Chapter 31The smile of satisfaction on Liam's face made her heart break into pieces as Kate stared at him. It was obvious who was the winner and who was not in between the two of them.Tears blurred her view as she watched him chat with people she doesn't know but was sure that her mother invited to celebrate ger daughter's engagement to someone from a wealthy family.She sniffed hard to stop herself from crying especially as people were everywhere. She doesn't want to add to her embarrassment and draw unnecessary attention towards herself.Staring one last time at the people laughing and celebrating something that she doesn't want, she turned and walked away, running as fast as she could before the tears fall off her face and someone noticed her.As soon as she got to a private corner where no one could see hee, she fell to the floor and started to cry, her heart hurting at the pain her mother was lashing out on her.Reaching into her pockets, she brought out her phone and went thr
Chapter 32Her mom stared at her, her mouth slightly opened in surprise as she stared at the girl who was slowly turning into a woman right in front of her.Her Katie of the past would never do or say something like this to her, she would never talk back whenever her mother was talking. This wasn't the Kate she knew, her daughter was changing."You. You've changed, Kate. You're suddenly doing things that you will never do."Kate had a proud smile as she stared back at her mom's surprised face and Kate's mom scoffed."But that doesn't change anything. You can decide to suddenly get all grown up or whatever but know this that Even if you decide to not do what I asked of you, I will break you if you do anything stupid. If you want peace, just do what I asked of you and peacefully live your life being a wealthy man's wife."Her mom raised her chin in annoyance and walked out leaving Kate staring at the ground, lost. There was nothing that she could do but force herself up from the floor,
Chapter 33Kate has never been happier to see a beautiful sunrise like the one she saw when she opened her eyes, the sun streaks kissing her face.Finally, the weekend of being treated like trash and of having to live like a doll was over, it was time for jer to go back to school. School, where she would have the greatest freedom of all time, be free from the stress at home, from the pain of seeing her selfish mother and the pain of being treated like a second choice.She hurriedly got up from the bed not wanting to waste a Single minute more in this place as she rushed into the bathroom and took her bath.It was quite unusual for her to be done with her shower within five minutes but that was how quickly sbe wanted to leave the place.She got dressed as quickly as she could and arranged her bag before walking out of the room, a huge sigh of relief leaving her."What's going on? Why are you up so early?" Her mother asked as she strolled into the sitting room with her bag to see her p
Chapter 34Kate could see the visible looks of surprise on both her mom and Lucas's face. It was obvious that none of them, including her father, expected her to say that she'll wait. Unfortunately she also didn't expect that she would say something like that because she knows more than anyone else how awkward it would be to be in the same car with Lucas and having nothing to say.But she still did it and oddly enough, she doesn't regret it, at least not after seeing the look on her mother's face."Alright, I'll go get ready," Lucas said and hurriedly left.Her father said nothing but she could tell that he was pleased with her response as he walked away.Before feeling the slap on her face, Kate already knew it was coming and closed her eyes. She knew that her mother was angry at her for agreeing to go back with Lucas so she wasn't surprised."I'll wear the bruise on my face as a souvenir for my trip," She smiled at her mother, "I know you hate Lucas but that doesn't mean that I'm su
By the time Kate got back to the ballet practice room, everyone was already arranging their shoes in their locker. She glanced at her watch and rolled her eyes.She was late, she missed today's practice. Sighing deeply she put on her shoes and placed a pair of earphones in her ear, practicing to the music because she didn't want to bother anyone.She can't skip ballet practice when she also skipped class today, while she was rebelling against her mother, she still couldn't bring herself to break away from the rules that she was already used to.Besides, the event of the weekend was all over her head and she desperately wanted to get it off, only dancing can take it ofg her mind. Doesn't matter what song she dances to, as long as she ends up feeling better after dancing.Some minutes later, She stopped all of a sudden and took a look at her watch before turning off the music in her ears.Her mood was a little bit lighter than it was some minutes ago and she felt better. But something
Chapter 36Kate sat cross-legged in her bedroom ,her eyes closed as she tried to focus on her breathing, this was the perfect time for her to do this, when No one was around.. Meditation was supposed to help her clear her mind, but the chaos in her life made it nearly impossible. From the surprise engagement to Liam seeing her Seth and threatening her, everything was full on chaos. Still, she clung to the routine, hoping for a moment of peace.The sound of the door opening broke her concentration. She didn’t need to look up to know who it was—Grace’s heavy steps were unmistakable. Kate kept her eyes closed, refusing to acknowledge her. If Grace wanted to talk, she could start the conversation herself but she honestly didn't feel like talking to Grace, at least not after the betrayal.Minutes passed in silence before Grace finally spoke, her voice sharp and accusing. “I moved all my stuff out.”Kate opened her eyes slowly, meeting Grace’s glare with indifference. “Congratulations. Do
