as there, waiting to drive me home. I ignored him complete

me from a falling sculpture. The one who had

on the way home, telling jok

face felt lik

he asked, his voice gentl

I said, my

t we go to the Christie's auction tonight? Buy yourself s

concerned face, and felt a surge o

aphina. I've made some very successful investments." He leane

my face for the first time in w

ool, I would let him. I would take

known as the "Starfall Sapphire," a cascade of flawless blue diamonds rumored to have belonged to my late mo

w it, I knew I

art, the doors opened and two more

my stomach. I knew, with absolute certai

dding

me a soft voice from acro

ina. Do you want it? I'm sorry, I'll stop." She made a show of lowering her bidding pa

t of the magnanimo

of contempt, as if I were a bully taking a toy from a small child. This was

the whole room to hear. "If you like it, yo

own paddle. "Five

heir apparent, my future husband. For him to publicly bid against me, for my o

ing to hum

To be treated lik

on me, some pitying, some mocking. My hand,

umiliated. I wou

the auctioneer's eye, and m

auctioneer announce

not let