Back to Dance, Back to Life novel

Ashton's POV
On my wedding day, my fiance dumped me right at the altar, then walked down the aisle hand in hand with my best friend.
Heart shattered and mind blank, I stumbled out of the hall, only to get hit by a car moments later. When I woke up, I was paralyzed. My dream of becoming a dancer vanished overnight.
In my darkest moment, when I was about to throw myself into the river, it was my friends aunt, Seraphina Montague, who pulled me back.
She then announced to the world that she loved me and even held a grand wedding, making me her husband.
But on our third anniversary, I overheard her talking to her assistant.
Same routine as before, she said coldly. Tell the doctor to switch his medicine to vitamins. And cancel the rehab sessions, find an excuse.
The assistant hesitated. But, Ma'am, the doctor said if we keep delaying his treatment, he might never walk again.
Then came a pause, and something that froze my blood.
Youve already achieved what you wanted for Mr. Montague, the assistant said quietly. You had someone run Mr. Chandler over on purpose, just so he couldnt dance again. Now that Mr. Montagues the lead dancer and his wifes family adores him, do you still need to keep Mr. Chandler crippled?
Stop talking nonsense, Seraphina snapped. If he cant stand, then he cant stand. Its not like I cant afford to take care of him for the rest of his life.
Then her tone softenedsorrowful, almost wistful. If society says I cant be with Christian, then Ill protect him from afar. Ill make sure nothing ever threatens his happiness.

My hand flew to my mouth. I staggered back, trying not to scream.
It couldn't sink into me that my accident and my so-called salvation had all been part of her plan.
Tears blurred my vision, and my chest ached so badly it felt like it would split open.
When I heard footsteps from the corridor, I quickly spun my wheelchair around and hurried toward the backyard.
That was when I noticed that Seraphinas storage room, the one she never let anyone near, was slightly open.
Curiosity pushed me inside.
There, I saw that every wall was covered with photos and paintings of Christian Montague from his childhood to now. His dance trophies and medals gleamed under the lights, his worn-out dance shoes and costumes carefully preserved behind glass.
Every inch of the room screamed her obsession.
In the middle of the room lay a foster certificate revealing the truth.
It turned out that Seraphina had only been adopted by Christians grandfather when she was a teenager. They werent related by blood at all.
I laughed through my tears. Seraphina, you really fooled me, didnt you?
If this was all an act, then fine, let me return the stage to them.
I wiped my tears, composed myself, and turned to leave. But as I reached the garden path, she appeared.
Ashton, she called, startled. What are you doing here? You didnt see anything, did you?
I forced a calm smile. No. I just got lost. Its been a while since I came out to the garden.
She let out a sigh of relief, crouched down, and ruffled my hair gently. Silly boy. Youre getting more absent-minded as you grow older. Come on, everyones waiting. Lets go celebrate our anniversary.
Her warm lips then brushed my forehead, but all I felt was an icy chill sinking into my bones.
When we entered the banquet hall, the guests all looked at us with admiration, envying her devotion to a crippled husband.
But my eyes locked onto the three-tiered strawberry cream cake in the center of the table.
I was severely lactose intolerant, and strawberries were Christians favorite.
As soon as Seraphina seated me at the main table, Christian came bounding over with a grin, grabbing her arm playfully.
Auntie! When can we cut the cake? It's your and Ashtons anniversary, and you chose my favorite flavor? Thats cheating!
Seraphina just laughed softly and tapped his nose with her finger, utterly unashamed.

