A Hundred Billion Bride

Prologue

I closed my eyes as the makeup artist applied some eye shadow. I didn't anticipate this happening to me. Everything feels surreal. As Dad and I talked earlier, I sensed his anger. How could he do this to his own daughter? I couldn't fathom it before, but now it's becoming a reality.

"Just relax, Ma'am," said the makeup artist as she noticed my trembling eyelids. I followed her instructions. When she finished, I was amazed to see myself in the mirror.

I've had makeup done several times before, but this is what I truly wanted. It looked natural yet impactful, giving me a fierce yet innocent look. They dressed me in a long dark blue fitted dress, accentuating my fair complexion. As they prepared me, I remembered Dad's words from the previous night.

"What? No!" I exclaimed, slamming the fork and spoon on the table upon hearing Dad's proposal. I gave him an incredulous look. I wouldn't agree. I'd never do what he wanted me to.

"Khione, this is for your own sake. Red Market is collapsing! They've discovered you! The billionaire bidders are willing to pay anything just to have you! This is a chance to save Red Market! Think about it, think about the money we'll receive after the bid," Dad insisted, trying to persuade me.

Is it all about the money? It's not just about money. It's about me and Red Market. If only Mom were here, none of this would be happening. Dad wouldn't be selling me to his failing illegal business where the buyers are billionaires and the products are virgins and beautiful women. I know this isn't right. It will never be right. It's infuriating. I don't want this. I want to run away, but I'd be just like my mom if I did.

But selling your own child isn't right, is it? "But Dad! I just turned eighteen! What if the buyer is a pedophile old man? Or perverts! No, Dad! I won't agree!" I stood up, ready to leave, but Dad quickly stopped me as he stood up and approached me.

"If you don't do this, I'll end up on the streets. I'll be jailed because of debts, and if the police catch wind of this..." he gripped both sides of my shoulders. I could see the desperation in his face now. His plea made me close my eyes. I opened them and looked up at him. Now, I was the one pleading.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I'd rather beg on the streets than be a plaything for rich men who have no respect for women." I turned away from him, not even finishing my meal. I've lost my appetite.

I do respect my Dad, but now, I've lost respect for him, and I can't find it. The joy of the day was supposed to be here, but it vanished because of what he said. My Dad is the owner of the infamous illegal Red Market. If the Black Market deals with illegal goods, the Red Market deals with the illegal and forced sale of women.

I wanted to ignore the fact that it's my father's business, but I couldn't because Red Market provided me with a lavish upbringing and everything I desired. It's helpful, but it's just not right. Even his plan isn't right. That's why Mom left the house and never returned when she found out Dad's line of work.

Since they got married, Mom had no idea Dad was part of a syndicate. Mom tried to take me away or even kidnapped me from Dad, but she failed. I wanted to go with her, but I was scared.

There was always someone watching wherever I went when I was younger. Now, I haven't heard any news about my mother. Perhaps Dad knows something but isn't telling me.

"We're not done yet, young lady!" his voice roared in the whole dining room. His voice lacked the pleading tone he had before. I didn't leave because I could feel his anger.

I remembered seeing him shoot one of his workers a long time ago, but I pushed that thought away. I didn't want to see Dad in a bad light, even though he truly was bad. Despite everything, I still love my father. He's still my father. I've always obeyed him, but not this time. I'm eighteen now, and I can make my own decisions.

"You are going to be the center of the night for the upcoming bidding, and that's it!" It seems not only the billionaires are desperate to have me.

My dad is desperate too to involve me in his illegal activities. I wanted to cry out of anger, but no tears fell. I was stunned. How could he do this to me? To his own daughter? I faced him and took a deep breath before meeting his angry gaze.

"You do know that I'm your daughter, right? Because you know what Dad? I don't know if you're still my father," I bravely replied to him. I received a strong slap from him. My tears rolled down my cheeks. He had never hit me before. He never raised his hand against me or forced me to do anything I didn't want to. I slowly faced him again.

"You disrespectful child," he murmured and glared down at me. I looked up at him proudly and smiled bitterly.

"Same to you, Dad," I said, and I received another slap, this time on the other cheek. My cheeks burned from his slap. Maybe I looked like a woman who put on too much blush on?

"Don't make me angry, Khione. Do as you're told." Then he stormed out of the dining room. I snapped back to reality when I heard the last girl being called before me.

I couldn't shake off what happened before I got here. I'm backstage now, trying to be brave just for tonight.

"Three hundred fifty million!" The room fell silent. Well, that's it. The girl's already sold out.

"Now, finally! We have reached the last. Are you ready to meet her?" the emcee said thrillingly. A man escorted me up the stage, the curtain still down so no one could see me. Then it happened.

"Ms. Khione Fuego!" The curtain parted, and all the bidders looked at me.

The emcee started speaking, but I didn't listen anymore. My attention was on the VIP seat at the top. My father, as he intently looked at me. I glanced briefly at the man sitting near my father. He looked at me with interest in his eyes. He looked familiar. I've heard rumors about him, but I don't know his name. I quickly looked away from him. I won't last under his scrutiny.

"One hundred million."

"Five hundred million."

"One hundred billion." I closed my eyes when I heard the last huge amount. I didn't even look at the hundreds of billionaires in this Red Market. I'm scared of what might happen to me. Who will I belong to? I may seem brave, but I'm still scared. I'm just a normal woman.

"One hundred billion for the Red Market's Heiress!" the announcer said. We waited for almost five minutes, and when no one raised their bid, the announcer spoke again.

"Ms. Khione Fuego is now sold out. Please come upstage Mr. Caspian Lordcan." My eyes widened at the name. I remember him. I didn't know he would spend that much for me. Plus, I barely know him, but I've heard stories about him. Gossips about him. He's a dangerous man.

I heard that he kills all the women he buys here if they don't obey him. I don't know if it's true or not. Finally, I found the courage to look at the man who bought me. It can't be.

I need to escape. I need to get out of here. I don't want to die yet. I saw from the VIP seat, which was somewhat close to where Dad was sitting, that he stood up and left the VIP area to come up on stage. His face was terrifying, his expression dark. I immediately felt my knees shaking as he walked towards me.

Throughout his approach, his eyes were fixed solely on me, and I could barely withstand the intensity of his gaze. He stopped in front of me, wearing a very expensive three-piece suit. I recoiled when he tried to grab my arm. His expression darkened even more, which frightened me even more. He stared at me.

"D-Don't touch me," I threatened, but fear was evident in my voice.