The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the garden as Sophie sat by the fountain, her hands nervously clasped together. The air was cool, and the soft gurgling of water offered a brief moment of serenity. But Sophie's peace was shattered when she heard approaching footsteps.
She turned to see Genevieve standing a few feet away, her expression sharp and unreadable. Sophie tensed immediately, her instincts warning her that this wasn't a casual conversation.
"May I join you?" Genevieve asked, her tone polite but icy.
Sophie hesitated before nodding. "Of course."
Genevieve sat down, her gaze fixed on Sophie. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence stretching uncomfortably. Finally, Genevieve broke it.
"You've done well," she began, her voice calm. "Convincing everyone that you're Amelie."
Sophie's heart skipped a beat, but she maintained her composure. "I don't know what you mean," she said carefully.
Genevieve's lips curved into a faint, humorless smile. "Oh, come on. Don't insult my intelligence. I know you're not Amelie."
Sophie clenched her hands tighter. "I am Amelie," she said, her voice steady despite the storm brewing inside her. "Why would you think otherwise?"
Genevieve leaned closer, her piercing gaze unwavering. "Because I've been watching you. The way you ask questions you shouldn't need to ask. The way you react to things as if you're experiencing them for the first time. Amelie knew this house inside and out. She knew Lucien. She knew me. But you…"
Genevieve paused, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You're different. You're trying, but you're not her."
Sophie forced a laugh, though her heart was pounding. "You're imagining things, Genevieve. Maybe you just don't know me as well as you thought."
Genevieve's eyes narrowed. "Then explain this—why did you ask the maid where Lucien works? Amelie wouldn't have needed to ask that."
Sophie froze, her mind scrambling for an answer. "I—I just wanted to be sure. It's been a while. I've forgotten some things."
"Forgotten?" Genevieve echoed, her voice dripping with skepticism. "How convenient."
---
A Test of Resolve
Sophie stood abruptly, her fists clenched. "Why are you so determined to prove I'm not Amelie? What are you afraid of, Genevieve?"
Genevieve rose as well, her expression darkening. "I'm not afraid. I just don't trust you. You're hiding something, and I will figure out what it is."
Sophie took a step closer, her voice firm. "I've already told you who I am. If you don't believe me, that's your problem. But don't think you can intimidate me into admitting something that isn't true."
Genevieve tilted her head, studying Sophie as if trying to see through her. "You're a good actress," she admitted. "But you're not perfect. I'll find the cracks eventually."
Sophie met her gaze without flinching. "You're welcome to try. But you won't find anything."
For a moment, they stood in tense silence, neither willing to back down. Finally, Genevieve turned and walked away, her steps brisk and determined.
---
The Aftermath
Sophie sank back onto the bench, her heart racing. The encounter had shaken her more than she wanted to admit. Genevieve's suspicions were dangerous, but Sophie couldn't afford to let her guard down.
As she stared into the fountain's rippling water, she whispered to herself, "I have to stay strong. I can't let her win."
But deep down, Sophie knew that Genevieve wasn't going to stop. And with every passing day, it was becoming harder to maintain the lie.