*+MoJo+*- New Chapter!!! Yay! Thanks for the reviews. They were encouraging. Have fun!

Disclaimer: I do not own Moulin Rouge. If I did, I would be on my own private island in a hammock being fanned by Colin Farrell and Heath Ledger. :)

Enjoy!

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Satine sat in her dressing room, in shock. Had the Duke actually implored Satine to fabricate her own death? So many thoughts ran through her head. The show was merely minutes away, yet it was the farthest thing from her mind. The only thoughts that filled her head were what she could do to prevent this no matter what.

Could she tell Christian what the Duke had said and that everything an act? No. He would fight for her, at all costs. Could she refuse the Duke's demand? No. He was determined and powerful enough to have her whole life ruined. Without killing Satine herself, he would kill everything and everyone dear to her, and watch her suffer. Could she simply run away? No. Where would she go? Where could she go? The only people she knew, and had ever known were her acquaintances at the Moulin Rouge.

She was lost completely inside her thoughts, inside her fear, when a knock came at the door. "Go away," she screamed, "I am in no mood for talk." Although she had been jolted back to reality, she was still a victim to her thoughts. Satine did not realize that the show was only minutes away.

"You must get on the stage Satine." Marie's voice was a relief to Satine. But what could Marie do to alleviate her troubles. Nothing. "Curtain rises in five minutes, child. Get to the stage!"

"I'm coming." There was a touch of pain in her voice. Her throat ached, as she tried to hold back the tears and sadness. Her chest tightened, her frail body barely able to contain all the perils of the troubled young woman. Satine grabbed her headdress, and walked out of the door, still unsure of what the outcome of the night might be.

Satine remained in position after the curtain fell. The next scene would be the finale, and Christian still had not shown his face. Maybe the Duke had been wrong. Perhaps Christian was convinced that she did not love him. Satine made her way backstage to her dressing room for a few last minute touch-ups. A slight sense of relief began slowly to creep through her. Maybe everything would turn out all right. She reapplied the needed makeup and then just stood in front of the mirror. Perhaps all her dreams would come true. She would be a famous actress, with no help from the Duke, and live happily with Christian.

All of those thoughts shattered when she saw Christian standing in her doorway.

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End Chapter

Next chapter soon! Please review!

*+MoJo+*