The Marchand mansion stood as a testament to power and legacy, but as Sophie stepped through its grand doors, an air of dread weighed heavily on her. Flanked by Margaux and Mrs. Madeline ,she followed Lucien's confident stride, her every step echoing in the cavernous hall.
The family was gathered in the grand sitting room. Edward Marchand, the patriarch, sat in his usual leather armchair, his demeanor warm but commanding. Mrs. Marinda Marchand, poised and elegant, occupied the center of the room with Genevieve, Lucien's younger sister, seated beside her. Their casual conversation ceased the moment Lucien and Sophie entered the room.
Edward's face brightened at first, his eyes lighting up at the sight of Lucien. "Lucien! Finally, you're home."
But his words faltered as his gaze shifted to Sophie. His smile faded, confusion creasing his brow.
Marinda's face went pale, her composure cracking. Genevieve gasped audibly, her hand flying to her mouth. Both women stared at Sophie as though they'd seen a ghost.
"Amélie?" Marinda whispered, her voice trembling. Her normally composed expression gave way to raw fear, her eyes darting nervously to Lucien.
Genevieve's hands shook as she clutched the edge of the sofa. "This... this can't be. She's dead!"
Edward, oblivious to the growing tension, frowned. "What are you talking about? Lucien, who is this?"
Lucien, ever calm, placed a hand on Sophie's shoulder. "Father, Mother, Genevieve—allow me to introduce Amélie. She's returned, and I've brought her here because I intend to marry her."
The room plunged into stunned silence.
Edward looked between Sophie and Lucien, clearly puzzled. "Amélie? But… how is this possible? We thought she… Lucien, what's going on here?"
Marinda's breathing grew uneven, and she quickly regained her mask of composure. "This must be some kind of mistake," she said, though her voice betrayed her unease. "Amélie is... she was..."
Genevieve stood abruptly, her face pale. "She's dead! This isn't possible. Lucien, what kind of game are you playing?"
Lucien's voice turned cold. "It's no game. Amélie is alive, and she's here with me now."
Sophie shifted uncomfortably, sensing the storm brewing beneath the surface. Margaux moved closer to her, a quiet pillar of support.
Mrs. Madeline, always perceptive, stepped forward. "The young lady has been through much, and Master Lucien has been steadfast in his care for her. Perhaps this isn't the time for questions, but for acceptance."
Marinda shot her a sharp look, but Mrs. Madeline held her ground.
Edward's gaze softened, though confusion lingered. "If this is true… Amélie, we're glad you're back. But Lucien, this sudden announcement—what about Celine?"
Lucien's tone was firm. "There will be no marriage to Celine. Amélie is the one I've chosen."
Marinda's voice rose, sharp and commanding. "Lucien, do you understand what you're doing? The engagement with Celine's family is not just about you. It's about our alliances, our legacy. You cannot simply throw that away!"
Genevieve, still trembling, muttered under her breath, "This can't be happening. She's supposed to be gone. She is gone."
Marinda silenced her with a look, but the damage was done. Sophie caught the exchange, her stomach knotting with unease.
Later that evening, as Sophie sat in the room assigned to her, she couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible had happened in this house. The looks on Marinda and Genevieve's faces told her more than words ever could.
In the sitting room, Marinda and Genevieve huddled together.
"She knows," Genevieve whispered frantically. "She has to know. She looks exactly like her. It's her."
Marinda's expression was cold, calculating. "She can't know. Lucien must have found someone who looks like her to torment us. Amélie is gone—because we made sure of it."
Genevieve's voice trembled. "But what if he knows? What if he's figured out what we did?"
Marinda's tone turned icy. "He doesn't know. And he won't, as long as we stay composed. Do not lose your head, Genevieve. If this is Lucien's game, we will play it—but on our terms."
But deep down, both women knew the ghost of Amélie would haunt them forever.