Chapter 38
The hotel restaurant.
"Cindy."
The moment I entered, I spotted Ethan waving me over from his table.
As I sat down, he grinned teasingly. "Did you know the finals schedule was announced today? Is that why you tracked me down?"
I smiled back. "Really? What perfect timing then."
Ethan poured me a glass of warm water before continuing. "Finals are set for early next month. Representatives from ballet companies worldwide will be in attendance—including the Royal Ballet you've always dreamed of joining."
This caught me off guard.
"Why is this year different? Previous competitions never had company representatives present. Why now?"
"The semifinals broadcast brought a lot of promising talent to light. Everyone's eager to scout."
I wasn't buying it. "But your competition year had incredible talent, too. Where were they then?"
Ethan chuckled softly. "Alright, I should've known you'd see through that. This is confidential, but I can share a little."
"There's a royal event happening soon. Invitations went out to major ballet companies—they want fresh, innovative performances. Combined with this competition's exceptional crop of dancers, that's why representatives are finally showing up."
The top-tier companies had established dancers and choreography. Innovation didn't come easily.
So they were turning their attention to fresh blood.
Royal patronage would cement a company's place in history.
It really was an incredible opportunity.
If only my traumatic arthritis wasn't so severe.
"Cindy, I know what you're worried about. I'm already connecting with specialists in traumatic arthritis treatment. Your leg will heal—I'm sure of it."
I quickly refocused, forcing a faint smile. "Thank you, Ethan."
But specialists like that weren't exactly common.
Otherwise, so many brilliant dancers wouldn't have retired in heartbreak.
"Trust me. Maybe it won't work for everyone, but it will for you." Seeing my doubt, Ethan doubled down on his reassurance.
I nodded firmly.
After chatting a while longer, I carefully steered the conversation toward my teacher's birthday party three years ago.
"Ethan, everyone's gone their separate ways over the years. You're the only one I've stayed in touch with. I wonder how the other seniors are doing?"
"Honestly, you're the only person I've kept up with, too. Though when I came back to the States, I ran into Doris Bailey. I think she's with Celestique Ballet Company now."
Doris—the senior who'd taken me back to my room that night.
I pressed further. "Celestique's supposed to be excellent now—they broke into the global top tier this year, right? She must be doing really well. I remember at the teacher's birthday party, she took such good care of me. When I got drunk, she even let me use her hotel room to rest."
Ethan lifted his water glass, taking a measured sip before setting it down. "Doris is great. But that birthday party was three years ago—I'm surprised you remember."
"Of course I remember. That was the last time I attended one of our teachers' parties." My expression dimmed slightly.
At the time, my teacher had been disappointed I'd skipped that international competition, but she hadn't given up on me. She kept encouraging me to enter other competitions, to use trophies to open doors to elite companies.
But I'd refused.
Back then, my only goal was marrying Leopold and becoming the perfect wife supporting his career.
I never imagined I'd end up with nothing.
"Cindy." Ethan suddenly clasped my hand. "You can't change the past—don't dwell on it. The important thing is you're back on track now. Keep going, and you'll succeed."
The gesture felt too intimate. I quickly withdrew my hand.
"Ethan, I—"
"Sorry, I just hate thinking about what you've been through all these years. I got carried away."
Ethan cut me off with a sincere apology.
Realizing I'd overreacted, I quickly shook my head. "No, I'm sorry, Ethan. I've been overly sensitive lately. You'll always be someone I trust and respect—like a big brother."
My conversation with Ethan didn't yield much.
I'd wanted Doris's contact information, but he didn't have it either. Another dead end.
Leaving the hotel, I was about to hail a cab when a Mercedes G-Wagon screeched to a stop in front of me.
I jumped back instinctively.
The passenger window rolled down, revealing Leo's refined, youthful face.
"Well, well. The missing person shows up again. Which guy are you meeting this time?"
I didn't appreciate his tone. I corrected him immediately.
"Leo, I was meeting my senior about legitimate matters. Don't make assumptions."
Leo rested one hand on the steering wheel, the muscle definition in his arm flowing smoothly beneath his black watch. He looked confident, composed.
"Get in. Time we discussed our business."
This version of him made me resistant.
For a split second, he felt exactly like Leopold.
"Cindy, is everything okay?"
Ethan's voice came from behind me.
I was about to explain when Ethan spotted Leo in the car. His expression changed drastically. "Leopold, you—"
I hurried to clarify. "Ethan, that's not Leopold. This is Leo, my... friend."
Ethan scrutinized Leo carefully before his suspicions reluctantly faded.
But understanding dawned quickly after.
"Cindy, do you even realize what you're doing?"
His tone carried weight.
Already feeling guilty, his question made me want to disappear into the ground.
Other people found lookalikes and kept it secret for months, even years.
Why did mine keep getting exposed every few days?
Leo stepped out of the car, slammed the door, and positioned himself directly in front of Ethan.
"What happens between Lucinda and me is none of your business. Move. I'm taking her with me."
Leo grabbed my hand, trying to pull me toward the car.
But Ethan immediately seized my other hand, pulling me back.
"I'm not letting her go anywhere with you!"
For some reason, Leo decided to match his energy.
"Lucinda, who are you leaving with?"
Being pulled between them was both embarrassing and infuriating.
"Both of you let go! I'll walk myself!"
"Cindy?" Ethan refused to release me.
Leo's expression went rigid. After several tense seconds, he let go first.
Ethan yanked me behind him. "Don't trouble yourself. I'll take her home."
Leo ignored him, his gaze sliding past Ethan to land silently on me.
His stare made me uncomfortable. I reflexively looked away.
My eyes accidentally caught his arm—the edge of his sleeve had turned crimson.
My heart clenched. I stepped out from behind Ethan and pushed up Leo's sleeve.
The bandage underneath was soaked through with blood.
"Your wound reopened. Come on, we're going to the hospital."
Without another word, I pulled him toward the car.
"Cindy, you're really going with him?" Ethan rushed after us.
"Ethan, this isn't what you think. I'll explain everything later."
I pushed Leo into the passenger seat, said goodbye to Ethan, and drove off.
Leo remained silent the entire ride.
Only when we'd parked at the hospital entrance did he finally speak, his voice low and heavy.
"Lucinda, what does he have that I don't?"