My Boyfriend Sabotaged My Final Dance

One minute before we were due in the holding area, my boyfriend and dance partner, Asher Penrose, who'd been holding both our documents, handed in only his own competitor badge. When it was my turn, he stood there empty-handed and said as if it were perfectly reasonable, "I didn't bring your competitor badge or your state ID. Withdraw from the final and give your spot to Mallory." I stood frozen. I never imagined he'd sabotage my final for Mallory. Mallory Keene was the understudy in our company. For all three years I'd been there, my scores and technique had consistently ranked above hers. I stared at the man I'd loved for three years, so angry I laughed. Then I turned and walked away. Behind me, Asher shouted in exasperation, "Your fundamentals are so strong. What's wrong with competing next year? "If you withdraw on a whim now, what is everyone going to think about Mallory? Do you really want the whole company assuming she forced you out?" I didn't even turn around. Withdraw on a whim? He had no idea. Two weeks earlier, I'd already earned a direct placement in the American National Ballet's Principal Artist Development Track. I'd only entered today's competition to go through the motions with him, for the sake of our three years as partners and as a couple. If he didn't want that anymore, fine. Our relationship could end here too.