Chapter 434 Father's Love Music Box
The guests around us noticed the commotion and cast curious glances our way, whispering to each other about the dramatic scene unfolding.
Jeffrey's face darkened instantly, a flash of malice in his eyes that he quickly masked. He tossed the bouquet onto a nearby table with a sneer. "This isn't over," he spat before storming off.
Watching Jeffrey's retreating figure, I felt a wave of nausea. Edward gently pulled me into his arms, comforting me. "Diana, don't worry. I'm here. He won't hurt you again."
Leaning into Edward's embrace, I felt his warmth and strength, and my anxiety began to fade.
Once I calmed down, we turned our attention back to the auction. On stage, a luxurious custom crystal sculpture was being showcased. The host had just finished explaining its creation by a renowned designer and its global rarity, eliciting gasps from the audience. Bids flew in from all directions, with participants either raising their paddles high or shouting out their offers, eyes gleaming with determination. The room buzzed with excitement, the temperature rising with each new bid. The sculpture's price soared, repeatedly surpassing expectations, each increase met with exclamations of awe and admiration.
Next, an exquisite art screen was brought out. Framed with rare wood and inlaid with intricate gemstones and pearls, it depicted elegant scenes of birds and flowers with a distinctly Eastern charm. The craftsmanship and design were breathtaking, stirring a fresh wave of excitement. The bidding escalated rapidly, voices growing more urgent, pushing the atmosphere to another peak.
Each subsequent item was a masterpiece, drawing genuine admiration from the crowd. Edward, ever considerate, whispered in my ear, "See anything you like?"
I shook my head. "Nothing like those sapphire earrings from earlier."
Finally, the host, smiling broadly, announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, we now present the final item of the evening!" Those of us who hadn't yet found our perfect piece straightened up, anticipation palpable in the air.
A staff member carefully placed a delicate piece on the auction block, and my eyes were immediately drawn to it. Soft murmurs of admiration rippled through the crowd.
"That music box looks extraordinary," a woman in an evening gown whispered to her companion.
"Yeah, the craftsmanship is impeccable. It's gonna fetch a high price for sure," her companion agreed.
The music box resembled a miniature grand piano, crafted from smooth walnut wood with a gentle sheen, its natural grain telling a story of time. The ivory-colored keys were perfectly aligned, inviting the imagination to hear the beautiful notes they could produce.
The host wound the music box, and a melodious tune filled the room. As the piano lid slowly opened, a tiny rotating stage emerged, featuring two graceful dancers performing a delicate ballet.
Seeing the piano-shaped music box, my thoughts drifted back to my youth. I remembered Edward at the school auditorium, his long fingers dancing over the piano keys, enchanting everyone with his music, including me. That moment had sparked my deep affection for him. Now, the music box brought those cherished memories flooding back, and I couldn't help but smile, my eyes misting slightly.
Edward, too, was captivated by the music box, his eyes shining with a bright light as he gazed at it.
He leaned close to my ear, his voice gentle yet firm. "Diana, Skylar would love this."
His eyes were filled with affection, as if he could already see Skylar's wide, excited eyes and her joyful bouncing.
"Skylar's turning four soon. This would be the perfect birthday gift for her. I want to get it for her," Edward said, looking at me with hopeful anticipation.
His words touched me deeply. Edward had never been involved in Skylar's birthdays before. I was moved by how clearly he remembered her special day. I looked up at him, my eyes full of tenderness.
Smiling, I nodded. "Yes, it's perfect for Skylar. She'll be thrilled. She'll remember this gift for a long time."
Edward's smile widened, his face glowing with affection.
The bidding began, and the room's energy peaked. As the final item, the bidders were especially enthusiastic, their voices overlapping in a lively chorus of offers.
Edward raised his paddle decisively with each bid, his actions drawing gasps and murmurs from the crowd. A woman with a daughter of her own joined the fray, fiercely competing with Edward. She matched his bids without hesitation, driving the price higher and higher. In a tense moment, Edward made a bold offer, far exceeding the current bid.
The woman hesitated, her face showing signs of doubt. After a moment of contemplation, she slowly lowered her paddle.
The auctioneer's gavel came down with a resounding "Sold!"
A staff member, beaming, presented the music box to us. Edward carefully took it, his eyes filled with tenderness as he examined it. "Skylar's going to have an amazing birthday gift," he said softly.
I watched him, my heart full of love and warmth. In that moment, it felt like the whole world revolved around us and the music box that symbolized Edward's love for Skylar.
The guests around us seemed touched by the scene, offering us smiles and nods of congratulations.
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