Chapter 24: Chapter 24

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.“”

–

Ariana scanned 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.

But the thought of returning to America also made her uneasy. Though Luigi was locked. away, that country still held too many memories.

“I need to think about it,” she said quietly.

“Think about what?” Artistic Director Margaret appeared in the doorway. “This is a 15.12 The Black Swan’s Final Revenge Pirouette: The 99th Game Was Mine All Along 10.34 Chapter 24 career–defining moment, Ariana. Don’t let anything hold you back.”

Ariana met Margaret’s determined gaze and nodded. “You’re right. I’m in.”

The Winter Olympics rehearsals were even more intense than Ariana had imagined. Teams from all nations, performers, and crew members navigated the limited space, trying to coordinate complex routines.

She was adjusting her shoe ribbons at the edge of the stage when a deep voice spoke behind her.

“Excuse me, is this yours?”

Ariana turned to see a tall man holding her water bottle. He wore Team USA training gear, with broad shoulders, a defined jawline, and ice–blue eyes that met hers directly.

“Yes, thank you,” she reached for the bottle, their fingers briefly touching.

A jolt of electricity seemed to run from that contact point through her entire body. For a moment, she found it hard to breathe.

“I’m Leo Reed,” he extended his hand. “Team USA hockey.”

“Ariana Collins,” she replied, shaking his hand. “British National Ballet.”

Leo’s hand was warm and strong, his handshake firm but not overpowering. His eyes swept over her face as if searching for something. “You look familiar,” he commented. “Have we met before?”

Ariana’s heart skipped, but she quickly composed herself. No one could possibly recognize her. She’d changed her hairstyle, lost significant weight, even her facial structure looked different due to these changes. Besides, she’d never met this Leo Reed.

“I don’t think so,” she answered, her lips curving slightly. “I’d remember.”

Leo broke into a smile that lit up his entire face Same here. I definitely would too.”

After the opening ceremony, Ariana was meant to return to London to continue her rehearsals, but an unexpected invitation changed her plans.

F “Miss Collins,” her agent said over the phone, “the American Ballet Theatre wants you for their winter tour! It’s a two–month contract with excellent pay. They were blown away by your opening ceremony performance.“_________ Sitting in her hotel room, Ariana contemplated the offer. Stay in America for two more months? This meant postponing several projects in London. But it was also a ráre opportunity to work with another world–class company.

And she had to admit, there was another factor drawing her to accept.

Since their brief conversation at the opening ceremony, she and Leo had stayed in touch. It started with simple text messages, then occasional calls, quickly evolving into daily conversations. They talked with natural ease about everything – from professional techniques to childhood memories to dreams for the future.

Leo mentioned he’d be competing in several cities during her tour – they could meet up.

“PII take it,” she told her agent, her heart racing!