Chapter 72: So Called Friend
I was in the ballet studio undergoing a class for the last few hours.
"Good, very good..." Mrs. Valmont said, checking my pose one more time before nodding her head in satisfaction. "And from the top again. Slower... don’t rush. Let the flow guide you."
I did the variation again, this time following her lead.
"Very good!" she praised me as I did the last twirl. "And... pause."
I ceased my movement and took a deep breath.
"That is good, Ana."
I smiled. "Thank you."
"Though I noticed you were a bit stiff."
"Stiff?"
"Is your mind somewhere else?"
I opened my mouth to say something, but I shut it right back.
"Ana?"
"N-No! I’m just exhausted, that’s all."
"Are you sure? It seems like something is on your mind."
I chewed the inside of my mouth before mustering the best smile I could conjure. "I’m fine, really."
"Alright, then we’re done for today. Oh, one more thing, you will be joining the advanced class tomorrow, and you’ll be meeting your partner."
"Can’t wait!" I tried my best to sound as excited as possible.
"Good day..." she said with a smile before leaving the studio, and it was almost as if I could finally let the mood wind back in.
I have spent the day trying my best to look okay, so I’m not even sure what kind of expression I was gonna conjure.
I was about to walk toward my bag but stopped midway when Clara walked into the studio.
"So lucky..." she murmured with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. "The director herself, personally attended to you. You must feel on top of the world right now. You know this has always been my dream too."
"Shocker. What the fuck are you doing here?"
Clara gave me a look like it was obvious. "That’s a very bizarre question to ask. I mean, what does it look like? I have resumed just in time to catch your moment."
"Really?"
"Yes, really. What’s wrong? Aren’t you happy to see me? After what happened a night ago, I thought we were friends again."
"Friends?"
Does she even know the meaning of that word?
"Friends tell each other the truth, and I have. Well, not directly from me, but you get the message... right?"
I ignored her, walking to my bag and sitting on the floor to change out of my ballet shoes.
"So tell me... how does it feel to know the truth about your dearest sister? I have always thought she was this pure, sweet person that could never go wrong, but then again, she really went after it big with Zade. Silly, she thought a relationship with him was gonna end in roses."
I shoved my things into my bag with far too much force, but doing that alone didn’t quiet the rage burning inside me.
"Doesn’t this make you angry? The reason why Zade married you? It wasn’t just about settling whatever debts your father had."
"Stop!" I snapped as I rose to my feet. "Just stop! What do you want from me?"
"Simple. My daddy needs you to take down Zade Salvero for good."
I scoffed. "Is this what this is all about?"
"What else could it be? You hate him, don’t you, and want to get revenge, or have you never thought of having that? Was this all about just hating him for the rest of your life? Please... you and I both know that’s not enough."
I felt a burn surge through me even more at the idea of having revenge. I have always wanted that, but I could never afford it. God knows how much I thought about stabbing that snake.
The rage I felt when I was dragged back to the cathedral. It wasn’t the same as it was... wasn’t as hot. What I felt right now wasn’t just anger and pain... I don’t even know what I feel.
"Don’t think too much about it because there’s nothing to think... You wanna destroy Zade, and you know it."
I squinted my eyes at her. "Now that sounds like Shane talking. What now? Doing his bidding like the dedicated fiancé you are? I know you, Clara. What do you get out of this?"
Her smirk got wider as she walked behind me and whispered in my ear. "When Zade Salvero gets out of the picture, Shane will become King of the Undercity."
"King of the Undercity?"
She ticked her tongue. "You don’t know much, do you... Well, why spoil it so soon?"
She came forward with her arms crossed. "Help us take down Zade from the inside. I promise you, when Shane takes power, you will be protected for the rest of your life."
"What gave you the impression I’m gonna do any of that?"
"Because you have no choice. This is an eye for an eye. An opportunity right at your doorstep. Surely you don’t wanna waste it."
I swallowed a lump in my throat.
"I’ll keep in touch." She twirled on her heels and walked away.
~☆~
I got in my car, slamming the door shut. I ran a hand through my hair before I started the car and drove out. My grip tightened against the wheels until my knuckles turned white.
I pressed harder on the gas, picking up speed.
Slow down!
A voice at the back of my head warned me, but it was as if my foot had a mind of its own. I could heard the engine roaring, the voices in my head getting louder and louder.
However, I hit the brakes just in time, tires screeching as my body lunged forward, but thankfully I had my seatbelt on.
In a raspy breath, I lifted my gaze. I was able to make it before I crashed into the car in front of me.
I closed my eyes and leaned back against the seat.
What the fuck am I doing?
I opened my eyes, waiting for the lights to turn green, and when they did, I drove out, but I didn’t take the road back to the manor.
