Chapter 6 How Pitiful
822 Words
"What do you think?" Roger's voice was soft, almost hesitant. "It's close by, and I have a clean guest room."
"Hmm?" Giselle raised a brow, watching as Roger stepped across the hallway, pressed his fingerprint to a scanner, and unlocked a door.
Years ago, when he learned Giselle had bought this apartment, he immediately paid for the one next door.
She blinked in surprise. "You live here? Right across from me?"
Roger rubbed the back of his neck, laughing nervously. "Yeah, funny coincidence, huh? So, my dear guest, can you stay here tonight?"
The hall instantly fell silent. Giselle looked at Roger, who was breathing slightly faster than usual because of nervousness. The rising and falling of his chest, his alluring collarbones, and his bashful gaze were all too obvious under the light.
For a moment, questions started forming in her mind but vanished as quickly as they appeared. Instead, she smiled politely. "Thank you for the offer, but I'll just grab a cab home tonight."
*****
Meanwhile, at the Redland Pub, Herbert sat in the familiar private room, now brightly lit.
A stack of papers rested in his hands as he flipped through them rapidly, his tone betraying a subtle hint of relief he didn't seem to notice himself.
"So this Roger guy is just her junior from school? Nothing romantic between them?"
"That's right," Fenn confirmed. "So Gigi's single. If you still have feelings for her, now's the time to make a move."
Herbert scoffed, leaning back lazily. "Feelings? We broke up. She wanted out, and that's her choice. Whether she's single or dating doesn't matter to me."
Lester looked at him, his crimson eyes heavy with judgment. "You're lying to yourself. You still care about her."
Herbert hesitated for a moment before laughing. "What a joke! She's just like every other woman I've dated—nothing special. It was all just a game."
*****
The following morning, Tina arrived at Clarice's residence, clutching a set of emerald jewelry worth millions, carefully wrapped in the latest Louis Vuitton packaging.
After her failed attempts to meet Clarice and Roger, she decided to take a more direct approach.
As Tina sat in the living room, her pale golden eyes brimmed with tears as she gazed at Clarice, her idol. This was the legendary master of modern dance, a figure Tina worshiped. Becoming her student would be the ultimate dream come true.
However, as soon as Tina introduced herself, her voice trembling, Clarice's expression darkened instantly.
She cut the conversation short, wheeled herself to the door, and ordered Tina out.
Tina stood there, stunned and confused.
Inside, Clarice fumed. "So, you're that brat's niece? He stole my brightest student and broke my most vulnerable one's heart. I'd never forgive him—or entertain any connection to his family!"
*****
Later that afternoon, Giselle visited a clothing store to pick out some practice attire.
Roger tagged along to help.
As Giselle took a set of clothes from Roger's hands, four tall, stylish young women approached him eagerly.
"You're Roger, right? We're your fans!" said one girl with a golden ponytail.
"Fans?" Giselle asked, puzzled.
"Yeah! You didn't know? He's the Dancing Roger. Tons of girls are obsessed with him."
Roger scratched the back of his head and turned to Giselle. "I'm sorry about this. I'll take them aside for some photos and be right back, okay?"
Giselle nodded, watching curiously as the group led Roger away.
*****
Intrigued, she pulled out her phone and searched for Roger on t****k.
His account had millions of followers. The top video was a breathtaking solo performance—powerful yet graceful movements set against a backdrop of epic music and striking lighting effects.
It combined both ancient stories and modern dance techniques, truly a masterpiece.
The comments overflowed with praise for his extraordinary skill and artistry.
She smiled faintly. Of course, Clarice's students would always be exceptional.
*****
At the store entrance, Tina sighed. "I admire Ms. Bones so much. For a dance student, having her as a mentor is the ultimate honor."
She turned to the woman beside her and continued, "But Grandma, Ms. Bones doesn't like me. I don't know why."
Maddison Horne, Herbert's mother and Tina's grandmother, patted Tina's hand soothingly. "Don't be discouraged, sweetheart. I have an idea. Once we finish shopping, I'll take you to visit the university president."
She smiled and continued, "Clarice announced that Roger's next duet partner will be granted a chance to become her student. Unfortunately, Roger keeps a low profile, and no one knows where he lives. We'll ask the president for his preferences and contact information."
"Thank you, Grandma! You're amazing!" Tina said excitedly.
*****
As Giselle lost herself in memories of her past dance career, a sharp, mocking voice cut through her reverie.
It was Tina.
"Well, well, Giselle. What are you doing here?" She sneered. "Have you been reduced to working as a*****e clerk?"
- Writer
