The Gala (Part 3)
Selene looked at the dark-haired woman on her biological father's arm more carefully. She was petite but a little taller than Selene, with big brown eyes that were looking at her with curiosity. She said, "Oh, I'm sorry that I did not realize who you are. It's nice to meet you." She held out her hand and the woman shook it gently.
"Please, can I talk to you for just a few minutes?," Lyra asked in a shy voice.
Selene looked at Ben as if seeking his advice but all he said was, "It's up to you. Just don't go anywhere out of the way so we can keep an eye on you both." At those words, he shot Victor a pointed look.
"Alright," Selene answered and led her older sister a short distance away. Ben made a move to follow but was stopped by Demetrius who asked to speak with him.
When they stopped, Lyra started with, "I know this is probably really uncomfortable for you, so I won't take too much of your time."
Selene only nodded in acknowledgement.
"I heard what my brother, our brother, did to you and I just wanted to apologize on behalf of the family," she continued.
Selene looked down as she said, "You don't have to apologize for him, but thank you."
"Please understand that I only learned about you recently and I just want a chance to get to know my sister," Lyra pleaded. "I can't excuse what Victor did. It shocked me when I found out and I don't know if I can forgive him for doing that to you. I won't push you but whenever you feel comfortable, feel free to reach out. Can we exchange numbers?"
The younger sister started playing with the side of her dress in nervousness. She didn't know how to answer. The thought of having a sister sounded wonderful, but could she trust her? Still, it wasn't fair to attribute Victor's evilness to her if she was indeed being sincere. Perhaps she could take her time and just be cautious about it. Making up her mind, Selene replied, "That sounds nice."
They exchanged numbers and then Selene reunited with Ben. She filled him in on what had transpired as they walked to their table.
Ben also told her that Demitrius had apologized on Victor's behalf and even elbowed him when Victor had rolled his eyes at the apology. Apparently, her biological father had assured Ben that Selene would be safe from now on and that he would not allow Victor to pull any similar students in the future.
"Do you believe him?," Selene asked, looking up at Ben.
Ben sighed, "We can't trust anything that comes out of that mouth, but who knows? Biology is interesting after all."
Selene nodded, wondering about Demitrius's true feelings towards her.
Once they reached their table, they both saw that dessert had been served along with pots of coffee and tea.
Selene was going to have some tea but Ben suggested coffee as "the night was still young." He winked at her and she wondered what he meant by that.
They worked off the dessert with more dancing and soon it was time for the auction to begin. Everyone took their seats at their respective tables, which had been cleared, only leaving coffee and tea behind.
A podium was brought out to the stage and the auctioneer, an middle-aged woman in a sharp tuxedo that gave a sexy yet professional vibe, announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, if I could have your attention." After everyone settled down, she continued, "We are now going to start our charity auction to benefit the amazing non-profit organizations you have been seeing on this screen behind me all night. First up, we have this beautiful painting by famous ancient Chinese artist Ren Li depicting two lovers at rest under a tree. Valued at $750,000, I will open up the bidding at $500,000.
Selene turned to Ben to comment on the painting's beauty and Ben asked if she wanted him to bid on it. She blushed, waving her arms, and whispering, "No, no. I didn't mean that. I was just saying I thought it was lovely is all. I don't need to own it. Where would I put it anyway?"
"In our home," Ben responded matter-of-factly as if it was obvious.
Selene giggled and said, "No thank you."
The bidding went on for a few minutes and the painting ended up selling for $1.2 million.
Next there was a gown once owned by Lizzie Tyler, a famous Hollywood actress, from her 1955 movie, "Nefertiti." Selene was awed by the glittering sequins and was not surprised that it sold for nearly $2 million given the popularity of the movie.
"There must be a lot of movie buffs in the audience," she whispered to Ben, who nodded. He couldn't believe someone would spend so much on a dress.
After a ruby necklace belonging to an 18th century Baroness sold for over $1 million, there was a sculpture that went for $2.1 million. Next was a new engagement ring by famous jewelry designer. It featured a 1-carat princess cut blue diamond. The band was white gold and in-laid with smaller white diamonds all around. The estimated cost was $2 million.
When Selene saw the ring, she was in awe at its beauty. She wistfully thought how amazing it would be if that was her engagement ring and then laughed at herself. "I'd be too scared to wear it!," she thought to herself.
The bidding started at $1 million and there was a bidder several tables away. Then there was another, and another. When the price had reached $2 million, suddenly Ben raised his hand and called out, "$3 million."
Selene's eyes grew ten times their size as she froze in shock. Then she leaned over and whispered, "What are you doing?"
Ben did not respond, only smiling at her. There was a murmur among those in attendance, but no one dared bid against him. The auctioneer called it, "Going once, going twice, and sold to Mr. Ben Liu for $3 million." Everyone clapped for a long time, leading Ben to stand up and bow.
The auctioneer asked him to come up and Ben turned to Selene, holding out his hand. She didn't know what to do and took his hand, standing up. He led her to the stage and they step up the few stairs to stand next to the table where the auctioned items had been displayed. There, a man handed Ben the box with the ring and walked away. Suddenly, Ben dropped to one knee, held up the open box and said, "Selene, you are my world. We haven't had an easy road but there is no one on this planet I would rather walk along it with. This ring is nothing compared to beauty you have brought into my life, and I vow in front of everyone present here today that I will love you for the rest of my life. And if there is another life after this, I hope we meet so I can love you in that life too. Will you marry me?"