Chapter 1 The Lost Brooch

Yvonne had tried her best to maintain her marriage, but her husband Benson's "first love" was always on his mind. When their marriage seemed to be on the verge of collapse, Yvonne found herself able to chat and laugh with other admirers, while Benson was caught in turmoil, as if an insurmountable wall always stood between them. On a sunny afternoon in Dallas, at a bustling location, the doors of Harried Auction House were wide open, welcoming collectors and celebrities from all over. Yvonne gracefully stepped out of a black car, and her eyes caught a familiar figure—her husband, Benson. He was there with his lover, chatting with other guests. Yvonne stood there like a meticulously crafted painting, every detail just right. Her features were deep and delicate, and her eyes as blue as the sea. Benson’s taste was undeniably exceptional. Yvonne's heart sank, but she forced herself to stay calm. Her friend, who was closely following her, looked at her with concern. "Yvonne, are you sure you want to go in? I can bid for the brooch for you," her friend whispered, eyes full of worry. Yvonne smiled slightly and shook her head. "It's okay." Her voice was calm, but a hint of sadness flashed in her eyes. Benson's eyes, when they met Yvonne's, showed no emotion, as if he were looking at a stranger. There were no glances exchanged, no words of greeting, not even a trace of awkwardness—just like parallel lines that would never intersect. Yvonne and her friend walked into the venue. Fate seemed to be mocking her; Benson and his lover’s seats were right in front of hers. Yvonne tried hard to shift her focus away from them. Her goal was a French brooch that was about to be auctioned. This brooch held great significance to her, and she hoped to buy it as a gift for her mother. The auction began, and one by one, precious artworks were displayed, but Yvonne's mind was entirely on the brooch. When the brooch was showcased, her eyes lit up. It was a simply designed yet charming brooch, and several other society ladies showed strong interest in it as well. The bidding started, and the price quickly soared. Yvonne tightly held her bidding paddle, her heart racing. When the price reached 7.2 million, she frowned. Her friend couldn't stand it anymore and decisively raised the paddle. Benson seemed to notice the bidding as well and joined in, driving the price up to 15 million. Yvonne felt helpless. She took out her phone and sent a message to Benson: "I want this brooch." Benson looked at his phone but didn't reply and continued to bid. Yvonne sent another message: "This brooch is very important to me." This time, Benson didn't even look at his phone, which made Yvonne completely desperate. Their marriage had lasted three years, but Benson's coldness toward her had never changed. He only came home once a year, and she was always the last to know about everything. If she hadn't seen it herself today, she would have thought he was in California. How could such a husband help her? Yvonne forced a bitter smile and switched contacts, sending a message to her father-in-law. Shortly after, Benson received a call. He walked out of the venue, and when he returned, he glared at Yvonne sharply. Yvonne did not return his gaze. She knew what the brooch meant to her. Benson left the venue, then came back, glaring sharply at Yvonne. Yvonne didn't meet his eyes. She knew how important this brooch was to her. With no other option, she had to seek help from her father-in-law. However, things did not go as she had hoped. When Benson returned to his seat, he immediately raised the price to 21 million. Yvonne's friend was furious and wanted to keep bidding, but Yvonne stopped her. In Dallas, few people could be richer than Benson. After the auction, Yvonne found Benson and politely asked him to let her have the brooch, offering to pay triple the price. Benson looked down at her. Despite her beauty and the pitiful look that could evoke sympathy, he coldly said, "This can only happen once." Yvonne's face turned pale. She knew what Benson meant. Their marriage was a transaction, and she had gained her parents' approval by appearing pitiful. Now, she was trying to use the same method to get the brooch. Yvonne weakly explained, "It's not like that." But Benson had no patience to listen. He took the jewelry box handed by the host and turned to leave. Yvonne panicked and grabbed Benson's arm, pleading, "It's my father's..." Benson's eyes turned icy and unfamiliar. "Let go," he said with disdain. Yvonne recalled the day they got their marriage certificate, a moment full of hope and promises. The priest's solemn voice echoed in the church, announcing them as legally married. At that moment, Yvonne's heart was filled with joy. She thought she had found her lifelong support. However, the moment the priest's words ended, Benson's gaze made her heart sink into a cold abyss. There was no love in Benson's eyes, only coldness and unfamiliarity. He looked straight at Yvonne and said firmly and mercilessly, "Besides the title of wife, you will get nothing." These words were like a sharp knife, deeply piercing Yvonne's heart. But she still chose to believe, believing that time would change everything, that love could melt the ice. However, time proved everything. Just as Benson said, besides the title of wife, he never gave Yvonne any real care or love. Their marriage was more like a transaction, a contract without emotions. Yvonne's heart gradually froze, and her smiles became less frequent. But today, she came here for that brooch. She had searched for a long time for this brooch to give her mother a memento. Yvonne had searched for a long time and finally found it at this auction. She thought it was a chance given by fate. However, reality was so cruel. Benson's appearance completely shattered her hope. That brooch was something she had painstakingly sought to give her mother a keepsake. The brooch was not just an object to her but a token of her deep affection for her mother. So, she decided to try again, hoping to get the brooch from Benson. Yvonne suppressed her emotions, mustered up the courage, and pleaded with Benson again. Her voice trembled slightly, "Benson, I'm begging you, please give me the brooch." However, Benson's response was cold and ruthless. He shook off Yvonne's hand and coldly replied, "Didn't I beg you once too, Miss Yvonne?"