Chapter 20 Familiar Faces
Bella’s POV:
+8 Pearls
I changed into my outfit and put on a tight mask, making sure only my eyes were visible in the mirror. That way, no one would recognize me.
As the host’s voice on stage introduced the next segment, a wave of cheers erupted. Even backstage, I could feel the audience’s enthusiasm.
Oh my, I hope none of Penelope’s fans realize I’m not her.
The closer it got to my turn to go on stage, the more frightened I became, my legs even starting to tremble.
The lift slowly raised, and I gradually came into view of everyone. At that moment, I knew I couldn’t back down–I had to dance.
As the music started, I began to move, relying on memories of dances I had learned. Truthfully, I had only ever learned classical dance, never pole dancing, so I had to rely on instinct.
The background music was upbeat, but I danced a graceful classical dance, feeling frustrated inside. Oh no, I hope the audience isn’t upset. I impulsively agreed to replace Penelope without even asking what dance she was supposed to perform.
Fortunately, no one booed my performance. After a moment, the music stopped, and the host. took the stage.
“Next, we have a solo dance by Penelope. Bidding starts at 700 dollars. Whoever bids the highest will enjoy Penelope’s dance solo. There’s only one chance!”
My gaze wandered among the crowd, and suddenly, at the VIP seats, I spotted a very familiar face.
At that moment, I could feel how much my heart hurt. It was Paolo, my senior. I wasn’t sure when I had fallen for him, but before I could confess, Roberto had sold me.
Why is he here? Paolo was dressed in a white suit, his chestnut hair short and his demeanor refined, completely out of place in the noisy surroundings.
Next to him sat a stylishly dressed woman with long hair–my close friend Cecilia.
I watched them talking, Cecilia–leaning close to Paolo, their intimacy apparent.
Are they together now?
Still in shock, my eyes stayed fixed on Paolo and Cecilia, when suddenly…
Cecilia’s eyes met mine, and her face showed a flicker of surprise before a mocking smile appeared.
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12:59 PM
Chapter 20 Familiar Faces
She… recognized me.
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+8 Pearls
She leaned closer to Paolo, whispering something in his ear, and then Paolo’s gaze also turned toward me.
He, too, was shocked.
Cecilia kept talking to him, but unfortunately, I couldn’t hear.
The auction for Penelope’s solo dance began, and Paolo also raised his bid paddle, competing with others.
My heart ached. He must have recognized me. He couldn’t bear to see me dance for other men, so he kept raising his bid.
I wanted to shout for him to stop, but I was powerless on stage.
The bidding started at 700 dollars and broke 1,400 dollars, with no sign of stopping, even reaching over 10,000 dollars.
Paolo’s family was wealthy; he was known as a rich second generation at school. But when he followed the bids up to 28,490 dollars, he stopped.
I knew 28,490 dollars was Paolo’s limit; his family would never allow him to spend that much at a bar just to watch a dancer.
It sounds absurd.
Under the lights, I saw Paolo’s face was very grim, his eyes filled with anxiety.
Is he worried about me?
When a man bid 140,000 dollars for Penelope’s solo dance, everyone at the venue was shocked, and no one dared to bid higher.
As the host was about to close the auction…
“712,000 dollars!”
A cold, yet familiar voice came from the crowd.
Instantly, a chilling fear rose up my spine as I dared not breathe heavily, looking toward where the voice had come from.
In the dim light, the man stood with his hands behind his back, his features sculpted, eyebrows like peaks, his narrow, deep–set eyes dark as abysses, and his thin lips slightly pursed, exuding an air of haughty elegance.
Now, it was unlikely anyone would outbid him.
