Garrick and I walked up to the stage together. The bright chandelier dazzled my eyes. My shoulder blades trembled, and then I felt Garrick gently pat me on the shoulder to reassure me. A few whispers caused me to briefly lose focus. They talked about me again.
"Esther and Garrick are in love? Aren't Esther and Baldric the perfect match for our academy? Maybe Esther cheated on Baldric already."
"Oh, Esther is a drama queen. I heard she got a special offer from the principal. Could it be... did she have an affair with the principal? That's disgusting. The principal is over 60 years old. "
"Unfortunately for Esther, she has to perform after Kaylin Joan. I bet she'll lose against Kaylin, even if she has Garrick as a partner."
I sighed, trying to calm myself from the useless words. I know I'm a country girl who loves ballet and can't be compared with elegant ladies. But today I want to prove to them that a duck can also turn into a swan.
As soon as the music came on, I immediately dropped my soul into the song. Free footsteps move to a melodious song. Barrick and I coordinate well, every difficult move is done easily. During the process of ballet, I close my eyes, listen to music and let my legs swing in the most comfortable way.
When the music ended, I was still immersed in my emotions. The space is unusually quiet. For a moment, I thought my performance was so bad that no one applauded.
But that's not it.
I opened my eyes and saw bewildered faces looking at me, even Kaylin couldn't keep her confidence and stared at me bewildered.
Suddenly, Ms Glenda stood up. She sighed, then clapped her hands slowly. Like a chain effect, people came to their senses and clapped their hands and whistled.
"I think I've just passed out. When I watch Esther Joan ballet, I think of the legendary ballerina Rowan Ambar of the Angels."
"Can't you see, even the tough Ms Glenda had to stand up for Esther and Garrick's ballet. It's crazy, Garrick with Esther is even better than with Kaylin."
"I have to admit Esther shines like a queen. She's so beautiful, her technique is unbelievable. Although I don't like Esther, I think she is Kaylin's most formidable opponent at the moment."
All feelings of anxiety, restlessness and nervousness disappeared after everyone clapped and cheered for me. I saw that Ms Glenda seemed to be smiling.
Kaylin bit her lip, then she suddenly stood up and left. It seems Kaylin couldn't control her displeasure, she looked at me with unconcealed anger. Some of Kaylin's close friends also rushed to follow Kaylin.
She didn't even want to stay to hear the results of the evaluation.
In the afternoon, all performances were completed. It was not surprising that two other classmates and I were selected to join the Royal group. In addition, Ms. Glenda herself announced the grades and rankings of all the students at Malibu academy.
"Look everyone, Esther Joan overtook Kaylin Joan to become the top of Malibu academy again. Her score is 279/300."
"Unbelievable. Ms Glenda gave Esther a near perfect score."
"Is there any chance that Esther will become Garrick's partner instead of Kaylin? A perfect guy like Garrick will definitely go with the most outstanding girl."
Rumors and gossip are everywhere. Kaylin returned home early, and Garrick and I celebrated our victory.
"I told you, I think you can do it. You really have a natural talent for ballet."
"Haha, I still need to practice a lot. Everyone in the Royal team is excellent." I answered humbly. However, it is undeniable that my mood right now is great, feeling extremely proud of myself because the effort that I put in is well rewarded.
Suddenly, I saw a large crowd gathered in front of the academy gate. Everyone is whispering about something. I glanced and saw a luxury car parked.
"Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition..." I mumbled, then realized something wasn't right and left in a panic.
However, before I could take the third step, someone called my name behind me.
"Esther Joan."
I turned my head and found everyone staring at me with curious eyes. Dominic Arnold dropped his cigarette on the ground, moved his foot a few times, then slowly walked towards me.
With each step he took closer, I felt a little heavier pressure.
"Get in the car, I'll take you home."
I originally intended to pretend that I didn't know Dominic to avoid trouble, but things didn't go as I planned.
I quietly went to sit in the car with Dominic, the happy mood suddenly dropped. Neither he nor I spoke to each other, the atmosphere became awkward.
"Is that your boyfriend?" Dominic suddenly asked.
"Huh? Who?" I don't quite understand who he is talking about.
"..."
He stopped reading the document and turned his head to look at me. His eyes showed no emotion, but I vaguely sensed that he seemed unhappy.
"You mean the young master of the Harvey family? Me and him are just friends. Besides... my boyfriend and I have already broken up, please don't bring this up again."
"Oh, is that so."
We stopped talking, and the atmosphere in the car turned strangely confused. I had to start a conversation.
"Am I moving to your house today?" I asked cautiously for fear of disturbing his work.
"That's right. I bought all the new furniture in your room and sent a maid to take care of you. Besides, if you need anything else just tell him."
Dominic jerked his chin at the man driving the car. I followed him and saw a tall, serious guy.
"Hello, Miss Joan, I'm Ethan, Sir Dominic Arnold's secretary."
"Hi." I politely greeted him with a smile. After that, I continued to talk to Dominic. "Is there anything I should take note of? You know, I'm not a model lady like the others, so..."
"Listen, Esther Joan. You've only been my fiancé for three months, there's no need to make that obvious. Your duty is to obediently lie on the bed and wait for me, until I get bored with you, you can just leave."
Dominic Arnold's words really gave me goosebumps. My self-esteem was badly hurt. But there's no denying he has the right to do so. I sold my body and honor to him, in return for the safety of me and my mother for a short period of time. I shouldn't have asked him that question. I feel sorry for asking such a stupid question.
For the rest of the time, Dominic was focused on his work, and I was quietly watching the scenery outside the window.