Scott's face brightens seeing us enter this underground dark auction. He was already wearing a mask. So did Steve and Don who were seems to be arranging their suit.

Rafael and I are also wearing mask. They say it is part of the whole ceremony. I remember also the first time I saw him, he is also wearing a mask. They say its a part of the rules.

"Our seats are upstairs." Steve told us as we walk towards this stairs with dim lights. We're like in an thrilling movie that are about to be slathered.

"You okay?" Rafael tightened his hold on my hand and nod at him. I'm freaking nervous if you really ask me.

We reached a somehow looking balcony and we have the whole view of the place. Its like the auction before, there's a huge stage in front, thousands of seats and there are a lot of people in here.

"VIP sections have the best view" Steve said, as he took the seat on the left side if mine and on my right side is Rafael.

"Are you guys gonna buy?" I asked them.

"No. They will surely sell low class items again" Don replied, typing on his phone. "But if they sell some good quality guns then I'm sure I'm gonna buy it."

"Well, if they auction a woman again then I'll buy it!" Scott exclaimed.

It possible to auction one again? Poor woman.

"Hey Steve, why didn't you brought your wife? I really want to meet her" I told him.

Steve raised his eyes to me and replied "Actually, I insisted him to come but he's too busy with her work. But she also wants to meet you too"

"That's great" I smiled and turn to my husband this time that is busy doing something in his phone.

"Baby..." I called him but he didn't look up or didn't hear me. "Rafael, hey? Rafael?"

"Yes?" He broke his attention to the phone and looked at me.

"What are you doing with your phone? Work?" My eyebrows touched in confusion. He promised me that he wont work if it is not his office hours. We are both not allowed to bring our work to our personal lives.

"No." He simply replied then intertwined our fingers. "Its nothing. Don't worry about it. Is something wrong?"

I hesitated to shook my head. Why won't he tell me if it's nothing.

"Oh look, the action is about to start!" They shouted as the surroundings darken and the light in the stage brightens.

The MC or the host appeared on the stage and that's the same person who hosted the last auction. He is wearing the same full and colorful makeup and that colorful tux. Honestly, what is this man's motif?

"Good evening everyone!" He greeted with a huge smile "Did you like the new auction? Yeah? I love it if you ask me! The place is so hidden and mysterious, don't you think?"

"I'm curious what this man looks like without all those hideous makeup" I heard Scott murmured.

"Tonight, we'll be auctioning stuffs that are very valuable and rare. Not like we had before, tonight... these stuffs were gathered from all over the world and truly one of a kind and the money that we will get in here will be given to the founders of these auction. Since they really work their asses for this one. We like to give our thanks to the founders, Mr. Rafael Knight, Mr. Ryan Smith and Mrs. Marian Linton. But of course, we can't point out where you are right now."

Everyone clapped their hands including us in the VIP balcony. I smiled and felt proud of my husband but he doesn't seem so happy about it though.

"Now let's start the bidding!"

