Chapter 37
Elena could no longer dance. Nadine had taken her place and became the new “Dance Queen”.
Back then, the title had only been a joke. Elena never took it to heart. What she truly cared about now was the fact that she could never dance again…
The comment section of the video exploded with lines of colorful emojis.
“So beautiful! How can anyone dance this beautifully?”
“That body control is insane! That posture! Could I ever reach this level if I practice for ten years?”
“My mom just asked me why I was watching this video on my knees.”
“She really deserves to be the new Dance Queen!”
“Wait, Dance Queen? I thought Elena Miller was the Dance Queen?”
“Yes, Elena! I remember her. She can dance really well, too!”
“Come on, Elena hasn’t danced in ages. Nadine is now the Dance Queen, alright?”
“You’re right. I haven’t seen Elena dance in a long time. She danced to ‘The Night Without Dawn’ and won first place at the international dance competition, right?”
“Yes, I remember it. To be honest, the woman in this video danced really well, but compared to Elena
back then, she’s still a little…”
“You’re just biased toward Elena. I think Nadine dances way better.”
“Hah! A cripple should know her place and just quit the dance world.”
“A cripple? Elena’s crippled?”
The smell of disinfectant in the hospital suddenly became sharp and almost unbearable.
Elena couldn’t take her eyes off Nadine’s bright, smiling face on the screen. The deafening roar of that rainy night’s car crash from two years ago echoed in her ears, and her right leg seemed to be aching again.
She could no longer dance her favorite piece. Yet the very person who caused her to lose that ability was now performing the exact same dance on a public platform, basking in praise.
Overwhelming hatred engulfed her, and her hands trembled uncontrollably. She swore she would make Nadine pay the price…
Suddenly, a warm hand wrapped around hers.
“Stop watching.”
The voice was gentle.
She slowly came back to herself and lifted her head. Alexander was standing in front of her, carrying a large bouquet of lilies in his right hand and holding her hand with his left.
“Pardon me,” he said, and took the phone out of her hand. He turned off the video and set the gadget on
the cabinet beside them.
“Mr. Golden, I…”
She tried to talk, but her voice was hoarse. She drew a deep breath, and when she spoke again, her tone
was calmer.
“I’m sorry I lost my composure for a moment. I wasn’t expecting you.”
“No need to apologize,” he said, setting the lilies down. “Besides, I don’t think you lost your composure at
all.”
He then took a seat. Looking into her eyes, he continued, “Ms. Miller, we’ve been through a lot together. I’d really like to hear what’s on your mind, only if you’re willing to tell. You don’t need to keep it all inside.”
A sour ache welled in Elena’s chest. Could she really… share her burdens with him?
Perhaps, she could. By now, Alexander had become someone she felt she could trust.
“Mr. Golden,” she said with trembling lips, “I used to love dancing so much.”
Her gaze dropped to her right leg.
“My mom was a remarkable dancer before she passed away. She taught me how to dance from the
moment I could walk. She said I had talent, that I carried a true passion for dance, and that one day I’d
become an even greater dancer than she was.”
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