The Auctioned Bride

Beneath the spotlight, the crystal chandelier cast a cold light. I stood at the center of the banquet hall, watching Murphy Frank kneel on one knee. He held a custom diamond ring, his eyes filled with the deep affection he had feigned for three years. The guests around us gasped in unison; every camera was trained on us. "Selena, marry me." His voice came through the microphone, tender yet false. This was his sixty-sixth proposal. Just three days ago, the farce of him and Dora Jennings as "Love-hate relationship" had barely fallen off the trending list when I became the vilified third party across the entire internet. "I do." I took the diamond ring, my voice as indifferent as responding to an everyday triviality. Surprise flashed in Murphy's eyes, then he quickly softened, stood up to kiss me, but I turned away to avoid him. His movements stiffened slightly before he quickly wrapped his arm around my shoulder and smiled at the camera, "Thank you all for witnessing our happiness." No sooner had he finished speaking than Dora, wearing a red gown, burst in with wild eyes. "Murphy Frank! You can't marry her!" She pulled out a ring. "We're already engaged! This is the engagement ring you gave me!" The crowd gasped; Murphy's face twisted in shock. I stepped forward and said, "Miss Jennings, this ring was Mr. Frank's birthday gift to me last month. As for the engagement, Mr. Frank never mentioned it. It seems you've misunderstood." Murphy quickly added, "Dora, you're mistaken. The one I've always loved is Selena Louis." Dora broke down in tears, disbelief in her voice: "You lied to me! You promised you would marry me!" "Security, please escort Miss Jennings out," Murphy ordered sharply. Once the chaos died down, Murphy apologized to me. I tugged at the corner of my mouth but remained silent. Three years ago, my father's company went bankrupt and he passed away. Murphy's family froze my father's startup fund, on the condition that I pretend to be Murphy's girlfriend for three years in exchange for the fund's return. For the sake of my father's hard work, I agreed. During these three years, I witnessed all his false affection and endured countless provocations from Dora. Now there's only one month left—if I hold on a little longer, I'll be completely free.