Ashton's POV
Greedy little thing, wait until I finish giving your uncle his gift. Seraphina smiled and slipped a bracelet around my wrist.
It reminded me of what a collector friend told me a few days ago, how excited hed been when Seraphina asked him to help her buy a rare Patek Philippe watch, one worth fifty million. Gleeful, he had thrown in a matching bracelet for free.
Now, that same Patek Philippe glittered on Christians wrist, while the ill-fitting bracelet hung loosely on mine.
When the ballroom dancing started, as it did every year, I stayed seated in the audience.
Christian approached with that usual bright smile, taking Seraphinas arm. Ashton, since you cant dance, why dont I take Seraphina for the opening dance? You dont mind, right?
Before I could even respond, they were already gliding into the crowd.
Seraphinas left hand rested gently on Christians shoulder, tender yet restrained, while her right hand intertwined with his. Her gaze was filled with warmth and emotioneyes that could only hold him.
This was supposed to be our wedding anniversary. But tonight, it was clearly theirs.
For years, I thought the lavish anniversary parties were her way of honoring me, of showing the world she didnt care that I was paralyzed. Now I realized the truththese parties were nothing but excuses for her to be near the man she truly loved.
Guests whispered behind me.
Wow, Mr. Montague really is the perfect lead dancer. Look at that form! Honestly, if he and Ms. Seraphina werent aunt and nephew, theyd make a much better match than her crippled husband.
Right? That husband of hers used to be some kind of prodigy in the dance world, but now hes just a useless man in a wheelchair. Give it a few years, and Miss Seraphina will get bored, and no one will want that broken leftover anymore.
Their laughter stung more than I wanted to admit.
Yet, Seraphina danced on, lost in Christians orbit, completely unaware of how cruel the whispers were.
Without her presence to protect me, the upper-class crowd dropped their polite masks and bared their disdain.
Soon, I couldnt take it anymore. I turned my wheelchair and quietly left the hall, calling my lawyer to draft a divorce agreement. And while I was at it, I also booked a faked-death service.
When the banquet ended, I sat by the window of our room, watching the guests leave.
Under the trees, Seraphina stood there for a long time, staring at Christians departing figure. Only after he was completely out of sight did she finally turn and head upstairs.
The moment she entered our bedroom, she pushed me down on the bed, kissing me over and over like she couldnt breathe without me.
Sweetie, say you love me, okay? I love you. I love you so much. Youre mine, only mine.
As her words echoed, fragments of memory started piecing themselves together. I suddenly realized every time she was this desperate for me, it was always after she saw Christian.
Was I just his substitute for her desires?
A wave of nausea hit me, and tears slipped from my eyes before I could stop them.
When she tasted the wetness on my face, she finally paused, her voice softening. Honey, whats wrong? Did I hurt you?
Her kisses trailed gently across my cheek, meant to soothe me, but the more tender she was, the sicker I felt.
I shoved her away, stumbled into the bathroom, and threw up again and again.
She immediately followed, rubbing my back as I retched. To anyone else, she mightve looked like the picture of concern.
Honey, are you feeling better? Should I call the doctor?
I almost laughed through the bitterness. A doctor? For what? To prescribe more vitamins that didnt heal anything?
No need. I just ate too much. Ill be fine after this, I flatly replied.
She nodded and helped me back to bed, massaging my stomach with gentle hands.
Then suddenly, her phone rang. It was Christian.
Her eyes lit up instantly.
The moment she hung up, she grabbed her purse and rushed out of the room without even looking back.