Chapter 37"And so with a ten percent point ahead of other girls and with my only flaw in dancing being the fact that I sometimes get too carried away, I'm pretty sure that I would win the competition," Grace said as they walked out of the studio.Kate rolled her eyes for the fifth time today. It was getting annoying, the fact that grace kept on repeating the fact that she would win regardless.She always wondered why Grace seemed to think that she was better than everyone else when it was obvious that she wasn't."Well, that brings everything down to you. You're the only competition left but with the way you've been distracted recently? I would surely beat your ass up in the competition.""Yeah right! There goes her over confident ass again," Kate thought to herself and rolled her eyes.She didn't want to say anything to her about the competition. It was obvious that it was all Grace could think of and while Kate hated the fact that she kept on talking about winning everyone, she
Kate woke up with a groggy mind, her hand blindly groping for her phone to silence the blaring alarm. She squinted at the screen and groaned when she realized she had slept past her first class. A quick glance at the time confirmed that she didn’t have enough energy or motivation to make it to the next one. With a resigned sigh, she decided to skip it entirely, curling back into her bed with plans to rest before her dance practice later in the day.She barely managed to close her eyes again when her phone vibrated in her hand. It was Seth. She hesitated before answering, knowing she still wasn’t ready to face him—not with the fading scar on her cheek. “Hey,” she finally said, her voice scratchy from sleep.“Kate! I’ve been worried sick,” Seth’s voice came through, tense with concern. “I called you all night. I sent texts. Why didn’t you answer?”She sighed, rubbing her temple. “I didn’t hear my phone, Seth. I wasn’t ignoring you.”He softened at her explanation but quickly added, “I’
FinaleOne year had passed since that pivotal afternoon in Kate’s apartment, when she had sat on the couch, wrestling with the weight of her future. Now, as she walked across the bustling college campus, her steps were lighter, her heart fuller. The past year had been a whirlwind of change, growth, and unexpected joys. She had given birth to a beautiful baby girl, Emma, who had become the center of her world. Balancing motherhood, school, and her relationship with Seth had been challenging, but Kate had found a rhythm that worked for her. She was proud of how far she had come.The crisp autumn air carried the scent of fallen leaves, and Kate tightened her scarf around her neck as she made her way to the parking lot. Her classes for the day were over, and she was eager to get home to Emma. But first, she had a familiar face to meet. Seth had texted her earlier, letting her know he would be picking her up after class. It had become a routine of sorts—him driving her home, their conversa
Chapter 49 The afternoon sun streamed through the windows of Kate’s apartment, casting a warm glow over the living room. She sat on the couch, her phone pressed to her ear, listening to her mother’s excited chatter about wedding plans. Her mother’s voice was animated, filled with the kind of enthusiasm that only a parent could muster when discussing their child’s future. But Kate’s mind was elsewhere, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty and a growing sense of unease. “Mom, I’m not ready to get married,” Kate finally interjected, her voice firm but gentle. She twisted a strand of hair around her finger, a nervous habit she had carried since childhood. “I still have so much to figure out. College, my career, this baby… I just don’t think now is the right time.” There was a pause on the other end of the line, and Kate could almost picture her mother’s face—her brows furrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line of disappointment. But when her mother spoke again, her tone was softer, m
Chapter 48Kate lay in bed, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains of Seth’s bedroom. The sheets were warm, the room quiet except for the steady rhythm of Seth’s breathing beside her. She turned her head slightly, watching him as he slept, his face relaxed and peaceful. The events of the previous day replayed in her mind like a vivid dream, each moment etched with emotion and significance. Her thoughts drifted to the meeting with Seth’s father, Edward. It had been a whirlwind of introductions, apologies, and unexpected warmth. Edward had greeted her with a kindness that immediately put her at ease, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. “I’ve been trying to get Seth to bring you home for months,” Edward had said, his voice tinged with amusement. “But he’s been like a goofy kid, always talking about you but never actually introducing you. I was starting to think you were a figment of his imagination.” Kate had laughed at that, the sound light and genuine.
