Chapter 6

By the time I reached Bayview Villas, I was still fuming. After unlocking the door, I rushed to the kitchen for a glass of cold water, gulping it down to ease the tightness in my chest.

When I turned around, I saw Leo sitting on the sofa with a laptop, watching me. Sunlight slanted through the windows, highlighting his refined features. There was something almost too perfect about him—something slightly unreal.

This was my third time seeing him, and each time he seemed different. It was... intriguing.

"Why are you staring at me? Is something wrong with my face?" Leo asked, dramatically picking up a mirror to examine himself, as if his appearance were the most important thing in the world.

I could hardly say I found meeting him as unpredictable as opening a mystery box! So I quickly changed the subject.

"When did you arrive? Why didn't you tell me?"

Leo set down the mirror. "I just got here. My phone died, and I was about to message you from my laptop when you came home."

"I see." I lingered at the entryway, taking my time removing my shoes before walking to the living room. "Have you settled in?"

Leo nodded. "I've put my things in the guest bedroom."

I appreciated his understanding of boundaries. I instinctively started toward the sofa where he sat, then caught myself and redirected to the armchair instead.

"Do you need me to show you around?"

"No need," Leo declined.

I grabbed a throw pillow and placed it on my lap, looking around without saying anything further. Leo remained silent as well.

The atmosphere was... painfully awkward.

I brushed back my hair, straightened my posture, and was about to search for a conversation topic when Leo spoke.

"Why are you angry? Did someone upset you?"

I'd never been good at hiding my feelings. And since I didn't think I was in the wrong, I immediately unloaded my frustrations.

"...That's the kind of jerk he is. I truly regret only seeing his true colors now, after wasting ten years of my youth!"

Only after my outburst did I notice Leo's extremely displeased expression. My heart skipped a beat.

I hadn't paid attention before, but from this angle, Leo looked even more like Leopold. They even pursed their lips the same way when angry.

Could it be coincidence?

"Leo, what's wrong? Did that jerk's behavior upset you too?"

Leo's eyes snapped to mine. His gaze was sharp and cold—not the look of a sweet guy who hung around bars.

My chest tightened. "Why... why are you looking at me like that?"

Leo set his laptop aside and walked directly to me.

"Do you really want to know?"

He was tall, and with me sitting down, I had to crane my neck to see him.

"Yes."

Leo bent down, one hand on his knee, the other gently cupping the right side of my face.

"I don't like hearing another man's name from your lips. I'm jealous."

I was stunned. What kind of logic was that?

The pressure on my face increased as Leo leaned closer.

"Why so quiet? Haven't you ever comforted someone before?"

I blinked in surprise. "Of course I have."

Just never successfully.

Leo's eyes gleamed with amusement as he brought his nose to mine.

His deep voice held a certain enchantment. "Then comfort me."

His masculine scent enveloped me completely. My brain turned to mush.

As if possessed, I blurted out, "You smell nice."

Like Antarctic winds. Like snowflakes drifting over treetops. Cold and fresh.

Leo let out a low laugh, seemingly pleased by my response.

"Your method of comfort is quite unique."

Gazing into his deep eyes, my vision blurred slightly. For a moment, I thought I saw Leopold again.

I snapped back to reality, noticing he was about to kiss me, and pushed him away forcefully.

"I'm tired. I need to rest in my room."

I stood up abruptly and hurried to my bedroom. Only after closing the door did I press my hand to my racing heart.

This was madness! Leo and Leopold were two different people—why did I keep seeing Leopold through Leo?

Pull yourself together, Lucinda. The world doesn't revolve around Leopold. Stop thinking about him!

The next day, after breakfast with Leo, I headed to the ballet company. The international ballet competition was approaching—a dream I'd worked toward for over twenty years. I had to perform.

Before that, I needed to cooperate with my doctor's treatment, which meant requesting two weeks off. I needed to speak with the director.

"Cindy, you haven't been here for two days. Are you still unwell?"

"Yes, when you fell that day and didn't get up for so long, we were all scared. Are you better now?"

Colleagues surrounded me with concern when they saw me.

I smiled. "I'm fine now."

With so many people around, I didn't reveal the truth. After exchanging pleasantries, I went directly to the director's office.

I had barely knocked and entered when I discovered it wasn't just Director Samuel Flores inside, but also Asher, the overseas ballet company director who had nearly assaulted me before.

My heart sank, though I maintained my composure.

"Mr. Flores, Mr. Wood, hello."

"Lucinda, perfect timing. I have something to tell you," Samuel gestured for me to sit before continuing. "Next week's Swan Lake collaboration with the overseas company—you were originally cast as the lead, but Mr. Wood, concerned about your health, fears it might affect the performance. He's decided to replace you with Sophia."

My heart tightened as I tried to advocate for myself. "Mr. Flores, I've recovered completely. I've been preparing for this performance for a month. I can handle the lead—"

"Lucinda," Asher interrupted before I could finish. "I'm thinking of both companies. Neither your company nor mine can afford any mistakes."

Suppressing my discomfort, I tried to explain. "But I—"

"Enough." Asher raised his hand to stop me. "Your problem is that you're too proud and inflexible. A dancer must adapt to unexpected situations on stage. You need more practice."

I clenched my fists in anger. Too proud? Not approachable enough? This was just retaliation because I had publicly refused his attempt to ply me with alcohol at a dinner party!

Despicable!

"Of course," Asher added, eyeing me lasciviously, "this decision isn't set in stone. I happen to be free tonight. You could meet me privately to... persuade me."

I understood his implication, but since the international competition didn't accept individual entries, I needed to stay with the company.

Still, I wouldn't submit to this kind of exploitation.

"If both directors have decided to replace me, I accept the decision and am willing to support Sophia in a secondary role."

Asher's expression darkened instantly. "You're truly ungrateful!"

Leaving the director's office, I didn't mention my leave request and headed to change into my practice clothes.

On the way, I encountered Sophia. She strutted toward me in her stilettos, her face smug with triumph.

"Lucinda, I'm sure you've heard. Your lead role is mine now. From this moment on, you're just my background scenery."

"The principal dancer reduced to this—how pathetic!"

I knew she was trying to provoke me to find fault.

I refused to take the bait. "Are you finished? I need to change."

Seeing me about to leave, Sophia blocked my path.

"Lucinda, you can't win against me. Leopold, the lead role—they're both mine! You're nothing but a clown. One word from me, and you'll be kicked out of this company like a stray dog, with no chance of recovery!"