Chapter 17
I hesitated for a good while before answering with trembling hands.
"Cindy, it's me."
The voice on the other end was warm and pleasant, like a spring breeze—just like the person himself. It was my former senior classmate, Ethan Guise, who had been my dance partner in college. We'd performed together many times.
But I had taken a break from dancing and missed the international competition that only happened every four years.
Since then, the gap between Ethan and me had become vast. At such a young age, he had already won every major award in the dance world and was known as the Ballet Prince to countless admirers.
Now he was an internationally renowned leader in the ballet world. Meanwhile, I had only just become a principal dancer at my company.
If I hadn't given up dancing that year, would I also have...?
I reined in my wandering thoughts and said softly, "Ethan, it's been a long time. How are you?"
"I'm well. And you?"
"I'm good too."
Perhaps because we hadn't spoken in so long, there was an awkwardness between us. I didn't quite know what to say.
"Tomorrow's the registration deadline for the international competition. I called specifically to remind you not to miss it this time."
I looked down at the outline of my ballet skirt reflected on the floor. "Thank you, Ethan. I won't miss it this time." Making that mistake once was enough.
"Good. I look forward to seeing your new work."
I gave a soft acknowledgment, then gathered my courage to ask, "Ethan, our teacher... is she still angry with me?"
After asking, I hardly dared to breathe. When I stopped training back then, my teacher was furious. After trying unsuccessfully to persuade me multiple times, she angrily expelled me from her tutelage. That's why it took me so many years to reach principal dancer status.
"You really broke her heart, you know."
Ethan's gentle reproach made my nose sting, and tears fell before I could stop them. I didn't dare make a sound as I secretly wiped them away. "Please help me tell her I'm sorry and ask for her forgiveness."
"Cindy, being so formal with me—are you trying to break my heart too?"
"No, of course not," I quickly denied. "I just..."
I feared it was too late, that I wouldn't be accepted back.
I didn't finish my thought, but Ethan understood. "No matter what others think, you'll always be like a little sister to me."
Fighting the tightness in my throat, I responded, "Thank you, Ethan. This time, I'll make sure you and teacher see the real me again."
"Good. We'll both be waiting for you."
After ending the call, I could no longer contain my emotions. Tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.
Four years ago, I was supposed to compete. But Leopold had just lost his parents in an accident and absolutely refused to let me participate. He even caused trouble for Ethan behind my back. Though I was upset by his behavior, I couldn't bring myself to leave him. I thought I could wait four years, so I gave up the competition.
Back then, I believed my sacrifice and care would earn equal respect and appreciation in return. I never imagined that the following year, when Sophia returned, everything would change.
For three years I swallowed my pride. Whenever it became unbearable, I threw myself into dance practice—partly to prepare for the next international competition, partly to numb myself, to avoid thinking too deeply about my situation.
It was this intense training that depleted my strength and triggered the traumatic arthritis in my knee.
This was the lesson fate had taught me. It was telling me that once something is missed, no amount of effort can bring it back. That was true for Leopold. And for ballet.
So all I could do now was pursue my dream while things weren't yet at their worst, to avoid living with more regret.
After composing myself, I recorded my video again. After numerous edits, evening had fallen.
Leo finally replied to my message.
[Sorry, ran into some trouble and just got free. I'm back now, waiting for you at home.]
My eyes lingered on the word "home" for a moment before I replied.
[Okay, I'll be right there.]
As soon as I parked, I noticed the warm light shining through the windows. After adjusting to the cold darkness of the past couple of days, seeing this glow suddenly filled my heart with unexpected warmth.
"You're back. I got home a bit late today, and many ingredients were sold out, so I made you some noodles."
Leo walked out wearing an apron, smiling just as he had before. Seeing his smile, I felt a strange sense of déjà vu.
In college, Leopold wasn't as cold and domineering as he was now. He used to smile often—not a bright, dazzling smile, but one that reached his eyes. Just like Leo's smile now.
"Thanks," I said.
Leo's smile faded slightly as he walked toward me. "What's wrong? Are you tired, or did someone upset you?"
I gave a faint smile. "Just a little tired. I'll go change first."
After changing, I didn't rush out but sat on the edge of the bed. How strange. Though I'd known Leo for less than a month and we weren't even friends, the thought of ending our contract early made me hesitant.
No, I had to end it quickly.
I got up and opened the door. Leo was already sitting at the dining table waiting for me.
"I learned a few new recipes while I was away—they're flavors you like. Tomorrow I'll go buy ingredients..."
"Leo." I interrupted him, looking directly into his eyes. "Our contract is void. Starting tomorrow, you don't need to come anymore. You can keep the money I gave you as compensation. I hope you live well from now on."
The smile on Leo's face gradually flattened as his gaze locked onto mine. "Why? Did I do something wrong?"
"No," I shook my head. "It's me. I shouldn't have dragged you into this mess. It's not too late to step away."
Leo's expression darkened as he leaned back in his chair, studying me. "Are all women this fickle? Or am I just an object to you, summoned and dismissed at your whim?"
"That's not what I meant," I protested.
"Lucinda." Leo rested one hand on the table, the muscles in his forearm clearly defined. "I have professional integrity. I can't accept your request. We agreed on three months, so it will be three months—not a day less. Otherwise, my reputation will be ruined."
"I—"
Before I could argue, Leo abruptly stood up. His chair scraped against the floor, making a harsh sound.
"Damaging someone's reputation brings bad karma!"
I was speechless. As I watched Leo leave the villa, I shook my head helplessly. Parting on good terms was harder than I thought. I'd have to try talking to him again in a couple of days.
The next day, registration for the International Ballet Competition officially opened. All dancers were eager to apply.
I sat in the practice room reviewing yesterday's recording. One movement wasn't fluid enough, but I couldn't think of a better alternative, so I uploaded it anyway. The screen confirmed my successful registration.
I took a screenshot as a memento before putting down my phone and continuing to practice. As I practiced, inspiration struck—I found a solution to make that movement more fluid.
Seeing I still had an hour before the deadline, I quickly logged into the registration link to update my materials. A competition of this caliber allowed applicants to make one change before the deadline.
Containing my excitement, I clicked the link. But the page showed a loading error.
Thinking it might be a network issue, I tried again. Still no luck.
Not wanting to waste time, I went directly to Director Samuel. All applicants' materials from our company were archived with him, so I could modify my registration through his account.
But after flipping through every page of all the registered dancers, I couldn't find my application anywhere!