The Lucifer's Muse

The proposal

The celebration at Aether Hotel roared on. Glasses clinked in joyful unison, and laughter bubbled through the air like sweet perfume. The elite of the entertainment world gathered, celebrating the unprecedented success of their latest cinematic masterpiece.

Ixora excused herself from Rita and Caroline, both of whom simply smiled and nodded. After all, within the walls of Aether Hotel, one could find sanctuary. It was a fortress of glamour, secrets, and safety.

She stepped into the garden, its midnight blossoms glowing softly under the moonlight. The gentle hush of wind played with the leaves as she sat on a swing, her thoughts swirling. Without realizing it, tears slipped down her cheeks.

How strange life could be. Just months ago, she was a nobody. A girl shunned and discarded, her name cursed, her existence insignificant. And now? She was someone people clamored to meet, her talent no longer overshadowed by baseless labels. Millions followed her. Her old social media account, wiped out by controversy and persecution, was long gone. But in its place rose a star.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice Matteo approaching until his familiar presence lingered behind her. She turned.

"It’s been a while," she said, a small smile curving her lips.

Matteo smiled, nodding. The change in her stunned him. Gone was the wary girl, her face weary from relentless battles. In her place stood a radiant woman. Her smile was no longer forced. It was genuine, lighting up her delicate features. Her once brittle hair now shimmered, cascading like silk down her back. Her body, once thin and fatigued, bore the fullness of health. Curves that spoke of vitality and elegance, the kind that left a lasting imprint.

And that elegance… the memory of her ballet performance was seared into his mind. It hadn’t been his plan to stay close. His original mission was revenge and investigation. After all, she had saved Domenico that night fate dealt him a deadly hand thanks to him. He intended to humble her, to remind her never to lift her head in the presence of men like him,also not just save anyone she meet.

But when he met her at the set, his plan crumbled.

Her innocence struck him. Her voice, the purity of her laughter, the simple courage of a girl trying to defy money and fate in a world ruled by both. The café meeting he arranged was meant to gauge her weaknesses, but instead, it drew him in.

Matteo shook himself from the memory.

"Oh my bad," he said, chuckling. "Got lost in your night beauty."

She blushed lightly.

"Why did you leave such a gathering?" he asked, gesturing for her to sit on the swing as he gently pushed it.

"I guess… I feel unworthy. I'm just fortunate to be the lead. I’ve never received any formal acting education."

"And yet the world’s best teachers were assigned to you," Matteo countered. "And beyond that, Ixora, you're called for the stage. It's in your blood."

She sighed. "Caroline guided me patiently, but…"

“No but,” Matteo spoke again, leaning casually against the side of the swing frame, his tone light but edged with meaning. “I hear Caroline was choosing another script for you.”

“Script?” Ixora blinked, surprised. “Why haven’t I heard of it?”

“Oh, I hear it from my boss — Elliot Zhao,” Matteo explained, watching her reaction closely.

“Is the script written by Director Zhao again?” she asked, curious.

“No,” Matteo shook his head. “Actually, Black Swan is a true life story of the Zhao family ancestors. Kendra Zhao wrote the script. Elliot just edited it for our time and made it realistic. That’s why he said in the interview he wasn’t the original owner of the script, just polished it.”

Ixora’s brows furrowed slightly. The entertainment world was so layered — names, faces, histories behind each shining surface.

“Then?” she prompted.

“Well, Caroline’s been receiving a lot of calls since the movie hit the apps and the internet. Its premiere will be in one month and six days — though it hasn’t been officially announced yet.” Matteo leaned closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “I hear it skyrocketed to ten million views in just two hours. And the box office is still counting — it's already set to enter international movie charts.”

Ixora’s eyes widened. “So fast? I thought it would take months… I’m just a new face no one knows.”

“You’re right — normally it takes months. But not in this case,” Matteo smiled knowingly. “Any movie produced and directed by Elliot Zhao always comes out a hit. His name alone gives you identity. And a lot of promoters were assigned to it by Aether Entertainment. Plus, every movie box office is required to display it.”

He paused before continuing, “Secondly, the main lead Josh Owen is the king of movies. Not just an A-lister — he’s the king. His background alone could turn any movie into a sensation. Anthony Joshua, a solid B-list star, and Valerie Song too — don’t underestimate them. They might be antagonists in Black Swan, but in other movies, they're main leads. And then there’s Celeste Ran — she’s a C-list actress now, but she would’ve risen to A-list if she hadn’t gotten into that accident. She was meant for bigger things.”

Matteo folded his arms. “Also, don’t forget the J Group that belongs to Anthony’s family and Song Group behind Valerie — they wouldn’t stand down either. From production day, this movie was destined to be a hit. Any project Aether Entertainment puts out becomes a sensation. Especially with the highest-paying director Elliot Zhao attached.”

Ixora sighed quietly, her shoulders dropping.

Matteo noticed her mood shift. “Hey now — I’m not saying you did nothing, oo,” he teased, nudging her lightly. “You played your part too.”

“Did I?” she mumbled. “I can’t help but feel… I’m not as influential as them.” She sighed again.

“Come on, don’t say that,” Matteo said, pulling out his phone. “Your impact made this movie even more popular. Thanks to that short skit of your Black Swan ballet dance at the intro — influential socialites reposted it. A lot of them love those kinds of elegant performances.”

He scrolled quickly and turned the screen to her. “And thanks to your participation in the Global Ballet Dance for Ballerinas — people realized it wasn’t a stunt double, but a real ballerina. That made people more interested.”

