“God really knows how to tease people!”

Maria Santos pressed her forehead against the cold window of the city bus, watching the glittering towers of downtown fade into the distance. Her phone buzzed again with another message from the hospital. Her younger brother, Diego, needed surgery within three weeks, or the doctors could no longer guarantee his survival. The number on the screen felt like a death sentence: $200,000.

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She had sold everything she owned, worked double shifts at the art gallery, and borrowed from every friend who would still answer her calls. Yet, she had barely scraped together $20,000. The math was simple and cruel. There was no way forward, no miracle waiting in the wings.

“You look like someone carrying the weight of the world,” came a voice beside her.

Maria turned to see her coworker, Patricia Monroe, sliding into the seat next to her. Patricia’s older, kind eyes seemed to see too much.

“I heard about Diego. I’m so sorry,” she said softly.

Maria nodded, fighting back tears. If she started talking about it, she might break down completely. Diego needed her to be strong.

Patricia hesitated, then pulled out her phone.

“Listen, I know this sounds crazy, but I heard about something. An event. It’s not what you think, but it could solve your problem in one night.”

Maria shook her head.

“Patricia, I can’t do anything illegal.”

“It’s not illegal. It’s just unconventional,” Patricia replied, showing Maria a discreet website.

“It’s a charity auction where wealthy people bid for companions to accompany them to social events. Everything is above board. Contracts, security, complete discretion.”

Maria stared at the screen, her heart pounding. The testimonials spoke of life-changing sums helping desperate people find solutions to impossible problems. But the idea of being bid on like a piece of art made her stomach turn.

“I can’t,” she whispered.

Three days later, Maria found herself standing in front of the Grand View Hotel, its gleaming luxury a world away from her reality. The woman who greeted her in the private suite was immaculately dressed, her silver hair pulled into a perfect twist.

“Miss Santos, I’m Catherine Wells. Thank you for coming. Let me explain exactly how this evening works.”

Catherine laid out the details with business-like efficiency. The auction was invitation-only, attended by verified wealthy individuals seeking companionship for upcoming social events.

Everything was documented, legal, and protected by ironclad contracts. Physical intimacy was never required and always remained at the companion’s discretion. The average bid ranged from $50,000 to $300,000.

“You would be perfect for our evening showcase. Natural beauty, genuine presence. These men can spot artifice from across a room,” Catherine explained.

Maria signed the papers with trembling hands, each signature feeling like she was selling a piece of her soul. But when she thought of Diego’s pale face in the hospital bed, his brave smile telling her not to worry, she knew she would sign a thousand times over.

The auction hall was more elegant than Maria had imagined. It felt less like a marketplace and more like an exclusive art exhibition. Soft lighting, classical music, and impeccably dressed staff created an atmosphere of refined luxury. The other women waiting backstage were stunning, confident, creatures born for this world.

Maria wore a simple black dress, her dark hair falling in natural waves around her shoulders. She wore minimal makeup, unable to transform herself into someone she wasn’t.

When her name was called, Maria felt like her legs had turned to water. The lights were so bright that she could barely see the audience, just shadowy figures seated at elegant tables. The bidding started at $50,000, and the numbers climbed quickly. She felt dizzy, disconnected from her body. Then, a voice cut through the room like a blade.

“$500,000.”

The room fell silent. Even the auctioneer seemed shocked, recovering his composure before announcing, “Sold! Bidder number twelve, $500,000.”

Maria’s vision blurred. That was more than twice what she needed for Diego’s surgery. It felt impossible. Unreal. Too much.

Catherine guided her backstage.

“Mr. Blackwood will meet with you briefly before finalizing the arrangement. This is highly unusual. He’s never attended one of these events before, let alone bid.”

When Sebastian Blackwood turned, Maria’s breath caught. He was younger than she expected, perhaps in his mid-thirties, with dark hair and eyes that seemed to catalog everything about her in a single glance. His suit was perfectly tailored, his posture that of someone accustomed to owning every room he entered.

“Miss Santos,” he said, his voice low and measured.

“Please, sit.”

Maria perched on the edge of the leather sofa, too nervous to relax. Sebastian remained standing, maintaining a cool distance.

“I need a companion for a series of business events over the next month,” he began.

“Dinners, galas, one overseas trip. You would stay in a guest suite in my home when necessary. Everything would be documented and professional.”

Maria’s curiosity got the better of her.

“Why did you bid so much?”

Sebastian’s jaw tightened.

“Because the moment you walked onto that stage, I knew you didn’t belong there, and I wanted to make sure you never had to go back.”

The unexpected kindness in his words made Maria’s eyes burn with unshed tears.

“I need the money for my brother’s surgery. He has a rare heart condition.”

“I know,” he said, startling her.

“I had you investigated after I decided to bid. Your brother will have his surgery at Mercy General Hospital. I’ve already made the arrangements. The money will be transferred to your account tomorrow morning.”

Maria stood abruptly, overwhelmed.

“I don’t understand. You don’t even know me.”

“No, I don’t,” he admitted, his gaze piercing.

“But I recognize desperation when I see it. And unlike most people in this city, your desperation is for someone else, not yourself.”

Maria whispered, “What do you want from me?”

“Honestly, I’m not entirely sure yet,” Sebastian said, offering her a business card.

“Go home. Check on your brother. Tomorrow, a car will bring you to my office and we’ll discuss the details of our arrangement. You have my word that you’ll be treated with respect.”

Maria’s mind was spinning as she left the hotel. Who was Sebastian Blackwood really? Why had he chosen her? And why did she sense something broken beneath his perfect exterior?

The next morning, a sleek black car arrived, its driver polite and silent as they made their way through the city. When they pulled up to the Blackwood Technologies Tower, Maria’s stomach tightened. The building was a gleaming monument of glass and steel, a symbol of everything she could never have.

In his office, Sebastian explained his expectations with precision. There would be five major events over the next six weeks: a technology conference in San Francisco, two charity galas, a private dinner with international investors, and a week-long business retreat in Barcelona.

Maria would accompany him to each, presenting as his romantic partner to satisfy the social expectations of his business circles.

“Why do you need someone to pretend?” Maria asked, curious.

“Surely, someone in your position could have any partner you wanted.”

Sebastian’s expression darkened.

“Because everyone in my position wants something. A connection to my business, access to my wealth, association with my name. I learned long ago that genuine relationships are impossible when power and money are involved.”

“That sounds lonely.”

“It’s safe,” he replied, as if that were enough.

Maria leaned forward.

“But that’s no way to live. Protecting yourself from pain by refusing to feel anything at all.”

Sebastian’s eyes darkened, and for the first time, Maria saw the real him—someone who was just as vulnerable as she was.