Chapter 31
The music swelled, and I immediately slipped into character, my body flowing through the opening movements.
Through my peripheral vision, I caught Ethan and the other two judges watching my every move with rapt attention.
As the tempo built toward its crescendo, I clenched my jaw, praying my body wouldn't fail me now.
I exploded into action, my pointe shoe striking the floor hard as I launched into the first grand jeté, executing a flawless split in midair. The instant I landed, I channeled the momentum into another leap.
After five consecutive grand jetés, I transitioned into an arabesque—the most elegant finish to express this emotional passage.
This sequence demanded not only extreme stamina but also tremendous lower-body strength. One misstep would send me crashing to the floor. But my body came through, carrying me through the demanding choreography.
The music continued. I prepared for the next turn, but the moment I shifted my weight, a sharp, searing pain shot through my knee, jolting through my body like an electric current.
I bit down on my lip hard enough to taste blood, barely managing to keep my balance.
I kept dancing, staying with the rhythm. My legs screamed in agony—every step felt like dancing on knife blades.
By the time the final note faded, I was drenched in sweat.
"This dancer's movements are exquisite. Like herself, she breathes real life into ballet. I absolutely loved it. Ten points."
"Agreed. I thought the ten-second single-leg spin was the highest difficulty level tonight, but then she delivers five consecutive grand jetés into an arabesque—every detail crisp and effortless. Absolutely stunning."
After the other two judges finished, Ethan spoke with quiet warmth. "Ten points. Well deserved."
With the fewest words, he'd given me the greatest praise.
"Oh my God! A perfect score!"
"Isn't this the first perfect score in international ballet competition history?"
"Unbelievable. This girl is something else."
When the host asked if I had anything to say, the pain had stolen my voice. I could only bow deeply to everyone.
"Cindy, I had no idea you'd surprise me like this. How wonderful."
Sophia gripped the microphone, her congratulations coming out stiff and forced.
I straightened up, my gaze sliding past her coolly before I turned toward the stage exit.
It was only a few steps, but each one felt impossibly difficult.
When I finally reached the edge of the stage, I couldn't hold out any longer. I grabbed someone nearby, whispering, "Please call an ambulance..."
"Lucinda, it's just a competition! Was it really worth killing yourself over?"
Leopold's voice, tight with barely contained fury, reached my ear.
I struggled to lift my head. Of course, it was him.
I let go. "I don't need your help."
But Leopold yanked my hand back with his usual high-handedness.
"Say that again!"
My legs had no strength left. His pull sent me collapsing against his chest.
"Why are you soaking wet?" Leopold's hand brushed my shoulder and arm before he simply scooped me up in his arms.
I had no energy to resist, so I let myself rest against his shoulder.
This was the first time I'd leaned on his shoulder since Sophia came back.
My heart felt like it had been plunged into acid, aching with a bitter sting. Before I could stop myself, silent tears slipped down my face.
I thought Leopold hadn't noticed.
But he glanced down at me with something almost like panic in his eyes.
"Does it hurt that bad? Don't be scared. I'm taking you to the hospital right now."
Those two words—don't be scared—yanked me back to our happiest memories.
Back then, a single sneeze would send him rushing over with medicine, worry written all over his face. I'd never imagined there'd come a day when I'd lose him.
Even now, I still didn't understand why he'd suddenly turned so cold.
The pain amplified my hurt, drawing out a longing I shouldn't feel.
I leaned against him carefully, trying to make this rare moment of warmth last.
"Leopold, put Cindy down."
We'd barely reached the side door when Ethan caught up.
I startled, starting to turn my head, but Leopold pressed it back against his chest. "Don't look at people you shouldn't be looking at, or I'll drop you right here."
Usually, threats like that meant nothing to me.
But tonight, I couldn't bear to let go.
Seeing my rare compliance, Leopold's expression softened slightly. He turned to Ethan with a sharp command. "If you don't want her to suffer more, you'd better move."
When I stayed silent, Ethan hesitated for a few seconds before stepping aside.
We sped to the hospital, Leopold navigating the hallways like he knew them by heart, carrying me straight to a doctor's office.
After asking me a few questions, the doctor's expression darkened. He immediately ordered tests.
I knew I couldn't let my condition come to light yet. I made up an excuse about being thirsty, asking Leopold to get me water.
Leopold refused.
"That can wait. I'm staying with you through the exam."
As he settled me into a wheelchair, anxiety crept in. I was already pathetic enough in front of him. I didn't want to add pity for my illness to the mix.
When Sophia inevitably made it an issue, who knew what new ways he'd find to humiliate me.
The thought was excruciating.
While I was frantically trying to think of something, Sophia arrived with Ethan.
"Leo, you left in such a hurry. Is something wrong with Cindy?" Sophia's tone was as gentle as ever.
Leopold's expression shifted subtly. "Not sure yet. Waiting on test results."
Sophia turned to me with feigned concern. "Cindy, Leo's a man—he can't go into the exam room with you. How about I take you?"
"Not necessary." I rejected her without hesitation.
Hurt flickered across Sophia's face. She turned to Leopold with wounded eyes. "Leo, I was only trying to help, but Cindy..."
Here we go again.
That familiar, fake act.
I braced myself for Leopold's reprimand, but seconds ticked by with nothing.
Instead, Ethan volunteered.
"I'll take you for the exam."
I glanced at him suspiciously, then at Leopold with Sophia fawning over him, before nodding silently.
"Are you sure? You're really choosing him?"
Leopold's sudden question caught me off guard.
I looked at him, confused. "Yeah."
Why wouldn't I choose my senior over him? I'd been rejected too many times already. I wasn't looking to humiliate myself again.
But my withdrawal didn't earn me any respect.
Leopold's face darkened as he glared at me. "Lucinda, this is your choice. Don't come crying to me later."
I thought he was being ridiculous.
Ethan apparently couldn't stand it anymore. "Leopold, as long as I'm here, you won't be bullying her."
Leopold's gaze turned razor-sharp, cutting into me.
A moment later, he let out a cold laugh.
"Lucinda, you were trembling in my arms just minutes ago, and now you're flirting with another man right in front of me. Do you have any shame left?"
A sharp pang stabbed through my chest. See? Letting myself want him only led to pain.
"Assume I don't, then. Ethan, let's go."
Ethan wheeled me toward the exit.
We hadn't gone far when a loud crash echoed behind us—something heavy being kicked over.
Immediately after, Sophia's panicked voice rang out.
"Leo, your hand is bleeding! What's wrong? You're scaring me."
My hand instinctively gripped the wheelchair's brake handle.
"Cindy, don't look back." Ethan's voice was gentle but firm. "He doesn't belong to you anymore. Holding on will only torture you both."
Remembering Leopold's cruelty toward me, my chest tightened. Slowly, inch by inch, I released my grip.