Chapter l433

Chapter 0433

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The next day was the dress rehearsal for the performance event. All of the candidates, Nicholas, Julian, Elva, and I were in our costumes in the ballroom at the base of the stage, chatting and getting ready. Everyone’s spirits seemed to be high.

In our costumes, we made for a colorful bunch. Many of the choices were vibrant and bombastic. We’d surely catch a lot of strange looks if we had been anywhere other than on a theater stage. I wondered if every show was like this. I’d always been so busy and watchful of money, that I’d never been to a show.

I’d successfully managed to bottle most of my hurt, especially with Elva around.

Many times today, Nicholas tried to get me alone, but I’d always managed to deflect him, either by dragging Susie around with me, or sticking to Veronica and Tiffany like glue.

He must have noticed. I could practically feel his stare burning holes into the back of my head, but after the night before, I wasn’t ready to face him. There was still too much hurt between us. It took everything inside of me not to run to another closet to hide and cry. 1

The com

Elva needed me strong. The competition needed me strong. I wasn’t going to lose points and face early expulsion just because of my inner scars.

Elva needed to be here for her health, and I had to make sure she stayed for as long as possible.

Oddly, Julian also seemed to notice me avoiding Nicholas. Once, when Nicholas nearly caught me alone, Julian himself stepped in, draping his arm around my shoulders. I hadn’t. made a joke, but he laughed like I had.

As Nicholas went away again without saying a word, Julian leaned into me and whispered in my ear, “Stay close to me. I’ll keep him at bay.”

“Thank you,” I replied.

And Julian, true to his word, stayed near me.

I had thought it would be a temporary measure. I was sure that as soon as Bridget batted her eyelashes in his direction, that he would veer off and chase after her.

Because Bridget seemed so busy giving direction to Nathan, I hadn’t thought too much about it. I was grateful to have Julian’s help for however long or little he chose to give it.

Yet, then Bridget herself came over, and, casting her big blue eyes at Julian, asked, “Can you

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help me, Julian? I need someone to move around some of the props on stage while I stay back and watch from where the audience would sit. No one listens as well as you. 目

What a backhanded compliment that was. I nearly snapped a snarky reply of my own, but, being conscious of Julian and his feelings, instead I took his hand in mine and squeezed, offering him my support. He needed that more than my snarky remarks.

If he wanted to go, I’d let him. It wasn’t my place to stand in his way. I would be disappointed, but I wouldn’t be surprised.

“I can’t,” Julian said instead. His cool smile never faltered. 1

I blinked, startled. I didn’t think I’d ever heard him tell Bridget no before. Her face mirrored my own surprise. She likely hadn’t heard it either.

“I’m busy with Piper today,” he said. His arm fell around my waist and he tugged me closer into his side. “Sorry.”

Bridget was so startled, it took her several long minutes to recover, even with her supreme acting ability. “I’ll find someone else,” she said, and turned.

Only when she’d gone did Julian’s smile dip, if just for a moment. Yet when he glanced at me and saw me watching him, his grin returned.

“Don’t take too much credit for that,” he said.

“Why would I?” I said, smiling back at him. Inside, I was reeling. Maybe my lessons had taken with him after all. Was he beginning to see he was worth more than being her errand boy?

He rolled his eyes dramatically, and I took the opportunity to lean in and kiss his cheek.

“What was that for?” he asked. He seemed pleased.

I shrugged. I didn’t have a good reason, really. “I guess I’m just proud of you.”

He laughed.

On stage, Bridget had roped Tiffany into helping her move the props. Tiffany did everything that Bridget suggested, only for Bridget “Actually, it looked better before. Move them all back.”

to sau

A half hour later, the play began. Elva hopped up and down trying to see over everyone else standing, but to no avail. I was going to pick her up and set her on my hip, but Julian moved faster. He snatched her up himself and put her on his shoulders.

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“I can only do this for the scenes I’m not on stage,” he said.

“Okay.”

“What do you say, Elva?” I prompted.

“Thank you, Jul–an.”

“You are

are most welcome, sweetheart,” Julian said. My heart melted for him a little.

The play progressed. I had to go on stage a few times, and Julian did too, but we always managed to find our spot back together on the floor.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly. But then it was time for the rejection scene between Nicholas and me.

I’d been dreading it. I truly did not want to hear him reject me again, even if he was only saying the words in the script.

Julian gave me a kind sort of smile and I took my leave. Heading up to the felt a bit like I was heading to the gurney. Or about to walk the plank off a pirate ship.

“Don’t wear the mask for this scene,” Bridget said to me as I passed her. “We want the room to see the emotion in your eyes.”

I knew it.

I removed the mask as I got to the stage. I could see Nicholas standing on the other side. As the scene before ours ended, it was now our turn to step forward and bring forth my heartbreak once again.

We both walked onto the stage and went to our places. I took a breath, opened my mouth, to start the scene, and was immediately cut off.

“I’m sorry,” Nicholas said.

I blinked. That… was not in the script. Had he forgotten his lines?

Yet, looking at him, I could see the sincerity there. He wasn’t a very good actor, he was too earnest, too bad at lying. Here, now, he was being 100% genuine.

“I’m so sorry,” he said, and stepped closer to me. “I didn’t mean what I said, not how it sounded.”

“Nicholas!” Bridget called from the floor. “Are you trying to improvise? It’s not staying true to the script!”

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“I never wanted to hurt you,” he said. “I never want to hurt you…”

He came closer and took my hands. This close, the green in his eyes sparkled. God, he was so handsome, so true. I could get lost in him so easily.

I could forgive him anything in the world.

“Stop everything!” Bridget said. She hurried up the stairs. Nathan followed along on her heels. “Thank God this is only a rehearsal. Nicholas, we have to try again. Nicholas?”

But Nicholas wasn’t looking at her. He was staring at me. He was still holding my hands. And this, more than even his words, was the true apology I needed.