This time, I was leaving for good. Taking my secret with me, along with my dream of becoming a professional ballerina, and a love I couldn’t hold onto. I’d go somewhere no one knew me and start fresh.
There, no one would know I was adopted by the d'Amboises. No one would know I’d fallen for someone I never should’ve loved.
I could finally chase my dreams without these feelings trapping me here.
As the night deepened, I stood by the window and watched Ulysses walk Ginger to her car.
They hugged in front of the car, exchanging kisses in the twilight.
I looked away and gently closed the curtains.
‘Goodbye, brother.’
‘Goodbye, my first love.’
Seven days before my flight—the same day Ginger moved in—I was in the practice room, rehearsing a new dance routine.
Through the floor-to-ceiling mirror, I saw her walk in, flanked by maids carrying two Louis Vuitton luggage.
Ulysses was right behind her, holding her makeup bag in one hand.
“Darcey, come help out,” he called to me.
I took off my headphones, wiping sweat from my forehead. “I still gotta practice—the competition’s coming up soon.”
Ginger slid her arm through his, smiling bright and charming.