For a second, my brain refused to understand what I heard. I let out a short, shaky laugh, because surely that was the only reasonable response.
“You’re kidding, right?” I whispered. “Matteo… stop.”
He didn’t even blink.
“You’ll bring a high price,” he said flatly. “I need the money. You’ve always known your face and name could be used for value.”
My stomach dropped.
“What… are you saying?”
He turned away from me, addressing the host instead. “Begin.”
Everything happened at once.
Hands grabbed me before I could even step back. I struggled, panic rising as I was dragged forward.
“Matteo!” I screamed, voice breaking. “Stop this! Please—what are you doing?!”
But he didn’t move.
Didn’t react.
Didn’t even look at me.
The lights hit me as they pushed me onto the stage. Faces blurred in the crowd—watching, judging, as if I wasn’t a person anymore.
Just something to be priced.
“Two million starting bid,” the announcer called.
Laughter followed. Then raised bids.
“Three million.”
“Four.”
My vision blurred.
“Matteo!” I cried again, voice raw. “I’m your wife!”
Only then did he look up.
A faint curve touched his lips—not warmth, not affection… something tired, almost indifferent.