59. "Lucien's New Passion, Accompanied by Vivienne"

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Venus Theatre,

"Clap...Clap...!!"

Lucien gazed at the stage, a twinkle of fascination in his eyes, as the final curtain fell with a resounding applause.

The air in the theater was filled with a palpable sense of wonder and delight, mingled with the lingering echoes of the dramatic performances that had unfolded before the captivated audience.

"What a magnificent drama it was," Lucien exclaimed, his voice infused with awe and newfound appreciation. "I never imagined that theatrical plays could be so incredibly enjoyable!"

Vivienne, standing beside him, glanced sideways with a mischievous smirk adorning her lips. "Ah, so you confess that you had never bothered to indulge in such artistic spectacles before," she jested, her eyes sparkling with playful amusement.

Lucien chuckled, feeling a slight unease creep into his demeanor. "Hahaha! Truth be told, I never found myself with much leisure time before, hence I never pondered the notion of attending a theater," he confessed, his words carrying a hint of embarrassment.

Indeed, the world of drama had remained distant and unfamiliar to Lucien for the longest time.

The allure of the stage had failed to captivate him, or so he believed. Yet, in this moment, everything had changed.

Vivienne's companionship had brought about a transformation, awakening a dormant appreciation within him, as if a dormant seed had suddenly burst into bloom.

As the theater's ambiance enveloped them, Lucien found himself immersed in the enchantment of the performance, each scene unfolding like vivid brushstrokes upon a grand canvas.

The actors' expressions conveyed a kaleidoscope of emotions, their voices resonating with passion and conviction, while the stage became a living tapestry of lights, colors, and carefully crafted sets.

With each passing act, Lucien's senses heightened, allowing him to appreciate the intricate artistry that lay beneath the surface of the drama.

The symphony of dialogue, gestures, and movements painted a vivid tableau, weaving a captivating tale that stirred his very soul.

As the final act neared its climax, Lucien felt an indescribable connection forming, not only with the characters on stage but with the creative brilliance that birthed their stories.

In this theater, Lucien's perception had shifted, his taste transformed.

And it was all thanks to the presence of Vivienne, whose mere company had breathed life into a passion he never knew he possessed.

As the audience rose in a thunderous ovation, Lucien joined in, clapping his hands with unbridled enthusiasm.

After the play had ended, Lucien and Vivienne made their way out of the opulent theater.

The night air greeted them, cool and refreshing against their flushed faces, as they stepped onto the bustling city streets.

Lucien's throat felt parched from the gripping performance, and he couldn't ignore the persistent dryness that seemed to scratch at his vocal cords.

"Do you feel the same? My throat is quite dry," Lucien remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of huskiness as he gently caressed his throat, searching for relief.

Vivienne nodded in agreement, her own voice echoing a soft affirmation. She too longed for something to quench her thirst and soothe her parched throat.

"Very well, then. Let us seek out a place where we can indulge in a refreshing drink. I overheard a couple praising a nearby stall, claiming they serve the most delightful concoctions," Lucien suggested, pointing towards a row of stalls just a stone's throw away.

The couple's animated conversation had piqued his curiosity as he passed by, the tantalizing descriptions of the drinks lingering in his mind.

A smile graced Vivienne's lips as she readily agreed to Lucien's proposal.

Side by side, they embarked on their short journey, carefully navigating the flow of pedestrians and crossing the bustling street.

The city's lights danced around them, casting an ethereal glow on the surrounding buildings.

The night was alive with the sounds of laughter, conversation, and the occasional rumble of passing cars.

Finally, they arrived at the enchanting stall, its vibrant lights and bustling atmosphere drawing them in like a magnet.

The tantalizing aroma of freshly brewed beverages wafted through the air, intermingling with the excited chatter of patrons.

The stall's proprietor, a skilled mixologist, greeted them with a warm smile, eager to share his craft.

His hands moved with dexterity and precision, expertly assembling the ingredients for their chosen drinks.

Each step was a graceful dance, the clinking of glasses and the gentle hum of machines adding to the symphony of the night.

As the beverages were presented before them, a colorful symphony of flavors awaited their eager taste buds.

Lucien's mouth watered at the sight of his drink, its vibrant hue and garnishes a feast for the eyes.

Vivienne's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she beheld her own creation, a delicate balance of flavors and aromas that promised to enchant her senses.

With their glasses in hand, Lucien and Vivienne found a secluded spot nearby. They settled into a comfortable silence, the warmth of their drinks radiating through their palms.

Savoring each sip, they let the cool liquid cascade down their throats, quenching their thirst and revitalizing their spirits.

In that moment, as the city buzzed around them, Lucien and Vivienne shared a quiet connection.

Now intertwined with the magic of this tranquil moment, as they reveled in the simple pleasure of a shared drink and the company of one another.

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"Screeeech...!!"

The screeching sound pierced the air, assaulting Nathaniel's ears as he frantically scanned his surroundings, his eyes ablaze with anger. "Where the hell is that conniving bitch?" he seethed through clenched teeth.

Without a second thought, he abandoned his car on the road and hastened towards the grand entrance of the Venus Theatre.

"Damn it!"

To his dismay, the theater stood before him, its doors firmly shut.

Nathaniel's brows furrowed in frustration as he considered his next move. Where could Vivienne have vanished to?

The realization struck him that he hadn't arrived too late; she couldn't have ventured too far from this place.

Amidst his desperation, a conversation between two men caught his attention. "Hey, care to join me for a drink? It's my treat tonight!" their voices rang out, drawing Nathaniel's focus toward a nearby beverage stall.

His eyes shifted, and there, like a stroke of unexpected luck, he caught a fleeting glimpse of Vivienne's radiant smile.

Rage surged within him like a tempest. His pent-up emotions propelled him forward, his voice echoing through the streets, cutting through the atmosphere like a knife.

"You damn bitch! Today, you won't escape my wrath!" Nathaniel's outburst caught the attention of passersby, their bewildered gazes lingering upon him.

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