At auction:

Eleni:

The dress is completely black. Long, flowing, it reaches my ankles and contrasts enormously with my reddish hair and the rubies that adorn my neck. I can't help but think that the jewels resemble small drops of blood and the ruby, closer to my breasts, looks like a wounded heart.

After an hour of torturing hairdressing and makeup I was ready, I really went through the process with a completely blank mind, I was like on autopilot it wasn't until I saw myself on stage, the spotlight blinding me, that I woke up from my daze.

— Finally the last piece of the night. The beautiful Miss Eleni Amíntoros models a ruby necklace that belonged to Catherine the Great, Tsarina of Russia. This exquisite piece comes to you through the generosity of a donor who prefers to remain anonymous. Bidding will start at fifty thousand dollars, ladies and gentlemen. – announces the host.

—Fifty thousand dollars!- exclaims someone from the audience.

—Fifty thousand dollars, offers the gentleman back there, ladies and gentlemen, I hear someone offers sixty thousand dollars? - presses the host.

—One hundred thousand dollars!-exclaims a man whose voice I recognize. It's Mr. Corvin. My gaze meets his and my stomach churns. The other attendees at the auction comment among themselves for a moment.

The host continues the bid.
— One hundred thousand dollars, ladies and gentlemen. Does someone offer two hundred thousand dollars?

Total silence reigns. A chill runs down my spine. I look around the room carefully looking for Vlad, I can't see him but I know he's here.

— One hundred thousand dollars once, one hundred thousand dollars at twice...

—Five hundred thousand dollars!-exclaims Vlad, taking a step forward, stepping out into the light from one of the dark corners of the room. Standing next to him is the model Justine Sziláy.

A muffled cry seizes all throats, I raise an eyebrow. They just offered half a million dollars for the jewels around my neck, at the moment this necklace is the object that has risen the most in the bid.

—Eight hundred thousand dollars!-Mathew offers calmly. He smiles at me, remaining seated ten rows of chairs in front of where Vlad and the model are standing.

—Eight hundred thousand dollars, gentlemen!- comments the host. For a few minutes Vlad and Justine hurriedly exchange words, she looking distraught, he cold and distant. — I hear that someone offers nine hundred thousand?

—A million dollars!- Vlad exclaims without even looking in my direction. His attention is completely focused on the woman next to him, as he says something to her that makes her take a few steps back.

—One million five hundred thousand! – Mathew offers, smiling broadly in my direction.

The host looks visibly shocked. It seems that the jewels that I exhibit have greatly exceeded their real value during this auction. I can't help but think...it's actually me who's being auctioned off.

Justine glances my way, giving me the most hateful, malicious look I've ever seen, then turns on her heel away from Vlad and takes a seat right next to her cousin, never taking her murderous glare off me.
— One million five hundred thousand at one, one million five hundred thousand at two.
—Five million dollars!- Vlad exclaims and the entire room lets out a stunned groan. Vlad smiles cynically, holds a glass in his hand and raises it as if proposing a toast.

I watch as Mathew pales slowly, Justine turns to him whispering something in his ear. Mathieu reacts by shooting me a look full of surprise and reproach. I press my lips together, I can well imagine what Justine has said to him.

—Five million going once, five million going at twice...- the host hits his mallet against the wood. - Sold to Mr. Tepes!

The entire room erupts in applause, Vlad drinks from his glass with exaggerated slowness, and I can't help but think that the end of this auction has just sealed my fate.
Because I have the feeling this auction wasn’t only about the objets in display.
***

Those invited to the auction have been scattered throughout the first floor of the hotel, animatedly commenting on the result of the event among themselves.

I walk away from the crowd, seeking to escape the concentrated hubbub, which has resurrected the terrible headache that arose while poking around in Vlad's safe. I walk aimlessly down the hall, until I feel myself being pulled towards the semi-dark and deserted lounge, where it can be said that it all began.

— I'm back. Did you miss me, little dove? - Vlad's warm breath brushes my neck, all my skin crawls and a shiver runs through me.

Those words, I frown, I can't help it, but I feel like I've heard him say those exact words thousands of times.
— We need to talk. – I intoned in my most neutral voice. – I know everything Vlad.
He separates from me and looks at me strangely.
—You know? What do you think you know, Elennah? - he whispers, taking my face between his huge and warm hands, looking at me with his enigmatic, deep green eyes.
—I know that Justine was your wife. The woman you went crazy for, the woman you think you hate but still love. - I whisper.
—Where did you get that idea, little dove? - he asks.
— When I took the envelope containing the necklace out of your safe, I saw the marriage certificate. It wasn´t difficult for me to understand that she is the reincarnation of your late wife.

He smiles cynically, shaking his head slightly in denial.

— Haven't they taught you that it's wrong to stick your little nose where in what is none of business? There are things in my past that don't concern you.

—This does, Vlad. You love her, even if you deny it, I know it. I feel it in the sadness that fills your eyes every time you talk about her and how she betrayed you. I think, you should try to patch things up between you.

He presses his lips together and pulls my face, forcing me to look at him.

— I willn´t do it. Justina and I were forced to marry to strengthen an alliance. I don't want to repeat that mistake, I don't want her in my life. It's you I want,my fiery dove. I want to bury my past and hope for a happier future, by your side.
— Vlad. - I beg.
— Elennah.

I release a esperate sigh, this situation has no solution. I couldn't live like this, loving him while he continues to live poisoned by the memory of another.
— I have presented my letter of resignation this morning. – I announce without a hint of emotion. – I´m willing to pay the fine that you will impose on me for the breach of the contract. I know I agreed to work here for a year, but this situation is untenable.

He releases my face as if my skin had burned him. He drops his arms to each of his sides and closes his hands into fists.

— My grandparents want to see me. They have agreed to receive me at the mansion in Athens.I...

—No.

— Why no?

All warmth is gone from his eyes, his face a mask of hate and evil.

—You won't get rid of me that easily. You agreed to be mine, red dove, you belong to me.- he snaps through his teeth.

Oh, I'm yours more than you know.

— I have to do it. If I'm gone, if I don't get in the way, you'll give Justine a chance. I know. What has happened in the past doesn´t take away your right to be happy.He growls, turning his back on me and walking away.

— My happiness isn´t with her, Elennah. If you leave, keep in mind that I will follow you and find you wherever you hide. - He turns, looking at me defiantly. - I will not allow you to escape this time, little dove.