Chapter 4
Mandy:
Ding Dong!
I took a bite out of my sandwich while peering out my peeping hole to see who is at my door. I see a delivery man holding a bunch of boxes. Probably Adelaide ordered some things and just forgot to tell me about it. I open the door and smile at the delivery man who handed me a device.
"Sign here please." He says pointing.
I read quickly but cocked my head to the side when I read my name. "It says my name." I mummer out loud.
"That's how these things work Miss." The guys handed me the boxes then took the device once I signed for them.
"Who are they from?" I ask.
"I do not know, there isn't a return address of what I am aware of, good day." He tips his hat and off he went.
I close the door looking at the all-white boxes tied with neatly white bows. I searched for a note, once I found it I placed the boxes down on my bed. I take a bite of my now squished sandwich.
Mandy,
I hope these find you well. Thanks to your friend Adelaide, I no longer have to guess your dress size. I can already imagine the scowl on your face as you read this. Please be ready by six, I have gifted you everything you will need for tonight's festivities.
-Nick
This man! If he wasn't so full of himself I would think this is actually very adorable. This is Nick who I am talking about, he's technically blackmailing to do this stupid date. It's not a date!
I looked over at the clock on the wall and saw it was five: three in the afternoon, I might as well go get ready and get this over with. I took a quick shower then got my underwear on and stood with a towel on my head looking at the pristine white boxes on my bed as I bit my nail. Is it going to be like one of those auctions in the movies where rich people got all dolled up to just buy antiques? If it's, I am scared to open these boxes and see what he wants me to wear. I'm also contemplating if I should even wear what he got me. Wait… He bought me these, the last thing I could do is open and see what they are. I sigh and open the small show bow to reveal a very plain looking dark emerald green heels with red soles. I opened the box and saw a card: Cosmo 100 metallic-trimmed PVC and patent-leather pumps Christian Louboutin. Please tell me I read that wrong… I don't own any other Christian Louboutin shoes! I put the shoes neatly on my bed making sure not even my bed sheets scratch them. I am excessive at some points. I opened the smaller box and saw there were three different small jewelry bags and a big jewelry box. Obviously, I opened big to small: the big box was a simple gold necklace that had a big dark green emerald and in the bags were the matching earrings, bracelets, and a ring. Lastly the big box, I know this is a dress since Nick put it on the note, I just hope it isn't anything fancy.
I gasp the moment my eyes lay on the dress, I almost felt unworthy of touching, I read on the collar 'Zuhair Murad' and plopped myself on my bed. I took out the gown and was amazed at the beauty this dress is: Off-the-shoulder Metallic silk-blend, gown in emerald green with off-the-shoulder silhouette complete with dramatic cape. I can't believe I am touching this. I quickly googled the dress and saw it sold for $9,470. This doesn't even feel real! I decided to do my hair and makeup before I got dressed; nothing too much, I just did a simple eyeliner and mascara and a nude lip color with lipgloss, I put on the dress and shoes. As I put on the jewelry I noticed there's another thing in the box where the dress was in. I pull it out and it's a matching handbag. There's a joke in this I know it.
Ding Dong!
I look over to my clock and see it's five fifty-seven. That must be Nick, my heart raced but I kept my calm. I opened my door and was taken back by how attractive Nick looked. His long dark brown hair is loose and just above his collar-bone, his dark green suit is of the same texture as mine but a lot darker and shinier. He's a very good looking man, even with long hair, it completes his look.
His eyes scan me from head to toe practically slow motion, he gives me a satisfying smile. "Now don't you look lovely?"
"Thank you…"
"Are you ready to go?" He invites me while offering his arm out to me.
I blush, "I am… le-let me just get my bag and close my apartment."
"We must get a move on if we want to get there in time." He whisks me. I quickly grabbed my stuff then closed the door and looped my arm with his as he's helping me walk in these heels. We didn't say much as we walked down to his car, he opened the car door to his Bugatti La Voiture Noire. I took my seat and sat nervously for what the night might bring.
"Where is the Auction?" I ask trying to build a conversation since we've been seating in awkward silence for more than twenty minutes.
"Briza on the Bay… Miami."
"What the- do you intend to drive from Rockingham to Miami? We'll get there at one in the morning!" I spat agitated.
"Who said anything about driving?" He mumbles.
