The mansion's heavy silence weighed on Sophie as she sat in her room, staring out the window. The sprawling estate outside, with its manicured gardens and grand gates, felt like a gilded prison. She clenched her fists, her frustration bubbling over.
She couldn't keep living like this—pretending to be someone she wasn't, tiptoeing around the truth while everyone scrutinized her every move. She needed out, and Genevieve, with her calculating demeanor, seemed like the only person who might have enough leverage to make that happen.
Sophie decided it was time to confront her.
---
Confrontation with Genevieve
Sophie found Genevieve in the sitting room, casually flipping through a magazine, her posture relaxed but her sharp eyes flicking toward Sophie the moment she entered.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Genevieve asked, her tone light but her gaze cold.
Sophie took a deep breath, stepping closer. "I need your help."
Genevieve's eyebrow arched, and she set the magazine down. "Help? From me? That's surprising. You usually prefer to avoid me."
"This isn't a game, Genevieve," Sophie said firmly. "I need you to help me leave this house. I can't stay here anymore."
Genevieve leaned back in her chair, studying Sophie. "Leave? Why would you want to leave? You've got everything—wealth, comfort, attention. Isn't this what you always wanted?"
Sophie's hands tightened into fists at her sides. "This isn't about what I want. I'm suffocating here, trying to live up to everyone's expectations. I don't belong in this family."
Genevieve tilted her head, her smirk fading. "You're not making any sense, Amelie. Why would you feel like you don't belong? Unless… you're not who you're pretending to be."
Sophie's breath hitched, but she quickly masked her panic. "What are you talking about? I'm exactly who I'm supposed to be. But even I have limits, Genevieve. This family… your mother… the constant scrutiny—it's too much."
Genevieve narrowed her eyes, clearly not convinced. "Then why run? What are you so afraid of, Amelie?"
Sophie stepped closer, her voice lowering. "If you think for one second that your mother's schemes and your constant games don't affect me, you're wrong. You and I both know this house is filled with secrets. Staying here only puts me at risk, and you know it."
Genevieve stood, her gaze locked on Sophie. "If you're really Amelie, then running shouldn't even be an option. You belong here, don't you?"
Sophie took a deep breath, her heart pounding. "I'm not running because I'm afraid, Genevieve. I'm running because I'm tired of being used. If you won't help me, I'll find someone who will."
Genevieve stared at her for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she spoke. "If you leave, you'll be throwing away everything. But fine. I'll think about it."
"Don't just think about it," Sophie said sharply. "Do something. Because I won't last much longer here."
---
Lucien's Convincing
Later that evening, Sophie found Lucien in the grand dining room, reviewing some documents spread across the long table. She hesitated in the doorway, unsure how to approach him.
Lucien glanced up and immediately noticed her troubled expression. "Sophie. Is something wrong?"
She stepped inside, her steps tentative. "Lucien, I need to talk to you."
He gestured for her to sit, setting the papers aside. "What is it?"
Sophie sat down, wringing her hands. "I don't think I can keep doing this. Being here… living like this… it's too much. I don't know how much longer I can take it."
Lucien frowned, his gaze softening. "What's troubling you?"
"Everything," she admitted. "Your family's expectations, the constant pressure to act like someone I'm not… it's overwhelming."
Lucien leaned forward, his expression earnest. "Sophie, I know it's difficult. But you're stronger than you realize. My family's… complicated. But I need you to hold on a little longer. There are things I need to figure out, and I can't do it without you."
"But at what cost?" Sophie asked, her voice trembling. "What about me? What about what I'm going through?"
Lucien's jaw tightened. "I'm asking you to trust me. I'll protect you, Sophie. No one will hurt you while you're here."
Sophie looked away, tears brimming in her eyes. She wanted to believe him, but the weight of her situation felt unbearable. "It's not just about protection, Lucien. It's about living a life that's mine. Not someone else's."
Lucien hesitated, then reached out and placed a hand over hers. "I promise you, Sophie, we'll find a way through this. Together."
For a moment, Sophie felt a flicker of hope, but it was quickly overshadowed by doubt. Could she really trust him, or was he just another part of the trap keeping her here?