Adonis

"Was that 500,000 dollars I hear? $505,000?"

"$510,000? $511,000!"

You grow paler with every number called, sitting chained down inside a cage meant for animals, while the auctioneer continues to present you like you're some kind of high commodity item. How did it come to this?

Growing up, everything had been going well— until your family business went bankrupt and to pay off debt, debt collectors decided to traffic and auction you off to anyone willing to pay.

"$520,000!"

You hold back your tears and will yourself not to cry. You refuse, absolutely not. But the crowd only seemed to grow more restless at the sight of you.

"$600,000! $620,000! Can I hear a $630,000? $630,000! Going once, going twice—!"

"Five million dollars."

A deep voice echoes across the large lavish showroom.

The hall goes quiet and so do you, but not for the same reason. No, you freeze upon hearing an eerily familiar voice.

"Sold! Sold to the gentleman in black!"

... ... ...

Pushed into a room, you stumble unto your knees in disbelief.

"Get up." The man orders. You don't though, you couldn't.

With a rough hand, he grabs you by the cheeks and yanks at your face. You then see him, the face of the man you've been avoiding for the last seven years.

Adonis's boyish looks have sharpened over the years, becoming more masculine. Gone was the warmth you used to see in his eyes back when you two we're childhood friends.

Back when his father used to work for your family company— back before he had been fired and used as a scapegoat to cover up corruption.

Back before Adonis's father ended his own life. Back before his mother fell sick shortly after.

Back then you were only teenagers, and you were Adonis's only source of comfort, but you couldn't face him. Not after what your family had done. You abandoned him, avoided him for seven years.

Until today— Adonis looks down at you with contempt.

"Five million dollars?" His voice is much deeper now, his grip much rougher.

"Don't make me laugh. You're not even worth a fucking penny."