And so did it started.

~~~~~~~~

The bidding turns out fine and exciting. I didn't imagine it would be like this. Everyone was really fighting to buy a certain thing and they are willing to pay over a million dollars to buy it. Unbelievable.

Steve even won to buy an abstract painting that was said it was from Paris made by a famous painter and he said he will give it to his wife.

I don't want to buy anything and so did Rafael because he said this is not really his thing. I'm the only one he bought in an auction though.

"The next to be bid at will surely excite everyone." The host said, grinning mischievously. "This already happened before and when you buy this one will make your life easier"

Okay, I'm getting curious in this one.

Then my eyes widen in shock seeing what they brought on the stage.

A woman tied in a luxury chair. Her eyes shows fear as she looked around the whole place. My temper immediately boils as I watch the woman being bid by men downstairs.

"What the fuck is going on? This should be stop! Have mercy on the poor girl!" I snapped at them.

"What? No, sit down, Belle" Scott said as they try to pull me back to my chair.

I want to protest but Rafael told me to quiet down. But that even made me angrier. I pity the woman right now and I want to save her but I don't know how.

I was gonna buy her when the host already screamed "Sold to buyer number 018!"

Fuck, I'm too late. The woman was looking around and I'm sure that she is confused and doesn't know what is happening right now. God, I can feel what she is feeling also.

Scared and confused.

I want to cry. These men are so evil. How can they let a women be bought by men who you don't even known if they are gonna use her for sex or something. We, woman doesn't deserve to be treated like that! And to think that Rafael knows that this is gonna happen and he just let them.

"People here are so cruel." I murmured but clear enough for them to hear.

I'm so mad at them. I don't care if they are all favor in this woman selling but I'm not.

After the auction, I was dead silent in the car with Rafael. I am not gonna talk to him until he gives me an explanation on why did he accept this incident. God, I can't help but feel pity on that woman. I should not feel worry about it but I just don't like that they let that happened!

There is an after party when the auction ended. I am not in the mood to talk to someone so I just separated myself from everyone to avoid some tensions.

I stayed at the corner just drinking some glass of wine as the boys also got separated. Rafael is no where to be seen but Steve, Don and Scott are talking to random people.

Where the heck is Rafael?!

"You look bothered" a voice spoke causing me to turn around.

"Cole? H-hey!" I didn't expect him to be here. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm invited" he said, smiling "You're here because of your husband, am I right?"

I sigh before replying "Yep. You just saw me got picked out by my husband. How about you? Are you here with someone?"

"I'm with a friend. I didn't plan to attend this auction but my friend dragged my butt here" he shared causing me to laugh. "But where the heck is she?"

"She?" I asked, out of curiosity.

"Yep. She's a she. " he chuckled , looking through the crowd might be searching for her. "She's just out there. Why aren't you with Rafael? He should not let his gorgeous wife wonder alone"

"Oh that. I just went to grab a drink" I lied, with a weak smile.

"I see. You look...unhappy" he noticed "Smile. You look more beautiful when you do"

If I'm not mistaking, is he trying to flirt with me? But I did smile because his humor is over now.

"Oh, there she is! Hey Gianna! Come over here!" He shouted over her.

I turn my head as a sexy, tall girl approaches us but my temper boils once again when I saw that she is with my husband and they are both smiling at each other.

Rafael's eye darkens seeing me with Cole but I'm so angry too. He went to me to put a hand on my back and acts like nothing happened. This Gianna went to Cole's side.

"Oh my God, Isabelle Knight" Gianna looked at me looking so surprised. "I love your designs, your bags, your gowns, your accessories, your perfumes, your shoes -God, I love everything in Golden Belle!" She spoke so quick.

She's a fan, for sure. "Thank you, dear."

"And you, why didn't you tell me that you are working with her! I thought you're my best friend!" She glared at Cole. "Oh and Rafael, thank you for giving me some tips. I'm so happy to see you again" she punched him playfully on his arm and that didn't lighten my mood.

Rafael laughed but when he saw me glaring at him, he quickly clears his throat "Baby, this is Gianna Stewart, the owner of Liberty Stewart Jewelries"

"Not mine, it is still my parent's" she smiled, cutely at him. Is she flirting with my husband?

"Not yet but soon will be" Rafael replied. And is my husband flirting back?

"Good. So you two are getting along, I see" I just snapped and In don't know if it came out rudely but I do not care. She is being flirty with him, in front of his wife. Now tell me why shouldn't I be rude?!

Rafael can sense my anger and I've seen how he reacts when I blurted like that. He flashed them a smile "Baby, Gianna and I also went to the same school before just like with Cole."

"Yeah, he was my first boyfriend to be honest then we got separated when he was transfered to a higher class section just a few months later, you are already married to him so I suppose this is already okay if I share this then I met Cole next and we just became best friends. " she also shared, giving us that cheeky smile.

"Really?" I nearly glared at Rafael again. He told me he wasn't friends with anybody in school unless they are Scott, Don and Steve.

"I thought they were a couple at that time" Cole gives a smirk as he sip his glass of wine.

Rafael's hold on my back deepened "Yeah, yeah. But we weren't. Gianna and I are really just great friends. And you...I don't remember talking to you even once"

Cole was about to talk back when I talked first "Well, it was nice talking to you, Gianna. But I think I just saw my friend walking around so I better check her out. Cole, I will see you tomorrow, just call me anytime" I leaned to him and gave him a quick hug which he immediately returned and even kissed my cheek in my surprise.

"Actually, me too. I think I saw who are talking about. I'll see you around, Gianna" Rafael also excused himself and not even turning to Cole but his hand never let my waist go.

We turned our back at them and we are just far enough, I tried to remove his hold "Let go off me, Rafael."

"No. We are leaving, Belle" he spoke in a grim tone and his face shows that he is not happy.

Well buddy, so am I.

Rafael and I reached the exit and our driver clearly saw us and started the car straightaway. I snappishly enter the car and looked the other way so I won't meet his eyes and I know that he is also mad like me.

