FORTUNE: A FREENBECKY STORY

Chapter 15 🗳️

Noey, mounted the podium again and began to clink their glass. Once all attention was on them, they said "it's time to start the auction, we have two of our very own faculty who have kindly volunteered themselves as dates. Help me welcome onto the stage Mr Dew Nitikorn Pankram a very eligible bachelor...

...and Miss Rebecca Armstrong who graciously agreed to replace Mrs Sulax Siriphattharapong."

Becky looked around to see if there was another Rebecca Armstrong in the room. All eyes were on her Including Freen's. She knew for certain that she'd never signed up for anything this outrageous. It could not possibly have been her. She stood there still and refused to make her way to the podium until Noey locked eyes with her and gently gestured her to come.

The crowd began to clap in encouragement.

It felt like time had slowed down as she made her way to the front. Becky hated this type of attention which was why she would never have signed up for it herself. Arriving at the steps leading up to the stage Noey extended their hand to help Becky up with a smile. That comforted her somewhat as she respected and felt comfortable with Noey.

Dew also took his place next to Becky.

"Hosting this session is Mr Heng, please make him feel welcome" Noey concluded

Heng was the only man wearing a white suit. He was a little over the top like that. He was aware the theme was red but wanted to stand out. If nothing else he was easy to spot as he mounted the stage. Becky noticed his charismatic aura and confidence. "I don't know about you but I am certainly excited." Heng jeered inciting the crowd.

Freen had not said a word since this whole affair began. She was stood quietly next to Billy the Prince's cousin. Billy leant over "Your brother is really charismatic" he said

Freen ignored him but that didn't bother him at all. Billy seemed to have a subtle admiration for Freen's older brother. She continued listening to Heng but her eyes were fixed on Becky.

"First up its Mr Dew, he is 6"4, enjoys golfing and long walks, he's a softie when it comes to romcoms and loves dogs" Heng reeled off the bio that had been prepared for Dew.
"Let's start the bid at 300,000 baht!"

Women in the crowd began to raise their number panels. "Can I hear 400,000? Yes ma'am! Do we have a 500,000? Ok I see you!" Heng confirmed
"Do we have a 600,000 baht? No? 500,000 baht going once... twice... sold to the young lady in the black dress!" Heng concluded

Becky had goosebumps. She was incredibly nervous and confused.

"Secondly we have Miss Rebecca or Becky for short, shes the youngest professor in UoB history, teaches quantum mechanics, she's a kind hearted soul, wicked smart, enjoys playing with her dog and singing, loves a caramel latte and loves her family" Heng reads

This description sounded a little familiar and narrowed down who might have put her up for it.

"Let's start on a cool 500,000 baht!" Heng suggested
"1 million baht" Baitoey raised her number panel.
"2 million baht" Freen raised hers

The room was filled with many of her grandmothers friends and connections but she did not seem to care in that moment. Her face was stern and jealousy had overcome her.

"5 million baht" Baitoey smiled
"10 million baht" Freen insisted
"20 million baht" Baitoey raised again

Freen felt the weight of Heng's stare coming down on her. She persisted.

"40 million baht!!" She insisted.
Becky was a little shocked at the back and forth.

Baitoey looked over at Freen. She did not like to force anything so she yielded. "40 million baht, going once..." Heng said with a shaky voice, "twice..."

A voice called out from the back of the room. "500 million baht."

Authors Note:
Hey! So I have a favour to ask!
Can you all go back and vote for every chapter of this book? 🥹
I'd really appreciate it!

As always, please feel free to leave a comment telling me what you think is going to happen next! That makes it more fun for me too.

That's it for this week guys!

- I'll be back with five chapters next week. -