Okay, Ana, don’t be nervous.

I mentally vocalized as I neared the desk, my fist clenching and unclenching, until I forced them to just stay still and not make me more anxious than I already am.

I cleared my throat. "Um, hello...?"

Her eyes stayed glued to the screen, her fingers typing at speed. "Yes, how can I help you?"

She sounded tired.

"I—"

"If you’re here for the eleven o’clock appointment, then I’m gonna have to ask you to wait, and no, I won’t push it. When it’s scheduled, there are no changes, so please wait for your turn or come back later." She took a quick sip from her coffee.

O.. kay?

"Actually, I do have an appointment, but I wasn’t given a specific time."

"I always give the—" She froze mid-sentence when she set her eyes on me, and they almost bulged out of her sockets.

"I was told to see her when I’m back so um here I am, I guess..."

"Holy... fuck," she murmured under her breath before standing up so quickly it startled me. " Oh, my God. Mrs. Salvero."

I cringed hearing that name from an outsider made me feel all kinds of wrong. I’m honestly still not used to it, and the urge to punch whoever said it was overwhelming.

I flashed a grin. "Yes... that’d be me... unfortunately." I added the last bit under my breath.

She adjusted her glasses and rounded the desk, coming to me. "Your appointment...! Oh gosh, I’m so sorry, silly me!"

"It’s okay, you didn’t—"

"Just give me a quick second... I’ll be right back."

Before I could speak, she was already scurrying down the corridor toward the door marked "Director".

I stood for a few seconds before she came out.

"Mrs. Valmont will see you now..."

"Thanks."

She left the door open for me, and I stepped into the broad office with tall windows overlooking the city. The entire interior was dressed in white, with a few framed pictures on the wall, but what caught my attention the most was the various polished trophies lined on the shelves.

Wow!

Hearing the sound of the chair leg squeaking against the floor, I moved my eyes to Mrs. Valmont, rising to her feet as she rounded the desk.

It’s actually her. Genevieve Valmont, the woman I have watched growing up. The reason I decided to start ballet in the first place.

I’m in her office right now, and she’s right here!

She was just as beautiful close up. Wavy brunette hair swept in a flawless bun, bright blue eyes, and her whole attire was just art.

A ivory silk blouse and a high-waisted wine-red tailored trousers. Paired with a matching blazer and pointed heels that clicked sharply as she neared me.

"Mrs. Salvero..." her sweet voice chimed, and I was compelled to smile. "I’m so glad to see you, Muah! Muah!" She leaned in for air kisses at the side of my cheeks.

"L-Likewise," I said nervously, doing my best not to stutter like a fool.

"I’ve been looking forward to your return. Trust me, I thought maybe two months or even longer. Please have a seat."

I sat on the comfortable white leather chair in front of her executive desk, and she followed suit, her hands clamped against the table, a big, infectious smile on her lips.

"So tell me, Mrs. Salvero... should I expect you more often, or are you still in the bliss of honeymoon?"

My stomach tightened, but I did my best to maintain my smile. "The honeymoon is over... my full resumption is in effect."

"Oh.. that’s too bad. Either way, I’m truly grateful for your husband’s generous donation. He’s officially one of our biggest sponsors."

My eyelid twitched as my smile grew increasingly strained. "Donation?"

That explained a lot... I wouldn’t be surprised that was the only reason she called me here. Way to kill the moment.

"Yes... But that isn’t the reason I wanted to see you... Though I would have for formalities sake, but this is something personal."

My heart skipped a bit as my interest spiked, and suddenly the snake faded away from my thoughts.

"I-It’s not?"

"I took some time to look through your file and your rehearsals as well as your on-stage performance, and I have to ask... why haven’t you taken the lead yet?"

I grew confused. "Well, we all have our roles to play, so... I did that."

She nodded her head slowly in a way that intimidated me when I knew it shouldn’t.

"That’s unfortunate..."

"I-Is something wrong?"

"No, but I think I need to get the instructor’s eyes checked because clearly they are not using it..."

I blinked, a bit stunned by her abruptness.

"But that’s beside the point... what I’m saying is I have never seen a more beautiful dancer."

My lower lip dropped slightly.

"It’s an error on my part that it took so long to recognize your talents."

I leveled my gaze at my hands on my lap. "It’s an honor to hear you say that..."

This is unbelievable. I’m so shocked right now that I don’t know how to process this.

"I see promises in you, Ana. May I call you Ana...?"

"O-Of course, Mrs. Valmont."

A tender smile touched her lips in a way that made my chest feel warm. I can’t remember the last time anyone has given me such a smile.

She veered her eyes back to her laptop as if still fascinated. "I’m amazed... something awakened in you these past two years. Almost as if you transformed." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

I released a soft breath.

That was because I poured my heart and soul after I lost Annabeth. Dancing didn’t become a hobby anymore or a thing to pass the time while still admiring the woman I wanted to be... things changed, and I just... I don’t know... danced with everything I had left.

"I’m impressed, Ana. Truly. You have potential that shouldn’t be overlooked."

Her words softened my expression, a squeeze in my chest.

"Which is why I’d like to make you an offer..."