Chapter 366 Just Afraid She'll Leave
Gabriel smirked and teased, "Ms. Morgan, if you keep staring at me like that, my wife might get jealous."
Jessica's cheeks turned bright red. "Just wait for me outside."
She finally picked a red evening gown. It was simple but looked absolutely stunning on her. After throwing on a white shawl to complete the look, Jessica checked herself out in the mirror, feeling confident and radiant. She then pinned up her hair, adding a touch of elegance.
The attendants on either side couldn't stop gushing, "You and Mr. Walton are such a perfect match, Mrs. Walton."
Just then, Gabriel walked back in.
The attendants quickly made themselves scarce.
Jessica felt Gabriel's arms wrap around her waist and heard him say, "Jessica, what am I gonna do? I regret it!" His voice was deep and alluring.
"Regret what?" Jessica asked, puzzled.
"Regret bringing you here. You're so beautiful, I don't want any other guy to see you."
Hearing that, all of Jessica's earlier concerns and unhappiness melted away. What she wanted was actually pretty simple. It didn't matter if she had gained weight. Even if she had, just one compliment from Gabriel would make her happy for a long time.
"Thanks, Gabriel. I know I don't look like I did before the pregnancy, but hearing that makes me really happy. And I'm even happier to be having kids with you," Jessica said softly, her voice filled with gratitude and love, as she looked up at him with a warm smile.
Gabriel cupped her cheeks and kissed her over and over.
Finally, they reluctantly let go of each other.
At that moment, a bell rang on the ship. Gabriel immediately took Jessica's hand and led her out. "It's starting!"
"What's starting?"
"The auction," he replied.
"Oh, so this is an auction!"
"Yep, and there's a beautiful gift I want to give you today."
They found their seats, and shortly after, the auction began. From the first item, the atmosphere was already electric.
Listening to the rising bids, Jessica found it super exciting and thrilling. Especially when the auctioneer said, "Two million dollars once, two million dollars twice, two million dollars three times," it was exhilarating. And as the gavel came down, it felt like it was striking her heart.
Jessica turned to Gabriel and whispered, "This is so interesting!"
Gabriel smiled and said, "Why don't you try making a bid?"
"No way, I can't," Jessica refused immediately. Watching was fun, but actually bidding made her a bit nervous.
The auction went on for over an hour, and finally, the last item was revealed. When the pink pearl necklace appeared, almost everyone's eyes lit up. The whole place was buzzing with excitement.
"Such big pearls!"
"And they're natural. That pink color is just stunning."
Compliments and praises were flying everywhere as the women started to bid. Gabriel, however, stayed calm and collected.
Jessica felt at ease, knowing that with everyone interested, the price would be sky-high, and she had no intention of bidding.
The bidding went on for over ten minutes, and the enthusiasm was still high.
Suddenly, Jessica felt her hand being held and then raised. Gabriel's voice called out in her ear, "Three million dollars."
Three million dollars? Jessica couldn't even fathom that number. She was stunned.
As soon as that price was announced, a lot of people started shaking their heads and quietly put down their paddles.
But one person kept bidding. "Three point two million."
Gabriel grabbed Jessica's hand again and raised it. "Three point four."
The other bidder upped the ante. "Three point six."
Gabriel was about to raise Jessica's hand again when she gripped his hand tightly. "Maybe we should stop. It's too expensive, and I don't think I like it that much."
Gabriel leaned in and smiled. "Ms. Morgan, when did I say this necklace was for you? It's for my mother. So, Ms. Morgan, I must get this necklace."
As soon as he finished speaking, Jessica immediately raised the paddle and shouted, "Four million dollars."
The moment she called out, Jessica felt a rush of exhilaration.
Instantly, the other bidder went silent.
The auctioneer scanned the room and began to call out loudly, "Four million dollars once, four million dollars twice, four million dollars three times, sold."
With the sound of the gavel, it was confirmed that Gabriel had won the bid.
Knowing they had won, Jessica immediately hugged Gabriel happily. "Great, we got this gift for Mom."
Gabriel smiled. "Yes, Ms. Morgan, congratulations on getting yourself a perfect gift."
"What?" Jessica's eyes widened. "Didn't you just say this was for Mom?"
"If I hadn't said that, would you have been so eager to bid?"
Jessica fell silent, realizing she had been tricked. "Ah, Gabriel, you're so sneaky. You tricked me. How could I bear to have such an expensive gift!"
"Well, the more expensive, the better," Gabriel said.
Jessica looked puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Gabriel leaned in closer, his voice low and teasing. "Ms. Morgan, don't forget, you were the one who placed the bid. So technically, you should pay for it."
Jessica's eyes widened. "Wait, wasn't it supposed to be a gift for me? Why are you being so stingy all of a sudden?"
She crossed her arms and sighed dramatically. "Then I'm doomed. Even if I sold myself, I wouldn't be able to pay that much."
"No, you're priceless," Gabriel said with a smile.
Jessica couldn't help but smile, feeling a warmth spread through her. In the end, Gabriel paid the money.
On the way back, Jessica looked at the necklace and then carefully reviewed the entire auction in her mind, she suddenly realized there might be a bit of a conspiracy.
"Tell me, have you been deceiving me all along?" Jessica looked at Gabriel beside her.
Gabriel, placing the pink pearl necklace around her neck, said, "Well, if you can stay by my side as my wife for the rest of her life, this necklace will be a token of our love. If you ever want to leave or abandon me, then the four million dollars will be your responsibility."
"Such a huge amount, I would chase you to the ends of the world," he added with a smile.
Jessica felt a surge of emotion in her heart. It turned out that all his efforts were just to keep her by his side. He was afraid she would leave without a word again.
"I'm sorry, Gabriel. I promise you, I will never leave you again unless you no longer want me."