Chapter 17 Just as Ariana turned to leave , a loud thud stopped her mid step . Turning back , she found Michael Luigis executive assistant staring at her with shock etched across his face , his dropped briefcase scattered across the hospital floor . Mrs … Maggiore ? he stammered , face draining of color . Is that really you ? Escape , it seemed , wouldnt be so simple . Michael recovered quickly , positioning himself between Ariana and the exit with newfound determination . Please , he implored , lowering his voice . You cant just disappear again . You have no idea what hes been through since the fire . The man hasnt slept through a single night in a year . Even if you want nothing to do with him now , at least stay until hes out of surgery . He literally just took a car impact for you . Ariana regarded him coolly , her expression betraying nothing of the calculations happening behind it . First , she stated with clinical precision , I am not Mrs. Maggiore . That person died in a fire last year a fact your boss publicly confirmed . Second , Ill stay until hes stable , but Im leaving immediately after . My company has a performance tomorrow . Third , I have zero interest in rekindling any connection with Luigi Maggiore . Our relationship ended the moment he orchestrated my death . With each statement , Michaels professional facade cracked further , revealing genuine distress , but he eventually nodded in reluctant agreement to her terms . They settled into the antiseptic waiting room chairs , silence stretching between them as surgery continued behind closed doors . After checking her phone for the twenty first time nearly three hours had elapsed the operating room doors finally swung open . Luigi emerged on a gurney , his head heavily bandaged , but surprisingly conscious . His unfocused gaze swept the waiting area until it found her , his eyes immediately sharpening with recognition . Ariana ! The word escaped like a prayer . Inside the private hospital suite , despite multiple fractures and internal bleeding , Luigi reached for her the moment the medical staff departed , his trembling hands gripping hers with desperate intensity . 17:23 The Black Swans Final Revenge Pirouette : The 99th Gjor 12.24 Youre real , he whispered , voice breaking . I was sure Id hallucinated you . I kept telling them to make sure you were here when I woke up , but they thought it was the concussion talking . Youre actually alive . He pulled her closer , as if expecting her to evaporate at any moment . Ariana remained perfectly still within his grasp , her voice devoid of emotion : Your enthusiasm isnt mutual . What ? Confusion clouded his features . She methodically extracted her hands from his grip , stepping back with deliberate precision . The best thing that ever happened to me , Luigi , was when everyone believed I died . Her tone was conversational , as if discussing the weather . It gave me the freedom to build a life without looking over my shoulder for your next prank . She maintained unwavering eye contact as she continued . Not many people could experience ninety eight calculated humiliations from the person they trusted most and still remain standing in the same room with them without screaming . I consider it a personal achievement . Each measured word struck with surgical precision . Luigis face drained of color as the full implications registered she had known . All along , she had known everything . Ignoring his injuries , he struggled upright , nearly tearing out his IV in panic . Ariana , please , he begged , reaching for her . It wasnt it started that way , but things changed 1 changed- Save it , she interrupted , glancing at her watch . I have a performance tomorrow that requires my complete focus . This melodrama wasnt on my schedule . Dont leave , he pleaded , grabbing her wrist . I cant lose you again . Not when Ive just found you . Let go of me . Her voice remained level . He shook his head frantically , his grip tightening . Please , just listen . Realizing direct confrontation wouldnt work , Ariana changed tactics . Her expression shifted subtly , taking on a weariness that penetrated his desperation . performance tomorrow . Twenty eight dancers and thousands of Luigi , the National Ballet has a sold ou ticket holders are counting on me to deliver . She delivered the final blow with quiet precision : Are you planning to sabotage my career again ? Like you did before my first showcase as principal ? Or is that particular revenge technique too redundant to use twice ? The Black Swans Final Revenge Pirouette . The 99th G The reference landed like a physical blow . His fingers darkened instantly as recognition flashed across his face . That Incident had occurred during their first week together when she had still believed his interest was genuine . It had been her debut as lead dancer in a prestigious competition after months of exhaustive preparation . Shed spent countless nights perfecting the choreography with her teammates , pushing through pain and exhaustion to create something exceptional The evening before the competition , Luigi had surprised her with an impromptu weekend away , effectively detaining her at his lakehouse , her phone mysteriously forgotten at his apartment . By the time shed managed to contact her team , the competition was over , her understudy having stepped in . The devastation on her teammates faces had haunted her for months afterward a siliation she later realized had been perfectly orchestrated . Now , watching his expression , she saw the memory register . Something fractured behind his eyes as the reality of his past cruelty collided with his desperate need to keep her from walking away . His hand fell away from her wrist , defeat written in every line of his body . The Black Swans Final Revenge Pirouette The Title: A Princess? No! I'm the Female General! In "A Princess? No! I'm the Female General!" by CrushReel, Adela Taylor, a noble family's daughter, disguises herself as her brother to secure their Duke title by joining the army. Despite facing obstacles, she achieves remarkable success. However, upon her triumphant return, her brother betrays her, setting off a chain of events that will test her resolve and reveal hidden truths. This captivating novel delves into themes of secrets, reincarnation, revenge, murder, and drama. Adela's journey from deception to betrayal is filled with intrigue and suspense as she navigates through a world where power dynamics and family loyalties collide. What sets this story apart is its strong female lead who defies expectations and challenges societal norms in a quest for justice and redemption. 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