“Thank you,” Sienna said to the doctor, watching them leave before turning to Peter, who was now awake.
“That bastard,” Peter cursed, his voice muffled by the bandages on his broken nose and jaw. Talking hurt, even breathing was a struggle.
“Sorry dear,” Sienna said with a sweet smile, reaching to hold his hand
“Didn’t I ask you to tell him about us, to tell him that you love me and not him? Instead, you insisted on letting it be after his dumb show… now look at me,” Peter complained.
Sienna slowly held his face, her touch warm, making Peter melt under her gaze.
“I’m sorry… Will you punish me for being such a little bad girl, then?” she smirked.
Peter finally smiled. He pulled her close and squeezed her ass. “I can’t wait to have you as my wife.”
Sienna chuckled, but deep down, she was afraid of what Vincent might do to her. Vincent was dangerous, after all.
“I want your protection,” she requested adorably.
“Are you scared that bastard will come after you? Don’t worry, my love. I’ll destroy him to the point where he’ll have no way of coming near you. I promise you that,” he said.
—
“How is he now?” Rhea asked Morticia when she came to visit in the evening.
“He’s managing. He’s been out with Klaus all day,” Morticia replied. Ava had called Klaus an hour ago and was told that Vincent was fine and they shouldn’t worry.
Rhea sighed and pulled out her phone. The show was about to start. Morticia also drew closer to watch.
The lights dimmed, and the crowd roared with anticipation as Vincent’s group took the stage. Despite their forced smiles, the tension was palpable. Each of them carried the weight of Vincent’s absence-their leader and anchor-but they were determined to perform for his sake.
Aiden stepped to the center, taking Vincent’s usual spot. His jaw tightened as the music began to play. The choreography flowed, but it was clear something was missing. Vincent’s presence, his charisma, and the energy he brought to every performance left a gaping void.
The audience began whispering.
“Where’s Vincent?” one person asked.
“Didn’t he quit after the scandal?” another replied.
Morticia’s heart ached as she read the cruel comments flooding the livestream: They all calling him a bully without knowing the true story.
Rhea reached over and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
“He’ll rise above this,” Rhea said softly, though her own heart clenched at the sight of the group struggling to hold themselves together on stage.
Just as the routine reached its climax, Aiden stumbled. The crowd gasped. Though he quickly recovered, the energy of the performance faltered. The group finished the dance, but the applause was lukewarm.
Morticia sighed. She could only imagine how much this failure would crush Vincent if he saw it.
—
Backstage at the performance venue, Aiden slammed his fist against the wall.
“Damn it!” he growled, breathing heavily. The rest of the group looked on in silence, unsure of how to console him.
“It’s not your fault,” one of them finally said.
Aiden shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. Without Vincent, we’re just… ordinary. He’s the one who makes us stand out.”
The door opened, and Coach Blake walked in, his expression unreadable.
“Good effort tonight,” he said, though his tone lacked enthusiasm.
Aiden turned to him. “Coach, we can’t do this without Vincent. You need to let him come back.”
Coach Blake’s eyes darkened. “Do you think I don’t want him back? He’s the heart of this group. But with everything going on, it’s not up to me anymore.”
“What do you mean?” Aiden asked, narrowing his eyes.
“Peter just put his name on the black list,” Blake admitted reluctantly. “Vincent’s dancing career is over.”
The group fell silent, the weight of the revelation sinking in.
—
Vincent hadn’t been home for three days, with Klaus still helping him out.
At the same time, Morticia and Rhea hadn’t heard from Valerie.
“I think Valerie is trying to avoid us. She isn’t picking up her calls or replying to messages,” Rhea said.
“I hope she’s not blaming herself for what her sister did,” Morticia said. Judging from Valerie’s personality, she was probably doing just that.
Rhea’s phone rang-it was Thane calling.
“Hey, what’s up?” Rhea answered. After hearing Thane’s information, she turned to Morticia with a knowing smile.
At the subway, loud jazz music filled the space. The wild rhythm and perfect notes drew a lot of attention. People gathered, watching Valerie and her team play and dance.
Valerie was the only female in the group. Her guitar was the loudest, and her voice could definitely make anyone’s heart skip a beat.
Money was dropped into a fancy hat in front of them as one of their crew members performed a breakdance.
Soon, the show ended. The audience cheered loudly, and the crew bowed to show their appreciation.
As the crowd dispersed, Valerie sat on her mat as usual and packed up the money. They’d earned a lot tonight-mainly because of her. Her voice had been on fire, fueled by her need for distraction.
“Don’t tell me you’re staying here tonight too,” one of her friends said.
“No. I’ll leave after you guys. I just need a little time here,” Valerie replied and watched them leave.
“Seriously?” Valerie heard a familiar voice and looked up to see Morticia and Rhea staring at her.
“Let me guess. That computer freak named Thane tracked me down and told you where I am, didn’t he?” Valerie asked.
Rhea nodded. “I should probably kill him,” Valerie muttered.
“What are you doing out here? Don’t tell me you’re blaming yourself for what your sister did,” Morticia said.
Valerie stayed quiet for a moment.
“How’s your brother?” Valerie asked, her voice filled with concern.
“Good. I hope,” Morticia replied.
Valerie stood with a small smile. “Sorry for making you guys worry.”
Morticia nodded. “Thane also told us that tomorrow is Sienna’s engagement with Peter…” She paused, her face growing serious. “I need permission from you, Valerie.”
Valerie blinked. “Permission for what?”
Morticia pulled out a hammer. Rhea gasped in surprise as she had no idea Morticia had been carrying it the whole time.
“Permission to break her leg,” Morticia said.
Valerie smirked and drew out another hammer.
“We’re thinking the same thing, Morty. Shall we?” Valerie asked.
Morticia nodded, and the two walked away together while…
Stun Rhea stood with wide eyes… “What the….