I raised an eyebrow, intrigued by James's words. What could he possibly offer me that would make this arrangement beneficial for both of us? I had already lost Jayden to Belle, and the thought of marrying James, a man I had just met, was less than appealing.

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But then, something inside me clicked. I was tired of being hurt, tired of being used. It was time for me to take control of my life, to make my own decisions.

And so, with a sense of determination that I hadn't felt in a long time, I nodded my head. "Yes," I said, my voice firm. "I'm ready to hear your proposition.”

***

In the night, I received a letter from the Jones and Jackson group. It was the invitation card for a charity auction that was going to be held the next day. Many big business tycoons were going to attend the auction including Parker groups and the most famous JW groups. I was also invited because of my social work abroad. Earlier I was planning to attend this function with Jayden but now I had to go alone.

I stood at the edge of the crowded ballroom, sipping my champagne and trying to make small talk with the other guests. Suddenly my gaze fell on my sister, Belle, who was standing beside Jayden. Jayden must have asked her out. I couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance seeing them showcasing their love to all the guests. Belle was currently making a big show of herself, flaunting her diamond necklace and designer gown to everyone. As soon as her gaze fell on me, she came near me and didn't hesitate telling me how many gifts Jayden gave her that day before personally coming to pick her up for the auction.

“Sister, have you come alone? Why didn't you invite your fiance with you?” She asked, intentionally trying to provoke me.

I have indeed asked James if he wanted to join me in the auction. He told me he would be there in time but I didn't see him yet.

“Her fiance?” Jayden's eyes narrowed. I looked up at him deeply, trying to see if he had a sense of jealousy in his eyes. But, he only laughed mockingly before saying, “Are you talking about James? He doesn't show his ugly face in public. Don't you think his ugly face will ruin everyone's mood?”

“You should mind your words while talking about him. He is after all your cousin,” I said with a stern voice, making him laugh even more. He then walked closer to me as he whispered, “Being offended for your fiance already? But, you have to hear these words for your entire life. Are you sure you are going to marry a useless man like him?”

“Only the future will tell who is useless! As far as I know, I have never seen you working before. Are you planning to rely on your uncle's money for a lifetime?” I smirked,

“You-” Jayden pursed his lips, he wanted to add something but Belle stopped him, saying, “Don't ruin your mood because of her, Jayden. She is just jealous that I got such a handsome man like you and she lost a gem like you only to have a defective man for herself,” Belle smirked. Jayden's lips curled up into a smile after being praised by his girl. He immediately pulled her in his arms and placed a kiss on her forehead, intentionally showing me off.

Just then we noticed a commotion at the entrance of the auction hall. People were turning to stare, their faces filled with shock and surprise.

I followed their gaze and my eyes widened as I saw James Parker walk into the room. He was tall and broad-shouldered with piercing blue eyes and extraordinary features. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his tailored tuxedo fit him like a glove. But what really caught my attention was the lack of black spots on his face. He exuded confidence and power, his very presence was commanding attention. And as he scanned the room, his eyes locked onto mine. I felt a jolt of electricity run through my body.

James smiled as he reached us.

"Sorry I'm late," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Traffic was a nightmare.”

As James reached us, the room fell silent once again. Everyone's eyes were fixed on him. Their faces were filled with shock and surprise. Belle's mouth hung open in shock. She couldn't help muttering, “Wow! Who is this handsome man?”

Jayden's face had turned pale, his eyes narrowing as he stared at James. I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as I watched the scene unfold. Belle and Jayden had been so sure that James was ugly and defective, but now they were faced with the reality of his stunning good looks. To me, the only shocking thing was the lack of black spots on his face. But, him looking breathtakingly handsome, I was already aware of it. I had seen this face behind his black spots.

James smiled as he greeted me, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Sorry I'm late," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Traffic was a nightmare."

I smiled back at him while saying, "It's okay, you're here now."

As we stood there, smiling at each other, the room began to erupt into a flurry of activity. People were staring, whispering, and pointing at James. All of them trying to get a glimpse of the man who had just walked into the room.

Belle's face had turned bright red with anger and embarrassment. She had been so sure that James was ugly and defective, but now she was faced with the reality of his stunning good looks. Jayden's face had turned pale with shock and surprise. I was very satisfied looking at my two enemies going green with envy.

As we stood there, surrounded by the stunned and silent crowd, James turned to me and smiled. "Shall we?" he said, offering me his arm.

I smiled back at him, feeling a sense of excitement as I said while taking his arms,"Sure."

Together, we walked into the crowd, our heads held high and our smiles confident. We were the couple everyone envy, and everyone in the room knew it.

Maybe this was the beneficial arrangement James was talking to me. He had been living as a disfigured man before everyone for so long. He might have a reason for that. But, he chose to appear in his original looks just to make me feel proud before my enemies. He made a huge sacrifice for me. My heart filled with gratitude towards him as we sat on our assigned table for bidding. Jayden and Belle's chairs were next to us.

