Chapter 25
I hadn't shared a room with Leopold in a long time.
All night, I couldn't sleep, but I was afraid my tossing and turning would disturb him, so I just lay there with wide-open eyes waiting for dawn.
As soon as daylight broke, I jumped out of bed and got ready, driving straight to the dance company before my parents were even awake.
The studio was nearly empty since it was so early. I went straight to the small practice room, turned on the music, and started warming up.
The piece for the semi-finals was predetermined, but each dancer could select movements that showcased their individual strengths.
This time, I was fighting with an all-or-nothing mindset. Every movement I chose was the highest difficulty I could manage. Even in practice, I refused to hold back.
After running through the routine five times, my stamina was nearly depleted. Just as I was about to take a break, my knee suddenly gave out, and I collapsed to the floor.
I panicked a little. Was my condition getting worse? Last time it was severe pain, this time complete weakness.
This shouldn't be happening. I'd been taking my medication faithfully—my condition shouldn't be deteriorating. It must be that I'd practiced too long and simply exhausted myself.
Yes, that had to be it.
"Well, if it isn't our oh-so-talented principal dancer?" Lillian's smug voice came from the doorway. "Why are you on your knees? Don't tell me you're paying homage to me?"
I regulated my breathing, shifting from kneeling to sitting, and gave her a cool look. "Lillian, don't jinx yourself. You're not dead, so why would I be paying respects?"
My comment hit a nerve. "Lucinda, don't think I'm actually scared of you just because you have the director backing you!" She tossed her hair back.
"Just so you know, Sophia and Mr. Percy are getting married soon, and she's already asked me to be her bridesmaid. I don't need to explain who Mr. Percy is, do I? Cross me again, and I'll have Mr. Percy blacklist you everywhere!"
My hand tightened around my knee. Sophia was marrying Leopold? Why hadn't I heard about this?
Seeing my silence, Lillian strutted over, triumph written all over her face. "Lucinda, so what if you made it through the preliminary round of the International Ballet Competition? You're still no match for Sophia!"
"Mr. Percy felt so bad that Sophia missed this competition that he arranged for her to be a special guest, sitting alongside the three judges."
She leaned closer. "Those judges are internationally renowned figures—ordinary people like you could work their entire lives and never get the chance to meet them."
My heart contracted violently. A pain sharper than needles tore through my nerves. The competition I'd waited four years for was just Leopold's gift to impress Sophia.
And I'd spent last night sleepless, overthinking his seemingly genuine attentiveness. Turns out, I was just a joke.
Having finished gloating, Lillian walked toward the door, satisfied. She ran into some colleagues and announced grandly, "I'm in a good mood today—afternoon tea is on me, everyone."
While everyone thanked her excitedly, she made sure to add, "Except for Lucinda. She can't stomach my treat right now—she's too busy with regrets."
"Why's that?" someone asked curiously.
"Because she missed her chance to change her destiny."
After that, the footsteps outside faded away. I sat on the floor for a long while before strength returned to my knees. Just as I stood up, my phone rang. It was my mother, Fanny.
"Sweetheart, the auction is about to start. Why not take this opportunity to relax a bit?"
It was perfect timing—I needed a break anyway, so I agreed. "Sure, text me the address and I'll head straight there."
After receiving the location, I took a quick shower to let my muscles fully relax, then changed into fresh clothes and headed out. Considering I might return to the studio later, I left my car and took a taxi instead.
After meeting up with my parents, we went directly into the main hall. No sooner had we sat down than I spotted Sophia. Someone of Sophia's current status shouldn't qualify for this kind of private auction.
Clearly another arrangement courtesy of Leopold.
"Cindy, we meet again." Sophia waved at me provocatively.
I didn't speak, just nodded in acknowledgment.
"Cindy, who is that...?" Fanny noticed Sophia and asked me.
Before I could introduce her, Sophia jumped in. "Mrs. Wipere, hello. I'm Sophia Guise. Cindy and I are in the same dance company."
Fanny responded politely, "Ah, Cindy's colleague. No wonder you're so beautiful. Did you also make it through the preliminary round of the International Ballet Competition?"
"Mom." I hadn't expected Fanny to bring up this topic and tried to stop her, but it was too late.
Sophia's face darkened. "Mrs. Wipere, I didn't participate in that competition. As for why, I shouldn't explain—you should ask Cindy about that." Her tone was deliberately suggestive.
I sighed inwardly, preparing for the interrogation from my parents. But Fanny didn't follow the script at all.
"Young lady, what kind of talk is that? Participating in competitions is your own choice. Why would I need to ask my daughter about it?"
I fought to control my rising smile. This was what unconditional support felt like. No wonder Sophia loved these manipulative tactics. It felt wonderful. Addictive, even.
"The standards for these auctions have really dropped, lowering our caliber by association," James added.
Sophia's face turned almost blue with anger. I nearly lost my composure, quietly tugging at my parents to ease up. After all, Leopold was backing Sophia. Making a scene wouldn't benefit anyone.
My parents were still irritated and specifically warned me that Sophia was manipulative, advising me to keep my distance. I nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Soon, the auction began. The first item was a pair of antique earrings with a starting price of $300,000. As soon as they were presented, Fanny raised her paddle to add $100,000.
"This lady adds one hundred thousand dollars. The current bid for these earrings is four hundred thousand. Any other bidders?" the auctioneer promptly inquired.
"I add five hundred thousand," Sophia quickly raised her paddle.
Fanny immediately gave up, whispering to me: "Nearly a million dollars for a pair of earrings—is she nouveau riche or something?"
I shook my head. "No, probably just someone willing to spend money on her."
Fanny's expression shifted as she stared at me. "Be honest, what's really going on between you two?"
Unable to tell her the truth, I said, "Nothing much. We just competed for the same role, and I won."
Just then, the second item came up for auction. It was a ruby necklace with a hundred-year history, exquisite in both craftsmanship and design.
Fanny's attention immediately shifted, and she said excitedly: "Cindy, this necklace has special significance. I've had my eye on it for a while. When you get married, you'll wear it, and it will bring you lifelong happiness."
Surprised, I asked, "Does it have some special meaning?"
James explained, "The designer wore this necklace when she married her beloved, and they had an extraordinarily happy marriage. Your mother and I were drawn to its symbolism. Our Cindy deserves all the happiness this world has to offer."
Their words suddenly tore open a gap in my emotional defenses. Warmth rushed to my eyes uncontrollably. I could only make an excuse to head to the restroom.
But to my surprise, no sooner had I entered than Sophia followed right behind me.