Unable to sleep, Sophie found herself wandering through the mansion. She stopped in front of Lucien's study, the light under the door signaling he was still awake. Summoning her courage, she knocked.
"Come in," his deep voice called out.
Sophie pushed the door open, finding him seated at his desk, a glass of whiskey in hand. He looked up, surprise flickering in his eyes.
"Sophie," he said, setting the glass down. "What brings you here?"
She stepped inside, her fists clenched. "I know what you're planning, Lucien."
His eyes narrowed. "And what exactly do you think I'm planning?"
"To marry me," she said, her voice steady despite the storm raging within her. "Not because you care about me, or In love with me but because of Amelie."
Lucien rose from his chair, his expression darkening. "You don't understand—"
"No, you don't understand!" Sophie interrupted, her voice rising. "I'm not Amelie, and I never will be. You can't keep using me as a pawn in your twisted game of revenge."
Lucien's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond.
"Why did you even buy me?" Sophie continued, tears streaming down her face. "If all you wanted was someone to blame, someone to punish, why didn't you just leave me in peace?"
For a moment, the room was silent, the weight of her words hanging heavy in the air. Then Lucien spoke, his voice low and pained.
"Because I didn't know what else to do and I didn't want anyone to buy you at the Challette Mansion either" he admitted. "Amelie's death destroyed me, Sophie. I thought... I thought having you here would make things right. But now—"
"But now you realize it won't," Sophie finished for him, her tone bitter.
Lucien looked away, unable to meet her gaze.
---
A Turning Point
Sophie left the study without another word, her heart heavy with anger and despair. In her room, she found Margaux waiting for her.
"What happened?" Margaux asked.
"He admitted it," Sophie said, her voice hollow. "Everything."
Margaux hugged her tightly. "You'll get through this, Sophie. You're stronger than you think."
As Sophie lay in bed that night, she resolved to take control of her own destiny. No matter what Lucien's plans were, she wouldn't let him dictate her life any longer.
And as the first light of dawn crept through her window, she knew it was time to fight back.
---
Two weeks passed, and Lucien finally decided to reveal Sophie to his family. He intended to present her as Amélie, his deceased girlfriend, a twisted move to solidify the upcoming wedding. Unbeknownst to Lucien's father, Edward, the tragic death of Amélie was not an accident but a carefully orchestrated crime by Marinda Marchand, Lucien's mother, and her youngest daughter—Lucien's sister.
Sophie sat silently in her room, her heart pounding as Madeline entered with a delicate, white dress. "Put this on," the Madeline instructed curtly. Sophie obeyed, slipping into the gown that fit her perfectly, highlighting her elegance. When Lucien saw her, he froze. She looked breathtaking, but the sight stirred more than admiration—it was a chilling reminder of Amélie.
Lucien's piercing gaze lingered on Sophie as he gestured her toward his car. The air between them was heavy as he leaned closer before they drove off. "You know the rules," he said in a low, firm tone. "Behave when we arrive. Answer their questions like you're Amélie. Don't even think of running. It won't end well for you."
Sophie nodded reluctantly, clutching the script the maid had handed her earlier. The script detailed Amélie's mannerisms, her voice, and even the kind of stories she would tell. Sophie had spent the past week memorizing it. Every detail had to be perfect.
Upon their arrival, Aunt Madeline and Margaux were already waiting. Their roles were clear: they would ease Sophie into the situation, ensuring she didn't falter when faced with the sharp eyes of the Marchand family. Madeline offered a kind smile as she guided Sophie out of the car. "You'll do fine, my dear. Just remember, you're one of us now."
The mansion loomed ahead, an architectural masterpiece, with its high arches and intricate details showcasing wealth and power. As Sophie stepped inside, her heart sank. The Marchand family members were already gathered, their expressions unreadable. Marinda's icy gaze bore into Sophie as if searching for flaws, while Edward looked mildly intrigued but unsuspecting.
Margaux whispered reassuringly to Sophie as they entered the grand hall. "Stay calm. You look just like her. They won't suspect a thing."
But Sophie couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting would be more than just an act. Secrets, lies, and hidden tensions simmered beneath the surface, and she was now in the very heart of it all.