Chapter 20

The next day, bright and early, Allison got a call from Lucian. Well, more accurately, it was a call for Penelope.

He invited her to go somewhere with him that night.

Having already turned him down once yesterday, Allison didn’t dare say no again. So she hurriedly put on heavy makeup, trying her best to look like Penelope.

After lunch, Lucian’s driver, Dominic, arrived on time to pick her up.

They headed to an underground auction.

By the time Allison arrived, every seal was filled. Dominic led her upstairs, all the way to a room.

As soon as the door swung open, the first thing Allison saw was a man on the sofa, holding a glass of wine.

Despite her makeup, Allison was still scared he might see through her, so she chose to sit as far away from him as possible.

Lucian’s gaze fell on her face, her heavy makeup making him frown slightly. He gestured for her to come over, “Come here.”

Allison pursed her lips, knowing she couldn’t avoid him, so she slowly shuffled over with her head down.

Before she could get close, he suddenly reached out and yanked her into his arms.

Allison felt her whole–body tense up. She struggled to get away, but his arm around her only tightened.

“Be good, Penelope.” He cooed softly in her ear, his breath tickling her as if he were trying to melt her.

So Allison stopped struggling.

For now, she was Penelope, his fiancée.

Lucian’s fingers gently stroked her cheek, the heavy makeup smearing onto his fingertips. He asked, “Did you put on makeup?”

“Mmm, it’s the latest trend. Do… do you not like it?”

“I do.”

He said it with certainty as if to confirm his words,. Allison blinked in surprise, feeling a jolt through her heart.

But she kept her head down, not noticing that his clear eyes were void of any emotion.

Lucian was well aware that his feelings for Penelope were merely a duty. But why did he think of Allison when he was holding Penelope?

The auction downstairs had started. Allison noticed the venue was decorated in a classic, aristocratic style.

From here, she had a clear view of the auction hall downstairs.

One item after another was sold, but Lucian didn’t make a move.

Allison didn’t understand. What was Lucian trying to buy? Why did he bring her here?

It wasn’t until a top–grade pink diamond appeared that Lucian beside her finally acted, bidding directly and spending ten million dollars. Once the deal was sealed, Lucian leaned in and asked her, “Do you like it?”

Allison was taken aback, “Is this for me?”

“Who else would it be for?” He smirked.

The auction ended, and it was completely dark outside.

Lucian held Allison’s hand as they left. The night breeze was crisp and cool.

She ran her fingers through her hair, which had been tousled by the wind, when suddenly she felt him pull her closer. His handsome face seemed to magnify in front of her.

Their distance was closing, and Lucian’s breath left a warm trail on Allison’s cheek.

His gaze made Allison’s face gradually turn red.

“I have to go to England next Friday.”

“Okay…” His sudden proximity made Allison nervous. She clenched her hands and her face was burning hot.

Lucian looked at the woman with a face full of makeup, yet her features were still delicate. Only her exposed ears, tinged with a deep pink, which clearly showed her shyness. He frowned, then laughed.

He hadn’t expected Penelope to be so easily embarrassed.

It was completely different from her usual open demeanor around him.

The diamond he gave her was partly out of duty but also as a reminder that he already had a fiancée.

But now, as he looked at his fiancée, he kept thinking of that other woman.

Realizing this, Lucian’s gaze cooled slightly, “I have something else to do. I’ll have Dominic take you home.” As for the confusion in his heart, he’d deal with it when he came back, “Mmm” Allison didn’t dare ask more. Her heart was pounding like a drum, and she couldn’t wait to leave. If she stayed with him any longer, she was afraid she’d give herself away.

Just as she was about to get in the car, he grabbed her wrist and his warm lips landed on her forehead.

“Wait for me, Penelope. Wait for me to come back.”