Chapter 47Kate sat in the waiting room of the clinic, her fingers nervously tapping against the armrest of the chair. The test was just a formality, she already knew. The subtle changes in her body, the fatigue, the nausea, it all pointed to one thing. But she needed to see it for herself, to have that confirmation in her hands. When the nurse finally called her name, Kate followed her into the examination room, her heart pounding. The doctor was kind, her smile reassuring as she handed Kate the results. “Congratulations,” the doctor said warmly. “You’re pregnant.” Kate stared at the paper, her vision blurring with tears. It was real. She was going to be a mother. Later, as she sat in her car, Kate took a deep breath and dialed her mother’s number. The phone rang twice before her mom picked it up. “Kate?” her mother’s voice was hesitant, almost apologetic. “Mom,” Kate began, her voice trembling. “I… I need to talk to you.” There was a pause, and then her mother said sof
Chapter 46The theater was alive with energy, the air thick with anticipation as the finalists took their places backstage. Kate stood in the wings, her heart pounding in her chest. The stage lights glowed brightly, casting long shadows across the polished floor. She could hear the murmurs of the audience, the rustle of programs, and the occasional burst of applause. This was it. The moment she had worked for, sacrificed for, and dreamed of. Her fingers trembled as she adjusted the straps of her costume, the delicate fabric shimmering under the dim backstage lights. She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, and let the music of her routine play in her mind. This wasn’t just about winning anymore. This was about proving to herself that she could rise above the expectations, the pressure, and the noise. “You’ve got this,” a voice whispered beside her. Kate turned to see one of the stagehands, a young woman with a kind smile, giving her an encouraging nod. Kate nodded back, her
Seth had taken her to a quiet, upscale restaurant on the outskirts of the city. The ambiance was warm, the lighting dim but cozy, with a soft hum of classical music playing in the background. Their table was near a window, giving them a view of the city lights shimmering in the distance. Kate played with her napkin, trying to suppress the nervous energy bubbling inside her. Public dates weren’t their thing. At least, not until now. Seth, ever composed, reached for his glass of wine, taking a slow sip before meeting her gaze. “You’re quiet,” he noted. Kate glanced at him, picking at her food. “I was just wondering…” She hesitated before finally asking, “Why now? Why are we suddenly out in the open like this?” Seth leaned back in his chair, exhaling. “Because I don’t want to hide anymore.” Kate raised an eyebrow. “You didn’t mind hiding before.” “I did.” His voice was soft but firm. “I just didn’t realize how much until recently.” Kate set down her fork, tilting her head s
Chapter 44 The studio was nearly empty, the faint sound of classical music playing from the speakers as Kate stretched her legs, trying to ease the tension in her muscles. Across from her, another dancer, Mira, a girl she had only spoken to a handful of times, was tying her hair into a bun, watching Kate through the mirror. “You know, I heard some talk,” Mira said casually, adjusting her tights and acting like she wasn't interested.Kate arched a brow. “What kind of talk?” Mira shrugged, stretching her arms above her head. “That your drama is getting too much. They might replace you.” Kate froze for a moment before forcing herself to continue stretching. “Oh? Who’s ‘they’?” Mira smirked. “The instructors. The higher-ups. Whatever.” She paused, then added, “Are you sure Grace isn’t the one spreading it? She’s been bitter ever since you got chosen without even trying.” Kate inhaled sharply. It made sense. Grace had always been competitive, and losing to someone she saw as un
Chapter 43 Midnight crept in, but Kate was nowhere near sleep. The glow of her phone screen was the only light in the dark room, illuminating the anxious lines on her face. She had been restless for hours, unable to shake the nagging feeling that something was off. Finally, she gave in to the impulse and opened her social media. Her phone kept buzzing, notifications piling up from the post. She rolled over, scrolling mindlessly, until her blood turned cold. She had gone viral. Not in a good way. People weren’t just talking about the competition anymore. They were talking about Seth. About her. The moment the screen loaded, her stomach twisted and She suddenly realized that what she wanted, her popularity had turned into something else. Her post about the Grand Opera selection had exploded overnight, but it wasn’t just about the competition anymore. It was Seth. Someone had taken his picture and started a storm of speculation. Strangers were analyzing every detail, trying
Chapter 42Kate sat at her desk, her textbooks open but unread, the screen of her laptop glowing with an unfinished essay. A half-empty cup of coffee sat beside her, long gone cold. She was supposed to be preparing for her exams, finishing assignments, and staying on track for college. But her mind refused to cooperate. She chewed on the end of her pencil, staring at the blank document in front of her. College felt distant now, overshadowed by a heavier, more immediate worry. Her missing period.What if she was pregnant? What if people find out what happened to her and Seth?The thought made her stomach twist. She hadn't taken a test yet—hadn’t dared to. The possibility alone was enough to send her spiraling. And what would Seth do if it turned out to be true? Her phone vibrated beside her. Mom boldly written on the caller ID.Kate's jaw clenched. She ignored it. She didn't have the energy to hear her mother's nagging or worse still, hear another sob story about her engageme