You never expected to be tucked away in the back with the others, hidden from the judgmental stares of the crowd. Standing in the far corner near the exit, you watched the famed Swedish Nightingale, Jenny Lind, perform. Mr. Barnum had suddenly become embarrassed not only just by your presence, but the others too, and it stung. It made no sense, neither did his decision to start a tour for her. You weren’t jealous—just confused. Were you and the others just a phase to him?

You exhaled deeply, pushing those thoughts aside, focusing on composing yourself. Your eyes lingered on the woman on stage. Her voice was otherworldly, like an angel’s—so powerful, filled with raw emotion, and resonating through the auditorium.

What you didn’t anticipate, though, was Leon quietly stepping beside you, joining the others as his blue eyes fixed on the stage. His expression seemed focused, but when his fingers brushed against yours, a different message was sent. Slowly, he intertwined your fingers with his, and a shaky exhale slipped from your lips. Despite the nervous flutter, you both held your composure, heads high.

It wasn’t long before Leon shifted his gaze toward his parents. Their eyes met his, and then they looked at you—disapprovingly. Their judgment was sharp, cutting through the air, making you feel small. Their scorn was clear: you were just a circus performer in their eyes. Feeling the weight of their stares, you slipped your hand from Leon’s and glanced at him briefly before stepping away, leaving the room quietly.

Leon swallowed hard after you left, his heart sinking. Beneath the blond hair, his blue eyes misted over as he struggled to hold back his emotions. As Jenny’s angelic voice filled the air, the truth gnawed at him—he would never be enough for his prestigious parents. But in his heart, there was no doubt—he adored you completely.