The auction preview venue buzzed with activity as the Koenigsegg came to an abrupt halt. Doors were opened, and a man in an exquisite white shirt emerged, Edward Cullen. He donned a tailored suit handed to him by his assistant, Jason, and strode into the venue with the host at his side.
Inside the venue, Taylor Swift and Emma Watson stood before the painting "Iris" for a long while. Emma furrowed her brows, puzzled, "This artist, Iris, isnt a renowned master. Ive been looking at this painting for a while, and I cant see whats so special about it that you had to come."
Taylors eyes were fixed on the painting, filled with longing. Iris was not a famous artist, and his works were rare, but James Swift admired his style greatly, considering him a kindred spirit. During Iriss stay abroad, he had promised to create a painting called "Iris" for James, but James had never received it, only hearing of Iriss untimely death.
Now, it seemed that the painting before her was the very one. Taylor had brought all her savings, selling almost everything of value she owned.
Emma, noticing Taylors distant expression, nudged her, "Hey, Taylor."
Taylor snapped back to reality and looked at Emma with a smile, "My brother likes it."
Because James liked it, she was determined to acquire the painting, no matter the cost.
Emma shook her head, concerned as she stared at Taylors pale face, "But why do you look so pale? Are you feeling unwell?"
Taylor covered her face with her hand, joking lightly, "Its nothing, just a bit of stomach pain from my early visitor. Ill be right back from the restroom."
Exiting the restroom, Taylor found it hard to walk due to the increasing pain in her stomach. She could barely move, clutching the corridor wall and inching forward.
A pair of high-end black leather shoes appeared on the red carpet before her. Taylor looked up to see Edwards face, strikingly handsome, casting a long shadow under the corridor lights. His presence seemed to bring a chilling aura that was at odds with the luxurious setting.
Edward looked down at her with a mix of disdain and amusement, "Need to be rescued again?"
Taylor gritted her teeth, the pain and anger welling up inside her, but she couldnt find the words to say.
Edward glanced at the band-aid on his wrist, a reminder of their previous encounter, and said coldly, "I wont dwell on what happened that night. Where is it?"
Taylor, in pain, retorted, "Youre shameless!"
Edwards expression turned icy, his voice sharp as a blade, "Ill give you one more chance. Hand it over."
Taylor, shivering from the cold and pain, replied, "I dont have what youre looking for."
Edwards gaze swept over her, suspicion and annoyance in his eyes, "Dont play dumb. The amethyst bell, where is it?"
Taylor, in too much pain to stand, retorted, "Ive never seen any bell. You lost it; why are you bothering me?"
Edward leaned closer, his breath tickling her ear as he spoke in a dangerously seductive tone, "Should I search you to check?"
Taylors face flushed with anger and embarrassment. She pushed against him, "You dare!"
Edward stood firm, a mocking smile on his lips, "Dont always call me a scoundrel; otherwise, I cant guarantee I wont do scandalous things."
Taylor threatened, "If you dare, Ill call for help!"
Edward simply raised an eyebrow, challenging her with his gaze, "Go ahead."
"Taylor!" Emmas voice echoed down the corridor.
Both Taylor and Edward looked towards the source of the voice. Emma stood there, shocked to see them.
Edward smirked, nonchalantly withdrew his hand, and with a condescending look at Taylor, walked past her as if she were insignificant.
Emma rushed over to help Taylor up, looking at Edwards retreating figure with concern, "Taylor, whats going on?"
Taylor, in too much pain to stand, said through gritted teeth, "Its nothing. He was just helping me up. The auction is about to start; we should hurry in."
Back at the auction venue, Taylor sipped on a cup of hot water, which eased her pain. As the auction began, the painting "Iris" was the final item, starting at fifty thousand dollars. After a few rounds of bidding, Taylor bid one hundred thousand dollars.
The auctioneers voice echoed, "One hundred thousand dollars for the first time, one hundred thousand for the second time..."
"Two hundred thousand," Edwards lips curled into a slight smile, casting a sidelong glance at Taylor across the venue, his presence commanding attention.
Taylor stared at his profile, her fists clenched in frustration. How could she compete with the Cullen familys wealth?
She remained seated, resigned, until the auction ended and the venue emptied.
Only a few people remained in the now quiet venue when Emma said, patting Taylors shoulder, "Taylor, lets go."
"No," Taylor stood up with determination, "Emma, you go back first. I have to try one more time."
"Wait..." Emma called out, but Taylor had already run out of the venue.