Then would come the pivotal moment: the initiation ritual itself. The master would publicly articulate his reasons for accepting this particular protege, share wisdom gleaned through decades of artistic exploration, and demonstrate techniques for the novice to emulate.
What should have been a profound artistic exchange struck Elliana as absurdly theatrical, particularly because Luciano had commissioned a wax figure of Rosa for the occasion.
Paige was becoming Luciano’s protege, yet he venerated Rosa above all others. Elliana suppressed a bubbling laugh at the irony.
Rosa’s true identity remained one of the art world’s most closely guarded secrets, never revealed publicly. Only a select inner circle knew who truly wielded the brushes behind that name.
The sole image circulating online captured a blurred profile, confirming only that Rosa was female. In that enigmatic photograph, she wore a tailored black suit with heels, her long hair swept into an elegant high ponytail. Her slender, statuesque silhouette suggested a polished professional rather than the disheveled artist stereotype many expected.
The mysterious Rosa brand held such cultural sway that this single, indistinct image had proliferated across social media platforms. Various prestigious art institutions included her works in their curriculum, displaying this very photograph when introducing her revolutionary contributions.
Though aware of this phenomenon, Elliana had dismissed it as trivial until witnessing Luciano’s audacity in creating a wax effigy based on that single, ambiguous image.
Since facial features remained indiscernible in the photograph, the wax figure stood faceless-an artistic compromise disguised as reverence. To maintain the illusion of respect, Luciano had crowned the figure with a dramatic black round-brimmed hat.
As Elliana savored the absurdity unfolding before her, the ceremony commenced.
The host began by introducing the assembled witnesses with practiced gravitas.
To artificially elevate Paige’s perceived importance, the production team had recruited several aging luminaries from the art establishment. Their significance was emphasized through elaborate introductions recited by the host with theatrical solemnity.
These luminaries had clearly been well-compensated for their participation, as their speeches overflowed with extravagant praise for both Luciano and Paige.
Elliana observed silently, her lips curved in a subtle, knowing smile. So many reputations entangled in this charade-would they regret their complicity when the truth emerged later?
After the witnesses’ exhaustive testimonials, Luciano finally rose to speak. He stood from his chair-positioned to emphasize his authority-adjusted his sleeves with practiced nonchalance, accepted the microphone, and began speaking in deliberately affected tones.
“As my esteemed colleagues know, I never walked the conventional path of artistic instruction. My distinctive style emerged through personal innovation, yet throughout my creative journey, one mentor has guided my spirit unfailingly-the incomparable Rosa!”
With dramatic flourish, Luciano gestured toward the faceless wax figure.
“Though fate has denied me the honor of meeting Rosa in person, her works have been my most profound teachers. I can state unequivocally that no influence has shaped my artistic vision more powerfully.”
On cue, assistants wheeled in several canvases-Luciano’s award-winning pieces, the foundation of his reputation and credibility. Precisely speaking, those were the pieces he claimed as his own creation, while they were actually drawn by painters who remained in the shadows.
Luciano described each painting with passionate intensity, repeatedly invoking Rosa’s name as though it were a sacred incantation.
“Observe the distinctive techniques in my work that echo Rosa’s influence. This harmony of elements…”
“Reflects my profound reverence for her genius!” Every word dripped with manufactured emotion, his eyes glistening with staged devotion, as though Rosa’s essence had permanently transformed his artistic soul.
Having completed his performance, he returned the microphone to the host and bowed deeply before the faceless wax figure. His expression conveyed absolute solemnity, creating a hushed reverence throughout the room.
Elliana felt revulsion prickling across her skin. Watching this fraudulent “master” perform such elaborate veneration was simultaneously revolting and darkly comical. A spontaneous laugh escaped her lips before she could contain it.
The disruptive sound shattered the ceremonial atmosphere, causing every head in the room to swivel toward her..
Laughter spilled from Elliana’s lips the moment Luciano straightened from his theatrical bow.
The sound hit Luciano like a slap. His solemn mask shattered, and fury contorted his face. His eyes darkened, turning red at the edges, rage swelling with every breath. He spun toward Elliana and growled through clenched teeth, “What’s so funny to you?”
A wave of heads turned with Luciano. Eyes widened, unsure whether to be offended or simply baffled. What was Elliana thinking, laughing now of all times?
Paige’s blood boiled beneath her composed exterior. She’d been waiting for Elliana to slip up-but not like this, not now, not in the middle of the most carefully planned event of her life. This extravagant ceremony had been designed to boost her social standing and attract prestigious endorsements. But if Elliana stirred up trouble, the whole event would fall flat and lose its intended impact.
Still, with cameras everywhere and eyes locked on her, Paige forced her features into something soft and collected. “Elliana, this is an important moment. How could you treat it with so little respect?”
Elliana hadn’t planned to laugh. It just slipped out before she could stop it. With a casual shrug, she tapped her nose, a trace of humor still dancing in her eyes. “My bad. It got away from me.”
Paige clamped her mouth shut, the tension in her chest making it hard to breathe.
Luciano looked like he was seconds from exploding. His chest heaved, his eyes wild. All the grand effort he’d put into this ceremony-meant to solidify his image as a revered master-was being undercut by Elliana’s laugh. He felt his reputation as an art world master had been deeply insulted, and in a fit of fury, he snapped, “You hideous little freak-no manners, no education, no talent, and not a shred of respect! You’re absolutely disgusting!”
Words like that, coming from a so-called master, carried weight-and malice. All eyes shifted to Elliana, while the live chat exploded with frantic commentary.
“What’s up with Elliana? This was supposed to be a dignified event, and she’s laughing?”
“Maybe she really is as uncultured as Mr. Scott says. She probably thought his respectfulness was some kind of joke.”
“Isn’t it clear by now that Elliana is Mr. Scott’s ultimate rival? I was genuinely swept up in the emotion of the ceremony, but the second Elliana started laughing, the whole mood shattered-and honestly, I had to stop myself from laughing too.”
Inside the venue and across the screen, every pair of eyes locked onto Elliana as if a trial against her were about to begin. She, however, remained composed-almost amused by the entire ordeal. The more furious Luciano became, the harder she struggled not to grin.
“Truly, I’m sorry, Mr. Scott. Do carry on with your ceremony.”
Elliana wanted Luciano to keep performing-she couldn’t wait to see how far he’d go. The deeper he sank into the performance, the harder he’d crash when night came.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.