Chapter 23
I waited several minutes, but no one stepped up to challenge me.
Lillian looked stunned and quickly nudged the girl who had first raised the objection. "If no one else will, you should go! This is the International Ballet Competition—it only happens every four years. Miss this chance and you might never get another!"
The girl seemed persuaded and started walking toward me. People around me automatically stepped back, creating a large open space.
"What kind of challenge would you prefer? Classical ballet techniques, advanced movements, or a specific dance sequence?" I asked.
The girl stopped in front of me, staring intently.
Lillian tried to stir up excitement from the sidelines. "Everyone, give them a hand! This is a once-in-a-century spectacle. We should encourage them!"
Before anyone could applaud, the girl suddenly stepped forward, placed her hand over her heart, and looked at me with genuine respect. "Lucinda, I'm sorry. Your skill is far beyond mine. I admit defeat completely."
I was stunned. She hadn't come forward to challenge me, but to apologize? And quite sincerely at that.
Following her example, everyone who had criticized me—except for Lillian and her little followers—apologized to me. The drama ended just like that.
Lillian was furious, but with the director present, she didn't dare mock me further and stormed off in anger.
"Lucinda, do you know one of the judges for the International Ballet Competition?" Samuel asked after everyone else had left.
"Mr. Flores, I'll answer that question after the competition ends."
Samuel laughed, shaking his head at my secrecy. "Fine, keep your secrets. Focus on preparing—the semifinals are in five days. Don't embarrass our company!"
I nodded firmly. "I'll give it my all."
The preliminary selection eliminated 99% of applicants, and the semifinals would narrow it down even further. This competition gathered the world's top ballet dancers—one small mistake could mean elimination. I couldn't afford to be careless.
After selecting my piece for the semifinals, I threw myself into training. I worked to make every movement, every detail flawless.
One day, while practicing a new move, I saw my mother Fanny Wipere calling. My parents rarely contacted me, and when they did, it usually meant something important. I felt uneasy. Had they found out about Leopold and me breaking off our engagement?
Despite my worries, I answered.
"Sweetheart, I heard you passed the preliminary round of the International Ballet Competition! That's wonderful! I'm so proud of you."
After my mother finished, my father James Wipere's voice chimed in. "I'm proud of you too."
Their words filled me with warmth.
"Thanks, Mom and Dad. You didn't call just to congratulate me, did you?"
"You silly girl, has the competition made you forgetful? Mr. Donovan Percy is ill, and you didn't even tell us! If we hadn't contacted Leo, we would have been terribly rude."
I immediately sat up straight. "When did you contact Leopold?"
"This morning. You sound strange—did you two have a fight?"
I didn't know how to answer that question, so I deflected. "No, we didn't. Are you already here?"
"Yes, we're about to reach Mr. Donovan Percy's hospital room."
"Wait, don't go in yet. Let me come over first."
I quickly gathered my things and headed out.
"We've already met Leo, so take your time."
I paused mid-step. Leopold was at the hospital too. Of course he would be. He was always meticulous about etiquette. Even though we were now just in a contractual relationship, he would honor his commitment to look after my parents.
When I arrived at the hospital, Donovan was in the middle of an animated conversation with my parents.
"Absolutely! My husband and I came back early because we felt it was time to start planning the wedding, to make it grand and spectacular."
Donovan smiled. "Yes, I've already had people scout several locations—the Percy family estate, and our seaside hotel. It all depends on what Cindy prefers."
Suddenly, I didn't dare go in. Both Donovan and my parents had such high expectations for this wedding. I couldn't imagine how disappointed they'd be if they knew Leopold and I had broken up.
I leaned against the wall, trying to compose myself.
"Why are you standing out here alone? Come in."
That familiar deep voice reached me. I turned to see Leopold standing in the doorway, watching me. The light illuminated his eyes, softening his entire profile. He looked nothing like the enraged man who had cursed himself that night.
"I... felt dizzy, so I needed a moment."
As soon as I said this, Leopold came to me and checked my forehead with the back of his hand. "Your temperature is normal. Any other symptoms besides dizziness?"
His familiar concern left me at a loss. I knew he was just acting for Donovan and my parents, but I couldn't help wanting to lose myself in it.
No. I couldn't let this affect me.
"I'm fine."
"Your parents are here. Let's go in together."
Leopold took my hand, expertly intertwining our fingers. Just like we used to be—intimate and inseparable. My heart tightened instantly. I looked at him, confused.
How could he be so tender and attentive with Sophia, yet so casually pretend with me without any burden?
"Do you want my grandfather and your parents to find out about our broken engagement right now?" he murmured.
I froze, then shook my head.
"Then control your expression. Don't let them suspect anything."
I quickly closed my eyes to regain my composure. A few seconds later, I opened them again. "I'm ready. Let's go."
The moment we entered, I saw my parents, and a wave of bitterness washed over me. But I held it back.
"Mom, Dad, Grandpa, I'm here."
Seeing Leopold and me with our fingers intertwined, all three of them relaxed into reassured smiles. That only made them more enthusiastic about discussing the wedding.
If not for Donovan's limited energy, they would have immediately driven to see both the estate and the seaside hotel.
Leopold invited my parents to dinner on Donovan's behalf. Throughout the meal, he poured water and served food for me just as he always had. My parents couldn't stop praising him.
I wasn't as good at pretending. Several times I had to lower my head over my food to hide my reddened eyes.
When the dinner finally ended, I prepared to leave with my parents.
"What's wrong with you tonight, so distracted? Don't you live with Leo? Why are you getting into our car?" Fanny asked, confused.
I was caught off guard.
James smiled mysteriously. "Leo must be concerned about Cindy working so hard for the competition, so they've moved to Bayview Villas together."
He looked to Leopold for confirmation. "Right, Leo?"
Worried my parents might get the wrong idea, I quickly tried to explain. "Dad—"
"That's correct, Mr. Wipere. Cindy and I have been staying at Bayview Villas during this period."
I shot him a look. What was he talking about?
But my parents accepted his answer without question.
Fanny immediately said, "Then let's all head back together. Tomorrow night your father and I need to attend a jewelry auction, and staying at our place would be inconvenient. We thought we'd stay at Bayview Villas tonight, if you don't mind?"
I was speechless and quickly tried to signal Leopold to refuse.
Leopold completely ignored my hints. "Of course. Whatever you'd like."
I fell silent.