That evening, the ceremony to announce the results to select the best five contestants was held. Everyone was nervous. The first name called was me. Being the brightest candidate and receiving the most attention, as soon as my name was called, the whole audience cheered and cheered.
I have experienced times when others looked down on me, underestimated, and didn't get people's confidence in my ballet ability. But today, I feel like I'm taking a step towards the success I've always wanted.
The only regret is probably the fact that Veronica couldn't make the top 5. Disappointment was evident on her face, and the only thing I could do was be there to support my best friend.
Frederick took us to a restaurant in a small alley. There is a small bar here, the bartenders are making colorful cocktails. Because of her sad mood, Veronica ordered a lot of wine, while I only drank soft drinks.
When she was drunk, Veronica kept muttering to herself, she said a lot, but I couldn't hear it all. I let her lean on my shoulder.
Frederick was quite attentive, he was quiet most of the time, would talk to me from time to time otherwise he would drink quietly. Frederick when quiet will make people sitting near him feel an unexpected attraction. He seems more mature, calmer, and makes more eye contact.
About fifteen minutes later, Veronica was so drunk that she fell into a deep sleep. Jeffrey came to pick her up at the hotel to rest. After announcing the top 5 contestants selected to participate in the Finding Stars contest, the newspapers all published great news. Jeffrey learned that Veronica was eliminated and immediately flew here. As soon as he landed, he called me and went to find Veronica.
Seeing Jeffrey's concern for Veronica, I felt reassured and happy for my best friend. Perhaps the appearance of Jeffrey will give Veronica some consolation.
"Wow, Esther, you're a celebrity now. Your name is all over the papers. You're on the front page too."
After Veronica left, Frederick became much more talkative.
"Is that so? Oh, this is good news but I don't want to celebrate." I smiled and took a sip of soft drink.
"For your friends? I don't think she'd want to see you somber over your own victory."
Frederick brought a cocktail in front of me with the intention of inviting me to drink. I don't refuse, anyway, the cocktail here is pretty good, if I drink one, I won't get drunk.
"Oh, there's also an article that says I'm your rumored boyfriend? Don't people know that you have a fiancé?" Frederick looked a bit surprised.
"Well, actually, we kept it a secret."
"Can I ask why?"
"...Ah, it's just a matter of family."
Seeing that I didn't seem to want to talk about this, Frederick stopped asking. He talked about other things, his way of talking skillfully made it easy for me to open my heart and share with him a lot of things.
I don't remember what I said, but apparently I drank quite a bit and was brought back to the hotel by Frederick drowsy and drunk. It's just, I seem to have heard Dominic's voice.
...
When Frederick dropped me off at the hotel, Dominic was waiting.
"Thanks for bringing my wife here."
Dominic reached out and took Esther from Frederick's hand.
"Oh, you two made up already?" Frederick gave him a friendly smile, but his eyes were devoid of any joy.
"How do you know we're mad at each other?" Dominic looked Frederick in the eye and asked. "Or do you think that as long as you interfere with our relationship, it will fall apart?"
Frederick said nothing, he clicked his tongue and grinned. His expression seemed strange, he kept looking at Dominic then back at Esther being held in Dominic's arms, then bit his lip slightly and shook his head.
"You're more interesting than I thought Dominic. So is your fiancée. We'll probably see each other a lot in the future. See you soon."
Frederick finished speaking and left happily. And Dominic was staring at his back. This is definitely a dangerous guy, Dominic knows that. His identity is mysterious, and his actions are unpredictable. Dominic knew only one thing for sure that Frederick was targeting him.
What does Frederick want? Esther Joan? Provoking his power? Or revenge? In general, any reason can happen. Dominic stared at Frederick for a moment, until his figure disappeared before he regained his sight. It was rare for anyone to openly confront him like that.
But undeniably, this really pissed off Dominic Arnold.
...
When I woke up the next morning, I found myself on a private jet. My memory stops at the moment when I was brought back to the hotel by Frederick, but what happened after that I don't remember clearly.
Dominic sat beside me, still reading the document as intently as ever. Seeing me wake up, he glanced at me briefly, then turned away again. It was at this point that I suddenly remembered that it had been more than a week since we had quarreled. We still haven't reconciled, and sitting so close together is awkward.
"Have you used up the tonic I sent you?" Dominic suddenly asked.
I was dumbfounded for a moment, not even sure if it was really him who just talked to me.
"Ah... um... I've used them all."
"Congratulation."
"Open?" I wasn't keeping up with what Dominic was saying, and it took a few seconds for me to react that he was congratulating me on my success in being in the top 5. "Ah, thank you."
"About our quarrel... I'm sorry. It was me who got mad."
Hearing Dominic say that, I was even more surprised, feeling like Dominic changed like a completely different person.
"I'm also sorry for slapping you. I lost my temper then. We were both wrong."
Dominic nodded, and he pulled my arm and carried me to sit on his lap. He seems to like this position very much, it makes him feel that he can control me within his range.
"Don't mention that guy again, I don't like him."
"Okay, I'll keep my distance from him." It is very difficult to reconcile with Dominic, I don't want to break my relationship with Dominic just because of Frederick. "By the way, why do we have to go back so quickly?"
"Your father called me this morning."
"What's wrong?"
"Kaylin has returned home."