“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.
But that peace didn’t last long.
Ginger started redecorating the villa as if she were already the wife.
My favorite oil painting? Gone. She swapped it for some postmodern installation art she loved. She even installed security cameras in every corner of the villa.
The dining room got a fancy new set of bone china, but the home-cooked meals I grew up with? Those were history.