The Masterpiece in Shadows
The Secret Masterpiece
Scene 1 of 3
Scene 1 of 3
The brass candleholder flickered.
One flame danced against the darkness.
Min-ji's brush moved across the canvas.
Each stroke captured moonlight filtering through mountain pines.
The scent of linseed oil filled the small room.
Cold night air seeped through cracks in the wall.
She worked in absolute silence.
Fifteen years of secret creation.
Masterpieces that would bear another man's signature.
Her hand didn't tremble.
The brush knew what her heart couldn't say.
Mountains took shape on the canvas.
Ethereal light bled into shadow.
The technique was hers alone.
Developed in darkness.
Honed in secrecy.
Perfected over thousands of hours.
The false panel waited in the wall.
Ready to conceal her work.
As it had concealed hundreds of paintings before this one.
She stepped back.
The candlelight caught the wet paint.
Making it seem to glow from within.
Min-ji tilted her head to the left.
Studying the composition.
Her left thumb rubbed against her forefinger.
A familiar gesture of anxiety.
The masterpiece was complete.
Another work of genius.
Another secret to hide.
Another lie to live.
She reached for the cloth.
To cover the canvas.
To hide the light.
To bury the truth once more.