Chapter 3

I stared at the familiar profile pictures and the vicious messages piling up beneath them.

In three years with the company, I'd spent most of my time rehearsing. I rarely bothered with their little social circles.

To them, Asher was handsome, wealthy, and the company's leading male dancer.

Mallory was sweet, pretty, and camera-friendly.

Of course they belonged together.

And somehow I, the woman who had actually been Asher's girlfriend and partner the entire time, had become the desperate third wheel.

Right on cue, Asher appeared to play peacemaker.

[Everybody calm down. Elena's emotional today. Having to withdraw probably hit her hard.]

[Elena, you should still come tomorrow. It might help you clear your head. I'll figure something out for next year's competition.]

What a generous boyfriend.

He sounded like he was defending me while casually cementing the lie that I had chosen to withdraw.

I watched message after message praise him and tear me apart.

Then I felt tired.

Arguing with people this brainless was a waste of my life.

I opened the group settings and left.

Less than thirty seconds later, Asher messaged me privately.

[Why did you leave the chat? Who is this victim act supposed to impress?]

[You're coming tomorrow. Don't make my parents think I'm being inconsiderate.]

I didn't even have the energy to answer.

Block.

Delete.

Done.

The next morning, I was still asleep when Mom ripped the covers off me.

"Elena, why are you still in bed? Get up. We need to leave soon."

I sat up, blinking.

"Leave for what?"

Dad was wearing the suit he normally saved for board meetings. Mom had put on one of her favorite dresses.

"What do you mean, for what? Asher and Mallory's celebration dinner."

Dad adjusted his tie.

"Mr. Penrose called first thing this morning. Our families have known each other forever. He invited all three of us personally."

I froze.

Asher's parents had invited my parents directly?

It took me about five seconds to understand.

Asher knew I wouldn't show up just because he ordered me to.

So he'd gone around me and gotten his parents to pressure me through mine.

I frowned.

"Mom, Dad, I don't want to go."

If I showed up, the fact that I never danced the final would almost certainly come out.

Dad's face hardened.

"Mr. Penrose called personally to invite us. If you don't go, you'll embarrass him."

Mom came over too.

"I know you and Mallory don't get along, but this isn't the time to make it obvious. Everyone from your company will be there.

"If you don't go, what are people going to say? That you're jealous because she danced well? Hurry up and get ready."

I looked at both of them, already dressed and ready.

I had no excuse I could use without telling them the whole story.

Finally, I sighed.

If I stayed home, I really would look inconsiderate.