07

Sophia's POV

The sun was already sinking when I pushed open the creaky door of our small apartment.

My shoulders screamed in pain from hours of intense practice.

My toes burned inside my worn ballet flats.

Every muscle ached.

But my heart… my heart was light.

For a few hours today, the world had left me alone.

Dancing was all I had now.

The only place life hadn’t touched and ruined yet.

“You’re just one step away from greatness, Sophia. I already see the crown on your head.”

Coach’s words replayed in my mind, and a shy smile curved my lips.

If coach compliments you, it means you are amazing!

But the moment I stepped fully inside, that smile died.

A heavy sigh slipped out of me.

This house… this place that once felt safe… now felt like hell.

I kicked off my ballet flats and flung them into a corner, then rushed into the kitchen, my heart still racing with leftover joy—

And froze.

Lisa stood by the sink.

Her eyes were red and swollen.

Her hands trembled as she gripped the counter. She didn’t even turn around when she heard me.

My chest tightened.

I had never seen my sister like this.

Not even after her worst breakup.

I walked closer.

Slowly.

Carefully.

“What happened?” I asked.

She finally turned.

One look at her face and my stomach dropped.

“It’s Mom,” she whispered. “The ulcer… it came back.”

My breath hitched.

“She collapsed this afternoon. She and Dad were arguing before then, We rushed her to the hospital but…” Her voice broke. “The doctors won’t treat her.”

“What?” The word tore out of me. “Why? Why won’t they treat her? And why didn’t anyone call me?”

My heart pounded violently. Fear, anger, shock and everything collided inside me.

“I tried,” Lisa cried. “Your phone was off. They stopped the treatment because we don’t have money. Dad called the Blackwoods for help but they said you have to sign the agreement first.”

Her voice dropped.

“Dad… Dad broke down. He shouted at the nurses and left.”

I staggered back.

“Is she okay?” I whispered, biting my lip hard.

I couldn’t cry.

Not now, If I break, who would hold Lisa together?

“She’s stable,” she said. “But she needs long-term treatment. And we can’t afford it.”

Silence swallowed us whole.

The walls felt closer. The air grew heavier.

“I’ll be going to work soon,” Lisa muttered. “Find something to eat and go to bed.”

“Work?” I stared at her. “What work?”

“I got a new job today,” she said, forcing a smile. “Hourly pay, it will do something, Thank God.”

“What about school?”

She looked away.

“I dropped out.”

The words hit me like a slap.

“Why would you do that, Lisa? Why?” Tears finally spilled from my eyes.

She grabbed my shoulders. “Shh… look, don’t worry—”

Bang!

We both jumped.

Dad stormed out of the bedroom, belt hanging loose, eyes red, anger and alcohol mixing badly.

“So you’re home,” he snapped. “Why didn’t you stay at the studio dancing while your mother dies? While your sister looks for jobs?”

“I didn’t know—” My voice cracked.

“You never know anything!” he barked, staggering. “You think ballet will save this family?”

His words sliced deep.

“You’re just like your mother,” he sneered. “Dreaming nonsense. Ignoring golden opportunities.”

“Dad, stop it!” Lisa stepped forward. “She needs encouragement. Sophia will win that competition. I swear on Grandma’s grave!”

“Don’t bring that poor woman into this,” he snapped. “You know the truth. Every year the same dream. Every year failure. Debt. Debt. Debt—”

His voice broke.

He started crying.

“She’s always failing,” he sobbed. “And now your mother’s life is in her hands—”

He turned and stumbled back into the room, ugly sobs filling the apartment.

I dropped to the floor.

My ears rang.

My head burned.

I couldn’t cry, I tried to but the tears were stuck somewhere deep.

He’s right.

I’d chased the national dance title for years.

And failed.

Again and again.

I was a failure.

Lisa fell beside me and held me tightly.

“H-he’s right,” I sobbed.

“I'm a failure, always failing.

“No,” she said quickly. “Failure is part of success. Every time you failed, you learned. Look at you now. Everyone sees your potential.”

I shook my head.

“No buts,” she cut me off gently. “I’ll work bd get money fir mum, not that I love school anyways. You practice. We’ll win this.”

She hugged me, and we cried like lost children.

Ethan's POV

I leaned back in my leather chair, staring at nothing.

My father stood by the window, arms crossed, smiling like he’d just won a war.

“You finally did it,” he said proudly. “You proved you’re not reckless. Everything I took from you—it’s all back.”

I scoffed and looked away.

“You have nothing to say?” he asked.

“What?” I laughed dryly. “Should I scream for joy? Or jump from the 23rd floor because you locked me in a cage called marriage?”

“I called Andrew,” he said casually. “Wanted to confirm if his daughter signed.”

“That’s none of my business,” I snapped.

I stood abruptly.

“I need air.”

I was already in my car minutes later, driving fast, too fast.

My mind drifted to last night.

Vanessa screaming.

Blood.

What the fuck was even wrong with me? .

At the hospital, I stood beside her bed.

Her head was wrapped in bandages.

“How are you?” I asked stiffly.

“Fine.”

“I didn’t mean it,” I muttered. “I lost control.”

“Is it about her?” she asked.

I turned to the window.

“Yes.”

“So it’s true,” she whispered. “You’re getting married?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

I walked out without replying her.

Not that I owe her a reply or something.

Outside, I lit a cigarette.

Marriage.

No more freedom.

No more chaos.

Just me been Mr Blackwood—the perfect husband.

Fuck

Sophia's POV

I stared at the contract.

Marriage.

More like a cage.

I hated it.

But I had no choice.

For Mom.

For Lisa.

I picked up the pen.

My tears fell onto the paper as the pen moved.

I looked down and my signature was staring back at me.

It's done