The next day,
Sophie sat frozen, the weight of the letter crushing her chest like a vice. The ink was faded, but the words were still clear, their meaning undeniable. Amélie had known her life was in danger. She had trusted Lucien enough to leave him a warning, yet she had not lived to see it through.
The crash that had interrupted them moments earlier echoed in her mind, but she couldn't focus on it now. Her trembling hands sifted through the remaining letters, each one a piece of a story she hadn't wanted to be part of. They spoke of moments shared between Amélie and Lucien, of stolen kisses and whispered promises, but they also revealed the dark truth of the hostility Amélie had faced within the family.
"Your mother watches me with such disdain. Genevieve, too. They speak of me when they think I can't hear. They say I'm not worthy of you, that I'm a blemish on the family name. Lucien, I'm scared. Scared of what they might do if we don't leave soon."
Sophie's hands clenched the paper, her breathing unsteady. The letters painted a picture of love overshadowed by danger, a doomed romance sabotaged by greed and hatred.
A sudden knock at the door made her jump, and she quickly shoved the letters back into the drawer. The door creaked open, revealing Ettiene, his expression one of concern.
He came to the Marchand Mansion because of work. "Lucien asked me to check on you," he said, his voice low. "Are you all right?"
Sophie nodded stiffly, her mind racing. "What was that noise earlier?"
Ettiene hesitated. "A vase broke in the hallway. One of the maids was startled when Mrs. Marinda stormed in. She's furious about something. Lucien is trying to calm her down."
Sophie's heart sank. Mrs. Marinda's fury likely stemmed from her visit to Amélie's parents. Sophie could only imagine what the woman was capable of, especially now that she seemed to suspect Sophie wasn't who she claimed to be.
"Thanks for letting me know," Sophie said, forcing a small smile.
Ettiene nodded but didn't leave. His gaze lingered on her, his brow furrowed. "You seem... troubled. If there's anything you need, you can trust me."
Sophie bit her lip, torn between confiding in him and protecting herself. "I'm fine," she said finally. "Just tired."
Ettiene gave her a doubtful look but didn't press further. "All right. Just be careful. This house has a way of swallowing people whole." With that ominous remark, he left, closing the door behind him.
Sophie released a shaky breath, her mind whirling. She couldn't stay here any longer. The letters, Lucien's revelations, and Mrs. Marinda's threats had made one thing clear—this house was a trap, and she was caught in its web.
---
As the hours dragged on, Sophie paced her room, trying to formulate a plan. Her thoughts kept returning to Adrien, the life she had left behind, and the person she used to be before stepping into this nightmare. She couldn't let Lucien use her as a pawn in his quest for revenge, no matter how justified his anger might be.
Night fell, and the house grew eerily quiet. Sophie decided to slip out of her room and find Lucien. She needed answers, but more importantly, she needed to convince him to let her go.
She found him back at the study, sitting in the same chair by the fireplace. The glow of the flames illuminated his face, highlighting the exhaustion etched into his features. He looked up as she entered, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"You shouldn't be wandering around," he said.
Sophie ignored his warning, stepping closer. "I found the letters, Lucien. I know what your mother and sister did to Amélie."
Lucien's expression darkened. "And now you understand why I need you."
"No," Sophie said firmly. "What I understand is that you're letting your grief consume you. Using me to torment your family won't bring her back."
Lucien stood, his tall frame casting a shadow over her. "You think this is just about revenge? They killed her, Sophie. They ripped her from me and made it look like an accident. And now they walk around this house as if they're untouchable. They deserve to suffer."
"And what about me?" Sophie demanded. "You've dragged me into this without my consent. You've put my life at risk, all because I look like her. I'm not Amélie, Lucien. I'll never be her."
Lucien's gaze softened for a moment, and he took a step back. "I know you're not her," he said quietly. "But you're my only chance to expose them. To make them pay."
Sophie shook her head, tears welling in her eyes. "You're so blinded by your pain that you don't see what you're doing to me. I didn't ask for this. I didn't ask to be part of your twisted family drama.I really regret that I was born to look alike to Amelie."
Lucien ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident. "I don't expect you to understand. But if you want to survive, you'll stay by my side. My mother and sister... they won't stop until they're sure you're not a threat."
The weight of his words settled heavily on Sophie's shoulders. She knew he was right—Mrs. Marinda and Genevieve were dangerous. But staying in this house, pretending to be someone she wasn't, felt like a death sentence in its own right.
"Please," she said softly, her voice trembling. "Let me go."
Lucien looked at her for a long moment, his expression conflicted. Finally, he turned away, his shoulders slumping. "I can't," he said. "Not yet."
Sophie's heart sank, but she didn't press further. She left the study, her mind spinning with desperation. If Lucien wouldn't free her, she would have to find a way to escape on her own.
As she climbed the stairs to her room, Sophie vowed to uncover the truth—not just for herself, but for Amélie. Only then could she break free from the chains that bound her to this house of shadows and secrets.