Broken Ballerina

"Why don't you think about it more April. Your daughter is of age, my son is of age." For months billionaire Christopher White has been compelling Dr. April James to the said union. But the doctor has always been hesitant about the idea.

"Christopher, you know my daughter. That little brat won't give in." Answered April through gritted teeth. They have been friends for the longest time and April has been the White family's physician.

"She would if you talk to her," Christopher suggested raising his brows at April.

"Why are you so hell-bent on getting Dylan to marry Ellery. That girl won't do anything for your boy. She's a scandal, a little secret kept in the dark." April spoke showing all her hatred for her daughter. She then grabbed her wine and gulped the contents.

"You know my son. He's a playboy and only brings whores to my own house. I just want these families off my son."

"Is that your only reason?" April curiously asked. There seemed to be more to what Christopher was implying.

"I'd rather have Ellery for a daughter-in-law rather than some cheap gold-digger or some heiress who'd only use my son for their family's gain. I will not let it happen." The Whites are the wealthiest family in the country, Christopher being the wealthiest man for almost a decade. They hail from old money and their company has the most diversified conglomerates. If they were to marry their only heir to someone of wealth, it would only gain the other family's advantage.

"Ellery, she's barely home and keeps her time with that little circus of hers. Your son might need a leash to put on her neck."

"I've met your girl and she's a little dove. You should stop hating her April. She's the only family you have." Christopher shot, leaving April a little speechless on her sit.

April had always detested Ellery. She was born out of her affairs with politician Robert Martin. And since he was a public figure the child was treated as a scandal and a disgrace. April only remembers the hurt she felt when Robert didn't choose her every time she looks into Ellery's eyes.

"Come on April. If you get her to agree, I'll talk to the board and make you chief of doctors." April's eyes glistened when Christopher stated that. She had worked her whole life in the field of medicine, it being her first love, and being chief would only pay off the hard work she's endured throughout the years.

The Whites were a major shareholder at the Annabelle White Memorial Hospital, so Christopher could easily pull the strings for her.

"I'd rather have the small clan of James is married to the only heir of the Whites than someone who'll try to leech off our wealth."

"And what if they find out that she's the illegitimate child of Robert Martin. That would tarnish your family name."

"People won't find out as that corrupt official is good at cleaning up his mess. Plus, he's been on to me for the past couple of months, wanting me to be his sponsor for the upcoming elections. And I know where that would lead. He'll only use my name to embezzle money."

"You're going to use her as leverage?"

"Yes, but aside from that, she'll make a good wife to my son. There's no girl on this planet than I want than her. So please April."

April smiled at the thought. It donned to her that she'll finally be able to get rid of Ellery after 22 years. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all.

"Fine. I'll talk to her. Make all the arrangements you need."

"You finally agree!" Christopher excitedly exclaimed. His powers of persuasion had finally broken the stubborn walls of April. "I will arrange an engagement dinner as soon as possible."

"I'll see to it that my daughter agrees to it."

April kept Ellery in hopes that Richard will choose them and finally become a family with them. But in the end, he chose to stay with his wife Sylvia, leaving April devastated.

To keep them mum about the entanglement and not cause controversy that would put the politician in a bad light, Richard sent monthly allowances to Ellery. Even more than she could spend in a whole month.

Ellery lived her life with a silver plate. Followed by an entourage of chauffeurs and maids to take care of her, as her parents only saw her as a liability.

Ellery was enrolled in ballet classes by the time she could walk. For some mother's it was to engage their children in extra curricular but for April, it was to keep Ellery away from her sight.

It wasn't a bad decision though as Ellery spent most hours of the day, 7 days a week rehearsing and improving. She opted to be home-schooled to have more time for dance and it paid off, as she was a multi-awarded dancer and had one first place in every competition. She tried other genres and was good at almost any genre may it be tap, jazz, or hip-hop but focused on solely ballet when she turned 13.

Ellery loved winning. She loved the ovations of the crowd as she performs, it gave her a sense of belongingness. Her plaques, crowns, and trophies made her feel special. But every time she went home carrying all her awards, her mother wouldn't even congratulate her, let alone accompany her to dance competitions and recitals.

She was fueled that maybe someday her mother would be proud of her if only she worked harder and achieved more. Just like how her friends' mothers were, even if they didn't win, they still had their moms smiling at the end of the day.

Before competitions, she would sit in front of her vanity mirror and do her hair and makeup. She'd scan around the dressing room and see other kids' makeup being done by their mothers. Some mothers were sweet enough to do her hair though.

For Ellery, she longed only for her mother's approval, her mother's warmth. She longed that someday she'll finally be able to do something she would be proud of. So she worked to perfect the craft she was dangerously good at.