Jake looked shocked. Normally I would argue
about him bringing Ashley.
But seeing my calm, he felt fear.
All the way there, it was tense. He flaunted
his love for Ashley.
Fixing her hair, whispering to her, making sure
I heard.
He checked me out in the mirror for the
seventh time. Still the same face.
His face darkened, and he gripped the wheel.
At the auction, he held Ashley’s hand.
<
At the auction, he held Ashley’s hand,
introducing her to everyone.
His friend was shocked.
“Jake, are you really bringing her out in the
open?” He nodded at me, looking
sympathetic.
That friend shook his head.
“Wow, 18–year–old Bethany was so fun, but
now she’s like this. Impressive.”
People started whispering, looking at me.
“I heard Ashley is the real love of Jake’s life,
L
and she’s carrying his baby.”
“Bethany is trying to be cool, but she must be
grinding her teeth. So fake.”
I ignored the taunts. Before, I’d have left.
But I’d forgotten everything about Jake, and had no feelings, so I ignored it.
The auction started, and Jake took Ashley to
the front row, buying her jewelry.
“Jake, I want that diamond necklace.” Ashley purred.
“Okay.” Jake raised his card.
<
“Jake, that crown is pretty! I’d look beautiful!”
“Buy!”
“Jake, that bracelet is nice, how about our
daughter wears it?”
“Sure.”
The room was buzzing. The last item was done, and the auctioneer was excited.
“Jackpot! Mr. Jake bought everything! Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Jake!”
The auctioneer stopped, realizing his mistake, and looked at Ashley and me, and knew the
<
real fiancée was at the back.
He was nervous, and tried to apologize, but Ashley smiled softly and said thank you.
Jake stroked her nose.
Finally the auction was over, and I went to the bathroom.
