I forced back my tears, doing my best to keep my voice steady. “Congratulations to you both.”
The second those words left my mouth, I practically bolted upstairs, shutting myself in my room. The tears I’d been holding back finally spilled over, streaming silently down my face.
I grabbed my phone and stared at that admission letter once more.
Maybe this was the universe’s way of cutting me a break—a chance to leave with my dignity intact without having to watch their wedding play out in front of me.
Outside the window, the sunset had turned the sky a blood-red hue.
Kind of like the love I’d stubbornly held onto all these years—destined to fade away in the evening light.
It was time to leave.
I wiped my tears and started searching for plane tickets online.
The new semester would start at the end of August, but I decided to leave a month early. I would need time to settle in to get acquainted with my new life.
Just then, my phone buzzed. It was a message from my Aunt Petunia.
[Darcey, I’ll handle your passport and visa. You just focus on getting ready, okay? Let me know if you need help with anything.]
I felt my eyes sting again reading her words.
She’d tried, gently, to tell me before to let my feelings for Ulysses go. But I was too stubborn to listen.
Now, looking back, I realized she’d been right. Some paths just don’t lead anywhere.
Laughter floated up from downstairs—Ginger must’ve arrived. I turned up the music on my phone and started packing.
In the back of my closet, I found a pile of postcards and photos I’d stashed away over the years—all tied to Ulysses.
I looked through them one by one. Each photo felt like a tiny blade, slicing fresh wounds into my heart.
In the end, I packed them all into a box, sealing them away along with the naive feelings of my younger self.
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.
“Lee, don’t distract your sister. I heard she’s competing in the Youth America Grand Prix. She can’t afford to lose focus.”
Her words sounded sweet enough, but they made my skin crawl
And just as I guessed, her tone shifted as she continued.
“Though honestly, Darcey, you’ve been practicing forever, and your moves still aren’t smooth. Maybe it’s time to find a better coach?”
I bit my lip and stayed quiet.
This routine was mine, a mix of contemporary and traditional dance. I’d spent months perfecting every step.
Ulysses patted her hand gently. “Alright, let’s go get your room set up.”
As I watched them walk away together, I took a deep breath and put my headphones back on.
The music started, and I lost myself in my own world. Ballet was my only refuge—the only place where I could momentarily forget all my troubles.
