Chapter 208
Chapter 208:
As the crowd dispersed, Novalee cradled her hand, tears spilling down her cheeks. “What do I do? What do I do?” she sobbed. “My hand… It’s hurt so badly I can’t move it freely. I can’t compete anymore. I’ve let X. Aria down.” She cried harder, hopelessness swallowing her.
Then a pair of hands gently took hers. “Let me see,” said Rylie.
Rylie held Novalee’s hand carefully, her touch light and warm. After inspecting it, she spoke softly, “It’s just dislocated. I can fix it. Relax.”
Novalee met her eyes—familiar, calm, and steady. Without realizing, she relaxed her arm. In one swift move and a gentle pop, Rylie reset the bone.
Novalee blinked, moving her fingers in surprise. The pain had faded.
“Don’t rush,” Rylie said. “This balm will ease the pain. Its effect will last long enough until the end of the competition.” She pulled out a small jar.
Novalee stared at her, eyes red. “Why? Why are you helping me?”
Rylie smiled gently, saying nothing as she applied the ointment.
Novalee couldn’t understand her. Not her help. Not her silence.
When the final stage arrived, it was time for contestants and judges to select their partners.
The rules were simple: each contestant needed a judge for a duet. The three contestants could each pick two judges to avoid being left out.
Lillian and Paola had already secured their judges. One of them was X. Aria’s direct disciple—but that person didn’t choose either of them. Worried that X. Aria’s disciple wouldn’t pick her due to her injured hand, Novalee chose two other judges. Sadly, both turned her down.
According to the rules, without a judge, Novalee would have to perform a difficult solo on the spot.
The judges, aware of her injured hand, didn’t want to take the risk. A poor duet would hurt their reputations.
Novalee lowered her head in quiet despair. She had come so far, only to fall at the last hurdle.
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Some things just weren’t meant to be.
Novalee stepped off the stage, looking dazed. She hadn’t planned to stay for the final round. Her only goal now was to return to the dressing room, gather her things, and leave.
She had just slipped the backpack over one shoulder when someone rushed over and blocked her path. “Where have you been?” the staff member asked, short of breath. “We’ve been trying to find you everywhere.”
She blinked in confusion. “Why? What happened?”
“X. Aria’s disciple picked you. You’ve been given one more chance to take the stage.”
Her lips parted in shock. She hadn’t expected anything like this.
“Hurry up and get prepared.”
As she was led backstage, she noticed someone familiar ahead. “Rylie.” Her words came out before she could think. “Wait, are you the disciple of X. Aria?”
Rylie gave a soft smile and nodded in response.
Lilian and Paola had chosen her. Novalee, fearing the injury might hold her back, hadn’t done the same. What a considerate girl. Rylie wouldn’t give her up. Now, with a warm smile, Novalee said, “Thank you so much! It’s a great honor to stand beside you.”