Chapter 24

London, three years later.

Ariana Collins stood before the mirror in the rehearsal room, adjusting her posture. Being principal dancer with the National Ballet wasn’t something that came easily she worked tirelessly every day to maintain her position at the top.

She looked healthier than ever. The shadow of Luigi Maggiore had long faded from her life. He remained in prison, serving time for that “accidental” fire and other accumulated charges. Leila too had paid for her role in everything, while Ariana had finally claimed the

life she deserved.

“Miss Collins, rehearsal starts in five minutes!” an assistant called from the doorway.

“Thanks, I’ll be right there!” Ariana replied, taking a deep breath as she prepared for another challenging day.

The stage had become her salvation, her healing space, her freedom. Every turn, every leap took her further from the nightmares of her past.

“Guys, have you heard? We’re doing a special collab with Team USA at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony!” Her colleague Zoe burst into the break room, excitedly waving a paper.

Ariana looked up from her stretching. “For real? When?”

“Next month!” Zoe handed her a list. “Look, you’ve been picked! We’re performing right before Team USA comes in the theme is ‘Friendship Across Boundaries.“”

the list, her heart racing. This was huge billions worldwide would be watching. Since joining the National Ballet, she’d never performed on such a massive

stage.

of returning to America also made her uneasy. Though

need to think about it,” she said quietly.

Margaret appeared in the doorway. “This

15.12

Swan’s Final Revenge Pirouette: The 99th

10.34

Chapter 24

Ariana. Don’t let anything hold

determined gaze and

from all nations, performers, and crew members navigated the limited space, trying to coordinate

adjusting her shoe ribbons at the edge of the stage when a deep

her.

is

tall man holding her water bottle. He wore Team USA training gear, with broad shoulders, a

she reached for the bottle, their fingers

contact point through her entire body. For a moment, she found it hard to breathe.

he extended his hand. “Team

replied, shaking his

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