Ixora laughed, the heaviness in her heart lightening a little. “Thanks for cheering me up.”

“No — it’s the fact,” Matteo grinned. “Here, check this out.” He handed her his phone.

On the screen was a post from Obsidian Mirror, one of the most influential media outlets in the industry.

“She’s a pure gem in the entertainment world. I expected them to use a double, but seeing her on the global stage, I realized she’s not just good in acting or has an enchantress face and body — she’s a true ruby in the ballet world.”

Ixora blinked, stunned.

“That’s Harper Reed’s acknowledgment,” Matteo said quietly, his tone laced with admiration. “Which is rare. She barely acknowledges stars. You, Marianne — the movie box queen — Josh Owen, and maybe two others are the only ones she’s ever posted about. And not even about their characters. It’s always the movie as a whole. But this time — it was you she praised.”

Ixora felt her heart pound. “Why me…?”

“Her involvement alone by praising you has helped push the movie toward international release. You’re the key for international recognition, Ixora. Why do you think Caroline assigned guards to you? You’re no longer a small star. You’re apparently now a B-list star. You’ve even been nominated for New Face of the Year through your film for the Yearly Awards.”

“B-star?” she repeated, wide-eyed. “Why haven’t I heard about this?”

“Yes — thanks to your global ballet dance. Oh, by the way — the result will be announced tonight, publicly, as they finish counting the votes,” Matteo added with a grin.

“I thought it was already over,” she asked, confused.

“That was the primary voting — this is for the final tally for the Global International Award. Apparently, you, Tasha from the Star Academy, Harvey Barber from the Globe Institution in Veloria City — led by the Prince of Veloria, and Rena West from Valenhall City made the final cut. Only you and Tasha come from Silicone City.” Matteo explained in detail, his voice steady.

He continued, “It’s once every three years, the International Global Ballet Award recognition. The winner stays on the billboard for three years. Not like the country-level ones that Silicone City wins every year. The last winner from Silicone City was Caroline — six years ago. Three years ago, Genevieve Marshal from Veloria’s Globe Institution took it. Do you understand now?”

Ixora slowly nodded. “I think Caroline will still explain it better later.”

She glanced at Matteo, narrowing her eyes playfully. “Why do I feel like you know more about the socialite circle than actual socialites? Or are you secretly one?”

Matteo laughed, a little flustered. “Of course not. I just love entertainment. I have to stay in line with my profession to avoid offending higher-ups. You know how it is.”

She smiled, seeing how caught off-guard he was.

“You’re smiling,” Matteo teased.

“You were the only one who spoke to me when I first arrived and encouraged me,” she said softly. “I just want to say thank you. My dream has always been to be on the billboard as a ballerina. But right now… I’m happy with just country recognition. I don’t covet for more.”

Matteo grinned. “You’ll get there — and when you do, remember who your first fan was.”

They both laughed, the weight of the evening finally lifting.

The night at Aether Hotel roared on in the distance, but for Ixora and Matteo — this quiet moment in the moonlit garden felt like a small world of their own.

Matteo gently stopped the swing, his eyes locked on Ixora’s.

“I hear from others that you said you’re not in any relationships. May I pursue you now?” His voice lowered, earnest. “I really wanted to tell you this before I went home after my parents called urgently, or I…”

“What?!” Ixora’s breath hitched in surprise.

Matteo chuckled nervously. “I mean, I don’t expect an answer now. It can be our secret—I keep secrets very well. I promise to work harder, to become someone worthy, like Director Zhao. I’ve admired you since the day we met. I know I’m just an ordinary assistant director, and you’re a star. I can only offer loyalty, care, and support. I wanted to tell you everything, but I was scared… I knew you wouldn’t answer me then.”

Ixora tilted her head, amused but cautious. “Are you rehearsing this now?”

“I’m serious.” Matteo’s gaze didn’t waver. “You’re beautiful. Elegant. Unique. Vibrant, just like your name implies. Ixora—such a stunning name, it blends natural beauty perfectly. Without a doubt, it suits you.”

A faint blush colored Ixora’s cheeks.

Matteo knew he was reaching her.

“I can be your secret lover,” he whispered, “but I don’t want to be your secret admirer anymore. I want you to complete me. Please...” He pulled a small velvet box from his pocket and opened it, revealing a delicate glazed necklace with the initials ‘My Ballerina.’

Bending slightly, he gently placed the necklace around her neck. “I know it will take time for you to accept me as your man. I’ve heard about your past—your relationship that broke your trust. But I promise, Ixora, I won’t joke with your feelings. I, Matteo Alessandro De Santos, vow that.”

Ixora’s fingers trembled as they touched the cool pendant. It was her first precious gift—she could tell by its weight and shine it was expensive.

“Do you like it?” he asked softly.

She nodded, smiling shyly.

“I’m sorry,” she said quietly, “I can’t reciprocate your love. But I promise to treat you sincerely, as a friend.”

Matteo’s eyes darkened with longing. “I don’t want to be your friend or your secret admirer. I want to hold your heart.” He leaned in, attempting to kiss her, but she hesitated and dodged. Instead, he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“I won’t force you,” he murmured. “Take your time.”

“I can’t break the contract,” Ixora whispered, pulling away. “I want to focus on my career and build myself.” Without another word, she ran off into the night.

“Wait...” Matteo’s hand hung in the air, a smile playing on his lips as he watched her go.