Chapter 79

As he continued to speak. “You think you can just waltz back in here after everything you’ve done?”

I felt a rush of frustration and anger building within me. Derek’s harsh words and accusing tone were like salt in the wound. I had been through enough drama for one day, and I wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation with him.

“I’m here because I want to dance, Derek,” I retorted, trying to keep my composure. “I miss it, and the others welcomed me back.”

Derek’s jaw clenched, and he took a step closer, his anger palpable. “You can’t just waltz back in here like nothing happened,” he hissed, his voice barely a whisper. “You betrayed us, Ashley, and now you expect us to just forgive and forget?”

The room seemed to hold its breath, the tension thick as a fog. The other dancers looked torn between supporting me and not angering their dear Derek. I could sense their uncertainty, and it added to my frustration.

I found myself utterly bewildered by what he meant when he accused me of betraying