The whole car ride was silent. Neither the both of us tried to talk first and I will not bother to talk first.

We arrived in the penthouse and I just came marching inside and walk to the stairs.

"Belle..." he called, his tone was husky and serious.

I stopped on the stairway "What?"

"You know I won't let this pass, come back and let's talk"

I just scoffed and walk to him as I cross my arm, waiting for him to talk first but he just took a deep breath "I did not like how you treated Gianna earlier. She is just being friendly."

"Oh, me? Well, you too. I did not like how you treated Cole too." I snapped back.

"He kissed you I'm front of me! What do you want me react!" His voice raised a little and I'm sure he is holding back.

"Nothing!" I also shouted "Cole is my friend and we are working together in a project! Besides, it is only a peck on the cheek! Be angry if he kissed me on my lips!"

"And you wont be angry when he did that?"

"What? Of course I will!"

"But yet you are just gonna let that pass because he's your friend. " he frowned, as he ran his hands through his hair, irritated.

"Whoa, whoa, stop over there! Why did this conversation turns to me and Cole?! I'm the one who should be angry right now because you are flirting with Ms. Jewel over there" I darted him.

"Me? We are not flirting, Belle. It just been so long since we last see each other and don't let it get to you. She is just a friend and nothing more."

"A friend? I didn't misheard it and she clearly states that you are her first boyfriend!"

"Ex boyfriend, Belle. She and I are long gone and we were not even serious that time because I hate women that time!" He finally raised his voice.

Oh, so he is finally angry and he is showing it.

"So that's why you just let the poor woman be auctioned to those sick perverts!"

"Oh, this is the real reason why you are angry. You are still mad at me because a woman was auctioned and you pity her?" He respond bluntly.

"Yes! Rafael, that poor woman is innocent, just like me when I was auctioned! Different men tried to buy me and God only knows what they are gonna do when other men bought me besides from you!" I shouted at him, poking my finger hard on his chest "The others would have possibly used me as a bed partner, their slave, their whore, their slut but you...you have other things you need that's why you bought me!"

"Have I forced you to sleep with me? Did I try to rape you, Belle? No! Because that is not what we are?" He responded.

But I just scoffed "That is because you fell in love with me, Rafael. You are so different from the others but if someone else bought me then I would rather be dead than get dirty with men. But truly, if you did not fell in love with me then you surely will just tie me in bed and rape me!"

Rafael's eyes widen and narrowed them "Is that what you think of me before? That I can rape you?"

"Jeez, you're a guy, Rafael. You could have but thank God you pitied me and you respect me."

"Not all men are after for that, Belle. Only stupid men will do that. Who is feeding you with those things? In our whole marriage, have I ever take advantage of you?" His eyes were seeking for answers as they look directly to mine "I will never do that to you, Belle. I grew up with my Mom and hurting woman is like hurting her."

"T-that..." shit, he never did took advantage of me"Why are we even talking about this? Its that girl in the auction we are discussing!"

Rafael cursed something "What is the big deal about that?"

"The reason of my anger is that you approved tho that selling the girl thing. Don't you have any mercy on that girl? Are you still the cold Rafael like before?" My voice soften, as I am fighting not to cry. "Yes, hurting other woman is like also hurting your mother but don't you think selling some girl in an auction will make her happy?"

He didn't say after what said. "I know what if feels like to be in her place. I was also auctioned, Rafael. And you don't know how scared and terrified I was on that stage having thousands of people watching me like I was a rat in a cage. We woman do not deserved that"

Rafael seems to be understanding my point already as his eyes soften and sigh in defeat "I'm sorry" he apologized, "I didn't know how much this will hurt you."

I sulked, turning away from him "Too late, the girl is already been sold. Just don't let this happen again or if you still want this to continue, don't invite me in the auction anymore."

I walked out and head upstairs to our room. I am so stressed out. I have a shop to take care of, need new designs, annoying ex girlfriend, the girl in the auction and now I am having a fight with my husband. Jeez, why do we have to argue like that?

Okay, just let it go, Belle.

To relax my mind, I grab my clean towel that Rafael bought me from London and went inside the bathroom to have a warm shower. And God, it feels so relaxing.

After my shower, I dried myself and put on my nighties. Rafael is still not here, he still must be in the living room. I know what he is doing, he is gonna let my angry pass first before he come up here. This is what he always do when we are fighting about something.

I just sigh and throw my exhausted body on the bed and pull the covers on me up to my waist and closed my eyes. God, this feels so good. When you just out of a shower then you will sleep on a soft mattress. Heaven.

Not long, I felt my eyelids getting heavy so I just let my sleepiness over me and before I could really fall asleep, the door finally opened. I guess that is Rafael.

Rafael's POV

Then she walked upstairs. Shit , what have I done this time. I disappointed my wife again for the nth time and I did not know that this will upset her that much.

But damn, I am really pissed that Cole for kissing her in front of me. I don't care if it was only on the cheek! Just knowing that his skin will come contact with Belle makes my sight blurry with anger. He is really getting on my nerves. There is so freaking way I will let that happen again.

Jeez, why did I let Belle be partners with him. If I must knew that he was a guy, I should have stopped her.

I don't like other guys looking at my wife like I did to her. She is mine and mine alone. Even if I should to break every bone in his body.

Damn it.

My thoughts stopped when my phone starts ringing. I looked at it and it was from Steve.

"Hey?" I answered as I remove my tie and throw it on the couch.

"Yo, man. How is your wife? Still angry?" Steve asked and it seems that he also just got home.

"Yep. We just had a fight a couple of minutes ago and I will just let her cool down before I talk to her again upstairs" I told him, sitting down and leaning my elbows on my knees.

"I know this sounds weird but...er" he mumbled and sigh before he continue "I actually understand your wife why she acted like that."