I stare at him with disbelief but at the same time, I never bothered to ask for details about tonight's planned date… I guess I just have to agree to all of this… since it is the last time we can be casual as we are right now. I don't know how I should feel about this, in a way I feel forced but he didn't force me, in fact, he hardly even insisted to the point that I was forced to come. I volunteered all for the sake of a new position at work and to get back whatever he has of mine.
"Mr. Dragomir is so good to see you!" The security guard smiles and opens the fenced gate.
"Where are we?" I ask skimming at our surroundings.
"An airport," he parked his car next to a nice looking black jet. "Come."
He opens my door and takes a hold of my hand. I thanked him and quickly pulled my hand back. He gives me a small smile. "You still don't trust me?"
"Lavish gifts and a death trap don't automatically win you any favors," I say looking straight up at him.
"Deathtrap?" He points at the Jet. "Did you just call Nadia a death trap?"
"Did you just say, Nadia?"
"Yes, that's her name. Not deathtrap, I should make you apologize to her." He says while giving me a sexy smirk. "Let's go, Mandy.
The two-hour flight was pure fucking hell for me, I swear I sensed everything! We were picked up and driven to Briza on the Bay where we casually checked in and we're given a number.
"Number twenty-four how lovely, I get to scratch this off my bucket list" I raised the paddle with the number twenty-four and gave a cheerful smile at Nick.
He looked down at me and gave me a genuine smile. "Lovely indeed."
"Nicholia!" A very young man approached us dressed quite fine. "I knew you'd be here, once I saw that they'd be auctioning off the- well hello… Who might you be?" His dark brown eyes gleam at me.
"This is Mandy, she's who is truly here to procure such treasure," Nick spoke so sophisticatedly, it made me feel like I was in some fancy setting…. Oh, wait… I am in one. Even the music being played is classical.
"Nice to meet you, Mandy, I am Jonathan Dix." He took my hand and planted a soft kiss. "I hope you enjoy my family's auction and find everything you need to be exquisite." He turned to Nick.
"She's a remarkably delightful girl, I am happy to see you moved on… anyhow, I must welcome my other guests."
I turn to face Nick how only glared at Jonathan as he walks further and further away from view. I loop my arm with Nick's and lead him away from where we just stood. Once I knew we were out of everyone's earshot I glared up at him.
"Why am I really here Nick? Did you mean to use me to get an ex jealous? Or to show you're not alone when in reality you are?!" I whispered rapidly at him.
"For the sake of your peace of mind I will tell you this," he leans down to my ear. "My true intentions for tonight are none of the above… in fact…" I felt the warmth of his breath as he spoke in a soft and almost sensual voice. "Your use to me is yet to be fulfilled, don't worry Mandy, you're not my shiny new toy for me to show to the world." He still stayed close to me but now he's staring right at my flustered face.
"You're far more fundamental than a means to be used for such trivial things." He smiles and kisses the hand Jonathan had. I couldn't say anything, all I could do was stare at him as my heart raced, he's too close for comfort.
"Good evening everyone, may I please have your attention. The auction will start in five minutes, please settle in and find your seats. All seats are accommodated by Henry's Chairs and More Emporium from Cairo Egypt. If they are to your liking we do have some available for purchase. Anyhoo, may everyone enjoy tonight's auction.." A woman's voice echoed all around us.
Nick held his hand out to me, I glared at him and walked right past him. I swear I heard him chuckle a bit as I did. The room where the auction is being held in is quite large and brightly lit, there's a bunch of people here as well. All dressed to impress in fact. I scan around and saw a few people gawking at me and whispering amongst themselves. This isn't the first time I am surrounded by people of another caliber than me, I was always bullied and talked down to since I was an orphan living in foster care and sometimes the streets. I will always remember the sick feeling I'd get when people would notice me; especially since my clothes and school materials were never new nor that clean. I felt Nick's hand on my lower back causing me to snap back to reality.
"You're doing great my little Zaya." I glanced up at him, he only gave me a soft expression followed by a side smile.
I took a deep breath, tidy my posture, and gave myself a confident smile. I can do this. I say to myself as I proudly marched down the aisle while I had Nick holding my hand. I was well aware people were watching but for the first time in my life, I am not lowering my chin to those who stare. Let them look.