IVORY KNIVES

Aveline

I never expected this mafia to have a gentle side.

She took care of my foot—scolding me the whole time—but her hands were careful. Her eyes? Focused.

The same woman who never knelt for anyone was kneeling for me.

Even when I was annoying her, she held it in. Controlled. Impressive.

I was in the living area, while she stayed holed up in her study.

I knew she was still working, like always.

But I couldn't walk properly—this killing pain in my foot made every step a punishment.

Still, I'm stubborn. So I limped to the study.

She didn't even glance at me.

Expected.

"Hey, Ruby?"

She responded with a soft, distracted "Hmm?"

I hesitated. Should I even say it?

Deep breath.

"Ruby, I… I want to dance again. Not just as a hobby. I want to shine—I want to stand on my own. I want to show the world who I am."

I looked down. "Can I… can I participate in competitions?"

She raised her eyebrow, tapping her fingers slowly on the table.

Her silence? Way scarier than her shouting.

She stood up.

And without a word, swept me into her arms.

Next thing I knew, I was lying on our bed—her arms on both sides of me, caging me in.

Her red eyes locked with mine.

"So… you want to dance, Aveline?" she asked, her tone calm but firm.

I nodded.

She leaned in slightly.

"Okay."

Then added, "But don't forget—you're still mine. Still caged in this luxurious villa with me."

It wasn't a threat.

It was a reminder.

I nodded again, slightly scared but still determined.

She pulled away and called Luna.

"Yes. Find the most suitable person."

"Ruby… for me?" I whispered.

She looked at me.

"First, take care of yourself. Then we'll meet her."

"Do you know her?"

"Her name's Eliza."

I gasped.

"Eliza?! THE Eliza?! She retired but she was a legend—how would you even convince her?!"

She smirked.

"We'll meet her in a few days. For now, recover, eat properly, and stop your midnight parties with Leon."

I blinked.

How the hell does she know about those?

I rolled my eyes and looked away.

—

A few days later

I was finally fit. Healed.

Ruby was waiting for me in front of her car collection like some mafia goddess from a fashion magazine.

God, she really is obsessed with cars.

She drove us to a luxurious restaurant—of course she booked the entire VIP section.

Rich. So rich.

Wait… I'm her wife. Her things… my things, right?

Miss Eliza was already seated.

Sharp. Elegant. Still carrying the same aura of power and precision.

We greeted her and sat.

Ruby spoke first.

"Miss Eliza, I know you're a name of prestige in the world of dance. I admire your talent deeply. So, no useless small talk—straight to the point."

She took my hand gently.

"My wife, Mrs. Aveline, wants to learn. Not as a hobby. She wants to chase it. I want you to teach her."

Eliza's eyes narrowed.

"Ruby Daniel Sun, I appreciate your compliments. But I no longer teach. I don't find anyone worthy of my time."

Ruby didn't flinch.

"I know. And I also know you once had a friend. A dancer. She passed away, didn't she? I'm sorry for your loss."

Then Ruby dropped the bomb.

"She's not just anyone, Eliza. Aveline… is her niece."

What.

I turned to Ruby, shocked.

"You knew?"

Ruby stayed silent. Eliza's eyes softened just a little.

"Yes," Eliza said. "Her aunt, your mother's sister, was my closest friend. A fire on the stage. Fierce, stubborn… just like you."

She looked me up and down.

"I'll see your performance. Then I'll decide."

Then she said something that stayed with me.

"Don't end up like her. Be the name she never got to become. Chase her dream—make it your own."

Tears welled up in my eyes.

Ruby held my hand. Eliza hugged me briefly before leaving.

Ruby's grip on my hand never loosened.

She knew everything. Of course she did.

—

We were driving again.

She stopped suddenly.

I looked out the window.

It was the same dance studio. The one she gave me the keys to.

"You can dance here. Or at the villa. Your choice.

But if I'm not around—go with a driver. Never alone."

Firm. Still protective.

She opened the door for me.

I walked in, memories rushing back.

The first time I wanted to dance for real, my mother said no.

It was Ruby who argued with her. Ruby who took me. Ruby who handed me the keys to this place.

Back then, I was caged.

Now I'm still caged—but this time, I'm free.

She stood, arms crossed, leaning against the mirror.

"Dance. Just for me."

I did.

Not out of love.

Out of ambition.

Out of rebellion.

I danced until I stumbled.

But she caught me.

One hand in mine. The other on my waist.

Firm. Possessive.

"Aveline," she whispered.

"Take care of yourself."

No "Are you okay?"

No "Did you get hurt?"

Just that cold command.

I nodded and took the water she handed me.

"Wanna go home?"

I nodded again.

—

Back in the villa—that golden cage of hell wrapped in silk.

She helped me to bed.

"Aveline, take care of yourself. You've been hurting that foot too much lately.

Also… I'm leaving for abroad. One or two weeks."

"Why?"

She didn't look at me.

"I've got business there."

—

Next morning

After breakfast, I headed to the studio with Eliza.

She watched me dance.

Thirty, forty minutes passed. Finally, she told me to stop.

"You have her fire," she said.

"The same way. The same passion. The same pain."

Compliment? Or memory? I couldn't tell.

Then she smiled.

"And call me Aunt Eliza. We've got a big competition coming up next week. A regional one—very prestigious. Big eyes. Big opportunities."

"I'll do it," I whispered. "I'll show them all.

I'll chase the dream my aunt had.

And I'll show Ruby that I can chase something, too."

She smiled.

And we kept dancing.

---