I Accidentally Got Auctioned for a Date… My Best Friend Bid $5,000 to Win Me
Chapter 13
Years later, Mia still told the story whenever someone asked how she and Noah met.
Technically, they had met in college.
But that wasn’t the story people wanted.
They wanted to hear about the auction.
They wanted to hear about the five thousand dollars.
They wanted to know whether Noah had really been jealous.
Mia always smiled.
“Yes.”
And Noah always interrupted.
“Very.”
They eventually had two children.
The charity grew.
The hospital became one of the most respected children’s medical centers in the region.
And every year, they returned to the Whitmore Hotel.
On their tenth anniversary, Noah surprised Mia.
He took her to the same ballroom.
The chandeliers still hung from the ceiling.
The stage was still there.
The auction was still happening.
Then the host announced:
“Tonight’s final item is a little different.”
Mia looked confused.
A familiar feeling returned.
“No.”
Noah smiled.
“Relax.”
The host continued.
“One private anniversary dinner for Mia and Noah Carter.”
The crowd applauded.
Mia laughed.
“You planned this.”
“Maybe.”
“How much?”
The host raised a paddle.
“Five thousand dollars.”
Mia laughed so hard she nearly cried.
“Noah!”
He smiled.
“I had to.”
She walked onto the stage.
The audience cheered.
The host handed her the microphone.
“Would you like to accept?”
Mia looked at Noah.
Then she smiled.
“Yes.”
The room erupted.
She walked back toward him.
“You’re still ridiculous.”
“I know.”
“And after all these years?”
“Still your best friend.”
Mia wrapped her arms around him.
“Good.”
Because that had always been the most important part.
Before the love.
Before the wedding.
Before the family.
Before the five-thousand-dollar bid.
They had been best friends.
And perhaps that was why their love had lasted.
They never stopped being that.
