Lost My Memory, Found My Destiny

Looking up, I saw Cole's tightly clenched and bulging veins. He looked like he was barely holding something back.

He took a deep breath and said stiffly, "I acted on impulse yesterday. If there's anything you want from today's auction, I'll give it to you."

I said nothing and silently walked toward the magic carpet waiting downstairs.

As soon as I stepped onto it, I saw Shia already seated in the front row. The female goblin gave me a smile and a polite nod.

I raised an eyebrow and calmly returned the gesture.

My reaction clearly shocked Cole. Normally, in this kind of situation, I would have thrown a tantrum but eventually backed down.

However, my composure now stirred a strange panic in him.

The atmosphere on the way there was strange, with Cole continuously showing affection to Shia in front of me.

He would gently adjust her hair one moment and ask her in a low voice how she felt the next. He would make sure I could hear it, though.

By the seventh time he glanced at me through the reflection, all he saw was my calm, unreadable face.

His expression darkened, and the wand he used to steer the flying carpet creaked under his tightening grip.

When we arrived at the auction hall, he shamelessly held Shia's hand and introduced her affectionately to the gathered nobles and mages.

An old friend of his looked stunned. "Cole, aren't you being a little too bold? How could you just openly bring… her?"

The friend's eyes drifted toward me, full of sympathy.

Cole raised his chin arrogantly, pulling Shia closer to him.

His friend shook his head, murmuring under his breath, "I remember how bright and full of life Lilian was when she was 18. Now look at what you've done to her…"

There were many hushed whispers around us, and none of the prying stares bothered to hide themselves.

"I heard Shia is the goblin prince's true love. He even brings her to events where he's supposed to show up with his fiancee. She's supposedly carrying the goblin heir, too."

"Don't let that brave woman's calm face fool you. I bet she's boiling inside. She sure hides it well."

I ignored the mockery and pity. Before I lost my memory, hearing such words would probably have driven me to storm out in shame and anger.

But now? I felt nothing for Cole. So, their gaze, whether mocking or sympathetic, meant nothing to me.

Once the auction began, Cole took Shia to the very front row, visibly flaunting her. He constantly bid on rare magical items for her.

"Cole, I want that nine-star magic crystal necklace," Shia said sweetly.

"Alright." He raised his paddle without hesitation.

"Cole, that sapphire crown is gorgeous! It'd look amazing on me!" she exclaimed.

"We'll bid on it," Cole replied.

"Cole, this pendant is gorgeous. How about we put it on our baby daughter when she's born?" Shia asked.

"No problem," he responded.

Gasps echoed across the hall. When the hammer was dropped on the final item, the auctioneer was so excited that his voice cracked. "Oh my goodness! Prince Cole of the goblins has bought every single item at tonight's auction! Congratulations to His Highness and Her Highness!"

No sooner had he said this than repressed laughter echoed through the crowd.

The auctioneer realized his mistake too late. His eyes darted back and forth between Shia and me, finally understanding that the real fiancee was me, who had been quietly seated in the back.

He panicked, and just as he opened his mouth to apologize, Shia let out a delicate giggle. She covered her mouth and softly thanked him.

Cole looked completely smitten as he reached out and gently tapped her nose. The affection was evident.

…

At last, the auction ended. I stood up and went to the restroom.

Just as I pushed open a stall door, I caught sight of Shia hastily stuffing something under her dress. It looked like a magically crafted fake belly?

She jumped in fright and scrambled to hide it.

"So, you're not pregnant?" I asked calmly.

Shia turned to face me, no longer bothering to conceal her viciousness and suspicion. "So what? Are you planning to snitch on me?"