Chapter 2 - Julian Stares At His Mother’s Engraved Name
The heavy silence inside the Manhattan dance studio grew so dense you could hear the faint hum of the overhead air conditioning.
Julian’s fingers trembled violently as he turned the pale pink pointe shoe over in his hands, staring down at the silver engraving.
Etched clearly into the leather sole were the delicate cursive letters reading Elena Vance.
“How... how do you have my mother’s shoes?” Julian whispered, his face draining of all color.
Clara stepped closer, her posture remaining impeccably straight under the warm afternoon sunlight pouring through the arched windows.
“Your mother didn't just vanish from the ballet world twenty-five years ago, Julian; she was systematically erased,” Clara stated coldly.
The young dancers standing near the crimson barre dropped their phones, watching their arrogant instructor shatter in real time.
Julian’s breath hitched in his throat as memories of his mother’s tragic, mysterious disappearance flooded his mind.
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“She told me the academy forced her out, but she never named names before she passed away,” Julian choked out, tears pooling in his eyes.
“She didn't just name them in private; she left records, and I am the only one left who kept them safe,” Clara replied softly.
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