The Black Swan's Final Revenge Pirouette: The 99th Game Was Mine All Along by Kylie Homme

Over the

past month, Ariana had contemplated escape countless times.

But Luigi seemed to have installed some supernatural GPS in her DNA–no matter where she went, he materialized within minutes. The few times she had attempted to slip away had only resulted in even tighter restrictions,

As punishment for her last attempt, he had “temporarily suspended” her contract with the National Ballet. His explanation to the artistic director had been surprisingly tactful–they needed quality time after their lengthy separation. Once they were married, she could naturally return to dancing.

Yes. Married.

During that meticulously orchestrated press conference, Luigi had not only announced her miraculous resurrection but also unveiled their upcoming wedding, scheduled just four weeks later.

Ariana had known nothing about this until she watched it happen live on stage, resulting in a confrontation afterward that changed absolutely nothing about his plans.

Today’s excursion to Boston’s luxury district was supposedly to select wedding accessories. The gown itself was already being custom–designed by three separate ateliers competing for the privilege.

Having completed his transaction, Luigi returned to the private suite and gently took her hand. “Shall we?” he asked with that self–satisfied smile that made her skin crawl.

Ariana maintained her practiced silence, allowing him to lead her from the boutique to the waiting car without resistance.

As the vehicle navigated through downtown traffic, she watched the city blur past the tinted windows, her expression betraying the desperation she fought to contain.

She had no desire to marry Luigi Maggiore. The very thought made her physically ill.

impossible. Every exit was watched, every message monitored,

her for years?

in her lap until her knuckles turned white from the pressure.

the wedding date approached, Ariana’s anxiety intensified visibly.

Swans Final Revenge

Chapter 21

her distress as typical pre–wedding jitters, Luigi had cleared his afternoon schedule to take her to dinner at an exclusive

phone lit up with what appeared

emergency.

continue to the restaurant as planned. “T’ll join you as soon as I

leaned in for what had become a

head, causing his lips to land on her cheek

paused, something darkening briefly in his expression before his practiced smile

purse for

moment the door closed, Ariana’s facade crumbled. She frantically dug through her antibacterial wipes, scrubbing at her cheek with such

Only w

did she finally discard the wipe with disgust.

restaurant’s private dining room stood nearly empty during the early dinner service, with Ariana seated alone by the panoramic windows. Security personnel positioned

protecting her, were in reality her jailers, ensuring she

door closed behind them, Ariana picked half–heartedly at the multi–course meal before her.