Her Night Dance Novel – As the tour approached, the company abruptly revoked my lead dancer status. Desperate to get answers, I rushed to confront them. Distracted and flustered, I missed a step and tumbled down the stairs. While wincing in pain and about to dial 911, a notification popped up on my screen. [Crimson Ballet Company:
The new lead dancer @Amber Vaughn and the amazing sponsor @Ethan Ward.] Two smiling faces stared back at me from the photo—my husband of seven secret years and his pampered mistress. Ethan’s arm was wrapped around Amber’s waist as he kissed her cheek. Amber clung to Ethan’s neck, her face glowing with bashful pride. Wiping the blood from the corner of my mouth, I posted a photo of our marriage certificate in the comment section.
Clara: [Is your new ballet production about shameless mistresses?] Ethan’s call came through within minutes. “Clara Bennett, what the hell are you doing? How many times do I have to tell you—Amber and I are just putting on a show.” I sniffled, trying to keep my voice steady. “What gives you the right to take my lead role and hand it to her?” He hesitated. “Wait… Are you at Crimson Ballet Company?” There was a brief pause before he continued, his tone turning casual, almost dismissive. “Amber wanted the lead in this tour as a birthday gift.
I didn’t know the role was yours. Just go online and say the marriage certificate is fake.” A bitter laugh escaped my lips. He didn’t even know where I worked but somehow remembered Amber’s birthday wish. “And why should I fake a marriage certificate?” Ethan’s voice was calm, as if explaining something obvious. “You could say you’re a fan of mine.” “A fan? That’s how you see me?” He let out a long sigh. “Clara, we’ve been married for seven years.
We’re practically an old married couple. Amber’s young—there’s no need to start drama with her.” Old? Did he forget that I married him before I even graduated college? That despite our seven years together, I was only a year older than Amber?