James's eyes scanned the room, taking a glance over the various items placed for bid. There were many luxurious items placed for bid. There were diamond necklaces, rare artwork, and even a vintage car or two. But James's eyes seemed to be fixed on one item in particular, a stunning diamond and sapphire encrusted unisex watch.

Jayden walked up to us, leaned over James's chair and said with a mischievous smile, “Uncle Daniel gave up your mother's watch to charity.”

I saw James’s brows furrowing. I could see the mixture of anger and pain in his eyes. I felt bad for him. I had heard that he was not treated well in his family. The bidding for the watch had already begun, and the price was quickly climbing into the millions. Jayden smiled in a mockery, saying, “No wonder you are now the most handsome man present here, but you are still broke, cousin.”

He shot a glance over me before adding, “ No girl would want to marry a broke man like you. But, don’t worry about your Mom's watch. I’ll win the bid and give it to my fiance. At least, it will return to the family. Whenever you miss your Mom, I’ll let my fiance lend the watch to you for a few minutes,”

Belle looked up at Jayden in admiration as he went back to his seat. Their eyes were fixed on watch with desire and envy. They would go any length to win the bid just to humiliate James. I was feeling uncomfortable seeing James to be humiliated by then but I was helpless.

As the bidding continued to climb, Jayden's face grew more and more agitated. He clearly wanted the watch, but he was hesitant to bid.

Belle, on the other hand, was growing more and more frustrated by the second. She was motivating Jayden to keep placing his bid higher. She wanted that watch at any cost so that she could show me how useless my man was.

Jayden seemed to win the bid with a price of five million dollars. No one was placing a bid higher than that. But, suddenly a voice echoed, loud and deep, shutting everyone’s mouth.

Ten million dollars!

It was James who placed the bid, leaving everyone stunned in the hall as it was the highest bid of the event so far.

The room fell silent once again as James's bid echoed through the hall. Ten million dollars was a staggering amount, and it was clear that James was determined to win the bid.

Jayden's face turned bright red with anger and frustration. He had been so sure that he was going to win the bid, and now James had swooped in and stolen it from him.

Belle's eyes were wide with shock and surprise. She couldn't believe that James had placed such a high bid. She had thought that he was broke, but now it seemed that he was willing to spend a small fortune to get what he wanted.

As the auctioneer slammed down his gavel, declaring James the winner of the bid, the room erupted into applause. James smiled, his eyes gleaming with triumph, as he turned to me and said, "I think that was worth it, don't you?"

"Definitely," I said. "It was your Mom’s watch after all."

“I didn't do it for my Mom.” He said, looking deeply at me. His gaze made my heart beat faster. If it was not for his Mom, then why did he spend so much money on winning the bid?

I couldn't understand him but our relationship hadn't reached that level that I would question his intentions. So, I just gave him a smile and said, “You must have something in your mind.”

As we left our chairs, Jayden and Belle approached us. Their faces were twisted with anger and envy. "Congratulations, James," Jayden said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm sure your Dad would be proud of you and won't get angry when you ask him for money.”

“But, aren't you afraid what would happen if he refuses to give you money? How will you pay the bill?”

Jayden’s words made me worried for James. As far as I knew his relationship with his Dad was not good. If he disagreed to lend money to James, how was he going to pay the huge amount?

I was worried sick whereas James was only smiling while looking at me. After the host handed him the watch, he gently placed it on my wrist, saying casually, “This watch is my Mom’s family heirloom. She gave it to an undeserving person. The only good thing that person did was giving it away. So that I can give it to the most deserving person.”

So, he won the bid for me!

Belle's eyes turned green in envy. Her eyes were fixed on watch with greed. She was looking at Jayden with disappointment. Jayden felt angry to be looked down on by his fiance and he immediately charged over James, saying, “You didn't tell me, cousin. How are you going to pay the bills especially after talking I'll about Uncle Daniel? What if I tell him how you were mocking him in front of an ordinary girl, huh? Do you think he would let you use the money of Parkers’ group?”

I immediately started running my mind, counting the money I could collect to help James. But, after making all the collections in my mind, I had only a few thousand dollars. It meant nothing against ten million dollars. In the end, I could only think of coaxing James to return the watch but before I could open my mouth, I heard him telling Jayden, “Who told you I’m going to use Parkers' group money? Hasn't your Uncle Daniel already disowned me from his company?”

Jayden was stunned. If James was not going to ask his father for money, then how was he supposed to pay the bill?

Just then the host walked up to us. He looked up at James and said politely, “Sir, your bills are settled by the manager of JW groups. You are free to take the watch with you.”

“JW groups? Isn't it the top most company in our country?” Belle blurted out, “Why would their manager pay your bills? Are you in contact with him?”