The MIDNIGHT MUSE

The Midnight Muse chapter 1 &2

The Midnight Muse chapter 1 🖤🖤

Chapter One: Shadows in the Spotlight

Hundreds of chandeliers illuminated the Hôtel Delacroix's enormous ballroom, which was filled with the aroma of champagne and roses. Vivienne, a vision in black silk that fit her body like a second skin, stood in the middle of it all. The guests were all around her, whispering in low, respectful voices, watching her every step. She appeared to be a living masterpiece, impenetrable to most. Across the room, holding a tumbler of whiskey, Ethan observed her. She was bright yet far away, like a picture he could look at but never touch.

A few minutes later, he was greeted with a knowing smile by Victor, another architect. "Markham, you are quite fortunate. Victor remarked, "A woman like Vivienne—she's... unique," with a hint of jealousy in his voice. With a courteous nod, Ethan remained silent. What was he supposed to say? That his sense of luck had faded? That her aura, her attractiveness, everything about her had started to weigh heavily on his chest? Ignoring the growing knot in his stomach, he took another swallow of whiskey and walked away. Sebastian Hale walked over to Vivienne, whose lips curled into a slight smile. Like he was learning every facet of her face for his next masterpiece, he smiled unknowingly eager to get hold of this gem.

In a whisper that only she could hear, Sebastian said, "I've been looking for a muse like you my entire life. “Astonished, Vivienne cocked her head. "And what is it that inspires such devotion in me?" Sebastian made a hazy gesture with his hand, as if he was at a loss for words. “It's everything. How you live. As if you've been to the edge of the world and survived. You have an untouchable quality, and I must capture it.” She gave a little giggle, but it was not a happy one. “Sebastian, be careful. It's easy for artists to become enamored with their themes.” He answered in a voice that was barely audible, "Maybe that's the price I have to pay."

Ethan was watching, but they didn't know it. Even though he couldn't force himself to interrupt, his mouth tightened. How would he respond? That he sensed Vivienne's retreat? That everyone but him seemed enchanted by her enigmatic charm?

The Midnight Muse Chapter Two: Cracks in the mirror 🪞🪓

The following morning, Ethan and Vivienne ate breakfast together in their large but chilly apartment. As he took a sip of his coffee, Ethan watched Vivienne leaf through a collection of poetry. The sunlight coming in through the windows gave her an almost flawless appearance. Then Ethan broke the silence by stating, "You seemed close with Sebastian last night." Vivienne stayed buried in her book. "He's fascinating. He does outstanding work.” Ethan's tone was sharper than he meant to be when he said, "He seems more interested in you than his work." Vivienne gave him a calm but unreadable look at this point. "Is that upsetting to you?"Ethan was hesitant. Did he find it bothersome? Yes. But not in the manner she most likely believed. It wasn't jealousy; rather, it was something more sinister and profound. He felt like a man standing on the edge of a precipice, unable to see the bottom.

“It’s not about him. It’s about us. Sometimes I feel like I don’t know you anymore. ”Vivienne’s lips parted slightly, but she said nothing. She looked away, her fingers tightening on the edge of her book. “Maybe you never did. ”Her words hung in the air, cutting through the morning stillness. Ethan stared at her, trying to find the woman he had fallen in love with—the ambitious, intelligent woman who had captivated him not with her beauty, but with her mind. She was still there, he was sure of it, but buried under layers he couldn’t unravel.