Chapter 8

I had to admit, having someone to talk to helped. By the next day, I'd completely moved past yesterday's incident.

Arriving at the ballet company, I greeted my colleagues as usual, then headed to the practice room. It takes years of hard work to shine for a moment. I couldn't allow myself even the slightest complacency.

As I focused on my practice, the door suddenly burst open with a harsh sound. I stopped mid-movement, frowning toward the entrance. My tone cooled when I recognized the visitor.

"Mr. Wood, is there something you need?"

Asher's voice was arrogant. "Lucinda, I'm here to tell you that you're no longer needed for next week's performance—or any future performances."

I contained my anger and stopped my stretching exercises. "Why?"

"You have the nerve to ask? Do you realize who Mr. Percy is? You dare offend him! Do you want the entire company blacklisted in the industry because of you?" Asher sneered, as if I weren't a person to him but merely an object to be manipulated.

"I haven't offended Mr. Percy," I protested. "Don't make false accusations."

"Still denying it! Everyone knows Mr. Percy reprimanded you—it's all over the place. Everyone knows you've offended Mr. Percy. There's no place for you here anymore!"

Though my heart churned with turmoil, I refused to show weakness. "This isn't your overseas company. You don't make the decisions! I'm the principal dancer here—if I'm to be dismissed, it should come from our director!"

Asher laughed as if he'd heard a great joke. "You've already lost your lead role and you still call yourself the principal? Pathetic!"

His laughter was grating. I ignored him and prepared to find the director. To my shock, Asher grabbed my arm.

"Lucinda, don't overestimate your importance. If I don't approve, this company won't dare keep you."

His grip hurt my wrist. Panicked and desperate, I cried, "Let go of me!"

Asher tightened his hold, his other hand lewdly caressing my face. Disgusted, I shouted, "Don't touch me!"

Asher gave a malicious smile. "You've offended Mr. Percy. Besides begging for my help, you have no other options. I suggest you be sensible. If you please me, perhaps I'll show you mercy."

With that, he pushed me down onto the practice mat and lunged at me!

"You bastard, get off me!"

I struggled desperately, trying to break free, but Asher was stronger. Within seconds, he had me pinned down. His hands roamed over my body as he gloated, "You should consider yourself lucky that I'm interested in you! Lucinda, don't be so ungrateful!"

Overwhelming humiliation and fury surged through me. With all my strength, I drove my knee into his groin. He howled in pain, his grip involuntarily loosening. I seized the opportunity to push him away, scrambling off the mat on all fours. Then I ran, not looking back!

I'd faced harassment before, but never someone so brazen and lawless. My mind was in chaos.

Rushing out of the practice room, I nearly collided with Sophia, who had been drawn by the commotion.

"Lucinda, what—"

Too distraught to acknowledge her, I hurried to the changing room for my bag, then fled the building.

In the taxi, the incident kept replaying in my mind. Each replay intensified my fear. I unconsciously curled up, hugging myself tightly.

"Miss, are you alright? Do you need to go to the hospital?" the concerned taxi driver asked.

I shook my head vigorously. "No hospital. Just take me home..."

The driver asked no further questions.

By the time we reached the villa district, I'd somewhat emerged from my wave of fear. Realizing I was still in my practice clothes, I quickly pulled a coat from my bag and put it on before exiting the car.

I walked quickly. After unlocking the door, I practically fled inside, slamming it shut behind me.

With the door closed, my tightly wound nerves finally relaxed. All my strength seemed to drain away at once. I slid down to the floor, exhausted.

Before I could catch my breath, I heard soft footsteps in the quiet living room. My body tensed as I looked up.

Leo stood in the warm sunlight, wearing a simple white apron, looking at me with surprise. The next moment, he rushed to my side.

"Lucinda, what's wrong? What happened?"

The humiliation of being attacked and the shock of fighting back suddenly overwhelmed me. All my emotions rose to my throat—but I forced them back down.

I managed a faint smile. "It's nothing. Just a leg cramp."

Leo's brow furrowed. "You can't possibly be fine looking like this. Tell me what happened."

I shook my head gently. "I really am fine."

I didn't want to relive that awful experience. Right now, I just needed a shoulder to lean on.

I reached out, wrapping my arms around Leo's neck and nestling against him.

"Don't ask anymore. Just let me stay like this for a while."

Through the thin fabric of his shirt, I felt his muscles tense immediately, as if my sudden closeness had caught him off guard. But he quickly relaxed, gently stroking my head.

"Feeling better now?" he asked softly.

Listening to his strong heartbeat, I felt my distress gradually fade. I looked up, my eyes tracing his straight nose, then moving down to his defined jawline, finally resting on his Adam's apple.

As if possessed, I pressed my finger against it.

"What is it?" Leo asked, puzzled.

The vibration of his vocal cords rippled through my fingertip like invisible waves, spreading circles into my heart.

"I want to kiss you."

In an instant, the veins on Leo's pale neck stood out prominently. As he bent his head down, I pressed my lips to his.

I had intended just a quick kiss before pulling away, but Leo suddenly took control. He held the back of my neck firmly, deepening the kiss. Our lips locked together inseparably, as if we were the only two people in the world.

"Wait," I murmured, enveloped in a haze of heat, my consciousness slightly blurred. Yet I sensed my body moving toward something uncontrollable.

"Aren't we moving too fast?"

Our first time together had been an accident. Neither of us had dwelled on the details. But now we had only a contractual relationship, and I knew I had no romantic feelings for him. Logically, we shouldn't engage in intimacy beyond our agreement.

Leo's breathing was heavy, each exhale gently striking my sensitive nape as he continued kissing me.

"Lucinda, follow your heart," he whispered between kisses.

His words acted like a spell, instantly dispelling my hesitation and concerns. I was single now, free from social pressure, able to choose whatever lifestyle I wanted.

"You're right."

I pressed my lips to Leo's again. We entangled with each other, gradually surrendering to our desires.