She Entered an Auction… A Millionaire Paid for One Night with Her – And Discovered She Was a Virgin
Maria Santos pressed her forehead against the icy glass of the city bus, staring at the glittering towers of downtown shrinking in the distance. Her phone buzzed again, pulling her attention. Another message from the hospital.
Her little brother, Diego, needed surgery—urgent surgery. The doctors said if it didn’t happen in three weeks, he might not make it.
The number on the screen hit her like a punch to the stomach: $200,000. She had sold everything she owned, worked double shifts at the art gallery, begged friends for loans, even pawned a few sentimental items. Yet, she had barely scraped together $20,000. The cruel math was impossible. No way forward. No miracles waiting in the wings.
“You look like someone carrying the weight of the world,” a soft voice said beside her.
Maria turned. Patricia Monroe, her coworker, slid into the seat. Her eyes were older, kind, seeing more than she probably should. “I heard about Diego… I’m so sorry,” Patricia whispered.
Maria nodded, fighting back tears. If she let herself talk about it, she might break down completely. Diego needed her strong.
Patricia hesitated, then pulled out her phone. “Listen… I know this sounds insane, but I heard about something. An event. It’s not illegal. It’s… unconventional. It could solve your problem in one night.”
Maria shook her head. “Patricia, I can’t do anything illegal.”
“It’s not illegal. Just… unusual,” Patricia said, showing her a discreet website. “It’s a charity auction. Wealthy people bid for companions to attend social events. Everything is legal, signed in contracts, with security and total discretion.”
Maria stared at the screen. The testimonials promised life-changing sums, helping desperate people like her. But the thought of being auctioned like an object made her stomach twist. “I… I can’t,” she whispered.
Three days later, Maria stood outside the Grand View Hotel, its gleaming facade a world apart from her tiny apartment. The woman who greeted her in the private suite was flawless, silver hair pinned perfectly. “Miss Santos, I’m Catherine Wells. Thank you for coming. Let me explain how this evening works.”
Catherine laid it out clearly: The auction was invitation-only, attended by verified wealthy individuals seeking companions for social events. Everything was legal, documented, and secure. No physical intimacy was ever required. The average bid ranged from $50,000 to $300,000.
“You’d be perfect for the evening showcase. Natural beauty, genuine presence… these men can spot artifice from across a room,” Catherine explained.
Maria’s hands trembled as she signed the contracts. Each signature felt like she was selling a piece of herself. But then she thought of Diego, lying pale in a hospital bed, smiling bravely at her. She would sign a thousand times for him.
The auction hall was more elegant than Maria had imagined. It felt like an exclusive art gallery. Soft lighting, classical music, and impeccably dressed staff created a refined, almost magical atmosphere.
The other women backstage were stunning—confident, polished, born for this world. Maria wore a simple black dress, her dark hair falling naturally. Minimal makeup. She didn’t want to hide who she was.
When her name was called, her legs felt like jelly. Bright lights blinded her, the audience appearing as shadowy figures at elegant tables. The bidding started at $50,000. The numbers climbed fast. Maria felt dizzy, unreal, disconnected from her own body.
Then a voice rang out:
“$500,000.”
The room froze. Even the auctioneer paused, stunned, 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, like a dream.
Backstage, Catherine guided her. “Mr. Blackwood will meet you briefly before the arrangement is finalized. This is unusual—he’s never attended one of these events, let alone bid.”
When Sebastian Blackwood turned, Maria’s breath caught. Younger than she expected, mid-thirties, dark hair, sharp eyes that seemed to measure her soul. His suit was perfect, posture commanding.
“Miss Santos,” he said, low and precise. “Please, sit.”
Maria perched on the edge of the leather sofa, too nervous to relax. Sebastian stayed standing, his calm distance intimidating.
“I need a companion for a series of business events over the next month,” he began. “Dinners, galas, one overseas trip. You’ll stay in a guest suite when necessary. Everything will be professional, documented.”
Maria hesitated. “Why did you bid so much?”
Sebastian’s jaw tightened. “Because the moment you walked on stage, I knew you didn’t belong there. I wanted to make sure you’d never have to go back.”
His words were unexpected kindness. Maria’s eyes burned. “I need the money for my brother’s surgery. He has a rare heart condition.”
“I know,” he said quietly. “I had you checked after I bid. Your brother will have his surgery at Mercy General. I’ve already arranged it. The money will be in your account tomorrow morning.”
Maria stood, stunned. “I don’t understand. You don’t even know me.”
“No, I don’t,” he admitted, eyes sharp. “But I recognize desperation when I see it. And yours… it’s for someone else, not yourself.”
Maria whispered, “What do you want from me?”
“Honestly… I’m not sure yet,” Sebastian said, handing her a card. “Go home. See your brother. Tomorrow, a car will take you to my office, and we’ll discuss the arrangement. You’ll be treated with respect. My word.”
Maria’s mind raced as she left. Who was Sebastian Blackwood? Why her? And why did she feel something broken beneath his flawless exterior?
The next morning, a sleek black car arrived, silent and precise. When it pulled up to Blackwood Technologies Tower, Maria’s stomach clenched. A monument of glass and steel, a world she had never imagined entering.
In his office, Sebastian explained the plan with precise detail. Five major events over 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, presenting as his romantic partner for appearances.
“Why pretend?” Maria asked. “Surely you could have anyone you wanted.”
Sebastian’s expression darkened. “Everyone in my position wants something. A connection to my business, access to wealth, association with my name. Genuine relationships? Impossible.”
“That sounds lonely.”
“It’s safe,” he replied.
Maria leaned forward, curiosity mixed with concern. “But that’s no way to live. Protecting yourself from pain by refusing to feel anything at all.”
Sebastian’s eyes darkened. For the first time, Maria glimpsed the real him—someone as vulnerable as she was.