The morning air was crisp and filled with the faint scent of blooming flowers as Sophie stepped out of the mansion, her suitcase in hand. She could feel Lucien's presence behind her before he spoke, his footsteps purposeful as he approached.
"Sophie," he said softly, his voice dangerously calm. She turned to face him, her expression guarded.
Lucien leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper, "Don't try to escape. My eyes are on you, even when you think they aren't."
His words sent a chill down her spine, but she refused to show fear. Instead, she nodded curtly, keeping her face neutral as she turned and climbed into the waiting car. As the vehicle pulled away, she felt the weight of his gaze on her until the mansion was out of sight.
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At the Vivienne Home: A Long-Awaited Reunion
Sophie's heart raced as the car pulled up to her parents' home. Mrs. Vivienne and her husband were already at the door, their faces lighting up as soon as they saw her. The moment Sophie stepped out, Mrs. Vivienne rushed forward, tears streaming down her face.
"Oh, my sweet Amélie," she cried, pulling Sophie into a tight embrace. "I can't believe it. After all these years, you're really here."
Sophie stiffened slightly but forced herself to return the hug, her heart heavy with guilt. She wasn't their daughter—not truly—but she couldn't bear to shatter their happiness.
Her father stepped forward next, his hands trembling as he cupped her face. "Look at you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "You've grown so much… but you're still our Amélie."
Sophie offered a weak smile, her stomach twisting at their overwhelming joy. She followed them inside, where the modest home was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and the warmth of a family who had never stopped loving their daughter.
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An Overwhelming Welcome
As they sat down for lunch, Mrs. Vivienne couldn't stop stealing glances at Sophie, her eyes glistening with tears of joy. "You have no idea how much we prayed for this moment," she said, reaching across the table to squeeze Sophie's hand.
Her husband nodded, his gaze soft and full of love. "We thought we'd lost you forever. When Mrs. Marinda told us… it was like a dream come true."
Sophie hesitated, unsure of what to say. She knew they were referring to her sudden "return" and struggled to maintain the façade. "I'm… glad to be here," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mrs. Vivienne's face lit up. "And we're glad to have you back, darling. We've missed you so much."
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A Mother's Concern
Later that afternoon, while her father was tending to the garden, Mrs. Vivienne sat with Sophie in the cozy living room. She handed Sophie a cup of tea and studied her carefully, her expression soft but serious.
"Amélie," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "where have you been all these years? What happened to you?"
Sophie froze, her heart pounding. She had anticipated this question but hadn't prepared an answer. "I… I don't remember everything," she lied, keeping her voice steady. "It's all a blur."
Mrs. Vivienne's eyes filled with sympathy as she reached out to touch Sophie's hand. "It's okay, my dear. You don't have to talk about it if you're not ready. Just know that we're here for you, always."
Sophie swallowed hard, guilt twisting in her chest. She didn't deserve their unconditional love, but she couldn't bring herself to tell them the truth.
---
A Suspicious Observation
That evening, as Sophie helped set the table for dinner, she caught Mrs. Vivienne watching her closely.
"You've changed," her mother said softly, her tone thoughtful.
Sophie tensed. "What do you mean?"
Mrs. Vivienne smiled gently. "You seem… quieter. More reserved. But that's to be expected, I suppose, after everything you've been through."
Sophie forced a smile, hoping to divert her mother's attention. "I guess I've just grown up."
Mrs. Vivienne nodded, her expression thoughtful but unconvinced.
---
A Sleepless Night
That night, Sophie lay awake in the small bedroom that had once been Amélie's. The walls were adorned with childhood drawings, and the bed was covered with a quilt her mother had made years ago.
She felt like an imposter, surrounded by remnants of a life that wasn't hers. As much as she wanted to leave, part of her couldn't bear to break the hearts of the people who had welcomed her so warmly.
The next day would bring new challenges, but for now, Sophie closed her eyes and tried to find some peace, even as her heart remained heavy with secrets and lies.
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