Chapter 24
The vehicle came to an abrupt halt as Jason stared at the billboard in disbelief. There on the massive display was Kelsey Harbour–ethereal in a white tutu, caught mid–leap with impossible grace.
Below the image, elegant script announced: “New York City Ballet presents: Swan Lake, featuring Principal Dancer Kelsey Harbour.”
Jason could barely process the sight before the electronic billboard transitioned to a new image.
Now Kelsey appeared on screen wearing a sleek evening gown, being interviewed on what appeared to be a prestigious arts program.
Her smile was radiant and confident as she discussed her craft with poise, gesturing elegantly as she spoke about the challenges of performing classical ballet for modern audiences.
Jason’s driver had been with the family since he was a child and understood the circumstances that had led to his imprisonment.
Seeing Jason’s reaction, the driver spoke with a complex expression. “Miss Harbour returned to the States after graduation. She’s become one of America’s most celebrated ballet dancers. That interview is from last week’s ‘Arts Tonight‘ program–they’ve been featuring her because of the sold–out Swan Lake production.”
Jason lowered his head.
Of course she was doing well. Even in high school, she had excelled at everything she attempted.
Unlike him, who had nothing to offer but family wealth and good looks. Neither of which had saved him from himself.
Jason glanced down at his own reflection in the window. Ten years in prison had worn away the sharp edges of the arrogant boy he’d once been. Now he was just a fallen heir with a trust fund–a failure by any measure.
Thirty minutes later.
Jason’s car pulled up outside Lincoln Center, home of the New York City Ballet.
Jason sat in the vehicle, his heart racing with anxiety.
He knew this was where Kelsey worked, where she danced and created the art that had made her famous.
Chapter 24
After much internal debate, he couldn’t resist the urge to see her.
Even knowing he was no longer worthy of her, he desperately wanted to glimpse her face, just once.
Lost in thought, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure exiting the building.
Kelsey!
Jason’s eyes lit up, his hand instinctively reaching for the door handle.
But before he could move, a black Bentley pulled up to the curb. A tall, distinguished man stepped out, and Kelsey rushed into his arms.
They laughed together, clearly comfortable in each other’s presence.
A moment later, the rear door of the Bentley opened, and a little girl–perhaps five years old–jumped out and threw herself into Kelsey’s waiting arms, exclaiming happily, “Mommy, Mommy!”
Jason’s hand froze on the door handle.
Then, gradually, he lowered it, a bitter smile forming on his lips.
Of course.
While ten years for him had meant the monotony of prison life, for others it had been enough time to find love, get married, and start a family.
Kelsey had long since built a new life for herself.
Jason took one last, long look at the girl he had once loved so deeply, then turned to his driver. “Let’s go.”
The car pulled away from the curb.
From this moment on, their lives would continue to move in entirely different directions.
