I Was Forced to Serve My Saboteur at Her Gala, Then I Took the Stage

The Ghost in the Ballroom

The amber glow of the chandeliers in the Grand Plaza ballroom cast long, dancing shadows across the polished marble floor. For Chloe, the warmth of the room felt like a cruel mockery. Just three years ago, she had been the rising star of the Metropolitan Ballet, destined for the world stage. Now, she was just a ghost in a white shirt and a black vest, carrying a heavy silver tray loaded with champagne flutes for the city's elite.

Her strawberry blonde hair was pulled back into a tight, flawless bun—a habit from her dancing days that she could never quite shake. As she navigated the sea of black-tie attire and silk gowns, her eyes constantly scanned the crowd, trying to avoid the two people who had stolen everything from her. But fate, it seemed, had a different plan.

"Watch where you are going, server," a familiar, sharp voice hissed.

Chloe turned, her heart stopping. Standing right in front of her was Victoria, wearing a sleek silver gown that shimmered like liquid metal. Beside her stood Alex, looking dashing and utterly arrogant in his modern tuxedo. Chloe's foot caught on the hem of a guest's gown, and for a terrifying second, she felt herself losing balance. But her muscle memory took over.

With a rapid, elegant ballet spin, Chloe pivoted on her heel, balancing the heavy tray effortlessly. Not a single drop of champagne spilled. She stopped perfectly face-to-face with the couple. Alex's eyes widened in surprise, a slow, condescending smile spreading across his face.

"Lucky hands," Alex murmured, his voice dripping with amusement.

"Alex, stop," Victoria whispered anxiously, her hand tightening on his arm as she recognized Chloe.

But Alex ignored her, his eyes locked onto Chloe's defiant gaze. He wanted to humiliate the girl who had once been his fiancée before her tragic "accident."

"Dance then, prove it," Alex challenged, loud enough to draw the attention of the surrounding guests.

Chloe didn't flinch. The pain of her betrayal burned away, leaving only pure, cold determination.

"Only if everyone watches," Chloe replied.