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

Chapter 25

“So this is what elite ballet training really looks like,” Leo said, leaning in the doorway of the rehearsal room as he watched Ariana finish her warm–up. “Makes hockey practice look like

a walk in the park.

Ariana laughed, wiping sweat from her forehead with a towel. “Yeah right. I bet your training sessions are just as brutal.”

Leo walked in and sat on a nearby bench, offering her a bottle of water. “To be honest, I always thought ballet was all about grace and floating around. But watching you train… it’s. like seeing a serious athlete at work.”

Ariana took a sip and nodded. “Most people get it wrong. Every ‘effortless‘ move you see on stage comes from thousands of hours of practice and too many injuries to count.”

Leo’s eyes sparkled with admiration. “Just like hockey. People only see us gliding around. scoring goals, but never the 5 AM practices or the bruises.”

They exchanged knowing smiles, understanding each other without needing words.

“Any chance you’re free after my show tonight?” she asked as she adjusted her pointe shoes. “There’s this great place around the corner…”

“I’m free,” Leo answered without hesitation, his smile warm. “Always free for you.”

That dinner became their first real date, then came a second, third… With each meeting. their connection grew deeper.

worlds, they discovered shared values –

as her tour approached its end, the reality of their

sat on a bench in Central Park. “Doctors don’t think he has

Chapter 25

feeling his pain. “I’m so sorry, Leo.

is falling apart. Dad’s always been the one running everything, and as the only son,

Ariana said softly, understanding his

nodded, his eyes glistening. “Hockey’s my life, you know? But so is my family. I

–

man’s vulnerability, Ariana felt a surge of love wash over her. During these past months, she’d truly gotten to know Leo Reed his kindness, his integrity, his

her decision.

come with you,” she said firmly. “I can find dance opportunities in America. Maybe not as principal dancer,

his head. “Your career is at its peak right now. Principal dancer at the National Ballet – that’s what dancers dream about their whole lives.

that up.”

my choice,” she squeezed his hand tighter. “I love you, Leo Reed. And I believe once. you get the business back on track, you can return to hockey.”

at her, surprise and gratitude filling his eyes. “You’d really do all that for

“Not for you.

proved far more complicated than