Chapter 7

I knew Sophia wouldn't let me off easily, but I hadn't expected her to be so impatient, directly confronting me at the ballet company.

"It's just one lead role. I can afford to give it up."

Sophia's expression froze momentarily at my failed provocation. Then, as if remembering something, she looked at me with renewed contempt.

"Lucinda, it's not just one role—it's the beginning." She looked me up and down. "You haven't told the director about your doctor's visit, have you? What do you think will happen when he learns about your leg injury? Will he even let you stay in the company?"

My mind went blank. How could she know about my diagnosis?

In a panic, I lowered my voice to a warning. "Sophia, watch your mouth!"

Seeing my distress, Sophia smiled with satisfaction. "Scared now? If you want me to keep quiet, you'd better show some respect."

I pressed my lips together, refusing to engage.

Sophia scoffed. "I gave you a chance, but you didn't take it. Don't blame me for what happens next!"

My heart clenched as I watched her walk straight toward the director's office. I couldn't let her reveal my injury—it would destroy my chance at the international ballet competition!

I had to stop her!

"Sophia, wait!"

I rushed forward, reaching for her arm to stop her. Sophia whirled around, angrily trying to shake me off.

But just as she was about to touch my hand, she suddenly changed course and threw herself against the wall. She clutched her shoulder with an exaggerated grimace of pain, looking at me with feigned hurt.

"Cindy, we can talk this through. Why did you push me?"

I stood there bewildered, then quickly turned to look behind me. Leopold was standing there in a formal suit, his face dark with anger.

Hearing Sophia's accusation, his expression hardened further as he strode over to help her up.

"Lucinda, what's wrong with you now?"

I angrily shot back, "How dare you assume that?"

"Leo, don't blame Cindy," Sophia interjected, clinging to Leopold's hand. "The director gave my lead role to her, and she's upset about it. That's why she lashed out at me. I'm fine."

Leopold's gaze grew even colder as he looked at me.

"You lost your lead role and you should be reflecting on yourself, not taking out your frustrations on someone who's trying to help you!"

Taking out my frustrations? Those words cut deep. I couldn't help but challenge him.

"Leopold, after all our years together, is this really who you think I am?"

"I don't even recognize you anymore."

My heart felt like it had been struck with a hammer. The pain was so intense I could barely breathe.

"Leo," Sophia whimpered, continuing her act, "my shoulder really hurts. I think I might have pulled something."

"I'll take you to the hospital."

Leopold turned away from me, protectively guiding Sophia out. As they passed, Sophia shot me a triumphant look, as if to say, "Lucinda, you've lost again."

I had thought that after realizing I wasn't the one in Leopold's heart, I would quickly move on from this relationship. But every time I saw him, all my defenses crumbled. His every word had the power to wound me deeply.

Sophia was right. In this emotional battle, I had indeed lost. Completely and utterly.

I walked into the changing room with a numb expression, finding a corner to hide in. I covered my mouth tightly, silently weeping.

After the emotional release, I felt somewhat calmer, though the psychological wound remained raw. I changed into my practice clothes and went to the studio to rehearse. Only when immersed in what I loved could I forget the pain in my heart.

I practiced from dawn until dusk. The physical ache helped mask the emotional one.

I wrapped myself in a blanket, took a shower, then changed into my street clothes, ready to head home. Just as I reached the exit, my phone chimed with a message.

Who would be contacting me at this hour?

Curious, I opened it to find a text from Leo: [My girlfriend, I'm treating you to dinner tonight. Here's the location.]

The restaurant's address appeared immediately after.

When I arrived by taxi, I was surprised by the venue. The crystal chandelier hanging in the main hall alone must have cost over ten million dollars. Not to mention the wall of wine and the spacious, private dining area.

This was not a place ordinary people could afford. Wasn't Leo supposed to be that sweet guy making a living at bars? How could he afford such a high-end restaurant?

Suppressing my doubts, I gave Leo's name to the host, who immediately led me inside. As soon as I entered the main hall, I spotted Leo sitting by the window.

It seemed we shared a preference for window seats. But his attire today was completely different from before. He wore a perfectly tailored camel-colored trench coat that exuded a warmth and tranquility tempered by time.

"Why are you staring at me again?"

Hearing his question, I casually placed my bag on the inner chair and smiled faintly.

"That trench coat looks good on you."

Leo seemed momentarily surprised by my compliment. Then the corner of his mouth curved upward.

"That's the first time you've complimented me. I'm pleased."

I picked up my water glass, took a sip, and looked at him again.

"This restaurant looks expensive. How did you find it?"

Leo adjusted his posture, appearing quite forthright. "I've never been to a place like this before. I wanted somewhere nice to treat you, so I asked around until I found this place."

I set down my glass. "I see. Your friends must be well-connected. Even I've never been here before."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "You gave me plenty of money. I couldn't be stingy—had to choose the best restaurant to treat you."

That made sense. I dropped my suspicions and didn't pursue the matter further.

Leo, however, seemed to sense something in my silence. He straightened up and looked directly into my eyes.

"Have you been crying?"

I felt a moment of panic. So much time had passed, and my eyes weren't even swollen. He shouldn't have been able to tell.

I leaned back, hiding myself in the shadows beyond the lamplight.

"No. It's rather rude of you to ask so suddenly."

"I apologize," Leo immediately said, then explained, "You mentioned earlier that we should be honest with each other. That's why I asked."

Already feeling guilty, I didn't press the issue after his apology.

"It's fine. I haven't been crying."

Leo nodded slightly, then turned to look out the window. "Do you like the night view here?"

I followed his gaze outside and was immediately captivated.

Night had fallen, and stars dotted the sky. In the distance, car headlights flowed like a river of stars, illuminating the entire city.

"Yes, it's beautiful."

Hearing my response, Leo brought his attention back to me.

"I'm glad you like it. To me, you're more beautiful than the night."

His words gently touched my heart.

I slowly turned from the view to look at Leo. Gazing into those deep yet sincere eyes, the heaviness in my heart finally began to lift.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome. If someone makes you unhappy, you should tell them directly. That's the only way they'll know to change."

I paused, wondering if he was encouraging me. But he didn't understand that Leopold was different. Even if I spoke up, Leopold wouldn't believe me, much less change.