"Ladies and gentlemen, it's time for the auction to begin." The host began. "Our first item up for bid is a stunning diamond bracelet, and it's starting at five thousand dollars."
The crowd murmured with interest, especially the women, as the host held up the exquisite piece of jewelry. Its diamonds were attracting the light and sparkling brilliantly.
"Six thousand dollars." One of the women in the crowd raised her bidding paddle.
"Ten thousand dollars." Anabel raised her bidding paddle with a confident smile. She didn't bother to look around to gauge people's reaction. Though she was expecting Daniella to react. She wanted to show Daniella what she was capable of.
Daniella's heart flared up in jealousy as she saw Anabel bid. She took a deep breath to calm herself down but she couldn't. Desmond had warned her to avoid Anabel and never compete with her but she couldn't stand it. Unable to resist the urge to compete, she raised her paddle and called out, "Twelve thousand dollars."
Desmond's eyes widened in surprise, and he shot Daniella a warning look. He had specifically told her never to compete with Anabel, to avoid any unnecessary drama. But Daniella's emotions have gotten the better of her.
Anabel smiled and countered. "Fifteen thousand dollars." This was what she wanted. To compete with her and show her that she was never on her league.
"Twenty thousand dollars." Daniella snapped back. Though her heart was racing. She was practically disobeying Desmond.
Desmond became angry as he watched the bidding war escalating. He had warned Daniella to avoid Anabel, but she seemed determined to outdo her which he knew was impossible.
"Daniella, you need to stop." He whispered urgently, trying to catch her attention. But she ignored him. Her eyes were locked on Anabel.
"Twenty-five thousand dollars," Anabel raised it up more.
"Thirty thousand!" Daniella shot back immediately.
At this moment, the crowd began to murmur as they sensed tension between the two women. Desmond became uncomfortable. His frustration was growing as he realized that the bracelet was quickly reaching a price far beyond its actual worth.
"Forty thousand dollars," Anabel said. Her voice was calm and unbothered even though she knew that it was above the worth.
"Fifty thousand," Daniella countered and Desmond's stomach churned. He knew the bracelet didn't deserve such a steep price tag, but Daniella seemed resolute in her desire to outbid Anabel. She didn't even know the worth.
Anabel hesitated for a moment, then lowered her paddle. "I will pass." she said with a smile, then turned to Daniella. "I can see you really need that bracelet to bid such a huge amount for it. You can have it." She locked eyes with her for a brief moment before she turned away.
"Fifty thousand dollars, any more bidding?" The host asked and no one raised the paddle. "Last chance and fair warning on Fifty thousand dollars."
That was when Daniella realized that she had been deceived. "Daniella, that bracelet isn't worth fifty thousand dollars," Desmond said quietly. There was a trace of frustration in his voice.
Daniella's excitement faltered as she felt the weight of Desmond's words. She had let her emotions take control, and now they were about to pay the price.
"Sold! What's your name, ma'am." The host asked.
"Daniella." She answered with a trembling voice.
"Congratulations! Miss Daniella." The host stated and the crowd clapped for her. Daniella smiled but deep down, she was weeping.
Desmond sighed, knowing there was no turning back now. He began to regret ever coming with her.
"As we all know, this bidding requires the winner to pay in full immediately. So, Miss Daniella, how are you going to make the payment? Credit card or transfer?" The host said and Daniella began to feel uncomfortable. She looked at Desmond for help and he looked away. Anabel smiled, seeing that she had Daniella right where she wanted.