Chapter 21 Teatro Massimo . People flocked to see the ballet , many of them coming specifically for Alice , the dance prodigy who had returned to the stage after five years of silence . Leonardo , limping on one leg , made his way step by step into the theater . However , just as he struggled through the crowded stream of people and reached the reception , he was stopped outside by an usher . " Sir , you cannot enter . " Why ? " He frowned in displeasure ; this was his only chance to see Gabrielle again . There was no such thing as an invitation at the theater , anyone who bought a ticket could enter . Unexpectedly , the usher took out a photo , carefully compared it to Leonardo's face , and then said sternly , " Due to malicious harassment of our troupe member Alice , you have been permanently banned from Teatro Massimo Please leave . " Leonardo froze in place , like someone longing for light in the darkness whose only candle had just been snuffed out . " No , it's not like that , listen to me , I know Alice , I'm her husband ! " At these words , the usher's eyes grew even more disdainful . " Alice's partner is Mr. Harlan . Do you take me for a fool ? " Chapter 21 The French accent sounded especially harsh . Leonardo hurriedly took out his phone and pulled up a wedding photo of himself and Gabrielle . " Look , she really is my wife ! " " Hahaha , we've already investigated . This woman's name is Alaina , she's not Alice at all . " The usher burst out laughing , looking at Leonardo with even more contempt . " Get lost ! Don't block us from serving other guests ! " He was rudely shoved aside and could only cling to the theater window , straining to look inside , hoping to catch one more glimpse of Gabrielle . Backstage at the theater . Gabrielle had already changed into her costume and was having her stage makeup done by professional staff . Returning to the stage after five years , she still felt a bit nervous . She took a few deep breaths , mentally reviewing her movements and the rhythm . The dressing room door opened , and a strikingly handsome face appeared before Gabrielle . " What are you doing here ? " she exclaimed in surprise . Nicholas grasped her slightly sweaty palm . " I was getting anxious waiting out front , and worried about my princess , so I had to come see you myself " " Don't be afraid , Alice I've seen how hard you've worked these past Chapter 21 weeks . Every practice session lasted from dawn till dusk , and you never left the studio until you were completely exhausted . Your dancing is already perfect . All you need to do now is enjoy the stage . " His deep voice seemed to have a kind of magic , gradually calming Gabrielle's restless heart and replacing it with a surge of confidence . That's right , she was ready - ready to face new challenges , ready to start a new life , ready to live and strive for herself alone . What she needed to do was simply enjoy this process of reinventing herself . With these thoughts clear in her mind , Gabrielle's gaze grew resolute . She gently hugged Nicholas . " Thank you for always encouraging me and believing in me . " His significance to her was not just as a lover , but more like a mentor and friend in her life . Soon , it was time for Gabrielle to take the stage . She walked behind the curtain , her eyes sparkling like a galaxy of stars , quietly waiting for the grand opening of the performance . The next second , the curtain was drawn , dazzling lights shone on her , and the music began to play softly . Gabrielle gently opened her eyes , her toes moving lightly as she began to spin and dance like a sprite . Those well - practiced movements finally transformed into a skillful performance , presented perfectly to the audience , instantly drawing thunderous applause . Yet the girl on stage was completely immersed in her own world , dancing Chapter 21 in the place of her dreams . Each clean , powerful movement shattered the shadows of the past , all the lights converging on her , and the whole audience focused on her alone . Everyone in the audience held their breath , captivated by this magnificent performance . Nicholas's ten fingers flew across the piano , the beautiful , melodious music blending perfectly with the dance . Outside the theater , Leonardo stared blankly at the scene , letting the wind and snow fall on him , freezing half his body , yet he did not move an inch WALI The girl on stage was so dazzling , beautiful , bold , and confident . Just like the first time he met her . It had been so long since he had seen Gabrielle like this . How had she lived through these five years of blindness ? Unease , fear , restraint . In that small castle , she was called again and again by life and dreams , only to be relentlessly tormented by reality . He had deprived her of the right to have light and then pursue her dreams , keeping her trapped in a cage like a canary . Was such love really love ? Leonardo clung desperately to the window , not daring to look away for even a second , afraid to miss any of her movements or expressions . He finally realized just how terribly wrong he had been , and at last understood why Gabrielle no longer wished to acknowledge him Chapter 21 10 In "A Lady Hard to Please" by CrushReels, a single mother makes a poignant return to the city she fled seven years ago. Her mission: to secure treatment for her son's leukemia, setting the stage for an emotional journey of love and resilience amidst past heartbreak. As her ex-lover reenters her life upon hearing of her return, old wounds resurface, sparking a complex web of emotions and decisions that delve deep into themes of forgiveness, second chances, and the enduring power of love. This modern romance novel stands out for its raw portrayal of familial bonds tested by adversity, offering readers a compelling exploration of human strength and vulnerability. With a captivating blend of heart-wrenching moments and tender revelations, "A Lady Hard to Please" promises a captivating read that lingers in the heart long after the final page. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a tale that transcends boundaries and speaks to the resilience of the human spirit.