Ashton's POV
Christians having stomach pain, Seraphina said as she grabbed her keys. His wifes been away on a business trip, and you know hes hopeless at taking care of himself. Ill go check on him.
Even so, I didnt bother stopping her. The moment she left, I opened the email from my lawyer, printed the divorce papers, and laid them neatly on my desk.
Out of habit, I glanced at my phone, and there it was. Christians latest post on social media:
[I said I felt a little sick after too much cake, and my auntie rushed over to take care of me.]
The attached photos showed her cooking in his kitchen, spoon-feeding him soup, and gently wiping the corner of his mouth like a doting lover.
In the three years wed been married, even when I was bedridden with pain, I had never once seen Seraphina cook.
Then, another post popped up, this time a short video.
Seraphina was hand-washing one of Christians stained underwear, her sleeves rolled up. Christian looped his arms around her neck, teasing her in that familiar, shameless tone. Seraphina, you treat me so well. If I ever get divorced, Im marrying you, okay?
She frowned and said sternly, Dont talk nonsense, youre an adult now.
But I saw ithow her hands trembled from excitement when he said it.
And that was enough. I closed my phone, signed my name on the divorce agreement, and set it aside.
That night, Seraphina didnt come home.
The next morning, I went alone to the dance company.
Today was the celebration party for Christians promotion to principal dancer, which was an event both Seraphina and I were expected to attend.
It had been three long years since I last set foot in this place that once carried my dreams and glory.
After my accident, Seraphina bought the entire company. She told me it was because this place held my memories, and she wanted to preserve them for me.
Now I finally understood. She bought it so she could personally place him, the man she truly loved, on the throne that once belonged to me.
I gave a bitter smile just as I saw her arriving, arm in arm with Christian.
But when she spotted me, she hurried over and breathlessly said, Sorry, sweetheart. The roads were closed last night, so I couldnt make it back.
I didnt bother replying and just nodded faintly.
She looked like she wanted to say more, but Christian stepped forward and grabbed the handles of my wheelchair. Seraphina, there are a lot of industry bigwigs looking for you. Dont worry about Ashton, Ill keep him company.
After a moments hesitation, she nodded and walked off.
Christian and I hadnt spoken privately since the day he and my ex-fiance betrayed me. Any contact since then was only because of Seraphina. So, I didnt know what game he was playing now, acting all friendly.
He didnt give me a chance to ask. He soon pushed me toward the Hall of Honora long corridor lined with framed photos and awards.
Only now, every one of my pictures and trophies was gone, replaced by his.
Finally, he dropped the pretense, and his smug voice echoed above me. So, what if you were a prodigy, Ashton? Look at you now, flat on your back, right where you belong.
He then strolled in front of me and proudly lifted his leg, showing off his new shoes. See these? Crocodile leather, custom-made. Seraphina ordered them herself to celebrate my promotion.
Then he laughed lightly, eyes gleaming with mockery. Do you like them, Ashton? Oh, wait, silly me. Youre paralyzed. Even if you wanted them, you couldnt wear something this fine.
He leaned closer, smirk widening. Actually, since Im in a generous mood today, Ill share a secret with you. Seraphina and I are not related by blood. In fact, we used to date for years.
He paused for effect, clearly enjoying the shock on my face. You know why she married you? Because I had my eyes on your fiance back then. You were in the way, so I asked her to reel you in and keep you busy.

Ashton's POV
Ashton, youre so pathetic now! Christian sneered. You cant even dance better than me anymore. And the woman you married was someone I threw away out of pity for you. If I were you, Id have died of shame already!
I lifted my gaze to meet his and calmly asked, Shouldnt you be the one ashamed? You couldnt beat me with skill, so you waited until I was injured to make your move. Your dancing talent is so awful. Has it ever occurred to you to try another career?
My words hit him like a slap as Christians face twisted with rage, and he kicked my wheelchair hard. You bastard! Youre a useless cripple now, yet you still dare to act proud in front of me?
He grabbed the handles of my wheelchair and pushed me toward the garden pond outside the dance hall, laughing as he went. Tell me, does Seraphina call you 'sweetie' when youre in bed?
He smirked. Funny thing, she used to call me that way, too. She gave it to me because I loved sweets as a kid. Cute, right?
Then his grin turned vicious. Ashton, Im going to make you watch as I take everything you ever had. How about we run a little experiment? Youll see who she really cares about!
Before I could react, he yanked my wheelchair and sent both of us crashing into the pond.
Sweetie!
A desperate cry split the airSeraphinas voice.
The water churned violently, and a shadow jumped in. I struggled to stay afloat and saw Seraphina swimming toward me. I reached out for her, but her hands bypassed mine. She grabbed Christian instead, pulling him up while I sank beneath the surface.
So, she was truly calling him Sweetie.
A bitter smile curved my lips before darkness claimed me. When I woke again, it was thanks to a kind stranger whod pulled me from the water.
But the first thing I saw was Seraphina clutching Christian tightly in her arms. He was crying into her chest, while she whispered soothingly, her eyes never once glancing my way.
Dont be scared, sweetheart. I'm here. Ill never let anything happen to you, she comforted.
I smiled bitterly and was about to turn away, but Christian suddenly pointed at me, his tone filled with false remorse. Its my fault. I shouldnt have pulled him into the water when he tried to hit me with his wheelchair. I just lost my balance. I didnt mean to.
Seraphina froze for a second. When she looked at me, her eyes were full of accusation, though her voice remained calm. Im sure it was just an accident. What matters is that youre both safe.
Christian frowned, clearly displeased that she hadnt taken his side more openly.
Later, when no one else was around, Seraphina pulled me aside. Ashton, Christian is still young and innocent. Even if youre angry, you shouldnt take it out on him or worse, try to hurt him like that.
I almost laughed. Of course, she didnt believe me.
Im in a wheelchair, I said coldly. And hes perfectly healthy. You really think I could hurt him?
She frowned, then countered, Whether it was intentional or not, I dont want something like this happening again.
Then, as if realizing her words were too harsh, she softened her tone. Christian is my brothers only son. If anything happened to him, wed both have a hard time explaining it.
Fine. Got it, I flatly said, not bothering to argue.
She hesitated then, as if it just occurred to her that she hadnt even checked on me since Id been rescued. Her hand twitched like she wanted to reach out.
But before she could take a step, Christian let out a loud cry from behind us, complaining of pain.
And just like that, Seraphina turned and ran back to him without a second thought.

