The President's Muse

004

Chapter 4

"The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves."

- Victor Hugo

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"Welcome one and all to Lovere De Well's Art Private Collection!" The announcer yells.

Nia already felt the need to keep sitting down, since her legs were aching. She watched as everyone sitting in separate seats stood up and applauded.

"Still can't believe the face of the presidential election is here, he sure has my vote come election day," Kelsey, with a hushed tone said, staring up at the private viewing Theodore Knocks and his sister were seated. She was surprised to learn that her father had only just found out an hour ago that the face of a presidential campaign would be present, as he had failed to mention it to her.

"Everyone Mr. Well's the man of the hour!" Nia couldn't help but beam with joy as she saw her father step into the spotlight, his face lighting up with a huge smile.

This was his happiness.

His life.

Her father went on to do his opening poems which he often wrote, himself in the comfort of his tiny bubble of a home. After his poem ended, the curtain closed and then opened, revealing a group of actors dressed in Victorian-style costumes. She caught sight of the dress, its pattern similar to her fathers collection. A collective gasp swept through the room as others too recognized the uncanny resemblance.

She admired her father's knack for thinking beyond the tiny box that he often confided himself in. The private show he arranged last year was truly beautiful, but this year is even more beautiful and surpasses all expectations.

This was truly magnificent.

After the show was finished, waiters with plates filled with caviar and wine glass filled nearly to the rim came around to each private spot to give the viewers a quick snack. The curtain closed and the speaker returned to the stage, informing all bidders that the auction would begin very soon and that Mr. Well's would like for everyone to walk around and admire each art placed in the divider rooms.

Nia's heart sank with worry as she watched everyone rise from their seats. A strangely familiar unease gripped her, leaving her unable to move. Despite the bustling activity around her, she felt trapped in her own thoughts and that she could not understand why.  

Kelsey, who sat next to her, sensed something off about her. And worries started to creep in, since throughout the entire show, she had not uttered a single word.

"You all right Nia?" Asked Kelsey.

"Yes, I just need to use the bathroom," Nia rose from the seat, her voice a mere whisper. Kelsey sensed an eerie shift, for Nia's silence had consumed the room until now. 

"Okay, I'm going to go look around,"

Nia nodded, squeezing Kelsey's shoulders before leaving in the direction of the bathroom. There, she caught sight of secret service men stationed near the entrance to the men's restroom.

As she neared the bathroom, she suddenly caught sight of The President Elect.

In that fleeting moment, their gazes locked, exchanging unspoken words. But as quickly as it happened, he averted his eyes and departed, leaving her with a lingering sense of  curiosity.

As she entered the bathroom  A foreboding presence lingered, infecting the air. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. Sickness had claimed her, its grip tightening with each passing moment. She couldn't help but dread the worst as she prepared herself for what was to come.

But it never came. The feeling dissipated as quickly as it had appeared, She took a deep breath and reassured herself that everything would be alright.

Everything would be fine..

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Again short. Just bare with me. I promise it will eventually get longer.

How was it?