Page 30 of Temporary Vows

The women start talking about logistics—dress code, the door, how to get an invite—like it’s nothing.

The faucet shuts off. A lipstick cap clicks. A phone buzzes. Then their heels click away. The bathroom door swings open, then shuts, and the silence returns like a wave.

I stay frozen, my heart beating too loudly in my ears.

I want freedom.

That auction could be my path.

It might be the wrong one.

It might even ruin me.

But I don’t have the luxury of being picky anymore.

* * *

“Are you out of your mind?” Skylar gasps.

The ends of her dark bob brush her shoulders as she shakes her head hard enough that it looks like she’s trying to shove the idea right out of the room. She’s standing by her bookshelf, hands clenched into fists at her sides like she’s bracing for impact.

I’m on the sofa, sinking back into the cushions like my body has finally given up pretending it can hold itself upright.

I nod. “I’m serious, Skylar.” My voice comes out rough. “I’ve been thinking about it all day, and I keep circling the same thought like it’s poison and prayer at the same time. This is the answer to all my problems.”

“No. No, no, no.” She takes a step forward, eyes wide with horror. “It can’t be.”

Her voice breaks on the last word, and I hate the way it makes me feel—like I’m dragging her into the mess with me.

“What kind of friend would I be if I allowed you to do something like this?” she snaps, but there’s fear under the anger. “It’s an auction, Elodie.An auction. And you know what that means. You’ll have to do…anythingto get the kind of money you’re looking for.”

I swallow, but it doesn’t help. My throat feels tight, my stomach turning with the same raw bile that’s been threatening to burn through me for days.

“And you can’t even guarantee it,” she pushes on. “People will always try to get everything they want for the lowest price. What happens if you do it—if you sell your body—and all you get is five grand?”

My stomach clenches hard. “I have to try something,” I say, with a determination I don’t fully feel.

Skylar’s eyes flash. “Then go ask your friend.”

A laugh slips out of me, bitter and humorless. “Friend?”

“You know what I mean,” she says, exasperated. “Come on, Elodie. It’s freaking Dorian Vale. He’s a billionaire. And he told you to find him if you needed him.”

I shake my head before she can even finish. “Skylar, you know I can’t do that.”

“Why?” Skylar demands. “Why can’t you do that? Out of all your options, that’s the most viable one. The one that lets you keep your dignity.”

“Does it?” I snap back before I can stop myself.

Her brows knit. “Of course, it does.”

“No, it doesn’t.” My voice comes out sharper than I mean it to. “Because I’ll still owe him. It’s not like he’s offering togiveme the money. And even if he did, I wouldn’t take it.”

Skylar opens her mouth, but I keep going, heat rising behind my eyes.

“This way, it’s my own money,” I point out. “It’s a job.”

Her expression hardens. “No, Elodie. That is not a job. Being auctioned is nothing like earning money.”