Ashton's POV
When I got home, I gathered everything that once tied me to Seraphinaour love letters, the journals we shared, and all the photos we ever took together. I piled them up in the yard and set them on fire. The flames devoured everything, leaving nothing but ashes.
After that, I signed for the new portable crutch Id ordered. It would make leaving a little easier.
Then, a new post from Christian popped up on my feed.
[Aunties way too worried about me! I just swallowed a bit of water, and she booked the entire hospital for a full-body check-up. So many doctors around me. Im getting social anxiety!]
In the attached video, I could hear her voicefamiliar, soft, and full of warmth.
Be good, she said. Get all the tests done. Only then can I stop worrying.
That night, Seraphina came home very late. And when she did, she wasnt alone. Christian followed right behind her.
Hes a little shaken and not feeling well, she explained. Ill let him stay here for a few days until hes better. Hes scared to be alone.
I didnt argue. Soon enough, this wouldnt be my home anymore. What right did I have to object?
Seraphina then wrinkled her nose, noticing the faint smell of smoke in the air. Did something burn? Whats that smell?
Nothing important, I replied evenly. I just burned some old things.
Her expression hardened. Dont burn things in the house anymore. Its bad for the boys health.
I nodded since everything worth burning was already gone.
That night, I wasnt feeling well, probably coming down with a fever, so I went to bed early.
But sometime after midnight, a loud thunderclap exploded outside my window, and I jolted awake, my heart pounding. Without thinking, I reached out, instinctively seeking Seraphinas arms for comfort.
Ever since the car accident, loud noises like thunder made me panic. For the past three years, she was always the one whod hold me tight, whispering, Im here. Youre safe. That was the only way I could calm down.
But this time, my arms met empty air.
Seraphina was already out of bed, slipping on her coat.
The boys terrified of thunder, she said softly. Ill go check on him.
I gave a small, bitter laugh at myself. Even now, I still instinctively turned to her for comfort.
Watching her leave, I slowly got up, took the signed divorce papers, and placed them neatly on the table. Then I pulled out my phone and made a call.
You can come pick me up now, I said quietly.
As I made my way downstairs with my crutch, I passed the guest room and heard muffled sobs inside.
Seraphina, Christians voice trembled, you still love me, dont you? I know you do. Youve never gotten over me. Please dont go. Stay with me, okay?
Through the half-open door, I saw him wrap his arms around her neck, pressing his lips to hers.
Seraphina turned away at first, trying to resist. But eventually, she gave in, pulling him close by the waist, kissing him back deeply.
A flash of lightning illuminated the room, freezing the image in painful clarity: the two of them tangled together.
A sharp, unbearable ache tore through my chest. I turned and walked away without looking back.
Outside, rain poured down in sheets as I climbed into the waiting car. The driver started the engine, and we disappeared into the storm.
Third Person's POV
The next morning, Seraphina woke up in Christians bed.
He was still asleep, looking peaceful. She couldnt resist pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead before slipping out of bed.
Sunlight spilled through the curtains. Maybe shed gone too far last night, she thought, but she could always make it up to Ashton later.
She decided to order his favorite breakfastavocado toastfrom that little shop he loved. He was picky about food, and only something fresh and light like that could please him.
Just as she was about to place the order, her phone rang. It was her assistant.
Ma'am, something terribles happened!
What is it? she asked, frowning.
Mr. Chandler last night, his car was caught in a landslide. The vehicle was swept into the lake. Both the car and he are missing!

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