I was the fiancee of Lucian Veris, the celebrated Swan Prince, who had offered up the principal role in exchange for my hand. On stage, he was proud and untouchable, yet he surrendered completely to the choreography I created for "Eternal Crown." When I came back after three years in Valmont, I discovered that the understudy who mirrored me had already claimed our private rehearsal hall. At the company's welcome gala, Lucian abandoned a room full of sponsors just to chase after the crying understudy. From behind the velvet curtain, I overheard words he had never spoken to me. "Elara, I chose you only because you reminded me of her. I was looking for a replacement. But you were different. Your choreography captivated me—more than she ever could. Just make sure she never finds out until the closing night of 'Eternal Crown.'" Then came the muffled sounds of their entanglement, followed by his whispered vow. "I'll give you the principal's place." Right there, in that same room, he had once held my hand and sworn that I, Astraea Lynelle, would be his only soulmate in this lifetime. I turned and walked away, the sharp echo of my pointe shoes striking with finality. Back in the dressing room, I dialed his greatest rival, Caelan Thorne. "Mr. Thorne," I said evenly, "I accept your offer to join your company. And one more thing—prepare a gift for me. I intend to turn Lucian's grand finale into the most spectacular downfall the art world has ever seen."
View MoreSix months later, I stood before the floor-to-ceiling window. My right foot had healed, so I no longer needed a cane."You've healed far better than expected." The doctor from Altenburg removed his glasses."While you won't be able to handle the rigorous training of a top-tier dancer anymore, normal walking is completely fine."Over these six months, I had poured every ounce of my energy into creating a new work, "Rebirth."It was a completely new ballet I had crafted for Arcadia Ballet, telling the story of an injured swan rising from the flames.Caelan pushed the door open, holding a contract in his hand."Eisenhart Opera, Valmont Opera, Crescent Arts Center… twelve of the world's top theaters are inviting you simultaneously."Pride shimmered in his eyes."'Rebirth' hasn't even premiered yet, and it's already making waves across the art world."I took the contract, letting my eyes trace the gilded names of the theaters.…Three months later, it was the world premiere of "R
The shrill ring of the phone yanked me out of a light sleep.The head nurse's voice carried sharp impatience. "Ms. Lynelle, that man has been kneeling outside for three days. Security has tried driving him off countless times, but he won't leave. It's raining now, and he's still out there. At this rate, his life will be at risk."I drew back a corner of the curtain.Lucian knelt on the hospital steps, soaked through, hair plastered to his face, looking utterly miserable—like a stray dog caught in a storm.…Three days ago, the police released their final report.Elara's loyal assistant had crumbled under pressure and confessed everything. The lime purchase records traced directly to Elara, and the so-called evidence she provided was proven forged.The proof was undeniable.Celestia Ballet's reputation lay in ruins. Sponsors had pulled out overnight, and the company teetered on the brink of bankruptcy.Elara faced formal charges and could be sentenced to three to seven years in
In the top-floor suite of Arcadia Medical Center, I sat in a wheelchair, my right foot swathed in thick bandages.Outside, night had fallen, and the city's neon lights glimmered with a cold, distant glow."The gift is ready," Caelan said, staring down at his phone. "Want to see the celebration party at Celestia Ballet?"It had been three days since the final performance of "Eternal Crown," and Celestia Ballet was throwing a lavish celebration for what the media were calling a triumph.Critics were raving about Lucian and Elara's brilliant adaptation, praising them for breathing new life into a stale classic."No, thanks," I said, turning my head.Caelan ignored me and tapped the massive display screen on the wall.The lights of the celebration dazzled on the screen.Lucian stood in a black tailcoat, and Elara looped her arm through his, dressed in a red gown that shimmered like fire. She smiled like a princess who had just claimed her crown.Onstage, the two were answering que
The moment Caelan stepped inside, the room fell into dead silence.He stood well over six feet two, dressed in a tailored black suit, every step carrying the weight of a thunderclap.Three bodyguards in matching black uniforms trailed behind him, their faces expressionless, their movements sharp and disciplined.Elara's stiletto heel still pressed down on my injured leg. Her whole body froze, and her complexion drained to the color of paper.Caelan's gaze swept across the room. His eyes were so cold they could have killed."Move."Just one word, yet Elara's knees buckled beneath her. She stammered, "M-Mr. Thorne—""I said move!"Caelan's roar cracked like thunder, and Elara collapsed to the floor in terror.With a flick of his hand, he signaled the men behind him.The three guards stepped forward, seizing Elara and her two friends without the slightest hint of mercy."No! Let me go! Lucian, help me!" Elara shrieked, clawing the air as she tried to reach him.Lucian's face t
The sharp stench of antiseptic clung to the hospital room.I lay on the cold, unyielding bed, my body torn apart by pain—but the deeper agony was the hollow wound in my chest.My right foot was wrapped in thick bandages, the blood seeping through in blotches shaped like bruised blossoms.A plaster brace locked my left shoulder and back in place, leaving me motionless.The monitor beeped steadily, as if mocking me by reminding me I was still alive.The door clicked open.Elara walked in, her heels striking the floor like deliberate taunts. Two women, dressed in gaudy, overdone outfits, trailed after her.Lucian followed last, his expression grim, his eyes darting anywhere but toward me.She stopped at my bedside, looking down at my bandaged foot with a cruel, almost curious smile."Well, well, Ms. Lynelle. What did the doctors say about this foot of yours? Don't tell me you're going to be a cripple for the rest of your life."The women at her side broke into laughter."What a
The next morning, I slipped into a wrinkled dress and forced my feet into high heels before stepping into the Celestia Ballet.As I walked down the hallway, people turned their heads and whispered to each other.One voice rose above the murmur, deliberately sharp. "A certain someone really has no shame. Got dumped and still dares to show up at work."I pretended not to hear a thing and kept going straight toward my office.But when I opened the door, I froze.The desk was bare. The chair was gone. Even the framed awards that had hung on the wall had vanished."Ms. Lynelle." The receptionist hurried over, avoiding my eyes. "Your things have been moved to the small room beside the storage closet." Her voice dropped lower. "It was Mr. Ashford's decision."The small room beside the storage closet—the one without a single window.Dragging my tired body down the hall, I pushed open the door. A damp, musty smell rushed out to meet me.The room was barely fifty square feet, and all my
Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.
Comments