Violet barely made it to work on time after an elevator malfunction. The rush left her tired and frazzled before rehearsals even began. Their next show was the classic ballet Cinderella, and casting announcements were to be made that day. Auditioning for individual parts was pointless; the director knew everyone's capabilities and assigned roles accordingly.

"I really hope I get Cinderella this time," her fellow dancer, Abigail Smith, sighed. "But everyone knows it'll probably go to you, Violet. I'll be lucky to be one of the evil stepsisters."

"There's always the fairy godmother or one of the other fairies," Violet reassured her.

The stepsisters were comedic roles, unlikely to suit Abigail's graceful style. In previous Cinderella productions Violet had seen, the stepsisters were played by men to heighten their comedic effect.

"I suppose so," Abigail said glumly. "I was lucky he even let me dance the caterpillar last time."

The caterpillar had been a significant role in the previous ballet, onstage for most of the performance. Abigail had excelled in the part.

Violet was one of the company's most talented ballerinas, but she didn't always get her desired role. Last year, during Swan Lake, she was disappointed not to be cast as Odile, the Black Swan. She received the role of Odette instead, and her offhand complaint about it had irked her fellow ballerinas. They would have killed for the lead.

Odette was a great part, but one of Odile's dances was among the most difficult in ballet, and Violet had longed to perform it. That honor went to Katrina Pierce.

"Listen up! Parts have been assigned, and I don't want to hear a single complaint," the director announced sternly, entering the room.

The dancers gathered, a mixture of excitement and apprehension filling the air. Announcement days were always significant.

"Daniel, you're the Prince. Fred and Liana, you're the King and Queen. Violet will be Cinderella. Abigail, the Fairy Godmother. Charlie and Thomas will be the ugly stepsisters. The other fairies will be…"

The director continued, but Violet tuned him out. Abigail's "I told you so" look was unmistakable. Her friend was the Fairy Godmother.

Once the casting was complete, the choreography team began working with the dancers on rehearsals. Learning new routines was always the most challenging aspect of her job; the choreographers were extremely strict. It promised to be a long day.

"Noah!" Violet called, waving to her friend across the street.

They were meeting at one of their favorite restaurants; he was running late. It had become their go-to dinner spot because of its extensive salad menu. Violet's dietician was constantly monitoring her calorie intake, so delicious, healthy salads were a necessity. This restaurant delivered.

Noah approached, hands in the pockets of his black windbreaker. His messy hair suggested a distant parking spot. It was a windy autumn day, typical for New York.

Violet, accustomed to wearing her hair up as a ballerina, found it practical on windy days. She sported her usual sleek high ponytail, a pearl gray sweater, and jeans.

"What's up, Vi?" he asked.

"I'm going to be Cinderella," she announced. "And I got trapped in an elevator with my dad's assistant."

Noah raised an eyebrow. "You were trapped in an elevator?"

Violet briefly explained the incident, dismissing it as inconsequential. She was only delivering the remaining apple rose puffs for her father.

He laughed, playfully flicking her ponytail. He thought she was far too calm about the whole ordeal. Most people would have panicked. But Violet Hale was never afraid of things that frightened others.

They settled into their favorite booth by the window. Noah ordered his usual pasta; Violet chose a Greek salad.

While waiting for their food, Noah discussed his weekend karate competition, and Violet shared details about her Cinderella role. Their conversation flowed effortlessly.

"I think Abigail might be a little jealous," she said, sipping her lemon water.

Noah smiled and shook his head. "Almost everyone you've ever met is jealous of you. You're just that amazing."

Violet stuck out her tongue. "I'm serious, Noah! I don't want her to be mad at me. We get along well, and I thought things were fine after she got the lead last time. But today, she was all 'you always get the good parts.'"

His thoughtful expression appeared—his usual response to her problems. Of everyone she knew, she sought Noah's advice most, except for her mother.

Keeley Hale was wise but busy. Violet often felt like she was bothering her, even though her mother constantly reassured her otherwise. She couldn't pinpoint the reason for this feeling, despite the reassurances.