Noah's Pov:
I was in the room with Mum, Dad, Alexa and Charlene when the door suddenly opened, and I lifted my eyes to see someone familiar, stirring a mix of hope and confusion within me.

Not just anyone - but the same lady I've been looking for. 

What?

Confusion clouded me as I really couldn't comprehend it. 

What's going on? Isn't she the same....

Hold on;

Could it be her ghost?

No; never. She can never be dead. 

"Maxine?" Mum helped me voice out her name.
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Maxine's Pov:
I stood, smiling at the door, as he stared at me with such surprise and disbelief, as if he'd seen a ghost, making the moment feel deeply meaningful and hopeful for the audience. 

"Maxine?" His mum called, and immediately, Noah stood up.

"Maxine?" He called this time around, and I smiled and jumped into his arms, forgetting the fact he looked injured.

"Noah", I whimpered as he carried me up and held me tight to himself. 

It was like something I couldn't explain. A feeling I'd never experienced. 

That hug felt so special to me. 

"You came back. You're back," he hushed.

We pulled from the hug, and he kissed me immediately.

"Maxine", his mum called, and I turned to look at her. 
"What happened to you? We thought you were abducted? Did they just.."

"No; I escaped. Oscar was behind it. He abducted me and wanted me to withdraw the case I have against his parents. But just a few minutes ago, Ruby helped me escape," I explained, showing my bravery and resilience to inspire the audience.

"Ruby?" Charlene asked. 

"Yes. I...I guess she doesn't support her brother and wanted to do the right thing. She's the reason I'm here" 

"Hold on; would you be able to locate the place? They may still be there, right?" His dad asked.

"I...I don't know. But I think I should be able to locate it," I said nervously. 

"Then come on, let's get going. I'll alert the police at once".

"No, no. She's going nowhere. She just came back," Noah objected.

"Son, come on, we're talking about criminals here! We need to get them," his dad tried to convince him. 

"Then, if she's going, I'm going with her. That's the only option. Else, we stay here together," he said, and every other attempt to dissuade him proved negative as he wouldn't listen.

And having no other option, they had to take him along.
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👒👒👒👒👒👒👒👒👒👒 
💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍💍

Maxine's Pov:
I came out of the bathroom, water still dripping from my hair onto my body, the cool towel clinging to my skin as I met Noah lying on the bed, busy with his phone. 

I had just a towel tied around me and met Noah lying on the bed, busy with his phone. 

But the moment I entered, he took his eyes from the phone and smiled at me. 

"Hey", he cooed, and I just smiled and walked to the wardrobe. 

"Come over, bae. I think I need some chills," he beckoned to me, and I chuckled.

Really?

And I made myself lie very close to him, feeling the comfort and closeness that made my heart flutter, creating a warm, romantic mood for the audience. 

"How're you feeling now?" I asked, touching his arm. 

"Well...I think I'm great - especially now you're close to me," he replied, and I blushed in a smile.
Teaser. 

He dropped his phone and wrapped his hand around me as we stared blankly at the ceiling.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" He broke the short silence, and my heart skipped a bit at the mention of that. 

"Well....I guess so" I shrugged, and he smiled. 

Tomorrow was the final day of the Star Dance Competition, the moment that could change everything for us. 

"You know you're already my star, right?" He asked, and I blushed again.

For a while, we didn't say a word.

"Why do you think Rex left?" I asked.

Well, I've been really curious about it. 

"I...have no idea", he shrugged. 
"But whatever it is, I think it's for the best. At least, I can be free from him now".

He'd shown up that morning, rendered some apologies - saying he'd decided to enjoy his life and stop envying other people's happiness.

Then he left the country. 

"But do you think he was being sincere with his apologies?" I asked again. 

"Seriously, Maxine, I don't know. But I just hope he is," Noah replied simply, and I took in a deep breath. 

Well, he'd sounded sorry and sincere. I don't think he was faking it.

"Maxine", he called after a while.
"Are you really sure of forgiving Ruby and Tammy to the extent of releasing the house to them?" 

"Well...of course", I shrugged. 
"Ruby's the reason I escaped, and I think she's really remorseful now. I think she's changed. And you know, Tammy... she's more of a kid and tends to do what Ruby does. Besides, they'd really apologised. So, I think it's okay".

He didn't say a word for a while and just sighed.  

Well, I've made up my mind already. With Oscar and his parents in jail, I think everything's settled.  

"I think I'll just get dressed. I'm beginning to feel cold," I said and tried standing up, but he pulled me down. 

"Hey, don't worry. I'll warm you up," he cooed and reached for the tip of my towel.

"What're you..." 
Before I could finish up my statement, he crashed his lips on mine and took off my towel. 

"Noah!!!" I called and laughed as he tickled me 
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Writer's note;
In less than a week, they got married, and she didn't just become his wife; she also became the World's Star Dancer when her veil was lifted. 
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No matter how long it takes, a stammer would still pronounce his name. 

Destiny can only be delayed, but can never be denied😍😍😍

Even if the enemies try, what must be must be.
THE END!