Chapter 8

Evelyn finally regained consciousness three days later. This time, she saw Cameron watching over her by her bedside. He looked tired, and his eyes were bloodshot. When he saw that she was awake, he reached out with trembling hands to help her. However, she dodged his touch. His hands stiffened in mid-air, and he retracted them after a while. His throat constricted as he forced out, "You can still walk as normal, but you won't be able to dance anymore. It's okay, though. It doesn't matter if you can't dance because I'll always be here for you. Jocelyn's my fiancée. I couldn't abandon her." Evelyn should've felt many things. She should've been angry, in despair, sad, and tormented. She should've screamed and raged. But when everything washed over her, she was only left with resignation. She said hoarsely, "Please leave." Silence descended upon the room. In the end, Cameron told her to rest before leaving. Once the door shut behind him, she finally burst into hopeless tears. She was the little girl who'd locked herself in the studio to practice dancing daily; she was also the little girl who'd danced like her life depended on it, even in the middle of summer. She was the young woman who'd sworn to lead the dance troupe to greater heights, and she was the young woman who'd wanted to dance for life. At that moment, her dreams were shattered by her injured legs. Evelyn's dreams had been reduced to dust! … Since being told that she would no longer be able to dance, Evelyn became a shell of her former self. She didn't cry or laugh anymore. All she did was sit with a blanket over her legs as she stared listlessly out the window. This changed on the day of the dance troupe's performance. She ignored the Ford family's protests and headed to the performance venue. She took a seat in the last row. A piano melody started playing amidst the darkness, and she focused on the stage. She watched as Jocelyn wore the costume that was supposed to be hers and danced the dance that she was supposed to lead. Jocelyn received the applause and flowers that should've been hers. As the confetti landed on the stage, everyone stood up for a standing ovation. Cameron went on stage with a bouquet to kiss his leading lady, and the other members of the dance troupe complimented and sucked up to Jocelyn. Evelyn was the only one who remained seated as she wordlessly watched the people come and go. Finally, the crowd dispersed. Then, she got up and headed to the stage. Cameron subconsciously shielded Jocelyn when he saw Evelyn approach. "Come at me if you're angry. Don't hurt her." Evelyn merely looked at him with lifeless eyes. Jocelyn smirked before tugging on Cameron's sleeve. She put on a pitiful act and said, "It's okay, Cameron. It's all my fault for taking Evelyn's position as principal dancer and performing the dance she choreographed. It's only natural that she's mad." Evelyn shook her head. "I'm not mad. I came to give you two a present." This surprised everyone. A present? What for? "Come with me." She turned and walked out of the hall. When everyone joined her outside, fireworks exploded in the sky, lighting it up with colors. A hint of astonishment flickered in Cameron's eyes. Then, he heard Evelyn say, "Do you remember the fireworks you set off for me on the day I became principal dancer, Cameron? "You wished that I would live an illustrious life and achieve everything I wanted to achieve. Now, I'm returning those fireworks to you. I hope you and your wife will have a happily-ever-after and be together forever." Cameron's pupils constricted when he heard her address Jocelyn as his wife. He turned to look at her. This was her first time acknowledging Jocelyn as that! His heart clenched, and he parted his lips to speak. However, Evelyn had already turned away and left.