Chapter 5

Valerie Shaw POV

After that day, I stopped resisting, and I stopped holding onto hope.

I was like a hollow shell, mechanically carrying out Ethan's orders, tending to Brittany's needs.

Two days later, Ethan hosted a lavish gala to celebrate Brittany's return.

All of New York's elite attended, and as Brittany's bodyguard, I naturally had to be there.

But even standing in a corner for the entire evening, I still attracted plenty of whispers.

"She actually dared to show up?"

"Look at her. She thought she could marry Ethan King, but now his ex-wife is back, and she has to give up her place immediately."

"She's just a bodyguard, after all..."

Odd glances and unpleasant whispers constantly invaded my ears. I kept my eyes slightly lowered, my hands at my sides unconsciously clenching.

Throughout the entire auction, if Brittany so much as glanced at a collectible, Ethan would bid without hesitation, buying it at a high price.

Until the final item was brought out.

When the auctioneer removed the cover, and the giant digital screen behind him simultaneously displayed the photos.

The entire hall fell silent instantly, then erupted in uproar.

My breath hitched.

They were my private photos.

Asleep, wrapped in a towel fresh from the shower, a bare back, various dazed moments after sex...

All photos he had taken of me over these five years, when I was completely unsuspecting.

I snapped my head towards Ethan. His back stiffened almost imperceptibly.

Brittany chose that moment to walk onto the stage, took the microphone, and said in a sweet voice, "Everyone, please don't misunderstand. I gave these photos to the auction house."

"Miss Shaw has protected Ethan for many years and worked incredibly hard. I just wanted to use this opportunity to find her a good husband so she can settle down and start a family, without having to work so hard anymore..."

"These photos are meant to show everyone that Miss Shaw, once she sheds her bodyguard identity, is also a lovely and endearing girl. So, let's start the bidding at one dollar!"

One dollar.

A single, light sentence, trampling my last shred of dignity into the dirt.

The gazes from the audience instantly turned blatant, filled with scrutiny and amusement.

Many secretly glanced at Ethan's reaction. Seeing that he merely wore a grim expression, showing no reaction, their courage grew.

"Fifty!"

"A hundred!"

"Five hundred!"

The rising and falling bids, mixed with low chuckles, felt like whips lashing my skin.

I stood there, feeling like I was being peeled open inch by inch, displayed for amusement.

My strong self-respect wouldn't allow me to endure this. I abruptly stood up, my voice trembling: "I'll bid two hundred thousand for all of them!"

That was all my available savings.

The hall quieted for a moment.

However, a slick male voice immediately followed: "One million! Miss Shaw, come with me, I guarantee it'll be much more comfortable than being a bodyguard!"

It was Mr. Henderson, a notorious playboy in social circles. I heard he'd ruined the lives of at least three women.

I panicked, instinctively looking at Ethan, who was seated in the VIP section.

But he merely watched, expressionless, his gaze so indifferent it showed no flicker of emotion.

Finally, the gavel fell.

The last string in my heart snapped along with it.

After returning from the auction, I completely shut myself off.

I didn't cry or make a fuss. I just clutched my phone day and night, waiting for the call that would take me away.