Chapter 16

***Kenya.***

*Five days later...*

I stood in my dressing room and couldn't believe the turn of events. A new room, complete with fancy decorations, courtesy, Mr Dave Byron. Unbelievable!

Tonight, Odette wasn't dancing with Lloyd. I was. A remarkable feeling, coursing through me.

The handsome and professional Lloyd, had come in earlier to congratulate me, showing an enthusiasm to dance in the stage with me. All through practice hours, he had endlessly remarked on the chemistry we shared in dancing. Something he claimed was lacking with Odette. I was stunned, knowing I never existed to Lloyd, until Dave announced me as the lead ballerina.

Now, sitting in the room alone, all dressed up, I was unable to stop myself. I looked beautiful. My dark-chocolate skin glowed like velvet in the beautiful, immaculate ballerina's ensemble. And the gifts sent me by Levi, moments ago, adorned me, gracefully. A diamond jewelry set, complete with a small comb and a note, all in a velvet box.

***'To the Belle of the Night.***

***Break a leg, Kenya.***

***Levi Ruthford.'***

I had unconsciously held the velvet rectangular box and the card close to my heart. And now, with the gifts adorning me, I felt delicate, treasured. Someone's treasure., Levi's treasure. A sweet thrill sailed through me, at the memory of five nights ago. The pleasure he had given me caused me to squirm, clenching my thighs. I wondered what would have happened if I hadn't been a virgin. Would it have been wonderful? My virginity, the only treasure I had. I recalled that part of me.

That night after dinner, he didn't press further. Depositing me safely at my door step. A tender kiss on my forehead. Since then, only calls, nothing suggestive of the desire we encountered that night. No talks about that night. I was baffled, knowing we had both enjoyed ourselves. But I didn't question him. I only followed his pace. It was like he now saw me as a novice, I couldn't say. But I preferred the way we were, before he found out about my virginity.

The door creaked open behind me, interrupting my thoughts. I turned and gazed at Odette Withers, who stood in the doorway. A silence fell, as she closed the space between us. Under her glare, I suddenly felt uncomfortable, like a usurper.

"Odette"

"Save it, Kenya." Odette bit out. I looked at her eyes and saw the redness in them. *Had Odette been crying?*

"You snatched the spotlight from me, all because you were able to fuck your way through the top. Relegating me to the side." Odette called out bitterly. I rose up, instantly, my eyes flashing in shock at Odette's accusation.

"I know Dave's reneging on his decision to make you the lead dancer must have come to you as a shock. Still, it gives you no right to falsely accuse me"

"Oh my God, Kenya. Don't tell me you are this naïve. You think this is about Dave." A bitter chuckle escaped Odette's lips as she continued.

"This isn't about Dave Byron, darling. Dave is only a small fry in the claws of the one that got you this chance."

I stared at her, perplexed. "WhatWhat are you talking about, Odette?" I cluelessly asked.

"I am talking about Levi Ruthford, Kenya." Odette announced. I shifted back in shock. "The man who got you this chance in the spotlight was Levi."

Glaring at Odette for spurting such nonsense, for such vileness, even if I was attracted to Levi, I spoke.

"Odette, there is no way that Mr Ruthford, would do such a thing you accuse him of. He wouldn't buy a chance for me or whatever you have suggested"

"You don't believe me, right? Sure you wouldn't, Kenya, because the man cleaned his act well. Didn't you wonder the reason Dave threw me off, and gave you the part of the '*Suffering Princess*' in such short notice, even though you hadn't practiced?" Odette spat, befuddling me.

"Didn't it bother you that in spite of your impediment that Byron let you in as the lead dancer?" Odette sneered at me. I flinched, wrapping my arms around me. Burning with humiliation.

"A new room was given to you, complete with decorations, didn't you think it through?"

My eyes widened. Those same thoughts had crossed my mind.

"But these aren't speculations, Kenya. I heard it fresh from Byron. He told me himselfWell he boasted that Levi had handsomely paid him to give you the spotlight. And now, you stand here, like a queen, awaiting her coronation." Odette glared. My chest constricted. I staggered, gripping the vanity for support.

"It's not true." I muttered, tears stinging my eyes.

"Just enjoy the chance while you can, honey. Because it isn't going to last"

A knock came on the door and Dave popped his head in. One look at the scene and a knowing look crossed his face. Scowling at Odette, he walked into the room.

"Odette, what are you doing in here? Shouldn't you be in the audience?" Dave asked, glaring at her. I watched them, Odette smiling cunningly. She strolled towards Dave.

"I was only helping her get in her role, Dave." She lied. He turned a look to me and returned his gaze to Odette.

"The next time I see you in the room of a performer, when you aren't one of the dancers for a show, I would fire you and you would never dance on the stage again, lead dancer or not." Curt, he brushed past an ashen faced Odette, stopping in front of me.

"Whatever venom she spat, know that there is none more deserving of this, than you." He confessed.

I stared into his eyes, tears threatening to spill. Wondering if he was sincere, wondering at his thoughts.

"It's time for you to head out," Dave said to me. It seemed he sensed my hesitance, doubt on my face. Extending his hand, palm up, he said.

"It's time to dance, Kenya Anderson."